Foods Dogs Can and Can’t Eat 2026 (Safe Human Foods for Dogs)

Foods dogs can and can’t eat is something I google all the time — especially as an ex-chef who prefers natural, unprocessed ingredients over packaged stuff.

My 8.5-year-old Shih Tzu/Maltese mix rescue (Tofu — all white and fluffy, under 25 pounds) eats basically anything I offer (he’s never been picky). His regular diet is Blue Buffalo dry food, but I mix in homemade toppers to make meals more exciting and nutritious.

From time to time, I make fresh meals with simple ingredients — boiled chicken, pumpkin, celery, carrots, and tiny bits of steak for special occasions (birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving). He loves the crunch of celery and carrots, and pumpkin helps his digestion. Apples? Not his favorite — he takes a bite and walks away, not sure why.

I always double-check safety online or with the vet before trying something new — some human foods are toxic, and even safe ones need portion control and plain preparation (no salt, oil, spices).

In this guide, I’ll share safe human foods dogs can eat (with Tofu’s favorites and how I use them as an ex-chef), dangerous ones to avoid, and tips for sharing fresh ingredients safely in 2026 — from my chef perspective.

Caption: Tofu enjoying his fresh chicken and pumpkin topper — simple, natural, and he loves it.

Safe Human Foods Dogs Can Eat (Tofu’s Approved List)

These are healthy in moderation — plain, cooked or raw as noted, small portions.

1. Chicken (cooked, boneless, skinless) Tofu’s favorite topper — boiled or baked.
   • Benefits: High protein, easy to digest.
   • How I use it: Boil and shred for meals or toppers — sometimes with a little pumpkin for variety.
2. Carrots (raw or cooked) Crunchy and low-calorie.
   • Benefits: Natural teeth cleaner, vitamin A for eyes and coat.
   • Tofu’s take: Loves the crunch — great for chewing time.
3. Celery (raw sticks) Super low-calorie treat.
   • Benefits: Freshens breath a bit, hydrating, fiber.
   • How I use it: Cut into small pieces as a snack.
4. Pumpkin (plain cooked or canned — no sugar) Tofu’s digestion helper.
   • Benefits: Fiber for stool consistency, upset stomach relief.
   • How I use it: Mix with chicken for a simple homemade meal.
5. Blueberries (fresh or frozen) Antioxidant powerhouse.
   • Benefits: Brain health, small treat size.
   • Tofu’s take: Eats them happily as frozen treats.
6. Peanut Butter (unsalted, no xylitol) Stuff in toys or as treat.
   • Benefits: Protein and healthy fats.
   • Caution: Small amounts only to avoid weight gain.
7. Salmon (cooked, boneless) Omega-3 for coat/skin.
   • Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, shiny coat.
   • Tofu’s take: Loves it on special days.
8. Sweet Potato (cooked) Vitamin-rich.
   • Benefits: Digestion, energy, beta-carotene.
9. Green Beans (plain) Low-calorie filler.
   • Benefits: Fiber, vitamins, weight management.
10. Bananas (small amounts) Potassium boost.

Benefits: Energy, heart health.

Toxic Foods Dogs Can’t Eat (Never Share These)

Even small amounts can be dangerous — keep them out of reach.

1. Chocolate — Theobromine poisoning (dark is worse).
2. Grapes/Raisins — Kidney failure (even a few).
3. Onions/Garlic — Anemia (cooked or raw).
4. Xylitol (in gum, candy) — Deadly blood sugar drop.
5. Macadamia Nuts — Weakness, vomiting.
6. Avocado — Persin toxicity (pit worst).
7. Alcohol — Obvious no.
8. Caffeine — Heart issues.
9. Raw Yeast Dough — Expansion in stomach.
10. Cooked Bones — Splinter risk.

Tips for Sharing Fresh Foods Safely (From an Ex-Chef)

As an ex-chef, I love using natural ingredients — but safety first.

• Portion control: Treats <10% of daily calories (Tofu gets small amounts to stay healthy weight).
• Plain only: No salt, oil, spices (even olive oil in small amounts for special toppers).
• Introduce slowly: Watch for upset stomach or allergies.
• Special occasions: Steak bits for holidays (Tofu’s birthday treat — plain grilled).
• Vet check: Especially for seniors like Tofu.
• Natural recipes: Simple boiled chicken + pumpkin + carrots is Tofu’s go-to homemade meal. Sometimes frozen blueberries as treats.

Tofu’s happy with simple fresh toppers — it makes me feel good knowing he’s eating natural food alongside his kibble.

What’s your dog’s favorite safe human food?

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.