Most dog owners share the odd bit of food with their pet — a scrap of chicken from the roast, a chunk of carrot while you’re cooking. There’s nothing wrong with that, as long as you know what’s safe and what isn’t. Here’s a straightforward guide to doing it properly.
The basics: what’s generally safe
Plain, unseasoned, cooked foods are your safest bet. These are all fine for most dogs:
- Cooked chicken, turkey, or lean beef — boneless and unseasoned
- Plain cooked rice or pasta — a good option when your dog has a dodgy stomach
- Cooked eggs — scrambled or boiled, without butter or oil
- Plain cooked fish — salmon and cod are great, just watch out for bones
- Most vegetables — carrots, green beans, peas, and broccoli are all solid choices
The key word is plain. What makes our food tasty — salt, garlic, onion, butter, sauces — is often what makes it harmful to dogs.
What to always avoid
Some human foods are genuinely dangerous for dogs, even in small quantities:
- Chocolate — the darker it is, the more dangerous it is
- Grapes and raisins — can cause sudden kidney failure
- Onions and garlic — toxic to dogs in all forms (raw, cooked, powdered)
- Xylitol — an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gum, sweets, and some peanut butters
- Cooked bones — they splinter easily and can cause internal injuries
- Alcohol — even small amounts can be dangerous
- Caffeine — coffee, tea, and energy drinks are all off limits
When in doubt, check before you share. Our food checker covers over 160 common foods.
Common mistakes people make
Assuming “natural” means safe. Grapes are natural. So is garlic. Both are toxic to dogs. Don’t assume something is fine just because it’s a whole food.
Forgetting about hidden ingredients. That bit of leftover curry might seem harmless, but it probably contains onion, garlic, and a load of salt. Ready meals, sauces, and seasoned dishes almost always have something in them that dogs shouldn’t eat.
Giving too much. Even safe foods can cause problems if you overdo it. Too much fatty food can trigger pancreatitis. Too much fruit means too much sugar. A little goes a long way.
Feeding from the table. This one’s more about behaviour than health. Feeding your dog while you eat teaches them to beg — and once that habit starts, it’s hard to break. If you want to share something, put it in their bowl after you’ve finished.
The 90/10 rule
Vets generally recommend that at least 90% of your dog’s calories come from a complete, balanced dog food, with treats and extras making up no more than 10%. This includes any human food you share.
For a medium-sized dog, that 10% isn’t very much — maybe a few small pieces of chicken or a handful of blueberries. It’s easy to go over without realising, especially if multiple people in the house are all sneaking the dog something.
When to check with your vet
If your dog has any existing health conditions — diabetes, kidney problems, food allergies, pancreatitis — talk to your vet before introducing any new foods. What’s safe for a healthy dog might not be safe for yours.
Puppies and senior dogs can also be more sensitive, so it pays to be cautious and introduce things gradually. Start with a tiny amount, wait a day, and see how they get on before offering more.