Can Dogs Eat People Food? Healthy Options Revealed

While dogs love treats, it’s crucial to know what human foods are safe for them. Here’s a guide to healthy options and essential guidelines.

Healthy Human Foods for Dogs

1. Pasta and Rice
   Mix small amounts into their regular dog food for variety.
2. Meat
   – Choose cooked, lean meats: chicken, turkey, ground beef, chuck steak, or roast.
   – Avoid raw, undercooked, fatty, or spoiled meat.
   – Cut into easy-to-chew chunks.
3. Vegetables
   – Raw: carrots, cucumbers, zucchini, lettuce, bell peppers, corn, and celery.
   – Steamed: green beans, broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, and hard winter squash.
   – Avoid avocado.
4. Treats
   – Pet pops: freeze veggies or applesauce in ice cube trays.
   – Peanut butter pops: mix peanut butter with banana or water, freeze.
5. Bread and Pretzels
   – Whole wheat bread (bite-sized bits) for gut health.
   – Unsalted pretzels.
6. Sweet Treats
   – Fresh fruits (except grapes and raisins): banana, apple, cantaloupe, watermelon, blueberries.
   – Homemade sweet potato jerky.

Foods to Help the Meds Go Down

– Hide pills in peanut butter, marshmallows, ground beef, or chicken.
– Consult your vet for alternatives.

Important Safety Reminders

1. No Bones
   Avoid chicken, turkey, lamb, and beef bones due to splintering and germ risks.
2. Holiday Foods
   Share cooked turkey, green beans, and sweet potato.
   Skip table scraps, chocolate, and cocktails.

Key Guidelines

1. Human food should be 5-10% of their diet.
2. Always consult your vet.
3. Monitor for food allergies and sensitivities.

By following these guidelines, you can safely share healthy human foods with your furry friend.

Article Reference: https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/ss/slideshow-brushing-dog-teeth