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By Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Certified pet nutritionist in Singapore
QUICK ANSWER
Not all human food is bad for dogs. Plenty of everyday foods are safe to share in small amounts, like eggs, cooked chicken, plain yoghurt, pumpkin and most fruits without the seeds or pits. But some are dangerous, including grapes, raisins, chocolate, onions, xylitol and macadamia nuts. If your dog eats something toxic, see your vet straight away.
Sharing food with your dog can be a lovely thing. Just keep portions small, count extras as part of the day's food, and don't let it turn into begging at the table. Too many scraps can also lead to weight gain. Read more in helping your dog reach a healthy weight.
Human foods your dog can share
Eggs
A great source of protein, riboflavin and selenium. Soft-boiled with a runny yolk is best, but any style your dog enjoys is fine, as long as it's plain.
Cooked chicken
A good source of protein, in meals or as a high-value treat. Always remove the bones first, as cooked bones splinter.
Plain Greek yoghurt
A tasty topper for meals. Choose plain and unsweetened, with no added sugar or sweeteners. Raw goat milk is another gentle option.
Cheese
Fine in small amounts if your dog tolerates dairy. Cottage cheese is a good choice. Cheese is high in fat, so skip it for dogs prone to pancreatitis.
Peanut butter
Choose organic, unsalted peanut butter with no added sugar. Always check the label for xylitol, which is deadly for dogs.
Pumpkin
Rich in fibre and beta-carotene, and gentle on the tummy. Feed it cooked or as a purée. Read more in pumpkin for dogs.
Carrots and green beans
Low in calories and full of fibre. Steam or cook them, then purée, so your dog can digest them properly. No salt.
Salmon
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids for the skin, coat and immune system. Raw is best, as heat can oxidise the delicate oils in the fish. Otherwise, gently cook or steam it. Choose wild-caught salmon, and if feeding raw, sushi-grade is highly recommended. Always freeze it first to kill any parasites, and remove the bones.
Oatmeal
Fine once in a while. Cook it plain, with no sugar or flavourings.
Fruits
Most fruits are safe in small amounts, as long as you remove the seeds, pits and cores. Read more in can dogs eat watermelon?.
Durian
Fine in small amounts occasionally, but not as a daily fruit. Only the flesh, never the seed or husk. It's high in sugar and fat.
FROM MY EXPERIENCE
Human foods Wangcai and BeanBean share with me: homemade barley water (just plain barley and water, no sugar), Greek yoghurt, kombucha, kefir, and all kinds of fruits, always without the seeds or pits.
For more ideas, try these hydrating dog treats.
Human foods that are toxic for dogs
Grapes and raisins: can cause sudden kidney failure, even in small amounts. Vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy are early signs.
Chocolate: contains theobromine and caffeine. Dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous. Read what to do if your dog eats chocolate.
Xylitol: a sweetener in sugar-free gum, sweets, some peanut butters and baked goods. It causes a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver damage.
Onions, leeks and chives: damage red blood cells and can cause anaemia, whether raw, cooked or powdered.
Macadamia nuts: can cause weakness in the back legs, vomiting, tremors, lethargy and a drop in body temperature.
Caffeine: in coffee, tea and energy drinks. It overstimulates the nervous system, causing vomiting, restlessness and a racing heart, and can be fatal.
Alcohol: even small amounts can cause vomiting, breathing problems and collapse.
Cooked bones: splinter easily and can cause choking, tears or blockages in the gut. Read raw bones for dogs and cats.
Handle with care
Avocado
The flesh is fine in small amounts. Never give the pit, skin or leaves. They contain persin, and the pit is a choking and blockage risk.
Apples and stone fruits
The flesh is fine. Apple seeds and the pits of plums, peaches and apricots contain compounds that release cyanide, and cores and pits can cause blockages.
Bacon and fatty meats
Bacon is basically pork, so it depends on the cut and how it's cooked. Lean bacon, cooked in coconut oil, is totally fine. Fatty cuts and greasy, fried meats can trigger pancreatitis and upset digestion. Most bacon is cured with a lot of salt, so choose bacon with no added salt. Read more in coconut oil and pancreatitis.
Garlic
Unlike onions, garlic can be beneficial in small, safe amounts. Read garlic for dogs for how much is safe.
If your dog eats something toxic, see your vet straight away, even if they seem fine. Some toxins, like grapes and xylitol, can take hours to show symptoms. Bring the packaging if you can.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat rice?
Yes, dogs can eat plain cooked rice once in a while, but it's not something I recommend. Rice is high in starch, and dogs don't need this type of carbohydrate. There are better complex carbs to choose from. If you really need to use rice, choose brown rice.
Can dogs drink kombucha or kefir?
In small amounts, yes. Choose plain, unflavoured, low-sugar options and start with a little.
Is it OK to give my dog table scraps?
Plain, unseasoned foods from the safe list are fine in small amounts. Avoid anything cooked with onions, garlic-heavy sauces, salt, spices or oil.
This article is for educational purposes and isn't a substitute for veterinary care. If you're concerned about your pet's health, please seek professional advice.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Judyvein is a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist and Certified Raw Nutrition Coach for Cats & Dogs, and the founder of JOOF Holistic Pet. Her journey began with her Frenchie, Wangcai, and today she helps pet parents in Singapore take a root-cause approach to their pets' health.
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