Top 14+ Human Foods That Are Actually Safe for Dogs

Carrots - The Crunchy Natural Toothbrush

Carrots are a healthful food for dogs. Chewing on carrots can help remove plaque from their teeth and promote good dental health. Carrots are also a good source of vitamin A, which is beneficial for a dog's immune system, skin, and coat. Think of carrots as nature's toothbrush for your pup. Both raw and cooked carrots are safe for your dog to eat. Carrots are low in calories and a good source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. This makes them a very healthy food for your dog to snack on. Before feeding carrots to your dog, make sure to cut them into bite-size pieces to prevent choking. For teething puppies, cold or frozen carrots can provide soothing relief while satisfying their urge to chew. Just remember to supervise your dog while they're enjoying this orange treat to ensure they don't try to swallow pieces that are too large.

Sweet Potato - The Nutritional Powerhouse

According to veterinarians, yes—when prepared the right way, sweet potatoes can be a nutritious, low-fat treat for dogs. Yes, dogs can have sweet potatoes as long as they're fully cooked and unseasoned. Here are a few reasons sweet potatoes are considered a healthy snack for dogs: High in fiber: Sweet potatoes are a good source of dietary fiber, which helps dogs with digestion. These special spuds are also considered a complex carbohydrate, meaning they provide a steady source of energy. Good source of beta-carotene: Like other orange veggies such as carrots, sweet potatoes contain high amounts of beta-carotene, which a dog's body turns into vitamin A. The key is proper preparation - always cook them thoroughly and never serve them raw. Raw sweet potatoes are toxic to dogs. While boiled and baked sweet potatoes are safe for dogs, raw potatoes are hard to chew and can become a choking hazard or lead to an intestinal blockage. Skip the butter, marshmallows, and spices when preparing sweet potatoes for your dog.

Apples - The Fiber-Rich Sweet Treat

Apples are a great source of vitamins A and C and dietary fiber, which can help regulate a dog's digestion. Fresh apples are a wonderful, crunchy snack for dogs — as long as you remove the seeds. The fruit is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, which is important for digestive health. However, there's an important safety note here. Although the fleshy parts of apples are safe for dogs, the core and the apple seeds are not. Apple seeds contain cyanide, and while they likely are fine in small amounts, it's best to just avoid the core and seeds altogether. When offering apples to your dog, think of them as nature's candy - sweet, crunchy, and packed with nutrients. Just slice them up, remove the core and seeds, and watch your pup enjoy this healthy snack.

Cooked Chicken - The Protein Champion

Cooked, unseasoned chicken, turkey, and beef are all great sources of protein for your dog. However, make sure that all the bones are removed from these meats before giving them to your dog. Plain cooked chicken is like the ultimate comfort food for dogs - it's easily digestible, packed with protein, and most dogs absolutely love it. Beef is a nutritious protein source that has all of the essential amino acids, plus vitamins and minerals. If you choose to give your dog beef, make sure it's fully cooked to avoid any bacteria, and choose grass-fed cattle if possible — they're a better source of good fatty acids than grain-fed cattle. The golden rule with any meat is to keep it simple - no seasonings, garlic, onions, or excessive salt. "Even cooked bones are risky," says Dr. Sylvia Berns, Sploot's Medical Director. "They can splinter in the dog's GI tract and cause issues such as perforations." Always remove all bones before serving to prevent choking hazards.

Cooked Fish - The Omega-3 Superstar

Cooked, boneless salmon is a safe and healthy food for your dog. Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce inflammation and may help keep your dog's skin and fur healthy. Salmon is safe for your dog to eat, as long as it's deboned and properly cooked. The same goes for other types of seafood and fish, like lobster and trout. Seafood and fish are an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which benefit your pup's skin, digestion and immune system. However, there's a crucial warning here. However, you should avoid feeding raw salmon to your dog. It may contain a parasite that is known to cause salmon poisoning disease, which can be fatal. Think of cooked fish as a spa treatment for your dog's coat - those omega-3s work from the inside out to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.

