What human food can dog eat

Dogs can’t eat everything that humans can. But there are plenty of human foods that are healthy for dogs to eat. (We all know that dogs can benefit from staples like meat and vegetables just as much as humans!) And there are even some meals that both you and your dog can enjoy together. You should always check with your vet. But many snacks and meals that you would eat yourself can also go on Fido’s plate.

Below, check out the meals that you can serve to your whole family — even if at least one of your family members is furry and has four legs.

1. A spinach omelet

Woman’s Day counts a spinach omelet as one of the healthiest human meals that you can feed your dog. “Eggs are eggs-cellent for pooches,” the publication quips. The spinach gives your dog a healthy dose of fiber, which can help regulate his weight. Plus, spinach has vitamins A and K, which keep his metabolism, skin, and coat healthy. Just stick with one egg, or a few egg whites, at a sitting.

Next: This delicious combination makes a healthy snack.

2. A yogurt and banana parfait

Woman’s Day also recommends feeding your dog the occasional parfait, particularly as a post-playtime snack. Yogurt gives your dog plenty of protein and calcium. Plus, bananas give him electrolytes, potassium, and fiber. The publication notes that together, these nutrients will help your dog maintain fluid balance and muscle strength. They can even boost his energy! Larger dogs can eat 6 ounces of plain, lowfat yogurt, while smaller breeds should just get a 3-ounce serving.

Next: This breakfast food gives your dog lots of protein.

3. Scrambled eggs

Another food that both you and your dog can eat for breakfast, or, let’s be honest, any other meal of the day? Scrambled eggs. Eggs are a great source of protein for dogs, and they’re safe for Fido to eat as long as they’re fully cooked. (No eggs over easy for your pup.) Rover recommends preparing your scrambled eggs in a small amount of olive oil. Then, just serve them to your dog over plain, cooked grains with a side of vegetables. The publication promises “It’s a balanced homemade meal your dog will love.”

Next: This fruit-based snack will clean your dog’s teeth.

4. Apples and peanut butter

Looking for a healthy snack that both you and your dog will enjoy? Try apples and peanut butter! Apples not only clean your dog’s teeth and freshen his breath, but they also contain pectin, which will help keep his digestive system in tip-top shape. Feed your dog just a few slices, since apples do contain a lot of sugar. (You can leave the skin on, but make sure that you discard the core and seeds.) Add one or two teaspoons of natural peanut butter to give your dog healthy fats, proteins, and even vitamins.

Next: This snack can keep your dog hydrated on hot days.

5. Fruit salad

Do you love fruit salad? Your dog might, too! Woman’s Day reports that this sweet treat will give your dog a delicious dose of vitamin C and fiber. Dogs can eat melons, including watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe. They also enjoy berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. (Just avoid grapes, which can cause kidney failure in dogs.) You can even top the fruit salad with cottage cheese, which offers plenty of protein. Just make sure you only serve this treat occasionally, since it does contain a lot of sugar.

Next: Feed your dog this snack, and he’ll love movie night as much as you do.

6. Unsalted, butter-free popcorn

Your dog may not be able to share a bag of microwave popcorn with you. But plain, air-popped popcorn? That’s healthy to share with him! This snack gives your dog a healthy dose of phosphorous, magnesium, and calcium. Just don’t add butter or salt (at least not to your dog’s portion). And make sure that you pick out any unpopped kernels. Woman’s Day reports that a dog the size of a Labrador retriever can eat 2 cups of plain popcorn.

Next: This delicious meal offers lots of dog-friendly nutrients.

7. Boiled chicken with brown rice

Don’t want to make dinner just for yourself? Then make something you can share with your dog! Woman’s Day recommends serving Fido the fiber-rich combination of boiled chicken and brown rice, especially on days when he’s had an upset stomach. Start with a half-ounce serving of chicken, just to make sure that your dog tolerates it well. And remember not to season the chicken with anything but salt and pepper. (Common seasonings such as onion and garlic aren’t good for dogs.)

Next: This hearty meal gives your dog lots of vitamins. 

