Last Updated: 29/03/2025
Safe and Unsafe Human Foods for Pets: What You Need to Know
Learn which human foods are safe or unsafe for your pets? Read more here.
Author: Dr Josepha Cox BBiomedSc (Hons) DVM
Reading Time: 7 minutes - short read
"Ah, the age-old question: ‘Can my furry friend have a taste of my food?’ While our pets might beg with those big, puppy-dog eyes, it’s important to know what’s safe and what’s not. Fear not, pet parents! We’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of human foods that are not only safe but can even be a tasty treat for your four-legged friend. So, go ahead, indulge your pet’s inner foodie without worrying!"
Safe proteins for pets
Lean meats and fish belong in our pets' diets! Meats are best given plain, unseasoned and free of added oils. You may feed the meat fresh or cooked however, cooking generally removes the risk of bacterial and parasitic contamination. Also never feed your pet cooked bones.
Some safe protein options for pets
- Fish
- Beef
- Pork
- Poultry (cooked)
- Kangaroo
- Lamb
- Eggs (cooked)
- Hard cheese and cottage cheese (ok in small amounts as an occasional snack)
- Yoghurt (ok as an occasional snack)
Please note some pets are lactose intolerant so don't continue to feed dairy if this upsets your pet's tummy.
It's best to steer away from ham and other processed meats as they often contain a lot of salt which is not ideal for our cats and dogs.
Learn more about the risks and the benefits of raw bones for pets.
Safe vegetables for pets
Vegetables can be a great low calorie snack that is full of vitamins, minerals and fibre. Most vegetables are best served plain with no seasonings and cooked (boiled or steamed) for easier digestion. Cats are notoriously more fussy than dogs so they may refuse any vegetables offered to them however, there is the occasional cat that loves to chow down on veggies!
Some safe vegetables for pets:
- Pumpkin
- Carrot (raw or cooked)
- Sweet potato
- Zucchini
- Peas
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Cucumbers (raw)
- Corn - cooked kernels only. Beware of the cob!!! This is one of the most common foreign body obstructions in dogs
Safe fruits for pets
Fruits can be another nutritious snack and can be fed raw. However, be careful not to feed too much as they do contain a lot of natural sugar which can potentially cause tummy upsets.
Some safe fruits for pets:
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Watermelon (seedless)
- Apples
- Strawberries
- Cantaloupe
Other human foods safe for pets
- Popcorn (plain and air popped)
- Cooked rice
- Oats
- Quinoa
- Peanut butter (Unsalted, with no added sugar or sweeteners such as xylitol. Xylitol is toxic to pets.)
All the above suggestions are for snacks and occasional treats in healthy pets. Please check with your regular vet regarding snacks if your pet is on a prescription diet or has a diagnosed medical condition.
Want to learn more? Check out our vet-written treat recipes:
Human foods to avoid feeding your pet
- Avocado : these contain persin which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. The main source of persin is in the pip and this also doubles as a choking hazard.
- Chocolate: it contains theobromine and caffeine both of which are toxic and even fatal to pets.
- Onions and garlic : Any plant in the Allium genus of plants can be toxic. These contain substances called organosulfoxides which can damage red blood cells leading to anaemia as well as causing vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Xylitol: as mentioned earlier this sweetener is toxic and potentially fatal in our pets.
- Grapes and raisins: the toxic substance in grapes and raisins is still largely unknown but even just one grape has the potential to cause kidney failure
- Nuts: it's a good idea to avoid these in general as they can cause stomach issues due to their high fat content. However the Macadamia nut itself is toxic and can cause neurological issues
- Bread dough : a small amount of cooked bread is relatively harmless but the raw dough can be toxic as the digestion leads to ethanol and alcohol poisoning
- Alcohol or products containing alcohol: avoid as these can be potentially fatal
- Citrus fruits: Most pets detest these anyway but they also contain citric acid which can cause tummy upsets
- Cinnamon : Not necessarily toxic but can cause irritation to the inside of the mouth
History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Tue Feb 11 2025
Edited by Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)Dr Josepha Cox BBiomedSc (Hons) DVM
Author, BBiomedSc (Hons) DVM
Dr Josepha graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2015 and has spent her time in small animal practice in Melbourne. She has a special interest in diagnostic imaging, nutrition and geriatric medicine. She is currently completing further study in animal nutrition and her favourite part of being a vet is helping senior animals to live happily and comfortably into their twilight years.
