Best Human Foods for Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide

Dogs are considered to be a man’s best friend and are often treated like family members. As a result, many pet owners prefer to feed their dogs human food instead of commercial dog food. While some human foods are safe for dogs, others can be harmful and even toxic. It’s essential to know which human foods are safe and healthy for dogs to consume.

When it comes to feeding dogs human food, there are several factors to consider, such as the dog’s breed, age, and size. Additionally, some human foods are high in calories, which can lead to weight gain and obesity in dogs. It’s crucial to provide a balanced diet that meets all of the dog’s nutritional requirements.

The best human foods for dogs are those that are low in fat, high in protein, and rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Some examples of safe and healthy human foods for dogs include lean meats, such as chicken, turkey, and beef, as well as vegetables like carrots, green beans, and sweet potatoes.

When choosing human foods for dogs, it’s essential to avoid foods that are toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, and onions. Additionally, some human foods, such as fatty meats and fried foods, can cause digestive issues and pancreatitis in dogs.

In this article, we spent hours researching and testing various human foods to identify the ones that are safe and healthy for dogs to consume. We’ll provide you with a comprehensive list of the best human foods for dogs and explain why they are a great addition to your dog’s diet.

Best Human Foods for Dogs

As dog owners, we want to ensure that our furry friends are getting the best nutrition possible. While commercial dog food is a great option, there are also a variety of human foods that can provide essential nutrients for our pups. However, it’s important to note that not all human foods are safe for dogs, and some can even be toxic. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best human foods for dogs that are both safe and nutritious. Check out our top picks below.

Crafted by Humans Loved by Dogs

Crafted by Humans Loved by Dogs is an excellent choice for pet owners looking for a high-quality human-grade dog food. We highly recommend this product for its all-natural ingredients, large pouch size, and variety of flavors.

Pros

• Crafted with premium, fresh ingredients
• Gluten-free, wheat-free, and grain-free options
• Great for wellness, picky, or senior dogs

Cons

• Expensive compared to other dog foods
• Some dogs may not like the texture
• May not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary needs

Crafted by Humans Loved by Dogs is made with all-natural, fully cooked homestyle individual dog food pouches that are crafted with premium, fresh ingredients. Unlike canned dog food, all ingredients are certified human-grade, and they exclusively use USDA-certified meats packaged in a generous 9-ounce pouch. This healthy dog food packet is nearly triple the size of typical dog food toppers, making it a great natural choice for sensitive dogs.

The gluten-free, wheat-free, and grain-free options make this premium dog food a great choice for dogs with specific dietary needs. It has no ingredients from deceased animals, and every product has 11 or fewer whole ingredients. No animal by-products, preservatives, artificial colors, artificial flavors, or supplements are added.

Crafted by Humans Loved by Dogs is great for wellness, picky, or senior dogs. Its wholesome dog food tastes so good that even picky dogs, sensitive dogs, and older dogs can’t refuse it. It is made for all life stages, from puppy and adult to senior dogs, large breed, and small breeds. You can use this fresh dog food as a supplemental meal, combine it with dry dog food as a mixer, or as dog food toppers to entice picky dogs with a tasty boost of whole nutrition. It can also be used as a healthy dog treat or as small breed dog food.

The convenient large dog food pouch is ready to eat individual servings. No thawing or adding water is required. The easy wet dog meal pouch allows you to give your pet real food at home or on the go. It is great for travel, hiking, on-the-go lifestyles, or simply a delicious human-grade meal at home. Lightweight and easy to store, you don’t need a can opener for this instant meal or treat. The variety pack of five pouches allows your dog to sample all the flavors, like turkey, pork, salmon, and beef.

Crafted by Humans Loved by Dogs is thoughtfully made, clean homemade dog food. It is entirely sourced and made in the USA from quality human-grade ingredients. Portland Pet Food Company donates 5% of their net profits to local non-profit animal shelters and programs, so you can feel good about every part of your healthy dog food purchase.