Green Beans - The Low-Calorie Crunch

Green beans are one of the best foods on this list for overweight dogs because they are low in calories and fat. This veggie is also a good source of fiber and vitamin C. You can feed your dog cooked green beans or give them frozen beans for a crunchy snack. Green beans are basically the perfect diet food for dogs - they're filling, nutritious, and incredibly low in calories. Green beans are rich in vitamin K, riboflavin (vitamin B2), copper, omega-3 fatty acids, and niacin. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, phosphorus, and protein. Green beans are a wonderful aid for the healthy digestion and metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins. Many dog owners use green beans as a weight management tool, replacing a portion of their dog's regular kibble with green beans to help them feel full while consuming fewer calories. Just make sure they're plain - no salt, butter, or seasonings added.

Blueberries - The Tiny Antioxidant Bombs

Blueberries (or deep-purple berries, depending on who you ask) are a tasty treat for humans and dogs alike. They are a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants — like vitamins C, K and A, which may reduce the likelihood of diseases, disorders and age-related issues. According to Dr. Garner, this antioxidant- and fiber-rich snack can help keep dogs in good shape. Blueberries are also among the possible cancer-fighting foods for dogs. These little berries pack a powerful nutritional punch in a tiny package. They're like nature's multivitamin for dogs, loaded with compounds that can help fight off disease and keep your pup healthy as they age. Plus, most dogs love their sweet taste and fun, bite-sized shape. You can serve them fresh, frozen, or even mix them into homemade dog treats for a special surprise.

Plain White Rice - The Gentle Stomach Soother

Cooked, plain white rice can be a good option for a dog with an upset stomach. It is easy to digest and helps bind stool. White rice is like the chicken soup of the dog world - it's bland, comforting, and perfect when your pup's tummy isn't feeling quite right. Rice and pasta are pet-friendly favorites, but, again, watch the ingredients and opt for plain versions that don't include ingredients that could be toxic to your pet. Cooked oatmeal is a great form of soluble fiber that can be especially helpful for older dogs or dogs with a wheat allergy. Many veterinarians recommend a bland diet of rice and chicken for dogs recovering from digestive upset. The key is keeping it simple - just plain, cooked rice without any seasonings, butter, or additives. It's not meant to be a long-term diet solution, but rather a temporary comfort food to help settle an upset stomach.

Pumpkin - The Digestive Helper

Pumpkin is a dog-safe, antioxidant-rich food containing many health-promoting nutrients that can help with everything from a shinier coat to better eyesight to improved digestion. As such, it's no surprise that it's a common ingredient in dog treats and dog food. Pumpkin is like a magic remedy for many common dog ailments - it can help with both diarrhea and constipation due to its high fiber content. For example, pumpkin aids digestion, blueberries provide antioxidants, and carrots are good for dental health. The key is using plain, cooked pumpkin - not the spiced pie filling you'd use for Thanksgiving dessert. Many dog owners keep a can of plain pumpkin puree in their pantry as a natural digestive aid. Just a spoonful mixed into your dog's regular food can work wonders for their digestive health.

Broccoli - The Vitamin-Rich Green Giant

Yes, small quantities of broccoli are safe for dogs. Cut broccoli up into small pieces and serve it to your dog as an occasional treat. It has fiber and vitamin C, while being low in fat. However, limit the amount of broccoli you offer because it contains isothiocyanates that can irritate some dogs' tummies. Both raw and cooked broccoli are fine for dogs, but just make sure to leave off any salt, garlic, or seasonings. Broccoli has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits as well as dietary fiber to aid in digestion and weight management. Think of broccoli as the superfood of the vegetable world for dogs. While it's packed with nutrients, moderation is key here. Some dogs might find too much broccoli a bit harsh on their stomachs, so start with small amounts and see how your pup tolerates it.

