Can Dogs Eat Bananas? A Guide to Safe Human Foods for Dogs

There are many dogs out there who will quite literally eat anything. Even some things that technically are not edible… like delicious socks.

As owners, we are likely aware of the common toxic foods to avoid giving our dogs. However, it is also worth knowing about some of the human foods, our canine companions are allowed to indulge in.

So, here is our quick guide to safe (and often tasty) human foods.

1) Bananas

This delightful yellow fruit is safe for our canine companions. Bananas are one of the only fruits where every part is safe for our pets to consume.

Still its worth noting that the peel isn’t very tasty, so best to pop it in the compost instead.

Bananas can be mashed up and used in interactive toys like Frogg. If it’s a warmer day, you can freeze slices of banana and berries in ice cubes. A tasty treat that keeps your pooch cool!

Bananas are a brilliant natural treat for your dogs, but as with all treats should be given sparingly.

2) Rice

Many complete dry dog foods utilise rice as their main carbohydrate and for very good reason.

Both white and brown rice are not only safe for dogs but nutritionally a great source of energy and fibre. However, before you start cooking up a delicious bowl of rice for your dog, keep in mind rice needs to be balanced with other food groups.

Often when dogs have an upset stomach, vets will recommend feeding something easy to digest and bland like egg and white rice. So, rice is perfectly fine to give to your dog instead of a meal but certainly shouldn't be cooked for them every day.

Why not use a natural meat and rice-based dry food instead?

3) Courgette and Cucumber

Did you know botanically both cucumber and courgette are fruits? I wouldn’t fancy a courgette in a fruit salad but still, the gourd family these both belong to is generally very safe for dogs to consume.

They are low-calorie and contain some fibre and moisture. Cucumbers will always be offered raw but with courgettes, you do have the option to cook. Cut into chunks and simply pop them in your dog’s bowl!

4) Eggs

Dried egg is a common ingredient in both dog food and treats. Eggs are packed with protein and healthy fat, so can safely be given to your dog.

However raw eggs should generally be avoided, although very uncommon here in the UK the shells can contain Salmonella, a bacterium that can lead to stomach problems. If you want to give your furry friend an occasional egg treat, the best way to give it to them is scrambled.

Avoid using extra oil, milk, salt or added spices, just plain scrambled egg makes a wonderful occasional treat.

5) Carrots & Broccoli

Does your dog stare at you pleadingly while you chop up veggies for dinner?

The good news is if you “accidentally” drop a small piece of carrot or broccoli, these will do your pooch no harm. Both vegetables are perfectly safe to feed and do have some great benefits.

However, the extra vitamins in broccoli and carrots are not strictly needed if you are feeding a healthy complete dog diet.

Both broccoli and carrots can be fed raw, however, do be careful with the sizes you give your dog as too large a piece could be a choking hazard. The easiest way to indulge them is by offering up small steamed pieces. Or try mashing up some broccoli and carrots and stuffing their favourite interactive toy.

Of course, meat often gets the tail wagging the most, so why not spoil your pooch with a natural and tasty dog treat?