8. Beef with spinach

Rover reports that dogs can eat plainly-cooked lean beef. (Just don’t feed your dog any fancy seasonings or grilled cuts of meat.) PetMD notes that many people give lean ground beef to their dogs because it’s rich in amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. Similarly, the AKC notes that dogs can eat fresh spinach, which contains large amounts of vitamins A, B, C, and K. It also contains iron, antioxidants, beta-carotene, and roughage, which stimulates the digestive tract. Just serve your dog plainly cooked ground beef over a bed of steamed spinach for a healthy but delicious dinner.

Next: This seafood meal is good for both you and your dog.

9. Salmon and green beans

Another delicious combination that both you and your dog can eat for dinner? Salmon and green beans. According to Woman’s Day, salmon gives you and your pup a healthy dose of omega 3s and fish oil. (Your joints, and your dog’s, will thank you!) Just cook the salmon well, and stick with a 1-ounce portion for smaller dogs or a 2-ounce serving for bigger breeds. But you can serve your dog a larger amount of green beans, which are low in calories but high in fiber, which makes dogs feel full.

Next: Try this alternative if you or your dog don’t like salmon.

10. Whitefish and green beans

Don’t love salmon? Then you probably don’t have any sitting in your freezer. But even people who dislike the strong taste of salmon often like whitefish, and whitefish also makes a great meal for your dog. As PetMD explains, this seafood gives your dog a healthy dose of lean protein and omega 3 fatty acids. Whitefish also contains calcium, phosphorous, and B vitamins. A few to look out for? You can buy haddock, cod, trout, or tilapia, and cook it simply (without dangerous seasonings of lots of fat). Then, serve it with green beans, just like you would with salmon.

Next: Dogs can eat steak, too!

11. Steak and sweet potatoes

While this combination sounds a little sophisticated for a puppy palate, Woman’s Day enthusiastically recommends this meal for Fido. Lean red meat gives your dog amino acids, which build muscle, plus B vitamins, which stimulate his metabolism. Just bake or boil 1 ounce of a lean cut and trim off any visible fat. Add some mashed sweet potatoes, which will give your dog a healthy dose of fiber, vitamin C, and beta carotene. Just hold the butter and brown sugar, which make the dish less healthy for both you and your pup.

Next: This pasta dish has plenty of nutrients.

12. Pasta with peas and carrots

Next up on the Woman’s Day list? Pasta with peas and carrots. You can easily prepare this meal for your dog (and yourself) without pricy ingredients. Just prepare plain boiled pasta, and use frozen peas and carrots instead of canned. (That way, you’ll maximize the dish’s nutritional value.) You may want to go with gluten-free pasta, too, in order to avoid triggering any gluten allergies. The veggies will give your dog vitamin A, which benefits his skin and coat, plus B vitamins, which help his metabolism.  Depending on your dog’s size, you can boil a quarter-cup to a cup of dry pasta for him.

Next: Both you and your dog will enjoy this stew.

13. Goulash

Entirely Pets has another recommendation for a delicious meal you can share with your pet: goulash. Though this Hungarian stew traditionally features paprika and other spices, you’ll want to leave those out of your dog’s portion. But everything else in the recipe is safe and healthy for your dog to eat. The publication explains, “Grind 3 cups of fresh vegetables, such as, broccoli, asparagus, spinach, kale, carrots, green beans and sweet potatoes in a blender or food processor. Mix vegetable medley with 1 pound of ground meat like turkey, beef or venison.” Next, add in 2 cups of cooked brown rice, and two hardboiled eggs. Simmer with water in a covered pot for 2 hours.

Next: Dogs and people both like casseroles.

14. A simple casserole

Entirely Pets also recommends making a simple casserole to share with your dog. “Just take 1 pound of any type of meat and place into a large casserole dish. Add 1 finely chopped carrot, potato and celery. Then add a half cup of sliced green beans. ” Cover the ingredients with water and mix. You can cook it in the oven or even in the microwave, then let it cool before serving it to your dog.

Next: This delicious dessert has both canine and human fans. 

15. Peanut butter oatmeal cookies

Want to share dessert with your dog? Woman’s Day recommends whipping up a batch of peanut butter oatmeal cookies. Peanut butter is packed with healthy vitamins. And oatmeal includes lots of soluble fiber. As for how to make them? Woman’s Day explains, “Simply combine raw, rolled oats (not the flavored, sweetened kind) with plain, all-natural peanut butter and bake until crisp.”

Read more: 15 of the Healthiest Foods You Can Give to Your Dog

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