Wondering what human foods dogs can eat? You’re not alone—sharing your favorite snacks with your pup is fun, but beware! The list of human foods that dogs can eat is pretty long—however, even approved foods should be shared in moderation. And, it’s important to know that some seemingly harmless foods can cause gastrointestinal issues when introduced to your dog’s diet, or even worse, poison your dog.
We checked in with a canine food safety expert at the ASPCA to learn about the best human foods for dogs and how to share snacks safely with your four-legged friends.
### Human Foods Dogs Can Eat
Dogs can eat human foods, it just depends on what the snack is. We asked Tina Wismer, DVM, DABVT, DABT, and senior director at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, to offer advice on what human foods dogs can eat, including fruits and vegetables. Here’s what she said.
#### Bananas
Bananas are safe for dogs, but avoid the peel and keep the pieces small so dogs don’t choke. And, make sure your dog isn’t eating too much for his size.
#### Apples
Dogs can eat apples with the skin and seeds removed. Many dogs enjoy small slices of apples as a treat. „Apples without the core and seeds are low in calories and are a good source of fiber, which will help your dog feel full and satisfied,“ Wismer says.
#### Carrots
Carrots are safe for dogs and can be a healthy snack. „Most dogs love baby carrots, and at about 4 calories each, they make a great weight loss snack,“ Wismer told us. „Carrots are also gentle on the tummy and don’t usually make dogs gassy—a common complaint with other veggies.“
#### Strawberries
Yes, it’s safe to feed your dog strawberries. But, be sure to give the berries a good rinse in the sink first.
#### Blueberries
Blueberries are safe for dogs, just don’t feed your pup too many of these tasty berries at one time.
#### Oranges
Dogs can eat oranges but only the pulpy part. The stem, peel, and even seeds contain levels of citric acid that can upset a dog’s stomach.
#### Eggs
Eggs are safe for dogs, but avoid raw eggs and ensure your pup doesn’t ingest any pointy shell pieces. Remember to fully cook eggs before feeding them to dogs to avoid exposing your dog to bacteria like Salmonella.
#### Green Beans
Dogs can eat green beans, so share away (in moderation)! Like carrots, green beans are low in calories and have a satisfying crunch. „They can be a great green snack for your dog or cat.“
#### Rice
Rice is safe for dogs if it’s cooked and unseasoned, but don’t feed it to your furry friend regularly.
#### Cheese
Cheese may be fine for dogs in small amounts or as extra-tasty treats that can help your pet swallow pills. But dogs can’t digest foods with lactose as easily as humans can, so watch the amount of cheese you share and check with your veterinarian for the all-clear before sharing.
### More Safe Foods for Dogs
Remember, even with healthy treats, moderation is key. „Giving your pets foods that are safe for them to ingest is OK in small quantities,“ Wismer says. „But treats should only make up 10 percent of a pet’s daily calories.“
### Which Human Foods Are Toxic for Dogs?
Both the Pet Poison Helpline and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center include common human foods as no-nos for dogs. Keep them for yourself to enjoy—and away from your dogs.
If you suspect your dog has eaten something toxic, immediately call your vet. If your dog is poisoned or ate the wrong thing, upon arriving at the clinic you can expect your vet to check your pup’s vitals and make sure he’s stabilized. Next, depending on how much time has elapsed since your dog ate the suspected toxin, your vet may decide to induce vomiting.
### More Tips on Feeding Pets Human Foods
Finding foods that are safe to feed your pup can be tricky, especially since dogs‘ nutritional needs can vary based on their size, age, and breed. Wismer says to keep in mind a few basic rules to help keep your pet healthy as you hit the fridge for a shareable snack:
Even if a food is nontoxic, that doesn’t mean it’s healthy for your particular dog. Some human foods—even healthy fruits and vegetables—can be high in calories, fat, or fiber, which can upset a dog’s stomach and cause diarrhea and vomiting. Those effects can even damage your dog’s internal organs, so feed in moderation, and check with a veterinarian if you’re worried that your pooch is gaining or losing weight or showing a lack of appetite.
Dogs are like people: Everyone responds differently to different foods. One dog might love apples, while apples give another dog diarrhea. One dog might wolf down chunks of banana, while another dog gets itchy and has an allergic reaction to the fruit.
Dogs need complete nutrition, and that means ensuring they have the right mix of the correct nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in their diet. It can be difficult to achieve that balance without outside help. If you’re concerned about your dog’s nutrition, Wismer recommends calling your veterinarian to talk over your concerns and get the right solution for your dog.
