10 People Foods Dogs Can Eat

Nikole Stewart |

Updated: Mar 5, 2025

Foods Dogs Can Eat Main, Unsplash — Credit: Unsplash

Kibble again? Dogs need a steady, boring diet of balanced pet chow — but there are some human foods dogs can eat for a little variety.

While we all know some foods are toxic to dogs, like chocolate, grapes, garlic, and avocado, there are some foods dogs can eat that are even beneficial. Try these options if you want to include a few nutritious additions to your pup’s dinner.

Sign up for the newsletter for more health and wellness tips.

1. Lean Meats and Fish

Lean Fish Dog Food, Unsplash — Credit: Unsplash

Cooked, lean meats and fish like chicken, turkey, salmon, and tuna are fine for most dogs. Make sure to remove the bones and fat (including the skin) before you feed your pooch. Meats are such a treat for dogs, so you may want to cut the meat into small pieces and use it for training purposes. If you just lay down a whole slab of chicken breast, your dog will (characteristically) wolf it down in seconds.

2. Fresh Vegetables

Fresh Vegetables Dog Food, Unsplash — Credit: Unsplash

Dogs love to crunch on fresh vegetables. Slice up carrots, cucumbers, green beans, broccoli, and zucchini into bite-size bits, and give your dog a fresh veggie salad. Make sure that raw vegetables don’t make up more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily diet.

3. Eggs

Boiled Eggs Dog Food, Unsplash — Credit: Unsplash

One of the best people foods dogs can eat is eggs. They offer a punch of protein, improve digestion, and are nutrient-dense with vitamins and minerals. Feed your dog scrambled or boiled eggs with no seasoning.

4. Baked Potato

Baked Potatoes Dog Food, Unsplash — Credit: Unsplash

Hold the butter and sour cream, and you can feed your dog a plain, peeled, baked potato. Make sure that it’s cool all the way through before you do, and never give your dog raw potatoes or potato plants.

5. Yogurts

Yogurt Dog Food, Unsplash — Credit: Unsplash

Plain yogurt is a great treat for dogs, and it can also soothe their stomachs in case of digestive issues. Be careful though — some dogs have trouble digesting dairy. It also makes a great enrichment tool if you spread yogurt on a lick mat with nut butter or pumpkin puree and freeze it.

6. Fruits

Fresh Fruits Dog Food, Unsplash — Credit: Unsplash

Your dog can enjoy many fresh fruits safely, including bananas, oranges, apples, and watermelons. Slice the fruit into chunks that are the appropriate sizes for your breed of dog, and remove any leaves, stems, or seeds.

Some fruit seeds and pits can be fatal for dogs, so you must do a thorough search of stray elements before feeding.

7. White Rice

White Rice Dog Food, Unsplash — Credit: Unsplash

It may seem bland to you, but plain, cooked white rice is perfect for your pooch. White rice is a good option to keep on hand for upset stomachs. Combine white rice with plain cooked chicken for a great meal that provides gastrointestinal relief.

8. Oatmeal

how to cook oatmeal, served in a white bowl with a spoon, oatmeal is a healthy human food for dogs — Credit: Kate Gavlick

Cooked oatmeal with no sugar added is a healthy dog food, and it’s also safe for canines with wheat allergies. Make sure it cools completely before serving.

9. Plain Pasta

Image of a flat lay of various dry pasta noodles, from colorful shapes to penne and lasagna sheets for easy lasagna soup recipes — Credit: Organic Authority Studio

Cook and cool pasta and serve it plain for an easy, bland meal for your dog. Some dogs might turn up their nose at plain pasta, but others will scarf it down

10. Nut Butter

Nut Butter Dog Food, Unsplash — Credit: Unsplash

Nut butter is often one of the common flavors for dog treats, which makes it one of the best foods dogs can eat. Specifically, unslated, natural nut butter. It’s high in protein, fiber, and vital minerals like magnesium. Of course like any treat, don’t go overboard. Go ahead, smear it on the roof of your dog’s mouth for a good laugh.