If you’re a dog lover, you will definitely want to show your furry friends how much you love them and make them feel like a part of your family. 

We all know the old saying: “The way to your dog’s heart is through her stomach.” 

Some dog owners like purchasing premium dog foods on the market to save their time and giving their canine the right balance of nutrients. 

But have you ever wondered, “Can I feed my dog human food instead of dog food?”

Dog kibble is boring and often over-processed and less nutritious than fresh food. Adding healthy human food to your dog’s routine can save money and add some healthy nutrients into their lives. There are a lot of human foods that are perfectly safe and even healthy that our canine can eat as an occasional treat.

However, though all of us love making our furry friends happy by showering them with treats, you should always keep in mind that feeding your pooch anything not marketed with a dog on the box can be very tricky. Dogs require the right balance of certain nutrients like calcium, phosphorous, and taurine. When you replace part or all of their normal diet with human food, it’s important to keep this balance intact. Also, dogs and humans metabolize foods differently. Some foods are healthy for humans but can be toxic and potentially deadly for dogs. 

Even when you ask Google “what human foods dog can’t eat” you’re likely to get back some confusing and conflicting answers. Don't be panic! 

Just remember that, when it comes to treating your dog with human foods, it’s best to do so in moderation. Even with food is deemed “safe” for dogs to eat, a rule of thumb is to feed it to your dog in moderation. All foods should be introduced into your dog’s diet gradually, so you can monitor him for adverse effects like allergic reactions. 

Furthermore, there is a fact that all dogs are different. One dog may tolerate a food just fine, while another experiences adverse effects. Most healthy dogs are perfectly able to digest raw meat without issue. But if your dog has a sensitive stomach, even commonly fed people food might not be an option for them.

Last but not least, when supplementing your dog’s normal diet with human food, you should always remember to mix it up. Change the meat type and veggie variety every few days to make sure your dog gets the wide array of nutrients they need to thrive.

Before sharing your snacks with your furry friend, read on the following infographic from CyberPet to learn which human foods are safe and which can send your dog straight to the vet.

An infographic of what your dog can and cannot eat