Photo credits: Jonathan Cooper

Introduction

If you’re a pet lover, you know how much joy and companionship our furry friends can bring to our lives. But for homeless pet owners, the challenges of providing for their loyal friends can be difficult.
According to some statistics, close to 10% of homeless people in the United States have pets, which are mostly cats and dogs. Feeding Pets of the Homeless believes it is 15-25%. Many of these pet owners would normally face challenges when it comes to feeding their four-legged friend.
By providing homeless dog owners with food, supplies, and other necessities, we can help ensure that their dogs stay healthy and happy, even when times are tough.
And the benefits of supporting homeless pet owners and their animals extend beyond just helping individual pets and their owners.
But, can dogs eat human food? We’ll provide more information on the human foods that are safe for dogs to eat, as well as some tips for feeding your dog such a diet.
By supporting homeless pet owners and their beloved friends, we can help make the world a humane and more compassionate place for all. Don’t shy from taking action today.

10 Human Foods That Dogs Can Eat

When it comes to safe human foods for dogs, fruits and vegetables are generally a good choice. Dogs can benefit from the vitamins and nutrients found in these foods.
To get a full picture of this matter, we recommend that you read through the safe types of fruits that dogs can eat and how to feed them.

Photo credits: Alin Andersen
Grains and proteins can also be part of a healthy diet for dogs. Make sure to avoid feeding your canine friend raw meats, as these can contain dangerous bacteria which may cause infections.
With that said, here is a list of 10 human foods that are safe for dogs to consume:
1. Lean meat and fish
Dogs can eat lean meat and fish as part of a healthy diet. Lean meat, such as chicken, turkey, and lean cuts of beef or pork, provide protein and essential amino acids that are necessary for maintaining strong muscles and a healthy immune system.
Fish, such as salmon, tuna, and trout, are also a good source of protein and are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help support healthy skin and coat.
However, it is important to make sure that the meat and fish are cooked properly and do not contain any bones, which can be dangerous for dogs to consume.
It is best to feed lean meat and fish to dogs in moderation, as overfeeding can lead to obesity and other medical conditions.
2. Carrots
Carrots are crunchy, and low in calories, and they contain vitamins and minerals that can be beneficial for dogs.
They are among the best snacks that you can give dogs belonging to the homeless because of their simplicity in eating.
Carrots are also a good source of fiber, which can help support healthy digestion. However, like with any treat, it is important to feed carrots to dogs in moderation, as overfeeding can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
Keep in mind that carrots should be given to dogs in small pieces to prevent choking; which can be hazardous.
3. Peanut butter
Peanut butter can be a good treat for dogs when given in measured quantities. It is a good source of protein and healthy fats, which can be beneficial for your dog’s coat, skin, and overall health.
However, it is important to choose a peanut butter that does not contain xylitol, as this sweetener can be toxic to dogs.
Xylitol is commonly found in sugar-free and low-sugar peanut butter, so be sure to check the label before giving your dog peanut butter.
Overfeeding peanut butter can lead to weight gain, which can be harmful to your dog’s health.
4. Banana
Dogs can eat bananas as a healthy treat. They are a good source of potassium, vitamins, and fiber, which can support healthy digestion and provide other health benefits.
However, it is important to feed bananas to dogs in controlled quantities, as they are high in sugar and can cause weight gain if given in excess quantities.

Photo credits: Karsten Winegeart
Bananas should be given to dogs in small pieces to prevent choking. It is also important to avoid feeding dogs the peel of the banana, as it can be difficult for them to digest.
5. Apples
Apples are packed with vitamins C and E, as well as fiber-rich carbohydrates, which can provide your dog with energy.
Just remember to remove the core and seeds, as these can choke your pet if not careful. You can also give your dog the peel, which contains additional nutrients, but avoid it for a dog with a sensitive stomach.
6. Yogurt
Dogs can safely eat yogurt, but it should be given to them in moderation. While yogurt is a good source of calcium and protein, it also contains lactose, which is a natural sugar that some dogs may be unable to digest.
In these cases, eating yogurt can lead to digestive upset, bloating, and diarrhea. To avoid any possible problems, it’s best to choose a plain, unsweetened yogurt for your dog. This will ensure that there are no added sweeteners, which can be harmful to dogs.
7. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a good source of fiber and protein, and it can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet. However, it’s important to make sure that the oatmeal is prepared properly before giving it to your dog.
Oatmeal should be cooked without any added sugar, salt, or other seasonings, as these can be harmful to dogs.
The rolled oats should be cooled to a safe temperature before feeding them to your dog.
8. Cheese
Even though most dogs would enjoy eating cheese as a treat, some finicky ones may move their noses away. Make sure not to give your dog too much cheese, as it can lead to weight gain.
Cheese is packed with proteins, vitamins A & B 12, and calcium, among many other nutrients. This tasty treat can be used to train puppies who are motivated by food.
9. Eggs
Eggs are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and they can be a healthy addition to a dog’s diet.
However, it’s important to prepare eggs properly before giving them to the dog. Raw eggs should never be given to dogs, because they may contain salmonella bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
Cooked eggs, on the other hand, are safe for dogs to eat. They can be scrambled, boiled, or fried, but should never be seasoned with salt, pepper, or any other spices.
10. Vegetable
Green Beans/Pumpkin Puree/Broccoli/Brussels Sprouts/Squash/Sweet Potatoes: All of these veggies are packed with diverse vitamins as well as dietary fiber and they are a perfect addition to your dog’s food bowl. Just be careful not to let your dog overindulge in these foods.

Tips For Feeding Human Food to Dogs

When it comes to feeding human food to dogs, it’s important to portion it properly. A good rule that will guide you is to limit human food to no more than 10% of your dog’s diet.
Always remember that dogs have a different digestive system from ours, and too much human food could burden their digestive health.
Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems in dogs. It’s also important to maintain a balanced diet, so be sure to consult with a veterinarian if you have any questions.

What To Do in Case of Human Food Intolerance in Dogs

If your dog appears to be suffering from human food intolerance, you must take immediate action.
The best thing to do first is to stop feeding the dog any human food. Doing this will help lessen the negative symptoms they may be experiencing and can help prevent future distress.
If you come across a dog that belongs to a homeless person have them call Feeding Pets of the Homeless to get an appointment with a vet that they will pay at time of service.
Taking a dog belonging to the homeless to the vet is one of the ways you can help them take care of their pets.
A vet will provide insight into likely causes and a potential solution that will help to remedy the situation.
Taking proactive steps towards identifying intolerance problems with human food will help ensure the dog lives a long and healthy life.

Can Dogs Eat Human Food? – The Verdict

Dogs can safely eat lots of human foods, including eggs, pumpkin, oatmeal, and a whole load of others. These foods can provide valuable nutrition and can be a healthy supplement to your dog’s diet.
It’s always important to choose the right foods and prepare them properly to avoid any potential problems. Some human foods, such as onions and grapes, can be toxic to dogs and should be kept away.
If you see a homeless pet in need, don’t shy out from offering them some pet-safe snacks to help out.
For more information on how you can help homeless pets and their owners, visit our Other Ways to Help page to see the various options.
Keep in mind that a little bit of kindness can go a long way in making the world a better place for all of our furry friends.