Human Foods You Can Give Your Cats & Dogs

We've all been there. Your pet's giving you those eyes, whimpering, nudging against your leg, and you just can't resist the poor thing. But it can be hard to know just how much that bite will affect your dog or cat. While it's always good to stick to their regular diet, there are some foods that are safe to feed them every once in once in awhile.

DOGS

Baby carrots

These tiny treats can be fun for both you and your best friend to snack on. Bonus: they're usually compact, super healthy, and easy to take on the go.

Peanut or almond butter (either a small spoonful or a peanut butter bone)

Offer dogs just a small dab of the stuff either on a spoon, a peanut butter bone, or your finger. This is also a great way to sneak in any medicine.

Sweet potato chews (they're great for their teeth too!)

This vegetable was domesticated in Central America 5,000 years ago, and it's still a healthy treat for your pup today. In parts of North America, they're called yams as well, but these are actually rather distinct from a genuine yam, which belongs to the Discorea genus of plants.

Apples

Feel free to bring your dog a sweet Red Delicious or a juicy Granny Smith. But be cautious: some dogs can be sensitive to fruits, so check their poop afterward to determine if you might want to provide those vitamins and minerals some other way. In general, apples are a safe bet.

Cheese (but not too much, of course)

Another way to hide medicine if your dog catches onto the peanut butter. The calcium can also be good for their joints, and or keeping pregnant dogs healthy.

CATS

Fish

Yes, the stereotype is true. In particular, cats like tuna and salmon, but always make sure to cook it.

Eggs

Scrambled, sunny side up, poached, or over easy--no matter how they like it--eggs are a fine choice for cats. Share a nice, filling, and healthy breakfast together in the morning!

Whole Grains

Perhaps you've heard the hype about whole grains: in humans, they can reduce the risk of heart and kidney disease, Type 2 Diabetes, and obesity. The same can be said for cats, so make sure they get their grains.

Meat

Your dog isn't the only one who would enjoy a T-bone. When you fry up the grill this summer, your cat doesn't have to miss out on the barbecue fun. Like fish, just make sure any meat is well-cooked.