While they may want your leftovers, they’re not always the safest.
Reviewed by Dietitian Katey Davidson, M.Sc.FN, RD, CPT
Key Points
- Some human foods are safe in small amounts, but many can harm pets if given improperly.
- Always offer plain, unseasoned foods and introduce new items slowly in small portions.
- Avoid toxic foods like grapes, xylitol and chocolate to keep pets safe and healthy.
Many people see their pets as family, so it’s understandable that when there’s something yummy on their plate, they’d want to share a little bit with their furry friend. While sharing small amounts of certain foods is generally OK, you do need to take some precautions.
“Most foods we eat aren’t balanced for pets and can lead to weight gain over time,” explains Tony Coronado, D.V.M. “They also tend to be higher in fat than what’s ideal for dogs and cats, which can increase the risk of issues like pancreatitis.”
Ahead, learn which human foods (in moderation) get the green light from veterinarians. Plus, they share tips on how to safely share food scraps with your beloved pet.
Fruit
Not all fruits are safe for pets to enjoy. For example, grapes and raisins are completely off-limits for dogs, as ingestion may lead to adverse health effects like seizures and kidney failure.
However, blueberries, bananas, apples (without seeds) and melon are generally safe for pets to enjoy, says Coronado. According to the American Kennel Club, blueberries aren’t just safe for dogs, they also provide a boost of antioxidants and fiber that support digestion and overall health.
Vegetables
Many vegetables are fair game as long as they’re served plain, with no seasoning, says Coronado. Examples include bell peppers, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and cucumber.
However, some vegetables—like onion, mushrooms and asparagus—should be avoided.
“The most important thing is that anything you’re sharing is as simple and plain as possible, with no added salt, sauces, garlic or seasoning, since those are often the ingredients that can cause digestive issues,” says Zac Pilossoph, D.V.M. In some cases, more serious complications can occur.
Lean Proteins
Protein isn’t just an essential macronutrient for humans—it’s also vital for dogs and cats. Coronado says unseasoned, cooked fish, pork, shrimp and skinless chicken or turkey, served in small amounts, are all fine.
“Small pieces of hot dog as an occasional treat is also OK,” adds Coronado.
Small Extras
If you have scraps of unsalted, unbuttered popcorn or slivers of low-fat cheese such as mozzarella, feel free to share small helpings of these goodies with your pet, says Coronado. You can also put unsalted peanut butter in a Kong—just make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol.
Xylitol is a popular sugar substitute found in sugar-free products, such as gum, candy, peanut butter and baked goods. While it’s a good alternative to sugar for humans, dogs process it very differently, and it can be life-threatening. “Ingestion of small amounts can trigger a rapid release of insulin, leading to a dangerous drop in blood sugar known as hypoglycemia in dogs,” explains Liza Cahn, DVM. “This can cause weakness, lethargy, incoordination, seizures, coma, liver failure and death if not treated promptly and aggressively.”
Best Practices for Feeding Leftovers to Pets
Again, it’s OK to share a little bit of your food with your pets from time to time, but at the end of the day, it’s best to keep your meal plan separate from your furry friend’s.
“Over 90% of your dog’s daily calorie intake should come from a complete and balanced commercially prepared dog food that is appropriate for their life stage,” says Cahn. “This is necessary to ensure that they get all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals that they need, in the correct amounts.”
Here are some expert-backed tips on how to share your food with your pet without increasing their risk of getting sick.
Only Share Unseasoned Items
If your leftovers were heavily seasoned or contain lots of ingredients, it’s best to skip sharing those with your pet.
“Meals prepared for human consumption often contain large amounts of sodium and other seasonings, such as onion and garlic, that may be toxic to dogs,” warns Cahn. “Also, foods cooked in oil or butter, or containing a large amount of fat, can cause gastrointestinal upset or contribute to pancreatitis.”
Introduce New Foods Gradually
Introducing any new food slowly—and in small amounts—is key to seeing how your pet responds. Even safe foods can cause digestive upset if they’re unfamiliar or overfed, so it’s important to monitor for signs like vomiting or diarrhea. As Pilossoph explains, taking a slow, measured approach helps reduce the risk of stomach issues and ensures the food agrees with your pet.
Keep Portions Small
We all get carried away sometimes, but when it comes to feeding your pets, remember to keep portions small. “One of the biggest things I see is that pet owners mean well when sharing food, but small decisions can add up over time,” says Pilossoph.
“Pets don’t need much to feel included, and even safe foods can cause problems if they’re new or given in large amounts,” adds Coronado. “If you do share food, stick to simple, low-fat ingredients, keep the portions small and skip anything questionable.”
Don’t Share Potentially Spoiled Foods
We’ve all left something in the fridge for a little too long. While your dog might drink from the toilet without issue, they’re not immune to foodborne illness or mold toxicity. “Moldy items can contain toxins that affect the nervous system, and even mildly spoiled food can cause stomach upset,” says Coronado.
Avoid Harmful Ingredients
There are many foods that are on the “do not share” list. These include, but aren’t limited to:
- Chocolate
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions
- Spicy peppers and other spicy foods
- Foods with artificial sweeteners (e.g., xylitol)
- Caffeine
- Avocado
- Raw meat (due to Salmonella and E. coli risk)
- Ice cream (many dogs are lactose-intolerant)
- Salty snacks (increases the risk of sodium poisoning)
- Macadamia nuts
- Corncobs
There are less-obvious foods that may also cause complications. “One category people don’t always think about is baking or brewing leftovers,” says Coronado. “Raw yeast dough can expand and ferment in the stomach, causing intoxication and severe gas distention, which is a life-threatening emergency for your pet.”
Cooked bones can splinter and lead to internal injuries, notes Coronado, so avoid sharing the remnants of your bone broth with them. Fruit pits—like those found in cherries, peaches and plums—should never be given to pets. Not only can they cause choking or intestinal blockages, but when chewed, they can release compounds that may lead to cyanide poisoning.
Our Expert Take
While your intentions are good, sometimes the best thing you can do for your pet is to not share your leftovers. There are some exceptions—unseasoned, cooked items such as skinless, boneless chicken and broccoli can be a part of a healthy diet. But items like whole stone fruits and processed foods with sugar alternatives can be dangerous. Always consult with a veterinarian before introducing a new food into your pet’s diet.
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