Picture this: You’ve got your favorite snack in hand, and you open the bag a bit louder than you’d hoped. Your dog seems to think the crinkle of the bag is the dinner bell, and you don’t want to turn down those adorable eyes. However, you can’t remember what human foods dogs can and can’t have. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of 10 healthy human snacks that you can share with your four-legged family member.
1. Bell Peppers – Bright, crunchy, and full of vitamins, bell peppers of any color are amazing snacks! Just skip on seeds, stems, and spicy peppers, like jalapeños and serranos. If your pup finds the skin tough, steaming or pureeing the pepper might help them out chew and digest a little easier. Fun fact: Red bell peppers have the most vitamins and antioxidants of the bunch.
2. Fish – If your dog has been watching you eat seafood, it’s natural to wonder if they can share. Cooked fish that’s low in mercury, like salmon and sardines, are packed with protein and heart-healthy omega-3s. Even a couple of steamed, shelled shrimp are also an excellent source of vitamins. Make sure to avoid anything breaded, fried, or seasoned.
3. Pineapple – Raw pineapple makes a fun tropical treat for your pup. It’s juicy, sweet, and full of fiber! Just don’t offer more than a few small chunks, since it’s pretty sugary. Steer clear of the canned stuff too—it’s sitting in sugary syrup.
4. Squash – Unseasoned steamed or roasted squash is a fun, nutritious addition to the regular dog food routine, whether that be as a mix-in with their normal food or on its own. According to the Chief Veterinarian for the American Kennel Club, Dr. Jerry Klein, the best squashes for your pup are butternut squash, pumpkin, zucchini, and acorn squash. Make sure to get rid of the seeds, stems, and rind. Pumpkin can be especially kind on upset tummies, but make sure you’ve got unsweetened pumpkin and not pie filling.
5. Cantaloupe – Minus the rind, cantaloupe is a terrific treat not only for the taste, but because of its rehydrating power. It’s got low calories, high water content, and lots of fiber and vitamins! Don’t give your pup too much, though, because it’s still pretty sugary.
6. Green beans – All forms of green bean are wonderful for dog treats. Steamed, raw, canned, and even frozen are all great as long as they’re plain and unsalted. They’re low-calorie and full of good stuff like iron and calcium.
7. Turkey – Once you remove the skin and bones, unseasoned turkey meat is a lean protein-rich treat. If you roasted the turkey with onions or garlic or spiced it already, don’t let your pup have any this time.
8. Olives – Plain olives can be a tasty little treat for your dog. They’re packed with healthy fats and vitamin E. Just make sure they’re free from anything extra—no garlic, seasonings, oils, brines, alcohol, and pits.
9. Rice – A super easy snack for both you and your dog, boiled white rice is a simple starchy snack that’s easy on the tummy. Brown rice adds more nutrients but is a bit harder to digest. Keep it plain with no seasonings, and make sure not to include too many carbs in their diet.
10. Cilantro – Feeling fancy? A small quantity of cilantro leaves (with no stems) is a cute way to garnish your dog’s food. It’s not just for show, though! Cilantro is full of vitamins like calcium and magnesium. However, the AKC’s Dr. Klein says many dogs don’t enjoy the taste, so you’ll have to give them a couple leaves to try it out!
In general, dogs’ food should give them all the nutrients they need. Remember to keep it simple, cut into small bite-sized pieces, and go slow with new foods. Every once in a while, it can be loads of fun to try something new.