Human Foods to Feed a Dog

Feeding your dog table scraps, pre-packaged "people" foods or foods full of sugars and fats is not good for your pets health, but there are some foods meant for humans that you can take from your refrigerator or pantry and add to their diet. It is important to stay away from foods with multiple ingredients, because these may include foods that could make your dog sick. It is also important to feed them human foods sparingly, because they can cause weight issues if fed too often. Try and stick to no more than 25 percent of their caloric intake each week in people food.

  1. Meats

    • Baked, boiled or rotisserie cooked chicken can be a good source of protein for your dog, but make sure to remove the skin and bones first to make it less fattening and less dangerous for them to eat. Chicken bones can be a choking hazard for pets. Also refrain from using seasonings, spices, butter and oils when cooking. For omega-3 fatty acids to help maintain a healthy coat and skin, you can feed them cooked salmon. Eggs are also a good source of protein, riboflavin and selenium. Do not give your dog raw eggs because those could give them parasites.

    Vegetables and Fruits

    • Slices of melons including honeydew, cantaloupe and watermelon, as well as dried slices of sweet potato can be used as alternatives to fattening treats and dog biscuits. Dogs like peanut butter and are less likely to be allergic to peanuts than humans are, so this can also be used as an occasional treat. Berries such as blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and huckleberries provide antioxidants, while crunchy baby carrots are good for the teeth and green beans are filling and can help fill your dog's stomach without causing them to gain too much weight.

    Dairy and Grains

    • Some dogs are lactose intolerant, so you must be careful feeding them dairy products. For those that can handle it, cheese is a good treat, as is non-fat, sugar-free yogurt. Yogurt is also a good source of calcium and protein but can be fattening, so feed it to your pet sparingly if your dog has a weight problem. Plain, cooked oatmeal with no sugars or flavorings can replace wheat for dogs that are allergic to it. It is also a good source of soluble fiber. It can be fattening if your dog has too much, so keep portion sizes small. Flax seed is a good source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids and can help your dog maintain healthy skin and coat.

    Dangerous Foods

    • There are some foods you should never give your dog, even in small amounts. Chocolate and caffeine-filled items such as coffee or tea can cause seizures, comas or death. Also stay clear of grapes, raisins, onions, and macadamia nuts, which can lead to health issues such as kidney failure, anemia, and paralysis. Some dairy products and fried foods can cause pancreatitis, while spices like salt can cause kidney problems and nutmeg can lead to tremors or seizures. Avocados and tomatoes are toxic to dogs, while the seeds and pits for apples, cherries and peaches carry cyanide inside them.