What Human Foods Are Safe for My Dog To Eat?

Today, on Redhead Mom, I’m sharing a partnered guest post about what human foods are safe for my dog to eat.

Did you know that some human foods can be dangerous for dogs? If sharing your meal with your furry pal is how you two bond, then at least do it right. If unsure, you should consult with a veterinarian to determine which foods are safe for your dog to eat.

Fortunately, there are some popular human foods that are safe and nutritious for dogs. You’ll learn what these foods are and how they help keep your pet healthy right here. 

14 human foods your dog would love

Fish

If you’ve always wondered how you could increase your dog’s protein intake, fish is a wonderful source. Shrimp, salmon, and other types are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help maintain your dog’s coat and skin. Do not feed your dog raw shrimp, though, as these sometimes contain unsafe parasites. Also, investigate if fish oil is safe for dogs before feeding it to them. You can seek help from a professional.

Cashews

Unsalted cashew nuts contain magnesium, antioxidants, and calcium which are all essential nutrients. Cashew has less fat, but it’s still a nut, and too much of it may contribute to your dog being overweight though. So be frugal – you can give your dog just a few cashews as a treat once in a while. 

Coconut

Coconut as a fruit or in its milk form is considered safe for dogs. The lauric acid in coconut helps fight against bacteria and viruses that cause certain skin conditions in dogs. Ensure no parts of the shell that can get stuck in your dog’s throat are left on the coconut flesh though.

Corn 

Of course, dogs can eat corn. Corn is often listed as a top ingredient in some dog foods, which tells you it’s safe. Your pet may accidentally eat the cob alongside the grains, which can cause digestion problems though. So, it’s best to separate both parts and feed the dog only the corn seeds.

Peanut Butter

You can give your dog peanut butter so long as the product has no added sugar or is unsweetened. Peanut butter contains rich vitamins and healthy fats that can increase the nutritional value of your dog’s meal.

Popcorn

Like corn, popcorn contains zinc and magnesium, which can benefit your dog’s health. It can be a safe treat when it doesn’t contain unnecessary sugar and butter.

Cheese

Can dogs eat cheese? Dogs tend to love cheese, and luckily your dog can eat dairy products, including cheese and milk, so long as the pet isn’t lactose intolerant. Feed it only little amounts of cheese though, since dogs generally produce little lactase, which is required in digesting this food type. Low-fat cheese, like cottage cheese, is a better variant to share with your dog.

Eggs

Properly-cooked eggs are a great source of protein for your dog and may even help relieve an upset stomach. Avoid raw eggs as they can cause biotin deficiency in dogs, affecting their skin and health in general.

Yogurt

Feel free to give your dog a bit of your yogurt as a snack. Its digestive system will thank you, so long as your pet doesn’t have issues digesting dairy products. Choose yogurts without artificial sweeteners that can cause diarrhea in dogs.

Bread

You can give your dog bread so long as it doesn’t contain unsafe spices or raisins. Unlike most foods on this list, bread has little nutritional benefits for your dog and is high in carbohydrates. If you must share your bread with your pet, give it in small amounts.

Turkey

Turkey is fine for dogs so long as it doesn’t contain too much fat, salt, or garlic. Check for bones that can cause blockage in your dog’s throat or intestines before handing it the food.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers may not be your dog’s favorite, but if it wants a taste, go ahead and handsome over. This low-calorie fruit is especially beneficial to overweight dogs. Replace unhealthy treats with cucumbers when rewarding your dog for good behavior. Cucumbers are rich in vitamin K too, which can alleviate bleeding issues in dogs.

Rice

A few spoonfuls of rice won’t harm your dog. This food may not pack lots of nutrients but is easy for dogs to digest. It’s a suitable meal for dogs with stomach troubles too. Its high carb content means you should only feed rice in moderation to diabetic dogs.

Bananas

Bananas make occasional healthy treats for dogs. They are rich in magnesium and biotin, which are necessary for skin and coat health. Your dog should consume this fruit in moderation because of its sugar content. Pumpkin for dogs are is also rich in vitamins and minerals.

Conclusion

The number of human foods safe for dogs doesn’t end with this list. So, you’ll have more opportunities to share your favorite foods with your pet. Any veterinarian services you talk to about this will tell you that first and foremost, you must introduce these foods slowly and stick to nutritious dog food as the dog’s primary diet. In case your dog ate something that made him sick, it’s best to bring him to the vet immediately.