The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Wet Dog Food Turkey -amp; Autumn Veggies

If you’re looking for a hearty, smooth-textured, and tasty meal for your furry friend, The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Wet Dog Food Turkey -amp; Autumn Veggies is an excellent choice. This complete and balanced wet food is made with 100% human-grade ingredients, including cage-free turkey, apples, and pumpkin.

Pros

• Kettle-cooked in small batches for a hearty, smooth texture
• Made with simple whole ingredients and single-source proteins, making it easy to avoid problem foods
• Meets the rigorous quality and safety standards to use the label ‘human grade,’ ensuring the highest quality dog food.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture
• A bit pricey compared to other dog foods
• Needs to be refrigerated after opening and has a short shelf life

We love that The Honest Kitchen uses only the highest quality ingredients from sources they trust, and their preparation methods and facilities meet safety standards seven times those of feed-grade ones. This wet dog food is also free from by-products, grains, fillers, artificial flavors, GMO ingredients, feed-grade ingredients, and artificial preservatives.

If you’re looking for a dehydrated dog food that retains more of the natural vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Wet Dog Food Turkey -amp; Autumn Veggies is an excellent choice. However, some dogs may not like the taste or texture, and it’s a bit pricey compared to other dog foods. Overall, we highly recommend this product for pet owners who want to feed their furry friend with high-quality and human-grade ingredients.

The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Whole Grain Beef -amp; Oat Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that’s made with human-grade ingredients and minimally processed, then The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Whole Grain Beef -amp; Oat Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Made with 100% human-grade ingredients and produced in a human food facility for higher quality ingredients and safety standards.
• Suitable for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes, including senior dogs.
• Contains nutrient-rich whole foods, cold-pressed into delicious, bite-sized clusters that are minimally processed to maintain the nutrients, aroma, and taste of whole foods.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of the beef and oat flavor.
• The price point may be higher than other dog food brands.
• The clusters may be too hard for some dogs with dental issues.

We’ve been feeding our dog The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Whole Grain Beef -amp; Oat Dry Dog Food for a few months now and have been really happy with the results. Our dog seems to love the taste and we feel good knowing that we’re feeding her high-quality, minimally processed food.

The clusters are easy to serve and can be fed dry or mixed with water for a softer texture. We also appreciate that the ingredients are clearly listed on the back of the bag, so we know exactly what we’re feeding our dog.

One thing to note is that the clusters may be too hard for some dogs, especially those with dental issues. In that case, it may be best to mix the clusters with water or choose a different type of food.

Overall, we highly recommend The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Whole Grain Beef -amp; Oat Dry Dog Food for anyone looking for a high-quality, minimally processed dog food made with human-grade ingredients.

The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Grain Free Dog Food – Complete Meal or Dog Food Topper – Chicken 2 lb (makes 8 lbs) Chicken 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a natural and easy-to-make dog food option, The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Grain Free Dog Food is a great choice.

Pros

• Made with real, whole food ingredients like free-range chicken, green beans, and apples.
• Suitable for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes, including seniors.
• Easy to make – just add warm water for a wholesome and delicious meal.

Cons

• Slightly more expensive than some other dog food options.
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture.
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions.

This dog food is made with human-grade ingredients and produced in a human food facility, which means that it’s high-quality and safe for your furry friend. It contains no preservatives, by-products, fillers, GMO ingredients, corn, wheat, or soy, making it a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies.

One of the best things about The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Grain Free Dog Food is how easy it is to make. Simply add warm water and wait a few minutes for the food to rehydrate, then serve alone as a complete meal or use as a topper for your dog’s dry food. The dehydrated format also makes it easy to store and transport, making it a great option for traveling with your pup.

While this dog food is slightly more expensive than some other options, the high-quality ingredients and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for many pet owners. However, some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food, so it’s important to introduce it slowly and monitor your dog’s reaction.

Overall, we highly recommend The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Grain Free Dog Food as a natural and nutritious option for your furry friend.

The Honest Kitchen Daily Boosters: Instant Beef Bone Broth with Turmeric for Dogs

If you’re looking for a tasty and healthy way to give your dog a daily boost of superfood nutrients, The Honest Kitchen Daily Boosters: Instant Beef Bone Broth with Turmeric for Dogs is a great choice.

