DAY 16 - Human Foods & Fruits You Can Safely Give Your Chow Chow (Like Zoey!) – But Only Occasionally

If you’ve ever been in the kitchen with your Chow Chow’s soulful eyes staring at you, hoping you’ll “accidentally” drop something delicious... you’re not alone. Zoey, our adorable fluff queen, has a way of showing up exactly when food is involved.

Chows may be picky with their meals, but when it comes to treats and human food, they suddenly develop laser focus. The good news is, some human foods are actually safe for Chow Chows—if given in moderation.

So if you’ve ever wondered, “Can I give Zoey some blueberries?” or “Is peanut butter safe for Chows?”—here’s your go-to guide!

🥭 Fruits That Are Safe for Chow Chows (in Small Amounts!)

Let’s start with some juicy goodness—fruits that are dog-safe and even healthy in moderation:

🍌 Bananas

✅ High in potassium, fiber & vitamin B6

✅ Great for a soft, sweet treat

🐾 Zoey’s Tip: We mash a little banana into her lick mat—it’s always a hit. Just a few slices though—they’re high in sugar!

🍎 Apples (Without Seeds)

✅ Crunchy and full of fiber & vitamin C

✅ A natural breath freshener

🚫 Just make sure to remove the core and seeds—those are a no-go.

🫐 Blueberries

✅ Packed with antioxidants

✅ Low-calorie and great for training rewards

🐾 Freeze them for a cool summer snack Zoey absolutely loves!

🍉 Watermelon (Seedless Only!)

✅ Hydrating and full of vitamins A, B6, and C

🚫 No seeds or rind—they can be hard to digest

Perfect for hot days when your Chow needs help staying cool.

🥒 Cucumbers

✅ Low-calorie, hydrating, and crisp

✅ Safe snack for Chows trying to watch their weight (aren’t we all?)

🐾 Zoey is not a very big fan of cucumbers! Little missy has her own preferences! 

🎃 Pumpkin (Plain & Cooked)

✅ Amazing for digestion and gut health

✅ Helps regulate both constipation and loose stools

Add a small spoon to meals when your Chow’s tummy needs a little love.

Zoey Recommends 

🥜 Is Peanut Butter Safe for Chow Chows?

YES—in moderation and only if it’s xylitol-free.Peanut butter is a fan favorite for dogs everywhere, and Zoey is no exception.

✅ High in protein and healthy fats

✅ Great for stuffing KONGs or spreading on lick mats

🚫 Read the label carefully! Xylitol (a sugar substitute) is toxic for dogs, so always choose natural, unsweetened, dog-safe peanut butter.

🐾 Pro tip: We use peanut butter as a high-value training reward—it works like a charm!

🍽️ Other Human Foods Chow Chows Can Enjoy Occasionally

Not just fruits—some human foods can safely be shared too:

🥚 Plain Cooked Eggs

✅ Great protein source

⚠️ No oil, butter, or seasoning. Never raw.

🐟 Cooked Salmon

✅ Rich in omega-3s, supports skin and coat health

✅ Always deboned and fully cooked

🍠 Cooked Sweet Potato

✅ Loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants

✅ Easy to mash into meals or freeze as treats

🥛 Plain Greek Yogurt

✅ Good for digestion (if your Chow tolerates dairy)
For us this is a big NO as Zoey doesn't tolerates poultry and diary. 

✅ Must be unsweetened and xylitol-free

⚠️ Foods Your Chow Chow Should Absolutely Avoid

While it’s fun to share snacks, some human foods are a hard no for Chows (or any dogs):

🚫 Chocolate

🚫 Grapes & raisins

🚫 Onions & garlic

🚫 Avocados

🚫 Alcohol

🚫 Xylitol (in sugar-free products)

🚫 Cooked bones

🚫 Fatty, salty, or fried foods

🐾 Chows like Zoey can be extra sensitive, so it’s better to play it safe and stick to dog-approved options only.

🐾 How to Safely Share Human Food with Your Chow

🔸 Keep treats to no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake

🔸 Introduce one new food at a time

🔸 Watch for any signs of allergies like itching, upset stomach, or changes in stool

🔸 Don’t make it a habit to feed from the table—use a designated treat bowl or mat

🐶 Zoey’s Routine: She gets fruits and human foods as training rewards or enrichment snacks, not as meal replacements.