What human foods are good for dogs? If you want to indulge your pup, spoil them with these dog-friendly human snacks.
35 Best Human Foods Good for Dogs, According to Pet Experts
Updated on Mar. 18, 2025
Fruits
A little fruit here and there is a sweet treat for your pup, and some fruits are actually beneficial to your dog’s diet. But moderation is the key, because most fruits are high in sugar, says Shawna Garner, DVM, U.S. lead veterinarian at FirstVet, an on-demand video consultation platform. “The best way to make sure that dogs get the nutrition they need is to feed them a nutritionally complete, commercial pet food as the basis of their diet,” says Dr. Garner. “Any other food should be given as a small treat or topping to their meals. Roughly a tablespoon of fruit or vegetables per day should be enough for a medium-size dog.”
That said, some caveats prevail. “Avoid giving fruits, with their high natural sugar content, to a diabetic dog,” says Lisa Weeth, DVM, head of the nutrition department at Metropolitan Animal Specialty Hospital in Los Angeles. “These foods can interfere with their blood sugar regulation.”
As long as your dog doesn’t have a specific medical issue or food allergy, these are some of the fruits dogs can eat.
Apples: Apples of all varieties make good treats for dogs, Dr. Garner says, because they’re an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber and calcium. “Make sure to cut them up and remove the core before serving,” she adds, “as apple seeds can cause dogs to have an upset stomach when eaten in large quantities.”
Bananas: Potassium-rich bananas are a safe treat for dogs, but they should be doled out in small portions due to their high sugar content. “They may cause your dog to gain weight if they eat too much,” notes Dr. Garner.
Blueberries: According to Dr. Garner, this antioxidant- and fiber-rich snack can help keep dogs in good shape. Blueberries are also among the possible cancer-fighting foods for dogs.
Cantaloupe: Yes, dogs can eat this delicious melon in moderation—but ditch the rind to avoid the risk of choking and obstruction.
Cranberries: It turns out that cranberries have some of the same benefits for dogs as they do for humans. “Cranberry supplements are thought to reduce the adhesion of bacteria in the urogenital tract and possibly prevent urinary tract infections,” says Stacy Choczynski Johnson, DVM, the vet expert at Pumpkin Pet Insurance. While some dogs may not like the sour taste, tossing your pup a couple of fresh or dried cranberries is fine from a safety perspective.
Oranges: Rich in fiber, vitamin C and potassium, oranges (along with tangerines, clementines and mandarins) are safe for pups to eat in moderation. PetMD notes that the peel and seeds should be removed before doggy consumption, though, to avoid an upset stomach or, in serious cases, an intestinal obstruction.
Pears: Pears get two paws up from pups! They’re another fruit packed with fiber and vitamins, making them both delicious and nutritious for dogs. Stick to fresh pears, though, as canned pears often contain too much sugar for canines.
Pineapple: Loaded with healthy nutrients and vitamins, pineapple is a fruit dogs can eat. It’s best to feed them raw pineapple in moderation and avoid the canned stuff.
Strawberries: Have your fur baby do some tricks for this sweet treat! Strawberries contain antioxidants, fiber and vitamins, making them a health-boosting snack for Fido.
Watermelon: Good news: Watermelon, a summer staple for many households, is good for your pup. “It is a health-food powerhouse, low in calories and packed with nutrients—vitamins A, B6 and C, and potassium,” according to the American Kennel Club. Watermelon is also a great snack to give your dog on a hot day, as it is mostly water. Pro tip: Freeze some watermelon cubes for an even better doggy cool-down.
And remember, dogs can’t eat grapes or raisins. Even if your dog eats just a few, they could get incredibly sick and experience symptoms like anorexia, diarrhea and seizures.
Vegetables
When asking yourself, “What human foods can dogs eat?” a prominent food group to explore is vegetables. Most vegetables make a good treat for your pet, says Jamie Richardson, BVetMed, medical chief of staff at Small Door Veterinary in New York City. But if you’re giving table scraps, make sure the vegetables don’t include much in the way of butter, salt or other seasonings, she says. And just like fruit, when it comes to vegetables, a little bit goes a long way in your dog’s diet, so there’s no need to overdo it. One important note: With any raw or crunchy vegetables, be sure to cut them up into small, bite-sized pieces to avoid the risk of choking.
