Can Dogs Eat Steak?

When it comes to favorite foods, you’d be hard-pressed to find something more delicious than a ribeye that’s fresh off the grill. With something so tasty, it’s no wonder your pup might want a bite of your steak. But can dogs eat steak, or should you hold off on sharing a bite with your furry friend?

Good news: Dogs can eat steak safely in moderation, as long as you keep a few tips in mind. Namely, make sure it’s cooked correctly (no raw beef!), only offer it off the bone and in small, bite-sized pieces (relative to the size of your dog), and avoid harmful seasonings, including butter and oil, that can make them sick.

Read on to learn more about how to safely feed steak to your dog, including preparation tips and how much steak is OK for dogs to eat.

Is Steak Good for Dogs?

If your dog manages to persuade you to share, they’re in luck. Not only does steak taste great, but this treat offers many nutritional benefits for dogs:

• High-quality protein source: Beef is a good source of protein, which is essential for your dog’s muscle development and overall health.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals: Steak contains essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which contribute to your dog's overall well-being.
• Adds variety to their diet: Even the pickiest eaters often enjoy the taste and texture of steak. Including a bite or two of cooked steak or ground beef in their bowl offers variety and makes their usual kibble more exciting. However, be warned that dogs may refuse to eat their regular diet by itself once you start adding food toppers like steak.

Can Steak Be Bad for Dogs?

Dogs on special diets, or who have health issues like pancreatitis or heart disease, may want to avoid steak altogether. As with any other human food, there are a few risks to keep in mind regarding steak for dogs:

• High fat content: Fatty cuts of steak or ground beef that isn’t drained of fat can be bad for dogs. Too much fat can lead to digestive upset (vomiting or diarrhea) or even pancreatitis.
• Bone hazards: Steak bones can also pose a major choking hazard, which is a serious emergency. Swallowed bone fragments can also create intestinal blockages or perforations.
• Dangerous seasonings: As with any food, always avoid giving your dog steak that has been seasoned with garlic, onions, or excessive salt. Garlic and onions are both toxic to dogs, and too much salt can also cause your dog to become sick.
• Bacterial contamination: The USDA warns that raw or undercooked beef can harbor harmful bacteria such as salmonella or E. coli, which can cause your pet to become sick. Don’t feed your dog raw steak (at minimum, steak should be seared), and ensure any ground beef is cooked thoroughly before sharing.
• Health conditions: Dogs with certain health conditions, such as pancreatitis, obesity, heart conditions, or digestive issues, may be better off sticking to their usual vet-approved diet. Eating steak can actually cause pancreatitis in dogs.

If you’re unsure whether or not your pooch should eat steak, give your vet a call. They can help you decide if steak is OK for your dog, based on their health history, age, and size.

How To Safely Prepare Steak for Dogs

Here are a few tips for safely preparing steak for dogs:

• Trim any excess fat before cooking to avoid an upset stomach.
• Cook thoroughly to kill potentially harmful bacteria. Cook to the USDA-recommended minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees F to reduce risk of food-borne illness. Ground beef will need a little extra time in the pan; cook until thoroughly browned or to a temperature of 160 degrees F.
• Do not use seasonings or spices (especially garlic, onions, or excessive salt).
• Remove bones before serving, as these pose serious choking and digestive hazards.
• Cut into small, bite-sized pieces and only offer a bite or two at a time.

Can Dogs Have Steak Bones? Can Dogs Eat Steak Bones?

Puppies and dogs should not be given steak bones, especially cooked bones, as they can cause your dog to choke or can create digestive obstructions. Another hazard of chewing on bones is damaged or fractured teeth.

Opt for chew toys or treats designed for dental health instead.

If you suspect your pet has swallowed a bone, call your vet right away.

How Much Steak Can My Dog Eat?

If it’s your pup’s first time trying steak, start with one to two small bites, and keep an eye on your pet to make sure there’s no adverse reaction. Some dogs may be allergic to beef, so if your pup shows any signs of an allergic reaction (itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, or vomiting/diarrhea) after trying steak or another new food, head to the vet.

Always follow the 10% rule: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s calories. Their primary nutrition should come from a well-balanced dog food that’s made specifically to meet their nutritional needs.

My Dog Ate Too Much Steak—What Do I Do?

If your dog ate a lot of steak, monitor them closely for signs of illness that may require veterinary care. If your pup has eaten too much steak and you notice the following signs of digestive upset, call your vet.

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Drooling
• Painful abdomen

Additionally, if your dog gets ahold of steak seasoned with garlic or onion (which are toxic for dogs), you may need to head to the clinic. Your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 can help you determine if it’s an emergency.

Other Human Foods To Feed Your Dog

In addition to steak, many other human foods are safe for dogs to enjoy. Here are a few dog-safe human foods you can safely share with your hound.

• Lean proteins like chicken, turkey, and salmon
• Plain cooked vegetables, such as carrots, green beans, peas, and sweet potato
• Fruits like apples, blueberries, strawberries, mango, watermelon, and banana
• Cooked squash, including pumpkin and zucchini
• Whole grains and plain, cooked rice
• Greens like spinach, lettuce, and kale (in very small amounts—too many leafy greens can lead to bladder stones in some dogs)