Many dog owners are tempted to snack on their pet’s treats, especially when the treats look or smell particularly appetizing. However, most experts agree that dog treats should be reserved for canine consumption only and are not recommended for human snackers.
Why are dog treats made for dogs?
Dog treats are specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dogs. Here are some of the key differences between dog and human nutritional requirements:
- Dogs require certain amino acids, vitamins, and minerals in different proportions than humans do.
- Dogs have a higher metabolism and thus require more calories packed into a small treat.
- Some ingredients commonly found in dog treats, like meat by-products, are not recommended for human consumption.
In addition, dog treats are produced in facilities designed for animal feed manufacturing, not human food preparation. This means quality control and safety standards are calibrated for animal consumption only.
Nutritional content of dog treats
Most dog treats are high in carbohydrates, protein, and fat compared to human snacks. Here’s a nutritional comparison of some popular dog treats vs. common human snack foods:
| Treat | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milkbone dog biscuit (1 biscuit) | 37 | 1 | 5 | 2 |
| Pig ear treat (1 oz) | 105 | 4 | 2 | 19 |
| Dried beef treat (1 oz) | 80 | 1 | 2 | 15 |
| Potato chips (1 oz) | 150 | 10 | 15 | 2 |
| Pretzels (1 oz) | 110 | 1 | 22 | 3 |
As you can see, dog treats pack a lot more calories and protein compared to typical human snack foods. The high fat and calorie content could lead to weight gain or an upset stomach if consumed regularly by humans.
Are dog treat ingredients safe for humans?
Some common ingredients in dog treats would raise red flags if they appeared in human food products:
- Meat by-products – Organ meats like liver are nutritious for dogs but considered undesirables for human food.
- Artificial colors/flavors – While considered safe in pet food, artificial ingredients are controversial in human foods.
- Preservatives – Dog treats contain preservatives like BHA and BHT which are banned from human foods in some countries.
- Fillers – Cheap fillers like corn and soy are used as binding agents but have low nutritional value.
Overall, the less processed dog treats with recognizable ingredients like peanut butter, carrots, or jerky tend to be the safest options if sampled by humans. Stay away from treats with a long list of mystery ingredients.
Choking hazards
Some dog treats pose a choking risk, especially for small children if left unattended around pets. Treats that are small, round, thick/dense, or flaky can partially block airways if swallowed. Supervise kids around pets and treats and consider the following precautions:
- Avoid extra small treats for large breed dogs if you have small children.
- Choose treats with a bone, twist, or unique shape instead of small spheres.
- Avoid brittle, crumbly, or flaky textured treats.
- Cut treats into smaller pieces for small breed dogs.
Dental health risks
The texture and ingredients in some dog treats may be harmful to human teeth if consumed regularly. For example:
- Hard, crunchy biscuits or dried treats can crack, chip, or scratch tooth enamel.
- Chewy or rubbery treats can get stuck in crevices and difficult to remove.
- Treats high in sugar can increase cavity risk.
It’s best to avoid making a habit of sampling dog treats to protect your dental health. At most, an occasional treat should not pose problems for most people’s teeth.
Germs and food safety
Sharing snacks back and forth between humans and dogs can spread germs even if the treat ingredients themselves are safe. Some risks include:
- Salmonella – Raw meat or eggs in homemade treats can harbor bacteria.
- Listeria – Refrigerated treats may allow listeria to grow over time.
- E. coli – Contamination from manufacturing or handling.
- Parasites – Pork products may contain trichinella parasites.
Following good hygiene and food safety practices can help reduce the risks, such as:
- Washing hands before and after handling treats.
- Storing treats properly, away from human food.
- Discarding treats that look or smell spoiled.
- Avoiding sharing treats between pets and humans.
Allergies and intolerances
Some individuals may experience allergic reactions or intolerances when eating dog treats, especially for the following ingredients:
- Wheat – Contains gluten which can trigger sensitivities or allergies in some.
- Soy – A common allergen.
- Dairy – Lactose intolerance can cause digestive issues.
- Chicken – A top food allergen for both dogs and humans.
- Beef – Another common meat allergen.
Pay attention to food labels and avoid dog treats containing ingredients that you are allergic or intolerant too. An upset stomach after eating a treat may be a sign of food intolerance.
Behavioral risks
Regularly feeding dog treats to humans can reinforce poor behavioral habits in pets. Issues that may arise include:
- Begging – Pets will associate humans with getting treats.
- Weight gain – Pets will eat extra treats if humans don’t account for calories.
- Pickiness – Turning down regular food in favor of treats.
- Obesity – Too many high-calorie treats lead to weight gain.
- Dental disease – Hard treats combined with reduced plain food can lead to more plaque.
While the occasional shared treat won’t harm your pet, it’s best for their health and behavior if dog treats come only from canine family members. Resist those begging puppy eyes for your own snacks!
Toxic ingredients
Some ingredients added to dog treats would be toxic to humans if consumed in large quantities. These include:
- Xylitol – A sugar substitute toxic to dogs that can also cause a dangerous insulin spike in humans.
- Onions/garlic – Contain compounds that destroy red blood cells in dogs if eaten in excess.
- Grapes/raisins – Contain an unknown toxin that can cause kidney damage in dogs.
- Macadamia nuts – Contain an unknown toxin that can cause weakness and paralysis in dogs if eaten in excess.
- Caffeine – Dogs are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine, including cardiac and neurologic signs.
While small ingestions are not likely harmful to humans, it’s best to check all treat ingredients before tasting them yourself. Never let your dog eat chocolate, which is very toxic to them but safe for humans.
Gaining approval
Before sharing any treats with your pet or sampling dog treats yourself, discuss it with your veterinarian. Some guiding questions include:
- Does my pet have any food allergies or intolerances?
- Are there any ingredients I need to avoid for my pet’s health?
- Is my pet at risk of gaining excess weight from treats?
- Are the ingredients and quality controls safe if I sample a treat?
- Are there any risks based on my own health history and allergies?
With your veterinarian’s input, you can determine if occasional shared treats are appropriate. In many cases, the safest option is to keep human and pet snacks completely separate.
Conclusion
Most veterinarians and health experts warn against regularly feeding dog treats to humans or sharing treats back and forth. Dog treats are formulated to meet canine nutritional requirements, which differ from human needs. While occasional small portions are unlikely to cause harm in most cases, making it a habit risks nutrition imbalances, weight gain, foodborne illness, or instilling poor pet behavior. Speak to your own healthcare provider and veterinarian before sampling pet products to identify any potential risks specific to your health history.