32 “People” Foods For Dogs

We know it’s hard to resist. You’re at the dinner table and you hear the whimpers and see the big (literally) puppy-dog eyes staring up at you. But is it safe for your dog to have a piece of your chicken pot pie? 

We’re here to settle the score. Not all people foods are for dogs. Here are a few options that you can serve your pup a la carte. 

(All of these foods are safe for dogs in moderation. We also don’t recommend serving people food over dog food. If you do want to a DIY approach, talk to your veterinarian about how to make healthy and nutritious dog food at home.) 

People Foods That Are Safe For Dogs 

What Vegetables Are Safe For Dogs? 

Humans should eat up to three cups of vegetables each day to maintain a healthy diet. But what about dogs? 

Here are some of the vegetables that your pup can eat (even if it’s sneakily under the table): 

• Broccoli
• Brussel sprouts
• Carrots
• Celery
• Cucumbers 
• Green beans 
• Peas (snow peas, sugar snap peas, garden peas, English peas) 
• Spinach

What Fruits Are Safe For Dogs? 

We’ve made a list of vegetables, so it’s only fair that we also talk about fruits. 

You can feel comfortable serving your dog: 

• Bananas
• Apples
• Watermelon
• Berries (strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, blueberries)
• Pineapples 
• Pears 
• Peaches 
• Oranges
• Mangoes 
• Cantaloupe

What Meats and Seafood Are Safe For Dogs? 

Dog foods tend to have a nice selection of meat and seafood, but which ones can you serve your pup from your own plate? 

Here’s a quick list:

• Ham 
• Pork
• Salmon
• Shrimp
• Tuna
• Turkey
• Sardines
• Chicken

So you see a meat that you and your dog love on this list. It doesn’t mean it should make up the entirety of your dog’s diet. Make sure that all of the meat that you serve to your dog is fully cooked and any fish bones have been removed. 

If the meat has too many spices or seasoning, hold back. Bland, cooked chicken can make a great addition to your pup’s regular diet. But don’t throw him a wing from a fried chicken restaurant. Too much chicken may also make your dog’s stomach upset. No one wants to clean up the food that they just fed their dog when it comes back up.

Beans: Is It Safe To Put My Dog on a Vegetarian Diet?

Most beans are safe for dogs, including black beans and soybeans. But just because you’re enjoying the meat-free life doesn’t mean that your dog will. Beans are safe for dogs, but they’re not a great replacement for meat. Even beans that are high in protein won’t be a great replacement for meat. 

Eggs: Safe for Dogs 

Chicken is ok when it is bland and cooked. The same rules apply to chicken eggs. Too many eggs can add too much fat to your dog’s diet. But a healthy amount will give your pet a protein boost. After a long hike, both you and your dog can benefit from scrambled eggs. (Just save the hot sauce and the spices for your plate.) 

Pumpkin: Safe For Dogs 

There are a lot of people foods that can cause doggy stomach problems. Luckily, pumpkin can help their digestion. While dogs can enjoy raw pumpkin (without seeds,) we recommend serving them a spoonful out of the can. 

Cheese: Safe For Dogs

Dogs can eat cheese. But should dogs eat cheese? Not really. Cheese with a high fat content is likely to cause stomach problems. Even a small amount of cheese could cause gas, which no one wants to deal with. 

Just like humans, some dogs are lactose-intolerant. Not all dogs can tolerate the same foods. Even if you see a food on this list, feed your dog a little piece at a time first. You might discover an allergy or intolerance that you didn’t know your dog had.

Peanut Butter: Safe For Dogs

Cheese is a great option if you want to hide a treat or train your dog with something special. Peanut butter is another option. Peanut butter is safe for dogs, but be picky about the peanut butter that you choose. Some brands use xylitol as a sguar substitute – this is a big no-no for pets. Choose a natural, unsalted peanut butter to reduce risk. 

Bread: Safe For Dogs 

Don’t feed your dog a full grilled cheese, but know the last piece of crust won’t be a big deal. Bread isn’t really going to help your dog grow big and strong, but it’s not going to hurt. Stick to plain bread if you can – heavy spices and raisins are definitely a no-no. 

Is CBD Oil Safe For Dogs? 

One of the latest health trends for people is making its way into the canine world. CBD, or cannabinnadinol, is a chemical compound that naturally occurs in cannabis plants. Humans like to use CBD oil to treat a variety of symptoms and conditions. Dog owners primarily use the product to help reduce their pup’s anxiety, treat respiratory issues, and relieve joint pain. 

Does it work? Unfortunately, dogs can’t tell us. Pet owners have claimed that it brings life and a sense of calm back to their pets, especially during thunderstorms or celebrations that involve fireworks. But we do know that it is generally safe to give your dogs CBD oil. 

CBD oil for dogs and CBD oil for people are labeled as such, but they should be essentially the same product. Stay on the safe side and order CBD oil specifically for pooches. While separate labeling is usually done for legal purposes, there may be additives in the CBD products that are safe for humans, but have not been tested on dogs. 

If You Don’t See A Food On This List, Don’t Feed It To Your Dog 

We’ve covered a lot of the basics of what dogs can eat. If you don’t see a food on this list, it’s best to assume that it may make your dog sick. 

Also, be aware that the rules for dogs and the rules for cats are not the same. Consult a vet before you start to sneak food to your kitty. 

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