You may be wondering what dogs can eat that can already be found in your pantry.
Although dogs and humans don’t have the same digestive systems, that doesn’t mean your dog can’t eat the same foods you enjoy.
Many foods regularly consumed by humans can cause issues in your dog’s body. On the flip side, you can safely add some human foods to your dog’s diet to help with their health. However, this uncertainty can cause stress in dog owners.
This source of stress was the inspiration behind making this comprehensive list of the human foods you can feed to dogs. Remember that even healthy foods can lead to canine obesity when fed in excess. We have researched everything you need to know to keep your dog happy and healthy.
We will now look at some of the most common human foods fed to dogs.
Vegetables
While dogs’ ancestors were naturally carnivorous, it’s no secret that vegetables are a great snack for our canine friends today. But before feeding your dog vegetables, make sure to chop them to ensure your dog doesn’t choke on them.
There are many ways to prepare your dog’s vegetables. For example, you can blanch them in boiling water, or prepare them through steaming, pureeing, or freezing. You can even feed dogs raw vegetables.
Spinach
Spinach is one of the best vegetables you can give your dog, especially as a snack. Spinach is a good source of fiber, and it can stimulate your dog’s digestive tract. To feed your dog spinach, blanch or steam it. Do not add more spices.
Carrots
Carrots are rich in antioxidants that can help treat your dog’s skin and liver issues. This low-calorie treat is also high in beta-carotene and vitamin A. An added benefit of feeding your dog carrots is they can clean their teeth with it. However, you can also puree carrots.
Butternut Squash
Filled with excellent minerals and vitamins, butternut squash might be your dog’s next favorite snack. It is rich in potassium which can benefit your dog’s nerves and muscles. To feed your dog butternut squash, use a steamer for cooking and then mash it, removing the seeds before feeding them to your canine buddy.
Brussel Sprouts
Brussel sprouts are rich in antioxidants and vitamins K and C. These two are very good for improving your dog’s immune system and repairing tissues. To feed your dog Brussel sprouts, use a steamer for cooking them. You can also microwave this vegetable.
Vegetables are an important part of raw diet for dogs.
Also, you can cook vegetables for your loving pet.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds offer tons of benefits for people. But does it do the same for your dog? It turns out the answer is a bit complicated. While nuts are seeds are immensely healthy for your canine, some can make way for serious health issues.
With only a few exceptions, nuts are safe for your dogs. If you’re wondering which nuts and seeds can be fed to your dog, the answer lies below.
Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which makes them a wonderful source for improving the health of your dog’s coat and digestive health. However, flax seeds need to be consumed in small amounts. To feed your dog flax seeds, simply add them to their food.
Cashews
Cashews are safe for dogs as long as you feed them small amounts. This nut is rich in Magnesium, vitamin K, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. One tasty way to feed your dog cashews is through cashew butter. You can make your own at home by blending the nuts with a bit of honey in a food processor.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and calcium. These benefits make them an excellent source of bone health. It also improves your dog’s immune system. To feed your dog chia seeds, simply soak them in water for a few minutes.
Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds have a lot of health benefits for dogs because they are packed with thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, etc. However, only feed your dog unsalted sunflower seed because the salted variety contains excess salt that may make way for high blood pressure.
Herbs and Spices
While dogs certainly do not need a flavorful five-star dining experience similar to humans, you can add herbs and spices to their food.
Herbs and spices can help your dog because they contain antioxidants beneficial to their immune system. Some herbs and spices are even good for digestion and reduce gas, bloating, and other digestive issues in canines. Wondering which ones dogs can eat? Here are our favorite herbs and spices for dogs.
Basil
Basil is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making it incredibly beneficial if you want to improve your dog’s immune response. To feed your dog basil, chop up some basil leaves and sprinkle them over your dog’s food.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is packed with antioxidants and has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also a great source of minerals. To feed your dog cinnamon, mix half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder with some honey and apple sauce, or directly mix it in their kibble.
Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the most common ingredients in dog treats and processed foods. Manufacturers don’t only like turmeric for its vibrant color but also for its benefits since it can significantly help with your canine’s stiff joints.
Oregano
Oregano is widely known as an antioxidant. It is also good for the immune system and blood flow. Adding oregano to your dog’s diet can also help them enjoy this herb’s antiviral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties. To give your dog some oregano, simply chop them up and mix them with their food.
Parsley
Another food you can feed your dog is parsley. It is a known diuretic, and it is also rich in vitamin K, which makes it great for your dog’s liver. The easiest way to feed your dog parsley is to mix it with water in a blender, then add it as a soup to their meal.
Legumes
Many people don’t know that legumes are great for your dog’s digestive system and can improve it over time. This benefit is because of its high protein, carbohydrates, and fiber content. We’ve rounded up the best legumes to feed to your dog below.