Pros

• Easy-to-make instant bone broth
• Boosts protein and taste
• 100% human grade and made in the USA

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• Pricey compared to other dog food supplements
• Some customers received expired or moldy products

We recently tried this bone broth supplement for our dog and were impressed with how easy it was to make – just add warm water and stir. Our dog loved the taste and we appreciated the added protein and nutrients in his diet.

One of the best things about this product is that it’s made with 100% human grade ingredients and produced in a human food facility, which means higher quality and safety standards. We also liked that it contains no preservatives, by-products, fillers, GMO ingredients, corn, wheat or soy.

While the price is a bit steep compared to other dog food supplements, we think the quality and convenience of this product make it worth the investment. However, we did come across some customer reviews mentioning expired or moldy products, so be sure to check the expiration date before purchasing.

Overall, we highly recommend The Honest Kitchen Daily Boosters: Instant Beef Bone Broth with Turmeric for Dogs as a healthy and tasty way to give your pup a daily boost of nutrients.

The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Wet Dog Food Slow Cooked Chicken Stew

We highly recommend The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Wet Dog Food Slow Cooked Chicken Stew for its high-quality ingredients and balanced nutrition.

Pros

• Kettle-cooked in small batches for a hearty, chunky texture and super tasty wholesome stews.
• Made with 100% human grade ingredients and no gums or carrageenan.
• Complete and balanced meal that can be served as a complete meal or healthy topper.

Cons

• Some customers reported that the containers are small.
• The food may have a strong odor.
• The container is hard to open and cannot be resealed.

The Honest Kitchen Slow Cooked Chicken Stew is made with simple whole ingredients and single-source proteins, making it easy to avoid problem foods. It is also free from meat meals, by-products, grains, fillers, artificial flavors, GMO ingredients, feed grade ingredients, and artificial preservatives. Additionally, all ingredients are processed in the USA with no ingredients from China.

The food has a hearty, chunky texture and is kettle-cooked in small batches to preserve its taste and nutrients. It is also made with 100% human grade ingredients and no gums or carrageenan. The Honest Kitchen Slow Cooked Chicken Stew is a complete and balanced meal that can be served as a complete meal or healthy topper.

However, some customers reported that the containers are small, and the food may have a strong odor. Additionally, the container is hard to open and cannot be resealed.

In conclusion, The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Wet Dog Food Slow Cooked Chicken Stew is a high-quality, nutritious, and tasty option for your furry friend.

The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Wet Dog Food – One Pot Stews ,10.5 Oz(Pack of 6) Turkey, Quinoa -amp; Carrots 10.5 Ounce (Pack of 6)

If you’re looking for a high-quality, human-grade wet dog food that’s packed with nutrients, The Honest Kitchen One Pot Stew is a great option. This tasty stew is made with cage-free turkey, quinoa, carrots, broccoli, and a hint of sage, and is kettle-cooked in small batches for a hearty, chunky texture in a bone broth reduction.

Pros

• Made with human-grade ingredients and produced in a human food facility, ensuring that your dog is getting the best possible nutrition
• Complete and balanced for puppies and adult dogs, making it a versatile option for dogs of all life stages, breeds, and sizes
• Contains no gums, carrageenan, feed grade ingredients, meat meals, fillers, GMO ingredients, artificial flavors, or artificial preservatives, making it a healthy choice for your pup

Cons

• Some reviewers have reported that their dogs did not like the taste or texture of the stew
• The price point may be higher than some other wet dog food options on the market
• The packaging may be smaller than some pet owners are used to, so it may not be a good choice for those with larger dogs or those looking to purchase in bulk

Overall, we believe that The Honest Kitchen One Pot Stew is a great option for pet owners looking for a high-quality, nutritious wet dog food that’s made with human-grade ingredients. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option out there, we feel that the health benefits it provides are well worth the investment.

