8 People Foods Your Dog Will Love and 4 That Will Make Them Sick

Enjoy mealtimes with your dog by learning what food is safe to share with dogs what food is not.

You’ve probably heard not to give your dog chocolate, or don’t feed your dog off the table, but do you ever wonder what food is safe to share with dogs? The answer is a lot! There are many foods that are good for you and good for your dog that they will absolutely love! Plus if you run out of food in-between online orders… (like we have), or find yourself out of the house over meal time, these foods can cover you when you don’t have your dog’s regular food available.

Chicken is safe for dogs

Is this too obvious? Dogs love chicken. Light meat, dark meat; they’re not picky. It’s especially good for sneaking a pill inside. We only mention chicken because there is a right way and a wrong way to serve it. Dogs love chicken meat, but never give them cooked chicken bones – they are too soft and can splinter off which causes harm to the digestive lining. If you are going to give your dog a bone, avoid cooked bones altogether. As well, watch out for too many spices. Onion and garlic are toxic to dogs. More on that later.

Steak is safe for dogs

Cooked or raw, dogs love beef. We thought our dog was going to faint because he was so excited to eat raw meat. He didn’t, and we cut him off before he turned into a gremlin. If you’re sharing common dinner foods, make a point to give the food in your dog’s food bowl rather than from the table. However they receive the food will reinforce their behavior. If you ask your dog to lie down quietly before giving them a piece of steak, that’s what they’ll do next time. Conversely, if they stick their nose on your lap and you give in, they’ll know that it will work next time too. They’re pretty smart. If your grandmother feeds them off the table but you don’t, they’ll know to work your grandmother, and not you for the last piece of roast beef.

Always be watchful when preparing meat. In just a few unsupervised minutes, your dog could swoop in and suddenly your dinner plans have become an emergency vet visit. Really! We knew a dog that swallowed an entire barbecue skewer and had a stomach operation that night. Accidents do happen, you can check out this guide to the best pet insurance to make sure you’re prepared. 

Watermelon is safe for dogs

Some dogs absolutely love watermelon! It’s a perfect refresher on a hot day. Make sure you take the seeds out, just like you would for yourself, and don’t let them chew on the rind.

Apples are safe for dogs

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, right? If you’re trying to add more fruits and veggies to your diet, why not share an apple a day with your best friend? Cutting an apple into pieces or biting off a chunk for your dog is a perfect way to share a healthy snack. They’re high in fiber and low in fat, which is good for both of you. Like people, your dog may even prefer different varieties, like Fuji and Honey Crisps over Granny Smiths. Just don’t give your dog a whole apple. The core could become a choking hazard, and the seeds are poisonous to dogs.

Carrots are safe for dogs

Nothing beats the crunch of a carrot. A small dog can eat a carrot just like they would eat a bone. A bigger dog might chomp it down in a couple bites. Chewing on carrots is good for your dog’s dental health and high fiber and vitamins are an added bonus. Make sure they have a special place to eat the carrot, as the orange can stain light carpets.

Eggs are safe for dogs

Most dogs love eggs, and they’ll have them any way! Hardboiled is easy and you can give it to them in little pieces. Scrambled with no butter or oil makes a perfect meal supplement. In addition to containing good fat and cholesterol, the egg yolks have essential vitamins and minerals, including biotin, which can help keep your dog’s coat and skin looking shiny and lush.

Some veterinarians say you can even give your dog whole raw eggs, but we suggest cooking them to ensure there is no chance of bacterial contamination. Some dogs may eat the shell, while others will not be interested. If you want to avoid food waste, you can grind up the shell and serve it sprinkled over their food to add calcium to their diet. One egg a day is enough. Eggs, are healthy, but high in fat, so don’t overdo it. 

Sugar Snap Peas are safe for dogs

Did you know your dog can eat sugar snap peas and green beans? They’re a great source of vitamin B, Thiamin, phosphorous, and potassium. Shelled peas might even make a fun treat for your dog to play with.

Peanut butter is usually safe for dogs

Your dog can definitely eat peanut butter, BUTgo for natural peanut butter, or the good old stuff you grew up with. Skinny peanut butters and low-fat peanut butters may contain Xylitol, a sweetener used in foods like gum, yogurt, and toothpaste. It is safe for humans, but can be deadly for dogs. If your dog ingests this, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control line and go to your nearest emergency vet immediately.

Now that you have a better idea of what food is safe to give to dogs, it can be fun to see what your dog likes and what they won’t eat. If you’re experimenting, make sure you stay clear of the following:

The onion family is not safe for dogs

This includes onions of any color, shallots, scallions, lemongrass, leeks, and any other related vegetable. Onions have an ingredient called thiosulphate which is toxic to dogs (and cats). Eating onions causes a condition called hemolytic anemia, which is characterized by damage to the red blood cells. Onion toxicity can cause the red blood cells in your dog’s blood to rupture.

Garlic is not safe for dogs

Garlic is toxic for the same reason as onions,it contains thiosulphate, which damages hemoglobin. Garlic is even more potent than onions. Consider this when sharing prepared foods like chicken or soup,which may have onion and garlic already baked in.

Grapes and Raisins are not safe for dogs

Grapes and dogs are mysterious. Some owners say their dog loves raisins, while others have gone straight to the emergency room.Veterinarians are not sure exactly what causes the problem or why some dogs react, but it has been highly documented that grapes can cause kidney failure in dogs of any size. To be on the safe side, just don’t share grapes. There are so many other fruits your dog can enjoy.

Avocado is somewhat safe for dogs

Ah, the avocado. It costs extra, but we don’t care. Avocado contains persin, which may give your dog an upset stomach, but it’s actually not poisonous. The biggest worry about avocado is the pit, which is a perfect choking size. We wouldn’t recommend sharing your precious avocados with your pup anyway, but it’s not the end of the world if they steal a bite of your morning toast.

It’s special to share the food you enjoy with your dog. Just make sure you are avoiding the bad foods and only sharing new foods a little at a time. When in doubt, stick to food you know is safe for dogs. Even healthy foods can upset your dog’s tummy if you give too much too fast. Think of these foods as extra treats to supplement their balanced meal or something safe to keep your dog happy if you find yourself dining with your pet. If you’re looking to replace kibble with a raw diet, always consult your vet first.

Bon Appetit!