Here are some vegetables dogs can eat in small portions.
Asparagus: This vegetable has plenty of fiber, which can be good for a dog’s digestive health. As a snack, cooked asparagus is perfectly safe for dogs. But don’t give Fido the raw version: It can be difficult for him to digest.
Broccoli: Raw or steamed, bite-sized pieces of broccoli are a good source of vitamins A, C and K, as well as beta-carotene, folate and dietary fiber.
Brussels sprouts: Cooked Brussels sprouts are A-OK for your pup. Just make sure they’re not cooked with seasonings that could be toxic to Fido.
Carrots: Carrots are wonderful dog-friendly human snacks for your pup, especially to support their dental health. Dogs can eat carrots several ways: raw, cooked or even with the green tops still on them. But remember: They’re just a small part of your pet’s complete diet.
Cauliflower: Like broccoli, cruciferous cauliflower is full of vitamins and minerals, and it may help the aches and pains of older pets with arthritis.
Celery: Celery is a low-calorie, healthy snack for dogs. Chop some up and toss it in your pup’s food to add a nice crunch to mealtime.
Cucumber: Cucumber is another healthy snack option for pups. Slice ’em or dice ’em for your dog!
Green beans: Green beans are the full package: They’re a great source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C and K, folic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron and potassium. In fact, green beans are so healthy for dogs that some people make them a sizable portion of their pup’s daily food regimen. Just don’t add salt or seasoning.
Peas: Fresh peas are rich in fiber and nutrients, making them a good occasional addition to your dog’s diet. Make sure not to season them, and avoid serving your dog canned peas, as they could have too much sodium.
Pumpkin: Vets often recommend pumpkin when a dog is constipated or has other digestive issues. Give your dog some canned pumpkin with his kibble to keep his digestive system running smoothly. Look for the organic kind, recommends Dr. Ryan, and “be sure it’s not pumpkin pie mix to avoid the spices. Also check with your veterinarian to see how much pumpkin he or she recommends, as too much can cause diarrhea.”
Spinach: Spinach is rich in antioxidants, iron and vitamin K. That’s what makes it so healthy for humans and a potentially beneficial part of your dog’s diet. Spinach can boost your dog’s immune system and energy levels, making for an all-around healthier pet.
Sweet potatoes: Another great source of dietary fiber, sweet potatoes are high in vitamin B6, vitamin C and beta-carotene. Sweet potatoes should be peeled and cooked—or you can pick up some dehydrated sweet potato dog chews.
Zucchini: “An excellent source of vitamin C, zucchini is also rich in beta-carotene and is a source of vitamin A, dietary fiber, potassium, folate and niacin,” says Dr. Chavez. Cook plain zucchini for your pup and put it in their dinner as a healthy additive.
Meat
Another good group that comes to mind when asking “What human foods can dogs eat?” is meat. But while your dog may love most kinds of meat, make sure whatever cut you give him is cooked and doesn’t have much fat on it. Food with a high fat content can easily make your dog gain weight. That said, here are some meaty options for Fido to indulge in.
Beef: Cooked lean beef is OK for dogs to eat. Serve it occasionally to add a nice punch of protein to your pup’s diet, and if you can, opt for grass-fed beef.
Chicken: As far as land animals go, chicken is always a safe bet, especially when your dog has an upset stomach. “Try bland foods like poached chicken and steamed white rice,” says Ann Hohenhaus, DVM, of New York City’s Animal Medical Center. “Veterinarians also recommend feeding cooked protein sources rather than raw protein sources,” she adds.
Eggs: Alright, we know eggs aren’t meat, but they are protein-packed, so we’re throwing them in the mix. Eggs are packed with minerals such as iron, phosphorus, selenium and zinc, and they’re OK to give dogs. Cook the eggs thoroughly and serve them to your dog plain; don’t add anything that could make them sick, like garlic and onions.
Steak: Thinking about tossing your dog a piece of steak? That’s fine, as long as the steak is cooked and free of any salt or seasonings that are toxic to pups. Just don’t feed your dog too much, as it could upset their stomach.
