Begging for Table Scraps: What Human Foods Can Dogs Eat?

Most of us have heard that dogs shouldn’t eat human food — but just look at those sad eyes. Some dogs are experts at convincing us they should share our food. After all, their wolf ancestors were domesticated ages ago by hanging around human settlements where people discarded their leftover food.

Is there harm in sharing a little bit of your leftovers with your dog? What about feeding them from the table? The fact is that some foods that humans eat are perfectly fine for dogs, while others can be dangerous. 

For healthy dogs, most veterinarians recommend feeding a commercially prepared dry dog food that meets the nutritional needs for their life stage. That also happens to be the most affordable food for dogs.

But if you do want to give your dog an occasional treat from your fridge or table, it’s important to know which foods are allowable and which ones can cause harm to their bodies.

Human Foods That Are Okay in Moderation

This article in PetMD states that the following foods are acceptable for feeding a dog, as long as they make up less than 10% of their daily calories. Of course, not every dog is interested in some of these foods, especially fruits and vegetables.

• Fruits: apples, bananas, blueberries, watermelon, pineapple, and raspberries
• Vegetables: broccoli, green beans, sweet potatoes, zucchini, carrots, and peas — and cooked potatoes and pumpkin 
• Meats and fish: cooked beef, chicken, turkey, and salmon
• Grains: cooked rice, pasta, or oatmeal
• Dairy and nuts: plain yogurt, cottage cheese, cooked eggs, and peanut butter (without Xylitol!)

It’s not unusual for dogs, especially city dogs, to become overweight. So it is important to keep feeding to a minimum and keep track of how much human food you are feeding your dog. Make sure the whole family is on board and knows which foods are acceptable and which ones are toxic or dangerous.

Toxic Foods to Avoid

I usually don’t recommend feeding dogs people food or table scraps, but if you do so, make extra certain you are not feeding them the following foods.

The American Veterinary Medical Association says to absolutely avoid 

• Anything with Xylitol, an artificial sweetener – this can be found in gum, candy, and even peanut butter!
• Chocolate (the darker it is, the more toxic it is for pets)
• Onions and garlic
• Grapes and raisins
• Fatty and fried foods
• Macadamia nuts
• Avocados

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Poison Control Center shares some additional items for pets to avoid: caffeine; alcohol; yeast dough; raw or undercooked meat, eggs, and bones; milk; and large amounts of salt.

Sources differ on which types of nuts are acceptable for dogs. We know macadamia nuts are dangerous, but dogs can have a small amount of unsalted cashews. A tiny bit of cheese is okay unless you discover your dog is lactose intolerant.

With all these restrictions, it seems to make sense to purchase a dog food that is formulated by veterinary nutritionists, but some people want to cook for their pets.

Cooking for Your Dog

If you plan to make dog food, you’ll need to research how to feed them a complete and balanced diet. The website Balance It was created by a board‑certified veterinary nutritionist. They help you customize recipes that include 

1. Protein-rich food like beef, lamb, chicken, or fish

2. A dense carbohydrate like barley, beans, bread, garbanzos, or oats

3. Oils and fats that are okay for animals like peanut, canola, almond, or soybean

4. Vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, green beans, and peas

5. Fruits such as apples, bananas, blueberries, and cantaloupe

Don’t fret if cooking homemade dog food feels like too much. Most dogs are perfectly fine eating a balanced commercial dog food.

When in Doubt, Ask Your Vet

Your veterinarian can share recommendations for a  complete and balanced diet that meets your family’s budget. Despite aggressive marketing claims, most vets do not recommending raw food for pets. This is because many raw foods can carry harmful germs that can cause diseases in your pup (or even for people handling raw food). 

The next time you’re eating and your dog looks at you with those hungry eyes, remember that it’s our job to keep them healthy and happy in the long term.