Many dog owners are curious if it’s okay for them to sneak a taste of their pup’s treats. After all, some dog treats smell and look like human snacks. While it may be tempting to grab a bite, there are some important things to consider before sampling products meant for canine consumption.
Why would a person eat a dog treat?
There are a few reasons why a human might try a dog treat:
- Curiosity about the taste and texture
- Misconception that dog treats are similar to human snacks
- Snacking on what’s readily available
- Monitoring quality by taste-testing the treats
- Confusion from someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s
- Dare from a friend or family member
- Accidental ingestion by a toddler
Of course, most people who try dog treats do so out of curiosity or by accident. However, it’s important to consider the potential risks before tasting treats meant for canine consumption.
Are dog treats safe for humans to eat?
Dog treats are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dogs, which differ from the nutritional requirements of humans. Here are some factors to consider regarding the safety of dog treats for people:
Ingredients
Most dog treats contain ingredients that are safe for humans such as:
- Meat products
- Grains
- Vegetables
- Peanut butter
However, some also contain additives that may cause gastrointestinal upset in humans, such as:
- Preservatives
- Artificial colors
- Artificial flavors
- Anti-caking agents
Consuming large quantities of treats with these additives could potentially cause abdominal pain, nausea, or diarrhea.
Nutritional content
Most dog treats are high in fat, carbohydrates, and calories compared to human snacks. Some key differences in nutritional content:
| Nutrient | Dog Treats | Human Snacks |
|---|---|---|
| Fat | Up to 30% fat | Usually under 15% fat |
| Fiber | 2-4% fiber | Up to 10% fiber |
| Sodium | 100-300mg sodium | 70-200mg sodium |
| Sugar | Up to 20% sugar | Under 10% sugar |
Eating more than a few treats could lead to gastrointestinal upset from the high fat content. The sugar and sodium content could also be problematic in large amounts.
Choking hazards
Some dog treats have a very hard, bone-like texture. This poses a choking risk, especially for children if treats are swallowed whole or only partially chewed.
Foodborne illness
Dog treats are more likely to contain salmonella and other bacteria compared to human food. Proper food handling and cooking protocols are not required for pet treats. Consuming them could potentially lead to foodborne illnesses.
Allergies or intolerance
Some dog treats contain allergens like wheat, dairy, chicken, beef, or soy. People with food allergies or intolerance to these ingredients could experience an allergic reaction if they eat treats containing them.
Side effects of eating dog treats
For most people, occasionally eating one or two dog treats is unlikely to cause harm. However, consuming numerous treats or more than a small bite could lead to the following side effects:
Upset stomach
Too many fatty, sugary treats could lead to nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. These symptoms should subside after stopping treat consumption.
Weight gain
The high calorie and fat content could contribute to unwanted weight gain if regularly snacking on canine treats. Moderation is key.
Tooth decay or damage
Some treats contain sugar and starch that could harm tooth enamel and lead to cavities if consumed frequently. Hard, bone-like treats may also crack or chip teeth.
Allergic reaction
Allergens like wheat, milk, or soy could trigger swelling, hives, breathing issues, or anaphylaxis in people with known food allergies. Discontinue use if allergy symptoms develop.
Blockage or choking
Treats without enough moisture or large, bone-shaped treats could become lodged in the throat and lead to choking. Chew thoroughly and stick to soft treats to avoid this serious risk.
Nutritional imbalances
Relying on dog treats as a substantial part of the diet could lead to nutritional deficiencies or excesses over time. Enjoy treats sparingly as a supplement to a balanced human diet.
Foodborne illness
Consuming treats contaminated with bacteria like salmonella could result in food poisoning with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Seek medical care if these symptoms arise.
Safety tips for humans eating dog treats
If choosing to indulge in your pet’s treats, follow these tips to minimize risks:
- Read package labels and avoid treats with artificial additives, sugar substitutes, and preservatives.
- Pick a nonsugary, low-sodium biscuit or dental chew for the safest option.
- Supervise young children to prevent accidental ingestion of treats.
- Cut larger treats into bite-size pieces to reduce choking risk.
- Drink water while eating treats to avoid gagging or blockages.
- Chew thoroughly before swallowing to prevent choking hazards.
- Rinse mouth after eating to prevent damage to tooth enamel.
- Stop consuming treats if you experience an allergic reaction or severe stomach upset.
- See a doctor if food poisoning symptoms develop like vomiting or bloody stools.
Moderation and caution are key to safely enjoying the occasional dog treat. Limit treats that are very hard, bone-shaped, or contain additives. And never give a dog treat meant for human food consumption to your pup!
When to avoid eating dog treats
It’s best to avoid indulging in dog treats if you:
- Have food allergies – ingredients may trigger reactions
- Have dietary restrictions – treats unlikely to fit nutrition needs
- Take certain medications – some inhibit nutrient absorption
- Have swallowing disorders – choking risk
- Have diabetes – blood sugar may spike
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding – potential exposure to bacteria
- Have a condition causing low immunity – higher infection risk
- Are a young child – higher choking risk
Children under 2 years, people with underlying health conditions, and those taking medications should be particularly cautious and likely avoid dog treats altogether due to higher potential risks.
Healthier treat alternatives for humans
For a similar taste without the risks of canine treats, try these healthier snack options:
Fruit chews
Chewy fruit snacks like Fruit by the Foot provide sweetness without artificial additives.
Rice cakes
Light, crunchy rice cakes offer a bland carb alternative to biscuit-type treats.
Air-popped popcorn
Plain popcorn provides crunch and fiber without the calories of dog treats.
Frozen yogurt drops
Freeze full-fat Greek yogurt on a cookie sheet then enjoy these creamy, protein-packed snacks.
Trail mix
A homemade blend of nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, and dried fruit satisfies cravings for a treat.
Vegetable chips
Baked vegetable chips like sweet potato or kale provide nutritious crunch.
Fruit strips
Dehydrated mango, apple, or banana strips offer wholesome sweetness on the go.
Rice cakes with almond butter
Top plain rice cakes with nutritious almond or peanut butter for added protein.
The bottom line
While the occasional dog treat is unlikely to harm your health, regularly eating pet treats could lead to nutritional imbalances, weight gain, or even illness. Limit treats to no more than one or two per day and stick to options without artificial additives. For young kids, the elderly, or people with medical conditions, avoiding pet treats altogether is the safest option. Be sure to keep both human and dog treats out of reach of pets to avoid accidental confusion. With some caution and moderation, the odd dog biscuit as a treat for humans won’t hurt – but healthier snack alternatives are abundantly available!