Did you know that some human foods can boost your dog’s health and immune system? Not only are some of our favorite foods safe for dogs, but they also provide many health benefits!
Of course, not all foods are safe. There are some foods like chocolate, onions, and raisins that are highly toxic to dogs. So, it’s important to stay informed and learn about the benefits of certain foods for dogs.
Let’s look at the 10 best human foods that are good for dogs and why they are good for your dog!
1 Pumpkin
Why it’s good: Pumpkin is great for dogs as it’s very mild on the stomach, and it helps dogs with digestive issues. Pumpkin is gentle and easy to digest, and it has a perfect balance of soluble and insoluble fiber that can help with both constipation and diarrhea. It’s also low in calories, and it goes well with protein.
How to serve: Plain, cooked pumpkin is the best for dogs. You can also give dogs plain pumpkin puree but only if it has no added sugar and no spices.
2 Apples
Why it’s good: Apples are a hydrating fruit, perfect as a treat and one of the simplest human foods that are good for dogs. They have healthy fiber and super crunch, which makes them great for your dog’s teeth and gums. They also help with digestion and can be a good treat for active dogs that need some natural sugar for energy.
How to serve: Apples are best sliced or chopped without seeds and core. If you have a small dog, it’s best that you cut apples into small pieces as they can be a bit hard to chew. But most dogs handle them just fine.
3 Carrots
Why it’s good: Another amazing food for dental health, carrots are a really good chewing treat! Try to give a whole carrot to your teething puppy and watch them have fun with it for hours. Carrots have beta-carotene, which is great for the eyes, vision, and immune system.
How to serve: As long as you wash them and peel them, all carrots are safe for dogs. Dogs can eat raw carrots, but you can also give them cooked carrots, especially if they have sensitive stomachs. Similar to pumpkin, cooked carrots can soothe an upset stomach and help with diarrhea.
4 Blueberries
Why it’s good: Blueberries are one of the most popular fruits for dogs, and they are a low-sugar fruit that dogs love! Not only are blueberries one of the human foods that are good for dogs, but they are also one of the best foods for dogs! Blueberries are high in antioxidants and vitamins and are very healthy and nutritious for dogs. They are perfect for dog treats and go really well with your dog-friendly fruits.
How to serve: Fresh or frozen as a treat, mashed with bananas and yogurt, or sprinkled on top of meals.
5 Salmon
Why it’s good: Salmon has omega-3 fatty acids, and it is also a good source of protein and fats! It’s great for dogs, easy to prepare, and has many health benefits. Omega-3 is important for brain functions, but also healthy joints and skin.
How to serve: Even though sushi won’t be toxic to dogs, similar to how it’s not toxic for us, it’s best to avoid raw salmon. Salmon is best when cooked and boneless, ideally oven-baked without sauces and spices. If you’re making salmon for yourself, cut a small piece and cook it for your dog with no added salt or sauces.
6 Plain Yogurt
Why it’s good: Plain yogurt is a good source of probiotics for dogs, and that’s why we count it as one of the best human foods that are good for dogs. Most dogs can handle dairy, and plain Greek yogurt comes with the most benefits out of all options. It’s full of probiotics and protein. Probiotics are important for gut health and a healthy balance of good bacteria. How cool is that!
How to serve: Serve yogurt plain with fruits like blueberries, bananas, or strawberries. You must choose simple natural yogurt with no extra flavors or fruit! And never, ever give your dog sugar-free fruit yogurt, as there’s a chance it contains xylitol.
7 Sweet Potatoes
Why it’s good: Similar to pumpkin, sweet potatoes are also great for digestion and a sensitive stomach. They are full of minerals that contribute to overall health, and that makes them one of the best human foods that are good for dogs. Sweet potatoes also give energy, so they are a good option for active dogs or dogs that have been feeling poorly or sick. Most vets recommend sweet potatoes for vomiting and diarrhea, but you can include them in your dog’s regular diet as well.
How to serve: Sweet potatoes are best when they are boiled or baked. For dogs, you need to make them plain with no added salt, butter, or any seasonings.
8 Green Beans
Why it’s good: Green beans are a great source of fiber and one of the simplest foods for dogs. They are great as a snack and perfect for weight management (there’s even a viral green beans diet for dogs!).
How to serve: Green beans are safe raw, and many dogs appreciate the crunch! They are also good steamed, baked, or boiled, but when you prepare them for your dog, please make sure that you don’t add butter, oil, or salt. You can also give them canned green beans, but only if they are low-sodium types.
9 Eggs
Why it’s good: Eggs are honestly a superfood and one of the best human foods that are good for dogs. They are a great source of protein and amino acids, contribute to strong muscles, and give dogs lots of energy. In addition, eggs also make the dog’s hair and coat shiny and gorgeous.
How to serve: Please avoid raw eggs, as they come with a risk of bacteria. But even if they don’t have any bacteria, dogs can’t metabolize all the nutrients from raw eggs as well as they can from cooked, so there’s really no reason not to cook them! I prefer fully cooked eggs, but all types are okay. Boiled, scrambled, and fried with little oil, everything is safe for your dog. When you make them, make sure that you don’t add salt or any spices like pepper.
10 Watermelon
Why it’s good: Watermelon is a low-calorie fruit that many dogs simply adore! And for a good reason! It’s hydrating, perfect for summer days, and great for digestive and urinary health. It also comes with lots of vitamins that can contribute to overall health.
How to serve: It’s best if you can remove all the seeds, although they are not toxic to dogs. Make sure to cut the watermelon into bite-sized pieces. Another great idea is to use watermelon to make dog-friendly ice cream!
Even though we really showed you the best human foods that are good for dogs, it’s really important that you share these in moderation.
Dogs need balanced nutrition, and they get most nutrients from their dog food, but it’s good to have this list handy as you can use these foods as occasional treats or toppers. Make sure you pin this post!
What’s your dog’s favorite human food? Let us know in the comments!
Love, life, and fur forever!
This post showed you 10 Human Foods That Are Good for Dogs. You can follow the links to learn more details (a lot more details!) about each:
