These Healthy "Human" Foods Make The Best Dog Snacks, Too

When a dog will eat anything, it's helpful to know what's safe and beneficial!

Elana

• Published in Animals
• July 1, 2021

If your dog is anything like most dogs, then you know that your dog will eat just about anything. Some of us have dogs who would eat a rock (actually, I've had a dog do this.)

However, just because dogs will eat anything, doesn't mean they can or should. Actually, some human foods can be surprisingly dangerous for our dogs! For example, grape and raisin toxicity can be fatal for dogs, even though science isn't completely sure why this happens.

On the flip side, there are lots of healthy human foods that are more than a treat for our dogs! Some humans foods are actually great for dogs and that can make the whole sharing experience fun for dog-loving families everywhere, check out these suggestions.

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 nutrients that 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 you dogs! Peel and slice your fresh pineapple into bite sized pieces and off the occasional sweet, tart, tropical treat to your precious pup. Do not ever give your dog the 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 and solanine is toxic to some dogs. BUT, when a potato is boiled the solanine is significantly reduced and 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 ideally 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 to bite sized portions for your pupper, especially if they like to wolf down their food and treatos.

Celery

Celery can help freshen up 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 to be roasted, grilled or baked, but they absolutely can and will enjoy it. Eggplant has 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 be both a choking hazard and lead to toxicity.

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. It is another fruit that should be given in moderation, though.

Bell Peppers

Red Bell Peppers have the highest amount of nutrients, making them the ideal choice for sharing with your dog, But bell peppers in general are fine. Bell peppers have antioxidants and vitamins A, C, & 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 doggies.

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 the joys of.

Spinach

Spinach is fine for your dogs in moderation due to it being high in oxalic acid, 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. Bananas should still be a treat offered in moderation, though, because they're high in sugar.

Peas

As long as there is no added sodium, peas are totally great for your dogs. Actually, pea protein is in a lot of dog foods. Peas have several vitamins, minerals, and are rich in protein and high in fiber and it's not a bad idea to occasionally toss them in your dog's food bowl.

Mangoes

Mango is a soft, fleshy treat your dog will adore.

Cantaloupe

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 speaking. You should be careful with the seeds though, because they can be 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,) are all pawesome for doggies! Veterinarians often recommend pureed pumpkin for upset stomachs and even to help transition food for dogs, but they're also a nutritious treat.

Cabbage

Raw cabbage is safe for your dogs to eat, just be careful about how much you give them because they 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 moderation treat 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.

Elana