What Human Foods Can Puppies Eat

It’s hard to resist when your furry pal flashes those adorable little eyes to ask for your food. All the more, when they are puppies, the dose of cuteness is double. However, the canine digestive system is different from humans. Some foods are edible to us but toxic to them. So, what human foods can puppies eat? Let’s examine your options below. 

What Human Foods Can Puppies Eat?

Although your little furbaby needs to eat puppy food for nutrition, you can share some healthy human foods. These dog-friendly foods can give added nutrients as long as they are in moderation. You may wonder, what human foods can puppies eat? Here are the safe human foods you can feed pups with. 

Apple

Apples contain a good amount of fiber, which is good for your pup’s digestive system. It also contains vitamins and minerals. Slice the apples and remove the seeds before giving them to your pooch. Apple seeds have a small amount of cyanide which is poisonous to dogs, so, it should be avoided. 

Banana

You can feed your dog mashed or sliced bananas in moderation. Bananas are also high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals that your dog can benefit from. Some believe that bananas help relieve nausea in dogs but no scientific study has proven it yet. Nevertheless, it still remains a healthy treat for your pooch.

Beef

Lean beef is a good source of protein, which supplies essential amino acids for your dog’s overall health. In fact, beef is the main ingredient of many dog food brands because of its protein content. So, you can offer beef together with your pup’s dry dog food, in addition to giving it as a treat. But, make sure not to season the beef. Salt and other human food seasonings are not recommended for dogs. 

Blueberries

Small yet packed with vitamins and minerals, blueberries are safe for your puppy to eat. It is rich in antioxidants that help fight diseases. It’s a good source of fiber, too. It is low in calories which makes it an ideal and healthy treat for your furbaby. 

Bread

Bread can also be a good option to offer as a treat to your pooch. Both white and whole-grain bread is safe for your pup. However, never give bread with other ingredients toxic to dogs, like raisins. Limit the amount of bread for your pooch, too, as it adds extra calories. This may result in unnecessary weight gain. 

Broccoli

Another healthy and low-calorie snack for your pup is broccoli. You can offer both raw and cooked ones to your dog. But, limit the amount because too much broccoli may irritate your dog’s tummy. Broccoli contains isothiocyanates, a compound that irritates the digestive system.

Carrot

Carrots contain vitamins and minerals as well as fiber, which are good for your dog. You can offer this dog-friendly root crop cooked or raw. It is low in calories so, it is one of the healthiest treats for your pooch. However, it can be a choking hazard for puppies, so make sure to slice in bite sizes. 

Chicken

Chicken is another great source of protein for pups. It is also a major ingredient in dog food. However, it is an allergen, so check out if your pup is not allergic to the chicken before giving large portions. Always give unseasoned and unsalted lean proteins, to avoid the risk of kidney issues. 

Coconut

Consumption of coconut meat is safe for dogs. Plus, coconut oil is beneficial to them. It helps improve their skin and coat, plus it relieves symptoms of skin issues in dogs. It even helps reduce plaque formation and gingivitis, according to a study. However, coconut oil contains fat which may cause weight gain. So, offer in moderation. ¼ a teaspoon to one tablespoon is the acceptable amount to give depending on the size of your pet. 

Corn

Cooked corn kernels are a good source of vitamins and minerals for your dog. In fact, many dog food brands use corn as an ingredient for their products. One to two tablespoons of corn is the ideal amount to offer to dogs. Never give corn on the cob. Dogs may ingest the cob too, and risk choking or intestinal obstruction. 

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a good source of Vitamin K for dogs. It is also low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals. It is a great snack option for overweight dogs. Although cucumber seeds are not toxic to dogs, puppies may have trouble digesting them. To avoid an upset stomach, take out the cucumber seeds before offering them to your pup. 

Dairy Products

Puppies drink their mother’s milk from birth. However, dog’s milk and cow’s milk vary in lactose content. Milk for human consumption is usually from cow’s milk. Puppies can still drink cow’s milk but in moderation. Their developing tummies may not be able to handle the lactose content. Too much milk may result in an upset stomach. 

Eggs

Cooked eggs are safe for puppies to eat. Eggs are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. One egg is the ideal amount to offer to your pup. Although, raw eggs may seem fine for dogs, avoid giving them. Raw eggs may carry bacteria such as salmonella and may pass it to you or your family, making you sick. 

Fish

Fish, like salmon, are a good source of omega fatty acids for your pups. According to a study, fish oil helps reduce inflammatory responses in dogs as well as improve their skin and coat. However, never offer raw salmon or fish to your puppy. Salmon may contain a parasite that can cause poisoning and even death in dogs. 

Green Beans

Your puppies can get protein, calcium, iron, and vitamin K from green beans. These are good and healthy treats for your dog. You can also offer them raw or cooked. However, chop them first to avoid choking. And always avoid seasoning. 