The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Whole Grain Dog Food – Complete Meal or Topper – Chicken 10 lb (makes 40 lbs) Chicken 10 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that’s made with human-grade ingredients, then The Honest Kitchen’s dehydrated dog food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Easy to prepare and rehydrate
• Made with 100% human-grade, free-range chicken
• Suitable for all life stages, including puppies and lactating mothers

Cons

• More expensive than traditional kibble
• Some dogs may not like the taste
• Some customers have reported issues with vomiting or diarrhea

We’ve been feeding our dog The Honest Kitchen’s dehydrated dog food for a few months now, and we’ve been really impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the convenience of the product. It’s incredibly easy to prepare – you just add warm water and let it sit for a few minutes – and our dog seems to love the taste.

One of the things we appreciate most about this dog food is that it’s made with 100% human-grade ingredients. That means we can feel confident that we’re feeding our dog the same quality of food that we would eat ourselves. The free-range chicken is a great source of protein, and the organic oats, carrots, and bananas provide a healthy balance of nutrients.

Another great thing about this dog food is that it’s suitable for all life stages, including puppies and lactating mothers. That makes it a great option if you have multiple dogs with different dietary needs.

Of course, there are some downsides to consider as well. The main one is that this dog food is more expensive than traditional kibble. However, we think the higher price is justified given the quality of the ingredients. Some dogs may not like the taste of the food, so it’s worth trying a small bag first to see if your dog will eat it. Finally, some customers have reported issues with vomiting or diarrhea after feeding their dogs this food, so it’s important to monitor your dog’s reaction closely.

Overall, we would definitely recommend The Honest Kitchen’s dehydrated dog food to anyone looking for a high-quality, human-grade dog food. It’s convenient, healthy, and our dog seems to love it.

The Honest Kitchen Superfood POUR OVERS Wet Toppers for Dogs (3 Pack), 5.5 oz – Variety Variety Pack 5.5 Ounce (Pack of 3)

If you’re looking for a way to add some variety and nutrition to your dog’s meals, The Honest Kitchen Superfood POUR OVERS Wet Toppers are a great option. These tasty stews are made with real meat and superfoods like spinach and kale, making them a nutritious way to enhance your dog’s mealtime experience. Plus, they’re 100% human grade and made in a human food facility, so you can trust the quality and safety of the ingredients.

Pros

• These toppers are a tasty and nutritious way to add variety and whole food goodness to your dog’s meals.
• Made with superfoods like spinach, kale, broccoli, and turmeric, these stews provide an added boost of green goodness for dogs of all ages and breeds.
• The Honest Kitchen Superfood POUR OVERS are 100% human grade, meaning they’re made with the same quality and safety standards as human food.

Cons

• These toppers are more expensive than some other meal enhancers on the market.
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of these stews.
• The packaging can be difficult to open and pour, especially if you have limited mobility or dexterity.

We’ve tried The Honest Kitchen Superfood POUR OVERS with our own dogs and have found them to be a great way to add some variety and nutrition to their meals. Our dogs love the taste and texture of the stews, and we appreciate the fact that they’re made with high-quality, human grade ingredients. While they are a bit more expensive than some other meal enhancers, we feel that the added nutrition and quality are worth the extra cost.

One thing to keep in mind is that some dogs may not like the taste or texture of these stews. We recommend starting with a small amount and seeing how your dog reacts before adding more to their meals. Additionally, the packaging can be a bit tricky to open and pour, especially if you have limited mobility or dexterity. However, we’ve found that with a little practice, it’s not too difficult to get the stews out of the box and into our dogs’ bowls.

Overall, we would definitely recommend The Honest Kitchen Superfood POUR OVERS Wet Toppers for Dogs to anyone looking for a nutritious and tasty way to enhance their dog’s meals. With a variety of flavors to choose from and high-quality, human grade ingredients, these stews are a great addition to any dog’s diet.

The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Grain Free Beef Dry Dog Food

If you want to give your dog a healthy and tasty meal topper, then The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Grain Free Beef Dry Dog Food is the right choice for you.

Pros

• This dog food topper is made with 100% human-grade ingredients and is produced in a human food facility, which means it is of higher quality and safety standards.
• The recipe contains fiber-rich and nourishing pumpkin that supports healthy digestion for dogs of all ages and breeds.
• The dog food topper is free from gums, carrageenan, feed grade ingredients, meat meals, fillers, GMO ingredients, artificial flavors, or artificial preservatives.

