The all-time common question when it comes to feeding dogs, can dogs eat human food? And what’s safe, what’s not? Does human-grade make a difference to my pet’s health?
The good news? Most human foods are not just safe for dogs, they’re actually beneficial. The not-so-good news? Some are a definite no-go.
In this guide, we break down which human foods are safe for dogs, which ones to steer clear of, and how choosing human-grade ingredients for your dog can help your them not only thrive but help with their longevity.
At PetWell we believe pet nutrition should be simple, safe, and built on the same principles you use to feed yourself. Real food, not fillers. Natural solutions, not synthetics. Health with purpose.
When introducing new foods to your dog, it's crucial to proceed gradually. This ensures that your dog can adapt to the change without any digestive discomfort.
What Does "Human-Grade" Mean (And Why Should You Care)?
When we talk about human-grade dog food, we’re talking about food made from ingredients you’d eat yourself, no mystery meat, no unpronounceable fillers, and no weird processing. Just real, high-quality food prepared in clean, regulated facilities.
So why does it matter?
1. Stringent Quality Control and Safety Measures- Human-grade food must meet the same standards as food made for you and me. That means tighter regulations, cleaner processing environments, and safer outcomes for your pet.
2. Minimised Risk of Contamination and Spoilage – Because human-grade facilities follow strict hygiene and food safety protocols, there’s a much lower chance of dangerous bacteria or toxins finding their way into your pet’s bowl.
3. Fewer Additives and Fillers – With feed-grade pet food, you’re often getting bulked-out, heavily processed ingredients. Human-grade options are cleaner, simpler, and more transparent.
4. Transparency You Can Trust – You know exactly what’s in the bag, where it came from, and why it’s in there.
At PetWell, all our treats and supplements are made with human-grade, all-natural ingredients, because we believe your pet deserves nothing less, especially when it comes to managing things like gut health, skin irritation, anxiety or joint stiffness.
Safe Human Foods Dogs Can Eat
Some foods from your kitchen can benefit your dog, if fed in moderation and prepared the right way. Here are some favourites:
1. Lean Meats (Row or Cooked, No Seasoning)
Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb are all great sources of protein that help build strong muscles, support energy levels, and keep your dog full and satisfied. Game meats like kangaroo and venison are also excellent options, lean, hypoallergenic, and loaded with nutrients.
✅ PetWell Tip: Our functional treats like MOBILITY + BEEF and CALM + LAMB are made from real, freeze-dried meats with added functional benefits for joints or anxiety.
2. Fish (Rich in Omega-3s)
Fish is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids — a powerhouse nutrient for reducing inflammation, supporting skin and coat health, and promoting brain function.
Some great fish options for dogs include:
New Zealand Green Lipped Mussels - Rich in omega-3s and naturally occurring glucosamine.
Salmon – High in omega-3s and protein
Sardines – Small, nutrient-dense, and low in mercury
Tuna – Best in moderation due to higher mercury content
Mackerel – Full of healthy fats and B vitamins
PetWell Tip: Our freeze-dried New Zealand Green Lipped Mussels, Sardines and Salmon Fillets are not only packed with omega-3s — they’re also single-ingredient, crunchy snacks your dog will absolutely love. No prep, no mess, just real fishy goodness.
3. Vegetables
- Pumpkin (great for digestion)
- Carrots
- Cucumber
- Green beans are crunchy, nutritious, and safe.
✅ PetWell Tip: PetWell’s DIGEST + KANGAROO treats include gut-friendly ingredients for happy tummies.
4. Fruits
- Blueberries (antioxidants!)
- Apples (no seeds)
- Banana
- Watermelon, just to mention a few!
Some human-grade ingredients don’t just feed your pet, they help soothe skin, improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and support immunity.
Curious about other healthy whole food options for dogs? We’ve unpacked more on that in our blog "Can Dogs Eat Fruits and Vegetables?"
5. Other foods
- Plain, unsweetened greek yoghurt
- Eggs
- Herbs
Human Foods Dogs Should Avoid
We’ve got a full breakdown of dangerous foods in our Toxic Foods for Dogs and Cats blog, definitely one to bookmark if your pet has ever counter-surfed.
We won’t go deep into the list here, because we cover it properly in that blog, but just remember:
- Some human foods (like chocolate, grapes, and onions) are toxic to dogs
- Xylitol — a common sugar substitute is especially dangerous
- Cooked bones, salty snacks, and fried foods can do more harm than good
When in doubt, leave it out, or check with your vet if you’re unsure
How to Feed Human Food the Right Way
Related blog: Pet Nutrition Guide: What to Feed Your Dog or Cat
If you're sharing from the kitchen, keep these tips in mind:
- Skip the seasoning – no chilly, onion, or sauces
- Introduce slowly – new foods can upset tummies
- Mix with purpose – use human food to boost your dog’s bowl
Want to keep it simple? That’s where PetWell comes in. Our freeze-dried raw treats (like Chicken Breast, Lamb Hearts, and Crocodile just to name a few) are real, single-ingredient foods, just like the food you’d prep yourself (without the chopping board).
Real Food That Heals Naturally
Related blog: For more on the power of real, (like organ meats and anti-inflammatory heroes), check out our Organ Meats for Dogs blog. It's one of our most popular reads, for good reason!
That’s why PetWell supplements are built on real food foundations:
- CALM: with L-Tryptophan and chamomile to support anxious pups
- DIGEST: with marshmallow root and slippery elm for sensitive stomachs
- RELIEF: with nettle, moringa, and oyster for itchy, allergic dogs
- MOBILITY: with turmeric, green-lipped mussel and naturally occurring glucosamine for sore joints
They’re all powdered supplements with a taste your dog will drool over, because we blend them with freeze-dried proteins like lamb, beef, kangaroo, and venison.
Final Woof: Share, But Share Smart
Yes, you can share your food with your dog, but make it count. Skip the scraps and go for purposeful ingredients that boost their health. And if you’re short on time or unsure what’s safe, let PetWell do the hard work. We’ve done the research, handpicked the ingredients, and created delicious options your dog will love (and benefit from).
Because they trust you to feed them well, and we’re here to help you do just that.
Disclaimer: The entire contents of PetWell emails and website are not to be taken as medical advice. The team at Pet Squad Pty Ltd trading as PetWell encourages you to make your own pet health care decisions based on your research and in partnership with a qualified pet healthcare professional.
Posted By Ayda Hornak - Trained in Canine Psychology and Natural Animal Nutrition Care