Chickpeas
Chickpeas or garbanzo beans are a great source of fiber and vitamin B. In addition, chickpeas are good for boosting your dog’s immune system.
You can mix chickpeas with your dog’s kibble or add them with a serving of brown rice. However, do not give your dog excess amounts of chickpeas because it may make way for flatulence.
You should also cook chickpeas plainly.
Kidney Beans
Kidney beans are great for dogs with diarrhea and constipation issues because they are high in fiber. They are also rich in antioxidants, vitamin B, and minerals.
To feed your dog kidney beans, simply boil them and add them to your dog’s food. You can also mash them.
Soybeans
Soybeans are a great source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. It is also very good for your dog’s digestive system, and most importantly, it is a great source of omega-3s.
To feed your dog some soybeans, boil them and serve them as they are, or mix them with any meat such as salmon.
Pinto Beans
Pinto beans are rich in fiber and are good for your dog’s digestive system. In addition, they contain antioxidants and minerals. It can also make your dog feel fuller for a longer period.
Grains and Cereals
Just like legumes, grains are also very healthy for your dog’s digestion, as they have lots of fiber. Grains can also make your dog feel fuller for a longer period. Moreover, the FDA is also investigating the link between canine heart disease and a grain-free diet. [1]
Grains are also an inexpensive way to add diversity to your dog’s meals without breaking the bank. We’ve listed our favorite grains for dogs below.
Whole Wheat
Whole wheat is an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants. In addition, whole wheat is very good for your dog’s digestive tract. Most dogs can easily digest it.
Brown Rice
Brown rice is very filling and is a good source of protein. It is also rich in fiber and antioxidants, making it a very healthy food for your dog.
Brown rice is also very easy to prepare. Simply cook it with water, let it cool, and serve it to your dog.
Quinoa
Quinoa is another great source of protein you shouldn’t miss. It has lots of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. It is also very good for your dog’s digestive tract. [2]
If your dog has never had this food before, start by giving it to them in small amounts. Do not forget to wash the quinoa before cooking it to remove saponin.
Oats
Oats are rich in proteins, fibers, and antioxidants. It can make your dog feel fuller for a longer period, and they are also a good source of cholesterol.
To feed your dog oats, add them to their food, or blend them up and make them into cookies or dog treats.
Barley
Barley is a great source of fiber and is also a good source of minerals. Additionally, it can boost your dog’s immune system since it is a good source of antioxidants.
Roots and Tubers
Roots and tubers have a lot of nutritional value, and they are great for your dog’s digestive system. In addition, this carbohydrate-rich food source is also very filling and can help in reducing gas and bloating.
Here are some roots and tubers enjoyed by humans that you can also feed to dogs.
Yams or Sweet Potatoes
Yams and sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals. They are great for your dog’s digestive tract and immune system, but they are also very filling.
To prepare yams or sweet potatoes, boil them on medium heat for around 20 minutes or until they are tender. Then, allow them to cool and feed it as it is. You can also mash them and add them to your dog’s kibble.
Beets
Beets are another incredible source of fiber, making them one of the best answers to “what can dogs eat?” It is also very rich in vitamins and minerals. In addition, beets can help improve your dog’s blood flow.
It is also rich in potassium, vitamin C, fiber, folate, and manganese. If you feed your dog beets, don’t worry if their stool becomes dark in color. This result is a natural process, and it only means that your dog’s digestive system is working well.
Fruits
Another answer to “what can dogs eat?” is fruits. While dogs don’t need fruits, they are certainly a great addition to their diet. Fruits have a lot of nutritional value and are great for your dog’s digestive system. They are also very good for your dog’s skin and coat.
If you are going to give your dog fruits, make sure to remove the peel since it may contain pesticides. It is also recommended to get rid of seeds. So what fruits can be enjoyed by your furry buddy?
Mango
Aside from berries, mangoes are a great source of antioxidants and vitamin C. In addition, this fruit can help boost your dog’s immune system.
Mangoes are also packed with fiber and are a good source of vitamin A and vitamin E. In addition, mangos are great for reducing inflammation. [3]
Bananas
Another fruit that dogs love is bananas — packed with fibers, vitamins, and minerals. They are also a great source of potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. Bananas are also very filling and can help improve your dog’s digestion over time.
You can feed bananas as it is or use them as an ingredient for homemade dog treats.
Berries
Did you know dogs can enjoy berries just like humans?
Berries are an excellent source of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. Most importantly, berries are rich in fiber and can help improve your dog’s digestion.
Blackberries
Blackberries are a great source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B9 and manganese. Blackberries are also low in sugar and calories.
Blueberries
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They’re rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese. Like blackberries, this fruit is low in sugar, so it’s safe to use as a snack for diabetic dogs.
Meat and Animal Products
Generally, dogs can enjoy the same meat and animal products as humans, except for highly processed ones.
