Dog treats are generally not considered safe or suitable for humans to eat. While most dog treats are not inherently toxic, they contain ingredients and additives that are formulated for dogs, not humans, and may not meet the safety and nutritional standards required for human food. Additionally, they may contain vitamins or additives in concentrations that could be harmful to humans. There is also a risk of bacterial contamination such as salmonella, which dogs can tolerate better than humans. Dog treats are designed to appeal to dogs' taste preferences and typically do not taste good for humans. Homemade dog treats made with human-grade ingredients and cooked thoroughly can be safe for both humans and dogs. In summary:
- Dog treats may contain animal byproducts, grains, vitamins, and additives not tested or approved for human consumption.
- Nutritional needs differ between dogs and humans; dog treats cannot replace human nutrition.
- There is a risk of contamination and foodborne illness.
- Some "human-grade" dog treats are made with ingredients that are safe for humans.
- Long-term consumption of dog treats by humans is unsafe.
Therefore, it is not recommended for humans to eat dog treats unless they are specifically labeled as human-grade or made from safe ingredients for shared consumption.