Most dog owners know the feeling: you’re eating a snack, and your pup is watching with those big, hopeful eyes. And let’s face it—many dogs love people food. But just because they love it doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for a regular treat.
So, is people food okay for dogs? The short answer: sometimes, but it depends—and there are much better options.
Not Always Harmful, But Still Risky
Human food isn’t automatically bad for dogs, but it does come with risks. If you’re not familiar with what’s safe and what’s not, even a small amount of the wrong thing could cause a problem. A few of the bigger risks include:
-
Toxic foods – Chocolate, grapes, raisins, garlic, onions… these are all common ingredients that are dangerous for dogs, even in small amounts.
-
Too much salt, sugar, or fat – Most human meals are made with ingredients dogs don’t need—and shouldn’t have regularly.
-
Empty calories – Many people foods are calorie-dense without offering the nutrients dogs need, which can lead to unhealthy weight gain.
Yes, some people do manage to offer healthy, dog-safe human food as treats—but it takes research, portion control, and consistency. For most dog owners, it’s just not worth the risk.
A Better Option: Treats Made for Dogs
Here’s one of the best ways to avoid the issue altogether: don’t start giving your dog people food in the first place. If they never get a taste, they won’t know what they’re missing. And honestly, they won’t miss it.
That’s where dog-specific treats come in—like our Nextrition Tummy Treats.
Tummy Treats are made with natural, gut-friendly ingredients, just like our cold-pressed dog food. They’re designed to be tasty, gentle on the stomach, and easy to digest. Use them for:
-
Training rewards
-
Daily treats
-
Building trust or comfort in new situations
Your dog gets a reward they’ll love—and you get peace of mind knowing it’s doing them good.
Dogs Aren’t People (and That’s Okay)
We get it: it’s tempting to share. But dogs have very different nutritional needs. They aren’t built to handle the same foods we eat, and they definitely don’t benefit from things like processed snacks, desserts, or seasoned table scraps.
At the end of the day, what dogs really need is food that supports their health—not just something that tastes good to us. So if your pup is always on the lookout for a bite of your sandwich, try giving them a Tummy Treat instead. It’s just as rewarding for them—and a whole lot better for their body.