Cons

• The kibble size is a bit bigger than the chicken flavor, which may not be suitable for small dogs.
• Some dogs may not like the taste of the beef flavor.
• The price of this dog food topper may be higher compared to other similar products.

The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Grain Free Beef Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice for pet owners who want to give their dogs a healthy and tasty meal topper. The recipe is made with 100% human-grade ingredients, and the dog food topper is produced in a human food facility, which ensures higher quality and safety standards.

This dog food topper contains fiber-rich and nourishing pumpkin, which supports healthy digestion for dogs of all ages and breeds. Moreover, this recipe is free from gums, carrageenan, feed grade ingredients, meat meals, fillers, GMO ingredients, artificial flavors, or artificial preservatives, which makes it a healthier option for your furry friend.

However, the kibble size of this dog food topper is a bit bigger than the chicken flavor, which may not be suitable for small dogs. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste of the beef flavor, and the price of this dog food topper may be higher compared to other similar products.

Overall, The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Grain Free Beef Dry Dog Food is a great choice for pet owners who want to provide their dogs with a healthy and tasty meal topper.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best human foods for your dog, there are a few key features to consider to ensure that you are making a healthy and safe choice for your furry friend.

Firstly, it is important to look for foods that are high in protein and low in fat. Dogs require a diet that is rich in protein to maintain strong muscles and a healthy coat, but too much fat can lead to obesity and other health problems. Look for foods that contain lean sources of protein such as chicken, turkey, and fish.

Secondly, it is important to avoid foods that contain artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. These additives can cause allergic reactions and other health problems in dogs. Instead, look for foods that are made from natural ingredients and are free from artificial additives.

Thirdly, it is important to choose foods that are appropriate for your dog’s age, size, and activity level. Puppies, senior dogs, and active dogs all have different nutritional needs, so it is important to choose a food that is specifically formulated for your dog’s life stage.

Finally, it is important to read the label carefully and choose foods that are made by reputable brands. Look for foods that have been certified by organizations such as AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) to ensure that they meet the highest standards of quality and safety.

By following these guidelines, you can choose the best human foods for your dog and ensure that they are getting the nutrition they need to thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What human foods are considered safe for dogs to consume?

There are several human foods that are safe for dogs to consume, including lean meats such as chicken and turkey, vegetables like carrots and green beans, and fruits such as apples and bananas. However, it is important to avoid giving dogs foods that are toxic, such as chocolate, grapes, and onions.

Which human foods can help improve a dog’s digestion and overall health?

Certain human foods can help improve a dog’s digestion and overall health. For example, plain yogurt contains probiotics that can promote gut health, and pumpkin is high in fiber which can aid in digestion. Additionally, foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and flaxseed, can help reduce inflammation and improve skin and coat health.

What are some nutritious human food options for dogs with sensitive stomachs?

Dogs with sensitive stomachs may benefit from easily digestible foods such as boiled chicken, rice, and sweet potatoes. Other options include low-fat cottage cheese, cooked eggs, and canned pumpkin. It is important to introduce new foods slowly and in small amounts to avoid upsetting the dog’s stomach.

How often can dogs safely eat human food without health risks?

Dogs can safely eat human food in moderation, but it should not make up more than 10% of their daily caloric intake. It is important to ensure that the foods given are nutritionally balanced and not high in salt, sugar, or fat.

What are the best homemade food recipes for a healthy dog diet?

Homemade dog food can be a healthy option, but it is important to ensure that the recipe is nutritionally balanced. A simple recipe may include boiled chicken, brown rice, and vegetables such as carrots and green beans. It is important to consult with a veterinarian or canine nutritionist before making any significant changes to a dog’s diet.

Are there any superfoods that provide exceptional benefits for dogs?

There are several “superfoods” that can provide exceptional benefits for dogs, such as blueberries which are high in antioxidants, and kale which is high in vitamins and minerals. However, it is important to remember that a balanced diet is key and no single food can provide all necessary nutrients.