Turkey: Cooked turkey, without any seasoning, is OK to give dogs in small portions. Make sure to get rid of any bones, skin or fat before serving to Fido.
Seafood
Many people love seafood, but should you give your pup a nibble of these delicacies from the sea? If it’s raw, no—but if it’s cooked, that’s another story. Here’s what to know before giving your dog some surf n’ turf.
Fish: Fish is one human food dogs can eat—as long as it isn’t raw. And certain types of fish are healthier for your dog than others. Salmon, ocean whitefish and herring, for example, are fish that live short lives, so they have lower levels of mercury compared with fish near the top of the food chain like, say, swordfish. Fish is also a great source of protein for your dog if he or she has allergic reactions to other types of meat.
Shellfish: You can give your dog cooked, unseasoned shellfish like lobster, crab and shrimp in moderation. Shellfish have lots of omega-3 fatty acids and nutrients that are good for dogs, so when served properly, it can be a healthy (and luxurious) treat for your fur baby. Just be sure to remove any shells before tossing the shellfish to your pup.
Squid: Yep, dogs can eat squid as long as it’s cooked thoroughly and unseasoned. While plain cooked squid is OK to give dogs, don’t give your dog fried calamari; fried foods aren’t healthy for pups, and the breading could contain seasonings that are toxic to them.
When introducing seafood (or any new food) to your pets, start gradually, over a 7- to 10-day period to help them adjust.
Dairy
Dairy products are filled with protein, calcium and other essential nutrients for a balanced diet—and your dog can benefit from nibbling on the occasional dairy treat. A word of caution before feeding your dog dairy, though: Dogs can be lactose intolerant, meaning they can’t properly digest dairy products. So don’t go overboard with these treats at first. Instead, consult your vet and make sure it’s fine for your dog to snack on dairy. If you get the OK, observe your pup after they eat dairy. If they have an upset stomach, bloating or diarrhea, remove those dairy snacks from their diet.
Cheese: Yes, dogs can snack on cheese occasionally. Keep the cheese treats to a minimum, though, as cheese tends to be high in fat. Too much cheese could lead to your dog being overweight.
Cottage cheese: Cottage cheese is OK to give your dog in small portions once in a while. It’s also a good food to give your pup if they have an upset tummy.
Ice cream: Can dogs eat ice cream? The answer is technically yes, but it shouldn’t be given to your dog all the time. If you do want to give your pup ice cream, give them an option made specifically for dogs; many grocery stores and pet shops sell these ice cream options. If you do give your dog the real stuff once in a while, make sure it’s only given in small quantities and it’s free of any additives that could be toxic to them, like xylitol. Also avoid flavors that are toxic to pups, including chocolate and coffee.
Yogurt: Plain, low-fat or nonfat yogurt that doesn’t include any artificial sweeteners is typically OK to give dogs. Make sure the yogurt is as plain as can be and doesn’t include artificial fruit or chocolate.
Additional reporting by Kelly Kuehn.
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At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. For this piece on human foods good for dogs, writer Taylor Markarian tapped her experience covering pets, along with interviewing various veterinarians and pet experts. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Kelly Ryan, DVM, veterinarian at Cityscape Vets on Excelsior in Minneapolis
- Ann Hohenhaus, DVM, senior veterinarian and the Director of Pet Health Information at New York City’s Animal Medical Center
- Shawna Garner, DVM, U.S. lead veterinarian at FirstVet
- Lisa Weeth, DVM, head of the nutrition department at Metropolitan Animal Specialty Hospital in Los Angeles
- Stacy Choczynski Johnson, DVM, resident vet expert at Pumpkin Pet Insurance
- American Kennel Club: “Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?”
- Purina: “Can Dogs Eat Carrots?”
- Rover.com: “What You Should Know About the Trendy Green Bean Diet for Dogs”
- Rover.com: “Can Dogs Eat Spinach?”
- American Kennel Club: “Can Dogs Eat Fish?”
- PetMD: “Can Dogs Eat Oranges?”
- WebMD: “Why Dogs Can’t Eat Grapes”
- Purina: “How to Switch Dog Food”
