These Healthy "Human" Foods Make The Best Dog Snacks, Too
Some human foods are perfectly fine for dogs, and a few can even make surprisingly good snacks. That is good news for anyone who has ever watched a pet stare down a kitchen counter like it was a buffet.
Of course, not everything people eat belongs in a dog bowl, and some foods can be dangerous. This roundup keeps things simple by focusing on the healthy options that dog owners often already have at home, from fruit to vegetables and a few cooked staples.
If you have ever wondered which everyday foods can double as dog treats, this list has plenty of familiar favorites.
Watermelon
Watermelon is considered one of the best treats to offer your dog; it's high in moisture and fiber. Just make sure they don't eat too many seeds or too much rind.
Blueberries
Blueberries contain antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins C and K, all of which support the immune system and contribute to overall health. Blueberries make a great treat to add to your dog's diet!
Raw Pineapple
In small quantities, raw pineapple is a great treat for your dog! Peel and slice your fresh pineapple into bite-sized pieces and offer the occasional sweet, tart, tropical treat to your precious pup. Do not ever give your dog canned pineapple in syrup, though; it's far too sugary for their digestive tracts.
Cooked Potatoes
You should never give your dog raw potatoes to snack on because they contain solanine, which is toxic to some dogs. However, when a potato is boiled, the solanine is significantly reduced, making it safe for your dog to enjoy as an occasional treat.
You might enjoy your cooked potatoes with butter, salt, or even sour cream, but your dog should eat their occasional cooked potato completely plain.
Strawberries
Strawberries contain an enzyme that can help whiten your dog's teeth. They're also rich in fiber and vitamin C. Strawberries are a great treat but should ideally be kept in moderation because they also contain quite a bit of natural sugars.
Cucumbers
This crunchy snack is a delight for your dog; just make sure you cut it into bite-sized portions for your pup, especially if they like to wolf down their food and treats.
Celery
Celery can help freshen your dog's breath!
Peaches
A great source of vitamin A and fiber, make sure you offer cut-up slices of peaches in moderation. Too much can cause stomach upset and diarrhea.
Eggplant
Don't be surprised if your dog prefers their eggplant roasted, grilled, or baked; they absolutely can and will enjoy it. Eggplant contains vitamins B6 and K, folate, potassium, niacin, and phytonutrients, but some dogs are allergic and may display digestive issues if that's the case. It's definitely another healthy treat that's ideally enjoyed in moderation.
Cauliflower
Like broccoli, cauliflower is a safe treat for your dog!
Pears
Pears are a great treat for dogs, but you need to be careful about pear cores because too many seeds can pose both a choking hazard and lead to toxicity.
And if your dog ignores treats, try the creative training approach from canine enthusiasts for unmotivated dogs.
Raspberries
This delightful berry is rich in antioxidants and safe for your pups! Raspberries can help your senior dogs with inflammation and joint pain, too. However, it is another fruit that should be given in moderation.
Bell Peppers
Red bell peppers have the highest amount of nutrients, making them the ideal choice for sharing with your dog. However, bell peppers in general are fine. Bell peppers contain antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E.
Sometimes you may want to softly boil and peel your bell pepper if the skins are proving to be a problem, and depending on the size of your dog, you can offer a few slices daily.
Broccoli
As long as your broccoli is unseasoned, it can be given raw or cooked in very small quantities, especially because the florets contain isothiocyanates, which can cause gastric irritation in dogs.
Sweet Potatoes
Like other kinds of potatoes, giving your dog a sweet potato treat should involve cooking the potato. You should also remove the peel of the sweet potato for your dog because the peel is hard to digest.
Try boiling some peeled chunks of sweet potato and adding them to your dog's crunchy kibble! It's a treat they won't soon forget.
Spinach
Spinach is fine for your dogs in moderation due to its high oxalic acid content, which blocks the body's ability to absorb calcium and can lead to kidney damage.
Bananas
Bananas are high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper, and low in cholesterol and sodium. However, bananas should still be offered as a treat in moderation because they're high in sugar.
Peas
As long as there is no added sodium, peas are great for your dogs. In fact, pea protein is found in many dog foods. Peas contain several vitamins and minerals, are rich in protein, and high in fiber, making it a good idea to occasionally toss them in your dog's food bowl.
Mangoes
Mango is a soft, fleshy treat your dog will adore.
Cantaloupe
The AKC suggests that the occasional treat of cantaloupe can be a healthy alternative for overweight dogs in particular! With this sweet fruit, even the seeds are harmless, digestive-wise. However, you should be careful with the seeds because they can pose a choking hazard for our dogs.
Carrots
Carrots are a healthy, low-calorie snack for dogs with a great amount of crunch!
Kiwi
Your dog can enjoy some kiwi, but ideally, you should peel it and slice it into bite-sized chunks. Did you know that kiwi has more vitamin C than an orange and more potassium than a banana? Just be careful not to over-offer this sweet treat because it's very high in fiber, too.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is great for dogs, as long as it's unsweetened. It can be cooked or raw, and even canned pumpkin (organic, unsweetened, and make sure it's NOT pie mix) is pawesome for doggies! Veterinarians often recommend pureed pumpkin for upset stomachs and even to help transition food for dogs, but it's also a nutritious treat.
Cabbage
Raw cabbage is safe for your dogs to eat; just be careful about how much you give them because it can definitely cause some stinky farts.
Green Beans
Your dog can eat pretty much any sort of plain green bean you have on hand. Raw, steamed, canned—whatever! Interestingly, green beans are actually recommended by veterinarians as a great treat for your dogs.
Beets
Beets are a great treat in moderation that provide dogs with micro-nutrients such as vitamin C, fiber, manganese, folate, and potassium.
Brussels Sprouts
You definitely want to keep Brussels sprouts to a minimum with your dog, and don't be surprised if the occasional snack gives them the stinkiest farts.
Apples
Apples are a phenomenal dog treat, an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, and they are low in protein and fat! Don't forget to avoid having your dog eat the cores and seeds, though.
Before you hand out watermelon, blueberries, or pineapple, read the pet-owner warnings about frequently given snacks here.
Share this article:
