Are Human Foods OK For Dogs To Eat?

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Here are the foods to AVOID giving to your dog (human foods that are poisonous to dogs), as well as those which are OK for pets.

Plus, what you should know if you decide to offer table scraps and other people foods to your dog.


First, An Overview

Yes, there are those who make a habit of feeding their dogs table scraps (we don't)... but as a rule most people generally stick to serving dog foods to their pets day in and day out.

Our two dogs eagerly awaiting their bread & peanut butter stuffed Kongs. Of those pet owners who choose to give their dogs HUMAN foods, most reserve it for "special occasions" OR times when you're nursing a sick pet back to health. (We do both.)

In fact, some people are dead set against it, citing a number of reasons that feeding human foods to dogs is inappropriate.

Others simply refrain from giving their pets processed foods, and choose to include only "all-natural" human foods in their dog's diet.


When Dogs Are Rewarded With "Human" Treats

Largely due to the rise in popularity of Kong toys, more and more pet owners are choosing to supplement their dog's diet with a variety of human foods these days.

Which "begs" (hehe) the question:
"Which human foods are safe for dogs to eat?"

Furthermore:
"What do I need to know if I decide to give my dog foods that were originally intended for people?"

Here's what I've learned...

You should always consult a veterinarian before introducing your dog to any new food item.

That said, following are the best tips I've found with regard to feeding human foods to dogs...


Be Careful What You Feed Your Dog

Not all dogs are alike.

Destin signaling that he'd like another Kong stuffed with 'good stuff', please! We store pre-filled Kongs in the freezer. Just because someone else's dog didn't have an adverse reaction to a particular human food doesn't mean that your pet will behave the same way.

Your dog could react differently to the taste of the food, or he could even have an allergy to one or more of its ingredients.

Therefore, whenever you are introducing your dog to a new food (or combination of foods, such as those in Kong Recipes be sure to test it out while you are home so you can monitor your pet's reaction.

The odds are very small, but there's always the chance that your dog could be allergic to a particular food, or it just may not sit well with your dog -- causing upset stomach, diarrhea or vomiting. Sometimes, even the smallest change in a dog's diet can cause and adverse reaction.


Which Foods Are Okay For Dogs?


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At the very least, you should avoid feeding your dog human foods that are salty, sweet (high in sugar content), or fatty.

Then, you will want to check lists like these, so you know which foods have been proven to be dangerous to dogs:

Here are some human foods that dog owners sometimes give their dogs.


A Word Of Advice About Trying New Foods

Before you introduce a new food to your dog, there's one other thing that you should take into consideration:

...the "begging" factor.

In our household, we've noticed that our dogs tend to "beg" for people foods any time they smell something they're familiar with. On the other hand, if they've never had it before, then they don't beg for it.

For that reason, we have only introduced 2 human food items to our dogs: peanut butter and bread. (And bread is only for very special occasions!)

Our dogs love bread! To give you an example, any time we crack open a jar of peanut butter (...wait, I mean move the peanut butter jar from the pantry to the counter!) or open a loaf of bread, our dogs start salivating and licking their lips in anticipation of getting some. Yet we could hold a big 'ol steak in front of them, and they wouldn't blink an eye!

So just remember, once you introduce a particular food to your dog, there's no going back. They'll always want some of yours whenever you're eating it in the future.

When it comes to filling Kongs, we layer ingredients inside the Kong toy using various combinations of those two human foods and other dog foods, treats, and Kong-friendly products made specifically for dogs.

We've also reserved a handful of other human foods for times when our dogs have various ailments (like diarrhea) or need to take pills.

Those foods are: rice, cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, and plain yogurt.


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24 Comments

Kelsey said:

We didn’t know that dogs were not allowed to eat grapes but had no problem or situation with our dog, Cody. Could there be a problem later on for him? Or will he be alright eating only a few grapes? Should we take him to the vet if this is'nt alright?
Kelsey

Heather said:

100% beef hot dogs are a good training treat for dogs. I work at a kennel and that's what they get during training sessions. When they have upset stomach's they also give the dogs 100% ground beef and rice to soothe their stomach. I however give my dogs 1 heaping tablespoon of cottage cheese daily to keep them regular with their breakfest. THEY LOVE IT! However this makes them not want to eat dry food by itself so you end up with spoiled dogs! But we love them just that much so we can't help but to spoil them!

I am so thankful I found this page.
I have been making Homemade dog food and this page is really helpful. Chocolates are definitely bad for dogs!

Kevin Laroche said:

Raisin's are definetely NOT ok to give to your dog. In fact, they are poisenes to dogs. Milk on the other hand is not as bad but can cause some GI problems

Amanda said:

try mixing little bits of human/table food with dry kibble. Eventually reduce the about of wet "human food" and replace with can/pouch dog food. Try Beneful dinners or purina 1 canned stew type. I have 2 huskies and they love the stews.


Good Luck

Amanda

Bob Anderson said:

Are raisins and or milk chocolate ok if they are baked in a cookie and given in very small quantities? Thanks Bob

darby bemrose said:

what about smoked meats for human consumption and the effect upon dogs when fed to them (ham, smoked pork, smoked turkey, smoked chicken, etc.)? What about cured meats?

darby bemrose

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  • Our dog Susie likes these homemade dog biscuits. Photo by Kristie.
  • A fresh fruit smoothie.
  • Pooch Smoothies poured into ice cube trays.
  • Kristie and her Beagle-mix, Susie.
  • Pet The Vet - dog blog written by a veterinarian.
  • Our dog Tenor checking out the new dog waste bags holder that's attached to his retractable leash.
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  • Doggie Walk bags and dispenser. My favorite one.
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  • Jim walking our dog with the Poop Patrol dog waste bag holder. It's attached to the Flexi Comfort 3 dog leash.

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