15 Human Foods Dogs Can Eat

Plain cooked chicken, eggs, salmon, carrots, green beans, pumpkin, blueberries and apples are among the human foods that are safe for most dogs — served plain and in small amounts.

Here are 15 human foods dogs can eat, with simple serving tips. One rule applies to all of them: keep it plain. No salt, butter, oil, seasoning, onion or garlic.

Proteins

1. Cooked chicken

Plain, boneless, skinless cooked chicken is one of the best high-value treats for training. Boil or bake it with nothing added and cut into small pieces. Never give cooked bones.

2. Eggs

Fully cooked eggs (scrambled with no butter, or hard-boiled) are a great source of protein. Cook them through — raw eggs carry a risk of salmonella.

3. Salmon

Cooked, boneless salmon provides protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Never feed raw salmon — in some regions it can carry a parasite that is dangerous to dogs. Remove all bones and skip smoked or salted salmon.

4. Plain turkey

Lean, plain cooked turkey breast is fine. Skip the skin, gravy, stuffing and bones (see Part 2 of our foods-to-avoid list).

Vegetables

5. Carrots

Raw or cooked, carrots are crunchy, low in calories and good for chewing. Cut them into sticks or coins to prevent choking, especially for small dogs.

6. Green beans

Plain green beans — fresh, frozen or canned with no added salt — are filling and low in calories. Many vets suggest them for dogs that need to lose weight.

7. Pumpkin

Plain canned pumpkin (100% pumpkin, not pie filling) or cooked fresh pumpkin is a fiber-rich treat. A spoonful on top of dinner is plenty. Pie filling contains sugar and spices like nutmeg.

8. Sweet potato

Cooked, plain sweet potato (no butter or sugar) is a tasty source of fiber and vitamins. Never feed it raw, and keep portions small.

9. Cucumber

Crunchy, hydrating and very low in calories — a great hot-day snack. Slice into small pieces.

Fruits

10. Blueberries

Small, crunchy and packed with antioxidants. Perfect for training or tossing as a game. Rinse and serve plain.

11. Apples

Apple slices are a crunchy favorite. Remove the core and seeds — the seeds contain compounds that release cyanide, and the core is a choking hazard.

12. Watermelon

Seedless watermelon, with no rind, is a refreshing summer treat that’s mostly water.

13. Bananas

A few slices of banana make a sweet treat, but they’re high in sugar, so keep it occasional. Read can dogs eat bananas? for portion sizes.

Pantry staples

14. Plain rice and oatmeal

Plain cooked rice and plain cooked oatmeal (made with water, no sugar or flavoring) are gentle on the stomach. They’re fillers, not complete meals.

15. Peanut butter (xylitol-free)

Most dogs go crazy for peanut butter, and it’s great in stuffable toys. But check the label for xylitol (sometimes called birch sugar), which is extremely toxic to dogs. Choose unsalted, and use a little — it’s high in fat.

How much is too much?

A good rule of thumb: treats and extras should make up no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calories. The other 90% should come from a complete and balanced dog food. Not sure how many calories your dog needs? Check our dog feeding guide.

Tips for introducing new foods

• Introduce one new food at a time, in a small amount.
• Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, itchiness or gas over the next 24 hours.
• Cut food into bite-sized pieces suited to your dog’s size.
• If your dog has a health condition or is on a special diet, ask your vet first.

Foods that are NOT on this list for a reason

Before you share, remember the dangerous ones: chocolate, grapes and raisins, xylitol, onions and garlic, macadamia nuts, alcohol and caffeine. Our list of 7 foods your dog should never eat explains why.