Dogs need meat in their diet to remain healthy and strong. Meat is a great source of protein, but it is also rich in vitamins and minerals.
You can feed your dog meat as it is or cook it in a crockpot. Whatever preparation method you want to follow, ensure that your dog’s meat is lean and has no fillers.
Chicken
Chicken is one of the best foods for your dog, especially the chicken liver, a rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin B.
It is also a great source of protein, iron, and zinc. In addition, chicken liver is a good source of essential fatty acids. However, be careful not to feed your dog chicken bones because it may cause injuries.
Lean Ground Beef
Lean ground beef is also a very good source of protein. It also provides a lot of iron and zinc and is a source of zinc.
The recommended amount of ground beef to feed your dog per day is 1/3 lbs. per 20 lbs. of your dog’s weight.
Turkey
Got some leftover turkey from Thanksgiving? Your dog may enjoy this treat if it’s not loaded with onions, garlic, salt, and ingredients. [4]
Turkey is a very rich source of protein, and it is also a very good source of beta-carotene. However, it is best to keep the skin out. Make sure to remove any bones because they can be choking hazards.
Lamb
Lamb is another good source of protein, making it an essential ingredient for building, healing, and maintaining your dog’s muscles and tissues.
It contains amino acids, iron, vitamin B3, and vitamin B12. It can also help improve the immune system of your dog.
Dairy
Dairy products are a great food for dogs, but make sure to feed them in moderation. Keep in mind that there are dogs that are lactose intolerant. If this is the case with your canine, dairy products might cause diarrhea.
Milk
Milk is packed with proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fats. It also contains a lot of calcium, which is essential for developing your dog’s bones. [5] This quality makes milk even more important for aging dogs.
Cheese
Cheese is not toxic to dogs, except for certain types like blue cheese. As long as it is low in sodium, cheese can be a great snack, and you can use it for dog training.
It is also a good source of fat for your dog, and it’s a smart way to increase your dog’s calcium intake.
Plain Yogurt
Plain yogurt is another great source of calcium and protein. Yogurt is also very good for your dog’s digestive system as long as your dog doesn’t have any allergies to it.
The best way to treat your dog with yogurt is to add it to baked treats or freeze it and let your dog enjoy it as a popsicle. This way is perfect if you live in a place with warm weather.
When feeding your dog yogurt, always check the ingredient list and ensure it doesn’t have xylitol.
Fats and Oils
Like in humans, fats and oils are vital for your dog’s diet. A lack of fat, especially omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, can lead to severe hair and coat issues and a compromised immune system. We’ve rounded up some fats and oils beneficial to humans and dogs below.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is a supplement derived from fishes such as salmon. It is a great source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and it is also loaded with vitamins and minerals. It is recommended to give your dog fish oil in the morning.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is also a good source of fats and it is also a good source of vitamin E. Coconut oil is safe to feed to dogs, and it can also help improve their coats.
However, some dogs may find coconut oil difficult to digest. In this case, it is best to mix the oil with your dog’s food and make sure not to give them too much.
Olive Oil
Chances are, you have olive oil in your kitchen. The good news is your dogs can safely enjoy this. However, it’s best to feed it to grown dogs since puppies may still have sensitive tummies.
Processed Foods
Some dogs enjoy eating processed foods, but it is essential to remember that these foods are not the best choice for your dog.
Many processed foods are full of preservatives and artificial ingredients, which are not good for your dog. Some processed foods are also high in sodium and fats, which can affect your dog’s health. If you want to feed your dog processed foods, here are some safe choices.
Pasta
Most dogs love cooked pasta, and it is also very healthy for them. It is a great source of carbohydrates, which can help improve their energy levels.
Whole wheat pasta is a better choice than regular pasta, which is not as healthy.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter can be a great source of proteins for your dog. Still, it is crucial to make sure that you only give your dog peanut butter from an all-natural organic source because some peanut butter products contain harmful ingredients for dogs. One of them is xylitol, a sugar substitute that can cause canine poisoning.
Always make sure to read the ingredient list. Just because a jar of peanut butter says “all-natural” does not mean it is free of xylitol.
Also, you must avoid chocolate, since chocolate is toxic to dogs.
What can dogs eat – Final Verdict
Now that we’ve answered “what can dogs eat?”, you’re probably excited to treat your dog with some foods already in your kitchen cabinet.
Also, there are different types of foods your pet can’t eat. To learn more about food toxic to dogs click here.
It is important to remember that no matter what food you give to your dog, it should always be healthy and nutritious. So make sure that you are feeding your dog a balanced and healthy diet. If you need more advice, you can always consult with your veterinarian.
More importantly, always feed your dog in moderation. If you feed your dog too much of any of the foods listed above, you can cause your dog to gain weight.
