Understanding the list of human foods that are safe for your dog can significantly reduce the chances of mistakes made in trying to feed your dog. Whereas many foods cannot be eaten by your dog, there are many human foods that are safe for your dog and can be used as treats or dietary additions.
The Importance of Understanding What Foods are Safe for Your Dog
Indian homes generally love to feed their pets along with them when they are having their meals. This guide will ensure you feed them properly without poisoning your dogs due to unsafe foods.
Safe Proteins
- Plain boiled chicken
- Plain boiled or scrambled eggs
- Paneer, in moderation (great for veggie households)
- Plain fish, completely deboned, and free from spices
Safe Fruits
- Apples (seedless) – high in fiber content
- Bananas, in small quantity due to the natural sugar content
- Watermelon (seedless) – good for hydration in the summer months in India
- Papayas in small quantities, easily digestible
Safe Vegetables
- Carrots (raw/cooked) – good for teeth, especially if raw
- Pumpkin (cooked/plain) – highly digestible and good for digestion
- Green beans (plain/unsalted)
- Cucumber – a low-calorie, refreshing treat
Safe Grains/Starches
- Rice, white/brown, in moderation
- Oats cooked with no salt/sugar added
- Sweet potato cooked with nothing added
Other Human Foods That Are Safe
- Curd/yogurt in small quantities (often well-tolerated than milk)
- Coconut, in small quantities (not a regular treat though)
- Peanut butter in moderate quantity (no xylitol, please)
Tips for Adding New Food To Your Dog’s Diet
- Add them to the diet in small quantities at first
- No seasoning allowed (no salt, spices, onions/garlic etc.)
- One food at a time to understand any possible sensitivity issues
- Maintain less than 10% of your pet’s daily calorie intake through treats
A Small Reminder Regarding What Not To Eat
Though some food may fall in the category of foods listed above, you must never give onion, garlic, chocolate, grapes/raisins, caffeinated beverages or highly seasoned or salted foods.
Closing Thought
Having knowledge about what are human foods safe for your dog will save you from stress and confusion during meal times, allowing you to treat your dog without worry. Please note, however, that these foods are only to be used as dietary add-ons and not as replacements. For more information about developing a healthy routine for your puppy, refer to our puppy training guide.