Bananas - The Potassium-Packed Treat

Bananas: Potassium-rich bananas are a safe treat for dogs, but they should be doled out in small portions due to their high sugar content. "They may cause your dog to gain weight if they eat too much," notes Dr. Garner. Bananas are nature's energy bar for dogs - they're soft, sweet, and packed with potassium and other essential nutrients. These include plain-cooked meats (like chicken, beef, and turkey), vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and green beans), and certain dog-friendly fruits (like apples, blueberries, and bananas). They're especially great for active dogs who need a quick energy boost, but because of their natural sugar content, they should be treated more like candy than a regular meal component. Many dogs go absolutely crazy for the sweet taste and soft texture of bananas, making them perfect high-value training treats when cut into small pieces.

Cooked Eggs - The Complete Protein Source

Eggs: Yes, dogs can eat eggs. Eggs are safe for dogs as long as they are fully cooked. Cooked eggs are a wonderful source of protein and can help an upset stomach. However, eating raw egg whites can contribute to biotin deficiency, so be sure to cook the eggs all the way through before giving them to your pet. Eggs are like nature's multivitamin for dogs - they contain all the essential amino acids and are incredibly digestible. It is important to note that you should avoid feeding raw eggs to your dog. While dogs typically do not get sick from eating raw eggs, bacteria, such as Salmonella, can spread from the dog to its human owners, increasing their risk of infection. Whether scrambled, hard-boiled, or poached, eggs make an excellent occasional treat or meal topper. Just keep them plain - no butter, salt, or seasonings needed.

Plain Yogurt - The Probiotic Powerhouse

Yogurt that contains active bacteria, with no artificial sweeteners or added sugars, is high in calcium and protein. As long as your pet isn't lactose intolerant, most cheeses are okay to feed your pet in small amounts. Plain yogurt can be like a spa treatment for your dog's digestive system, thanks to those beneficial probiotics that support gut health. However, there's an important caveat here - make sure the yogurt doesn't contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that's extremely toxic to dogs. Xylitol is a sweetener found in many human foods, such as sugar-free gum and candy. But in dogs, it can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar that leads to weakness and even seizures. Some dogs may also experience liver failure. The amount of xylitol in just five pieces of gum has the potential to kill a 65-pound dog. Stick to plain, unsweetened yogurt in small amounts as an occasional treat.

Peanut Butter - The Ultimate Training Reward

Peanut butter: Yes, peanut butter is OK for dogs. Peanut butter can be an excellent source of protein for dogs. It contains heart-healthy fats, vitamins B and E and niacin. Raw, unsalted peanut butter is the healthiest option. Read the label carefully to be sure the peanut butter does not contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that can be toxic to dogs. Peanuts are a safe nut for dogs to eat, as long as they are unsalted. They have good fats and protein, but too much fat can lead to issues like weight gain or pancreatitis. Peanut butter has the added benefits of vitamins B and E, as well as fiber, all of which are good for cardiovascular and digestive health. Peanut butter is like the holy grail of dog treats - most dogs absolutely lose their minds for it. It's perfect for stuffing into puzzle toys, hiding pills, or using as a high-value training reward. Just always check the label to ensure it doesn't contain xylitol, which can be deadly for dogs. Natural, unsalted varieties are your best bet.

Conclusion

Sharing food with our beloved dogs doesn't have to be a guessing game filled with worry and uncertainty. These 14 human foods prove that there are plenty of safe, nutritious options that can add variety and excitement to your pup's diet. Even if a food is deemed "safe" for dogs to eat, a rule of thumb is to feed it to your dog in moderation. This can help prevent weight gain and other negative effects. Keep in mind that all dogs are different. One dog may tolerate a food just fine, while another experiences adverse effects. Remember, these foods should complement, not replace, your dog's balanced commercial diet. Important note: Just like with humans, give your dogs these foods as treats in small or moderate amounts. Treats should only make up about 10% of your dog's diet, even if their treats are mostly from the list below. Always introduce new foods gradually and watch for any adverse reactions. When in doubt, consult with your veterinarian - they know your specific dog's health needs better than anyone. Who would have thought that sharing dinner could be both safe and beneficial for your furry family member?