What Kind of Human Food Can a Dog Eat?

Even though vets across the country admonish dog parents against feeding their pups human food, it is the rare few who can withstand the pleading eyes of their best friend when it comes to sharing a meal. Skip the junk food and a surprising amount of people food is not only OK to feed the dog, but actually healthy for him.

Protein is at the top of your dog's list of nutritional needs. Your dog can get a dose of protein from human foods like hard-boiled eggs, peanut butter, tofu, yogurt, cottage cheese, chicken, beef, turkey and salmon. There's an ongoing debate over whether you should feed your dog a raw or cooked diet, but you'll always be on the safe side if you thoroughly cook the meats you feed your dog. Just make sure that the meats you feed your dog are lean. Too much fat can turn into too much dog and it can make him sick too.

Your dog needs grains in his diet, but just as with humans, too many carbohydrates can have a negative effect on his weight and his health. Cooked sweet potatoes, oats, barley and brown and white rice are all dog-friendly human foods that are healthy additions to your dog's diet.

Fresh fruits and vegetables that you enjoy can be a valuable source of vitamins and minerals that are vital to your dog's health. You don't need to feel guilty about feeding him fresh apple slices without the core, stem or seeds, baby carrots, broccoli, bananas, green beans and strawberries. Broccoli can be a bit difficult for anyone to digest, however, so it might be best to feed your dog only cooked broccoli, in limited amounts.

Maybe people are so often counseled against feeding their dogs "people" food because it's easy to go overboard and feed Fido too much of a good thing. If you focus on feeding your dog quality human food in small amounts, and ensure his nutritional needs are met by feeding him a quality kibble or canned food as the basis of his diet—and, of course, as long as he doesn't make a nuisance of himself begging at the table—there's no reason not to share healthy bits of your dinner or snack with him.