Mango

Dogs can eat mangoes in moderation. It is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals for your pooch. Make sure not to give with the skin as dogs may have a hard time digesting it. Don’t give the pit either since it can be a choking hazard. 

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a good source of fiber for your dog. However, too much of it may lead to weight gain. Also, don’t give flavored oatmeal to your pup. It may contain added sugars or other ingredients that are toxic to your pet. Offer plain oatmeal, instead, in moderation.  

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is one of the favorite treats of most dogs. Not only is it yummy, but also healthy, and safe for your pup. But, it is also high in fats and calories. So, limit your dog’s intake, otherwise, it will lead to weight gain. When choosing peanut butter for your pup, get the plain and unsalted one. Excess salt may be harmful to your pooch. 

Pineapple

Like many fruits in this list, pineapple is also a great source of fiber for your furbaby. Additionally, it offers vitamins and minerals, too. So, fresh pineapple is a healthy snack. But, it can cause nausea and diarrhea when given in huge amounts. So, feed small portions only to your pup. 

Plain Popcorn

Plain and air-popped corn kernels are great and safe for your furry pal. They should be fully popped because, if not, they can be a choking hazard. Avoid adding salt, butter, or other fatty ingredients too. They can add calories to the snack, making it unhealthy for your pup. 

Pork

Plain-cooked pork is a good source of protein for your puppy. However, avoid adding salt, spices, and seasonings when preparing pork for your pup. Don’t offer raw and undercooked pork meat either. It may cause bacterial infection from enteritis-causing Salmonella or Yersinia and make your dog sick. Avoid giving processed pork to your pups such as ham or bacon. They may have preservatives and salt that are harmful to your puppy. 

Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes offer a good amount of vitamin A for your puppy. This helps in their developing immune system as well as eye health. Thus, sweet potatoes are good as a snack or as an addition to your pup’s meal. However, too much vitamin A can lead to health issues in the bones and muscles, so limit the number of sweet potatoes you give to your pup. 

Turkey

Boneless and skinless turkey is a great addition to your dog’s protein sources. As with any meat product on our list, avoid salt, seasoning, and spices on the turkey. Don’t offer stuffed turkey as well. It may contain ingredients that are not good for dogs, like garlic. You may give turkey as a treat or an add-on to your pup’s meal. 

Watermelon

Watermelon’s vitamin A and C contents make it a great snack for your pooch. Aside from being a healthy treat, watermelon is also a delicious and refreshing snack for your pup. Level it up by cooling it in the fridge or freezing it for summer. Don’t forget to remove the rind and seeds, though, before offering them to your pet.

White Rice

White rice has been a common go-to healing meal by dog owners for their pets with an upset stomachs. That is because, rice is easy to digest, helping relieve their symptoms. Plain-cooked white or brown rice is safe for dogs. You can also add some protein such as cooked chicken, pork, or turkey when giving rice to your pooch. 

What Human Foods Are Not Safe For Puppies?

Now that you know which human foods are safe for your pups, let’s examine the toxic and harmful ones. It is vital to know and remember these human foods, so you won’t make the mistake of offering them to your furbaby. Here is the list of foods that are unsafe for your puppy.  

Alcohol

We all know that alcohol is mostly found in beverages and other cleaning products. Unlike humans, dogs cannot tolerate alcohol, even in minuscule amounts. Most cases of alcohol poisoning in dogs are due to accidental alcohol beverage ingestion. Signs include lethargy, depression, low body temperature, lack of coordination, vomiting, diarrhea, and poor breathing.

Avocado

Avocados are known as a rich source of healthy fats for humans, but not for dogs. Persin is a toxin found in avocados and is poisonous to dogs. This toxin is present not just in the avocado fruit, but also in the pit, leaves, and bark. If your dog eats avocado, this may cause fluid accumulation in the lungs and chest. Eventually, they’ll experience difficulty breathing lowering the oxygen levels in their body. This can be fatal to dogs. 

Bread Dough

Raw yeast dough contains alcohol due to fermentation. So, when your pup eats raw yeast dough, his blood alcohol level may rise causing alcohol poisoning. Additionally, raw yeast dough may expand in the stomach and cause bloating. It may also restrict their organs from functioning well. So, always keep bread dough out of your dog’s reach.

Chocolate

Chocolate is a feel-good treat for many of us, but it doesn’t make your dog feel any good at all. On the contrary, it can even be fatal for your furbaby. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, 2 stimulant compounds that dogs can’t metabolize. So, when your pup eats chocolate, he may experience vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and dehydration. It may also progress to more serious health issues like internal bleeding, seizures, muscle tremors, and even death. The severity depends on the amount and kind of chocolate ingested by the dog. 

