You know the moment.
You’re slicing apples, your dog is staring at you like you’ve betrayed them, and you’re quietly Googling: what can dogs eat?
If you’ve ever wondered which human foods are safe for dogs and cats (and which ones aren’t), this safe food guide will walk you through it, from blueberries and sardines to turmeric, bone broth and calming herbs.
Feeding your dog well shouldn’t feel confusing.
What Human Foods Are Safe for Dogs?
Most dogs can safely eat small amounts of apples, blueberries, sardines, cooked salmon, turkey, chicken breast, bone broth, goat milk, green lipped mussel and certain herbs like chamomile or lemon balm. Preparation and portion size matter and every pet is different.
Now let’s break it down properly.
Fruits Dogs Can Eat (In Moderation)
Safe fruits list for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Apples?
Yes, remove seeds and core. Apples provide fibre and vitamin C and make a crunchy low-fat treat.
Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
Yes. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants that support cellular health and ageing.
Can Dogs Eat Raspberries?
Yes, but only small amounts. Naturally occurring sugars mean they’re best as an occasional treat.
Can Dogs Eat Açai Berries?
Açai is antioxidant-rich but avoid commercial blends with added sugar. PetWell CALM includes Açai Berries with NO added sugar. Also safe for cats.
Can Dogs Have Coconut Milk?
Small amounts are generally fine. Choose unsweetened varieties and avoid regular use due to fat content.
Can Dogs Eat Avocados?
Small amounts of the flesh may be tolerated by dogs, but avoid skin and seed. Cats? Best skipped.
Vegetables, Greens & Plant Superfoods
Safe vegetables and plant based foods for dogs and cats
Can Dogs Have Beetroot?
Yes, lightly cooked is ideal. Supports circulation and antioxidant intake. Also safe for cats.
Can Dogs Eat Chicory Root?
Yes. Chicory root is a natural prebiotic that feeds beneficial gut bacteria. Also safe for cats.
Wheatgrass for Dogs and Cats
Safe in small amounts. Often used to support digestion and detox pathways. Also safe for cats.
Is Barley Grass Safe for Dogs?
Yes. A gentle green often included in balanced superfood blends. Also safe for cats.
Can Dogs Have Moringa Leaf?
Nutrient-dense and rich in vitamins. Best given in small, balanced amounts. Also safe for cats.
Can Dogs Have Nettle Leaf?
Traditionally used to support skin health and seasonal sensitivities. Also safe for cats.
Can Dogs and Cats Have Burdock Root?
Often used to support skin, coat and gentle detoxification. Also safe for cats.
Protein, Organ Meats & Marine Superfoods
Safe proteins, and seafood for dogs and cats
Is Chicken Breast Good for Dogs?
Yes, lean, easy to digest and high in protein when cooked plain. Also safe for cats.
Are Chicken Hearts Good for Dogs?
Yes. Organ meats are incredibly nutrient-dense and rich in taurine. Also safe for cats.
Can Dogs Eat Chicken Necks?
Yes, raw only and appropriately sized. Never cooked bones. Also safe for cats.
Are Lamb Hearts Good for Dogs?
Excellent protein source and naturally taurine-rich. Also safe for cats.
Can Dogs Eat Turkey?
Yes, plain and cooked without seasoning, onion or garlic. Also safe for cats.
Is Crocodile Good for Dogs?
Yes. A novel protein often used for dogs with food sensitivities. Also safe for cats.
Can Dogs Eat Salmon?
Yes. cooked only. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Also safe for cats.
Can Dogs Eat Sardines?
One of the best whole-food additions. Choose sardines in springwater (no added salt). Also safe for cats.
Green Lipped Mussel for Dogs
Naturally rich in omega-3s and compounds that support joint mobility. Also safe for cats.
Can Dogs Have Oysters?
In small, cooked amounts only. Very high in zinc, so moderation matters. Also safe for cats.
Herbs for Calm, Joints, Gut & Immune Support
Functional foods for dogs and cats.
Chamomile for Dogs: A Safe Way to Calm Anxiety
Gentle and traditionally used to support relaxation and nervous balance. Also safe for cats.
Is Lemon Balm Safe for Dogs?
Yes, often used to help ease nervous tension. Also safe for cats.
Is Ashwagandha Safe for Dogs and Cats?
In appropriate doses, yes. Used to support stress resilience and adrenal balance.
Marshmallow Root for Dogs and Cats
Traditionally used to support gut lining health and digestive comfort.
Can Dogs Eat Ginger?
Yes, supports digestion and may help occasional nausea. Also safe for cats.
Can Dogs Drink Green Tea?
In tiny, diluted amounts only. Naturally contains L-theanine but caffeine must remain minimal. Also safe for cats.
Is Boswellia Good for Dogs?
Commonly used to support healthy inflammatory response and joint comfort. Also safe for cats.
Turmeric for Dogs and Cats
Supports joint mobility and inflammatory balance when properly formulated.
Spirulina for Dogs and Cats
A nutrient-dense algae used to support immune health.
Organic Medicinal Mushrooms for Dogs and Cats
Reishi, shiitake and other functional mushrooms are often included for immune support.
Is Oat Straw Good for Dogs and Cats?
Traditionally used in calming blends for nervous or overstimulated pets.
Functional Additions to the Bowl
Add to your dogs and cats bowl.
Australian Goat Milk for Dogs and Cats
Easier to digest than cow’s milk and often used to support gut health.
Is Bone Broth Good for Dogs and Cats?
Yes, supports hydration, joint health and gut lining integrity.
Benefits of Chia Seeds for Dogs and Cats
Rich in fibre and omega-3s. Always soak before serving.
So… Should You Add These to Your Pet’s Diet?
The better question is:
Not “Can they eat it?”
But “Does my pet need it?”
An anxious dog may benefit from calming herbs like chamomile or lemon balm. Try PetWell Calm supplement and functional treats for dogs and cats.
A stiff senior may benefit from green lipped mussel or turmeric. Try PetWell Mobility supplement and functional treats for dogs and cats.
An itchy dog may benefit from omega-rich fish and supportive herbs like nettle or burdock. Try PetWell Relief supplement and functional treats for dogs and cats.
A sensitive tummy may benefit from goat milk, bone broth or marshmallow root. Try PetWell Digest supplement and functional treats for dogs and cats.
You don’t need every superfood in your pantry.
You just need the right ones for your pet’s body.
Final Thoughts
If you’re asking questions about what your dog or cat can eat, you’re already ahead of the game.
Feeding well isn’t about perfection. It’s about balance, moderation and understanding what supports your pet’s individual needs.
And when in doubt?
Pause. Check. Ask. That’s what caring pet parents do.
FAQ's
What human foods are safest for dogs?
Lean proteins, small amounts of berries, and omega-rich fish like sardines are among the safest additions.
What foods support dog gut health?
Bone broth, goat milk, chicory root (prebiotic), marshmallow root and fibre-rich seeds like chia can support digestive balance.
What natural ingredients support joint health in dogs?
Green lipped mussel, turmeric and boswellia are commonly used to support joint comfort.
Are herbs safe for dogs and cats?
Many are, but quality, dose and formulation matter. Always use pet-safe preparations.
What foods should dogs avoid completely?
Onion, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamias and xylitol are toxic and must always be avoided.
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.
This article was prepared by the team at PetWell. Australia’s trusted provider of natural, human-grade pet supplements and freeze-dried treats for dogs and cats. Drawing on holistic animal behaviour insights and years of working with canine clients, PetWell champions kind, calm and scientifically informed solutions for every pet parent.
Posted By Ayda Hornak - Trained in Canine Psychology and Natural Animal Nutrition Care.