Bella and Max aren’t just any dogs. They are your dogs, and they are part of the family. After all, they go to doggie day camp while you are at work and their bedtime dictates the rest of the household bedtime too.
Bella and Max are basically your children. They get pup cups when you get your afternoon coffee, but can dogs eat human food? Of course, you “drop” them a morsel of this or that when you are cooking, and they always get their own popcorn bowls on Sunday night.
But we also want them to live long, healthy lives so our little humans can know the unconditional love a pet offers. So…
Can Dogs Eat Human Food?
The simple answer is yes. The long answer is dogs cannot eat everything that humans eat. There are certain human foods that are perfectly fine for your pets to munch on. Those foods might even have great nutritional value for your canine companions.
However, there are some human foods that dogs shouldn’t eat. They either pose a choking hazard to your pups or are toxic and can lead to health problems or even death.
Let’s explore human foods that are actually healthy for your pup.
Healthy Human Foods For Your Dog
When we asked, can dogs eat human food, we were surprised to find out that many dogs actually do like fruits and veggies. Our dogs prefer peanut butter and cottage cheese. However, can dogs eat carrots? Yes, they can.
We share six healthy people foods that you might want to share with your dog (in moderation, of course).
- Cooked, skinless, boneless meat.
What dog doesn’t love a little extra protein? Cooked beef, turkey and fish are excellent sources of added protein; however, it is best if it is unseasoned and skinless. Dogs should never have meat bones – particularly poultry bones – as they pose a choking hazard. Additionally, some bones can splinter in the dog’s throat or digestive tract.
- Cooked, unseasoned eggs.
The versatile egg also makes a good treat for your canine because you can prepare them in a variety of ways. Dogs love a good scrambled or hard-boiled egg, but leave it unseasoned, as the salt can be hard on their stomachs.
- Cooked pumpkin.
In the spirit of PSL season, we didn’t want our fur babies left out! Dogs can have cooked, chunked up pumpkin. Pumpkin is a great source of fiber and riboflavin, which help with digestion and improve the appearance of your dog’s coat.
- Cooked green beans.
What pup won’t want to have green beans? Cooked green beans are a low-fat, low-cal snack. They are a good source of fiber, vitamin C and other nutrients that can help support your dog’s overall health.
- Cooked spinach.
If it is good enough for Popeye, it’s good enough for Fido! In fact, spinach is loaded with nutrients, including fiber, vitamins A, K and C and potassium. Cooked spinach is soft enough that it doesn’t require additional cutting up for your dogs prior to eating.
- Apples and bananas.
A lot of dogs enjoy the crunch of an apple skin, so a sliced apple makes a great snack for a dog! Just remember to remove any choking hazard like the stem, core and seeds. Apples and bananas are filled with nutrients and so make great dog snacks. However, they are also filled with natural sugars, so should be enjoyed in moderation.
The Final Word
You’re human. It often feels like your doggie is too. It’s only natural to give them some human food once in a while. However, if you mistakenly give them something and you’re asking “Can dogs eat human food?” call your veterinarian. Immediately.
Always consult a veterinarian. Your animal doctor knows what’s best for your dog. Listen to them, and make sure to have your dog examined annually. That is the best way to build a veterinary-client relationship with your dog and the vet. That also helps with dog anxiety, and the dog won’t think going to the vet has to be just for troubleshooting or sickness.
Read and follow labels. We cannot emphasize this enough. Companies put labels there for a reason, and if you don’t read them, your dog might not be getting the best nutrition possible, regardless of how good the nutrients are in the bag.
Monitor your dog’s health. Just because they lick the bowl clean every time doesn’t necessarily mean that food is the best option. Does your dog have bright eyes, a shiny coat and seem happy and active? Those are good signs. If those change, take note and consult your veterinarian.
This information was adapted from BioZyme Inc.
