Human Foods Dogs Can Have As Treats

If your dog is anything like mine, they will sit and beg for a scrap of whatever food you have. Sometimes we can’t help but give in and give them a small taste. However, you might be wondering like me, which human foods can dogs eat as treats? 

Surprisingly enough, most of the food that is healthy for us, is also healthy for our dogs. However, there are a few major exceptions to this. I’ve put together a list of human foods you can give your dogs as a treat, as well as a few you shouldn’t. 

Vegetables To Feed Your Dogs

Although vegetables should not comprise the majority of your dog’s diet, they can make up some of it. This is because contrary to popular belief, dogs are not carnivores. Dogs are actually omnivores that require plants in their diet along with meat. 

Due to this, it is perfectly safe to feed them vegetables such as:

• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Celery
• Cooked Sweet Potatoes
• Green Beans
• Green peas
• Kale

Broccoli should be given in very small amounts because it can cause gastric irritation in your dogs. Cooked broccoli is easier for them to digest though. So, if you want to give broccoli as a treat, consider cooking it first. 

The only other thing to be careful about is that you do not season the vegetables. Seasonings can be harsh on your dog’s stomach and may upset it. 

Vegetables You Should Never Feed Your Dog

Although most vegetables are safe and can be quite healthy due to the vitamins in them, some are very dangerous for your dog to consume. Here are a few you should never give to your dog.

• Onions
• Mushrooms

Onions are very toxic to dogs because they contain a compound known as N-propyl disulfide that can damage their red blood cells. As a result, your dog will develop anemia and may even need a blood transfusion. 

Mushrooms are not necessarily a vegetable but can still be a toxic substance for your canine friend. Some store-bought mushrooms are safe unless they have been combined with other ingredients like onions or garlic. 

However, some mushrooms can be very toxic for your dog to consume. As a general rule of thumb, it’s safest just to avoid letting them eat mushrooms. 

Fruits To Feed Your Dog

Just like with vegetables, some fruits can actually be quite beneficial to your dog in moderation. 

Here are a few safe fruits you can feed your dog.

• Apples
• Bananas
• Blackberries 
• Blueberries
• Corn
• Cucumbers
• Mango
• Oranges 
• Pineapple
• Strawberries
• Squash
• Watermelon
• Zucchini

You may be wondering why I placed corn, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini in the list of fruits. Well, I recently learned that these are actually fruits and not vegetables because they grow flowers on the plant and contain seeds. Mind-blowing right? 

Anyways, fruits contain many different nutrients that your dog can benefit from. As long as you make sure there are no seasonings on them and that you do not feed too much, these fruits can be perfectly safe to toss to your dog. 

Fruits You Should Never Feed Your Dog

There are also fruits you should avoid feeding your canine friend. 

Here are a few to avoid.

• Avocados
• Grapes/raisins 
• Lemons
• Limes 
• Tomatoes*

*Tomatoes are okay to feed on occasion if they are ripe, however, too much consumption can cause:

• Nausea
• Abnormal heart rate
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty breathing

Therefore, it’s best to just avoid this as a treat. 

Other Common Kitchen Foods You Can Feed Your Dog

Not everything is a fruit or a vegetable. So here are some other natural foods that you can find in your kitchen that are safe to feed your dogs. 

• Almonds (limited amount)
• Bread
• Cashews (limited amount)
• Cinnamon
• Coconut
• Cottage Cheese (limited amount)
• Honey (limited amount)
• Oatmeal
• Peanuts (limited amount)

Anything with the words “limited amount” next to it should be severely limited because they are only good in moderation. 

For example, if you feed your dog too many almonds, it can result in vomiting and diarrhea. Whereas too much honey can result in weight gain.

Other Common Kitchen Foods You Shouldn’t Feed Your Dog

Some other natural foods you should avoid feeding your dogs includes:

• Macadamia nuts
• Nutmeg

Macadamia nuts can cause adverse effects even in small amounts such as:

• Depression 
• Hyperthermia
• Muscle weakness
• Tremors
• Vomiting

Nutmeg can also cause adverse health effects such as:

• Disorientation
• Dry mouth
• High blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Seizures   
• Stomach pain

It’s Okay To Share Some of Your Food With Your Dog

We all cave to those puppy dog eyes now and then. Just make sure that when you do, it’s with food that is safe for them to consume.

Being aware of your dog’s dietary restrictions is important if you want your dog to live the healthiest lifestyle possible. 

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