Citrus Fruits

Lemons, oranges, and limes are just a few members of the citrus family. Although it’s okay to offer peeled citrus fruits in small quantities, it may disrupt your pup’s stomach. This is because of the citric acid found in these fruits. If they overeat citrus fruits, it may result in nervous system depression. 

Coffee

Coffee is a big no-no for puppies and dogs alike. In fact, anything with caffeine shouldn’t be given to our furry pals. The chemical, methylxanthines, are found in coffee and is extremely toxic to dogs. Common signs of caffeine ingestion in dogs include vomiting, seizures, an abnormal heart rate, and in severe cases, death. 

Energy Drink

Energy drinks may contain a higher amount of caffeine than coffee. Thus, its side effects on dogs may be more intense, even more on puppies. It can rapidly raise the heartbeat of dogs and cause other serious issues in dogs’ nervous, circulatory, and respiratory systems. 

Grapes

You must never offer grapes to your pup. This applies to both raw and cooked versions, even as an ingredient in delicacies. Grapes are toxic to dogs. Although the cause is still unknown, the effect of grapes ingestion can be fatal to dogs. Usual symptoms after eating grapes include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and fatigue. It may also progress to renal failure in dogs, eventually leading to death.  

Garlic

Garlic is a common spice used in many cuisines. So, it’s present in many kinds of table food. Unfortunately, it is not good for your pup. It is known to cause anemia in dogs, although the effects may be delayed. Common symptoms include elevated heart rate, pale gums, and weakness.  

Onion

Like garlic, onion is also part of the Allium family. Similarly, it is toxic to dogs, too. It may cause anemia with similar symptoms to garlic poisoning. Effects are not as immediate as well compared to other toxic foods. 

Most Nuts

Almonds, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, and walnuts are toxic to your furbabies. Aside from it being hard to chew, dogs also find it hard to digest these nuts. If they manage to swallow these snacks, they can pose a risk of intestinal blockage. Additionally, it may cause constipation to your little pup. 

Raisins

Since raisins are dried grapes, they are also toxic to puppies and dogs. The health issues they bring are the same with grapes. Be careful with bread and other pastries containing raisins. Even a handful amount of these dried snacks can be fatal to your dog, as revealed by a study that reviewed 139 cases of grape or raisin ingestion in dogs. 

Salty Foods

Salt poisoning may happen to dogs after excessive salt intake. Although salt is an essential component of a dog’s diet, it is usually already incorporated into dog food. So, you don’t need to offer additional salty foods, otherwise, they will reach more than their maximum allowed salt intake. Salt poisoning symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, tremors, seizures, cerebral edema, and neurological disorders. 

Tea

Tea contains caffeine, therefore it should not be given to dogs as well. Caffeine intake may result in abnormal heart rhythm and lung failure in dogs. This is because it stimulates the dog’s nervous system to act abnormally. In severe cases, it can lead to death.

Xylitol

Xylitol may cause liver damage and death in dogs. Although safe for humans, this sugar alcohol should never be given to dogs and puppies. Xylitol is usually present in chewing gum, candy, toothpaste, and baked goods. Upon ingestion of xylitol, your dog may experience a blood sugar drop. Within 30 minutes, symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, weakness, seizures, and coma may show. 

What Should You Do If Your Dog Ate Toxic Human Foods?

Sometimes, despite our efforts to keep toxic foods away, puppies and dogs manage to devour foods they shouldn’t. Depending on the food they ingest, they are at risk of poisoning, or other health issues that may endanger their lives. So, it is important to act right and immediately. But what should you do when your pup eats toxic human foods? 

First, contact your veterinarian right away. It is best to get in touch with a professional so you can deal with the situation properly. The trip to the vet’s clinic may take time so, ask about what you can do in the meantime while your vet can’t examine your dog yet. 

In some cases, your vet will ask you to observe your pup for 24-48  hours before bringing him to the clinic. This depends on the kind and amount of toxic food your pup had. Watch out for signs of poisoning. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, tremors, or sometimes, fever.  In this case, run to the nearest vet immediately. Bring a sample of the food your dog ate and take note of the amount ingested. 

Do not induce vomiting without any professional advice. You’ll find recommendations online telling you to give to your dog to induce vomiting. However, some of these chemicals do more harm than good. It may create a chemical reaction with what the dog ate and make matters worst. 

Don’t give any solid food to your dog, if you suspect poisoning. However, keep him hydrated, especially if he is vomiting or having diarrhea to prevent dehydration. 

Human Foods Puppies Can Eat: FAQs

Let’s tackle the frequently asked questions about human foods that are safe for puppies and dogs to eat. 

Foods that are good for human consumption are not necessarily good for dogs as well. Some foods that are healthy for humans may be toxic to dogs. Always double-check before offering table food to your pooch. And always remember to give in moderation to avoid health issues.