16 Healthy and Safe Foods You Can Feed Your Dog

Let's be honest: We're all guilty of sneaking our pups a little human food off our plates here and there, right? While many things that people eat are safe for dogs, our pups have a different digestive system and nutritional needs, so our people foods aren't always the best choice for our four-legged friends.

The good news is that there are plenty of dog-friendly meats, fruits and veggies that are wonderful snacks for dogs. Whether you're looking for some healthy dog treats or want to supplement your dog's existing diet with some whole foods, here are some of the best options for your dog that are good for them — and good for you, too!

Important Note: Just like with humans, give your dogs these foods as treats in small or moderate amounts. Treats should only make up about 10% of your dog's diet, even if their treats are mostly from the list below.¹ Also, just because something is healthy for dogs doesn't mean your dog will enjoy or tolerate it. If your dog reacts to any food, stop feeding it to them and call your veterinarian.

There are also some human foods that can be toxic to dogs. Find a complete list at aspca.org, and if you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.

1. Apples

Fresh apples are a wonderful, crunchy snack for dogs. The fruit is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, which is important for digestive health.²

Vitamin A supports the immune system and skin health.² It promotes good vision, too.³ Meanwhile, vitamin C can help reduce inflammation and cognitive aging.³

That being said, there is such a thing as too much vitamin A. It's not likely to occur from eating a few foods as treats every once in a while, but can lead to a serious medical issue if too much is given in the form of raw liver, cod liver oil or other supplements.⁴

2. Bananas

Bananas are a tasty treat that are well-suited for older dogs who may have fewer or more sensitive teeth, since this fruit is easy to chew. Bananas are also full of magnesium for good bone health. However, they are high in sugar, so they should be offered sparingly.²

3. Blueberries

Blueberries (or deep purple, depending on who you ask) are a tasty treat for humans and dogs alike. They are a rich source of fiber and antioxidants, which may reduce the risk of diseases, disorders and age-related issues.²

4. Carrots

Carrots can be a great treat for dogs. The crunchy texture can help remove plaque from their teeth, and the orange root vegetable is also a good source of vitamin A.²

5. Unsalted Cashews

Not all nuts are safe for dogs (almonds can get stuck in your dog's throat and macadamia nuts are toxic), but a few unsalted cashews every now and then are OK for dogs. They have less fat than other nuts and contain calcium, magnesium, antioxidants and protein.⁵

6. Cauliflower

Low in calories and packed with a wide variety of nutrients — including fiber, antioxidants, vitamins C, K and B6, folate, pantothenic acid, potassium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and choline — cauliflower is a great way to supplement your dog's regular diet. However, despite all of its benefits, cauliflower can make your dog gassy, so keep this treat restricted to small amounts. It's safe to share with your pup raw or cooked, just make sure it's unseasoned.¹

7. Unseasoned Cooked Chicken

If your dog has an upset stomach, chances are your vet will recommend feeding them plain, boiled chicken² (one good way to present it is as a meat topper to your dog's kibble). It's easily digestible, high in protein and low in fat.⁶ That said, dogs are omnivores and need more than just meat in their diet, so be sure to use this as a supplement or treat, not as a sole source of food.⁶ And never give your dog chicken bones (raw or cooked), as they can splinter and damage your dog's GI tract.⁶

8. Unseasoned Cooked Eggs

Eggs are a good source of protein and can help settle an upset stomach — as long as they are fully cooked and unseasoned.⁵ They are also a good source of vitamin D, selenium and riboflavin.⁶

9. Cooked and Unseasoned Fish

Fish, especially salmon and sardines, are a good source of protein and amino acids.⁵ They're also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.⁶ An added benefit of sardines is that their soft bones provide extra calcium.⁵

Note: Sardines are the only fish you can leave the bones in; otherwise, it's important to remove all fish bones before feeding to your dog. Always fully cook fish and limit your dog's intake to no more than two times per week.⁵

10. Green Beans

Green beans are one of the best foods on this list for overweight dogs because they are low in calories and fat. This veggie is also a good source of fiber and vitamin C. You can feed your dog cooked green beans.⁶ Or, give them frozen beans for a crunchy snack.²

11. Peanuts and Peanut Butter

Peanuts are another safe nut for dogs to eat, as long as they are unsalted. They have good fats and protein, but too much fat can lead to issues like pancreatitis. Peanut butter has the added benefits of vitamins B and E as well as niacin. Just make sure that the peanut butter doesn't contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that is toxic to dogs.⁵

12. Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a fantastic supplement to any dog's diet: It's rich in nutritional value (vitamins A, C and E, plus minerals like iron and potassium) and has high soluble fiber content, making it great for your dog's digestion and helping with tummy issues like diarrhea or constipation. It is high in prebiotics, too, which support the digestive tract.⁷

The only downside is that it's high in calories and can cause weight gain; it can also cause nutritional deficiencies. Always make sure that if you are buying your dog canned pumpkin that it is pure pumpkin — not pumpkin pie filling with dangerous-for-dogs additives.⁷

13. Cooked White Rice

Another often-recommended food if your dog needs a bland diet for a few days, cooked white rice is easy for your dog to digest and helps bind stool. It can cause a spike in blood sugar though, so dogs with diabetes should only eat small amounts of rice.² Your vet can help you determine how much rice, if at all, your dog should consume.

14. Cooked and Unseasoned Turkey

Like chicken, turkey is a good source of protein. Be sure to remove the skin, bones and fat; any turkey you give your dog should be fully cooked and unseasoned.²

15. Watermelon

Anyone who has taken a bite of a watermelon and immediately felt the juices running down their chin knows that the fruit is a delicious way to stay hydrated in the summer. It's also a good source of vitamins A, C and B6. Remove the seeds and rind before giving watermelon to your dog.²

16. Plain Yogurt

Some dogs have difficulty digesting dairy products, but plain yogurt can be a wonderfully healthy treat for your dog, as probiotics can help strengthen your dog's digestive system. However, don't give your dog yogurt with any added sugar or artificial sweeteners.⁵

CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Dogs

The CareCredit credit card provides a convenient way to pay for your dog's vaccinations and other health and wellness expenses, including exams, medications and products at providers in the CareCredit network.* Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App. You can find a provider on the go, manage your CareCredit account and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos. Use our Acceptance Locator to find a veterinarian that accepts CareCredit to help keep your pet healthy and happy for a lifetime of love.

In addition to pet care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Abbie Mood is a freelance writer with more than 10 years of experience. She has worked with clients of all sizes to create compelling content and she has written for the American Kennel Club, Marriott Bonvoy, Women's Health Online, Headspace and more.