While humans and dogs have very different digestive systems, there are some foods that your dog can enjoy just as much as you! Dogs are carnivorous, which means the principal component of their diet should include meat, but there are many other food options that offer plenty of health benefits. These include seasonal vegetables, some fruits, and even dairy.
Choosing a healthy diet full of nutritional value is essential to maintaining your pet’s health and well-being. If you’ve got any doubts about what to feed your dog, it’s a good idea to chat with your veterinarian.
Human food your dog can enjoy
Here’s our top 10 list of everyday foods your dog can enjoy that offer plenty of nutritional value:
Peanut butter
Peanut butter is an excellent treat for your dog as it’s full of protein, niacin, vitamin B and E, and healthy fats. However, go for raw and unsalted peanut butter, as too much salt isn’t great for dogs. It’s also essential to check that your brand of peanut butter doesn’t contain any sugar substitutes like Xylitol, which can be fatal for dogs.
Cheese
If you’re a cheese fan, maybe your dog will be too! As long as your dog is not lactose intolerant (which affects a small percentage of dogs), then cheese is another excellent option for your pet. Cottage cheese, in particular, is a good choice as it’s high in calcium and protein. Plus, its bland taste makes it easier for dogs to digest.
Chicken
Chicken is a staple that your dog will love. Make sure you keep it plain and don’t add any marinades, sauces, or spices. Also, be sure not to feed your dogs any cooked chicken bones because they can splinter and be dangerous for your dog. Raw bones are fine and make a great healthy option.
Carrots
Carrots are an excellent choice as they contain plenty of Vitamin A and are high in fiber. Carrots are also low in calories, so they’re a great healthy snack option for your dog, particularly if your dog is overweight. Dogs also love to chew raw carrots, and they’re beneficial for their teeth.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a healthy option for your dog and offers plenty of vitamin A, fiber and beta carotene. In addition, pumpkin can help digestive issues in your dog, and you can serve it to your pet either fresh or canned as long as there are no added sweeteners.
Yogurt
Yogurt is high in both calcium and protein. In addition, the active bacteria acts as a probiotic, which is another great option to help improve your dog’s digestion. Like other foods we’ve mentioned, staying away from artificial sweeteners or added sugars is essential. Choosing a natural yogurt, such as Greek yogurt, is the best choice for your dog, and it also has less lactose than other types of yogurt. As long as you’re opting for unflavored and plain yogurts, this is a great human food for your dog.
Eggs
Why not treat your pup to an egg while cooking your own fried breakfast! Fresh eggs can be fed to your dog raw or cooked and offer many health benefits. You can even feed your dog some of the shell, which provides protein, biotin, riboflavin, and selenium. If you’re cooking eggs, remember to stay away from any seasonings and serve them plain.
Cooked salmon
Salmon is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids, which can help keep your dog’s coat shiny and healthy. Omega 3 can also help your dog’s immune system. Uncooked salmon isn’t suitable for dogs, so make sure you only provide salmon that has been cooked.
Apples
Sliced up some apples for your dog is another healthy treat full of vitamin A, vitamin C, and phytonutrients. Your dog can eat the skin, but make sure to not feed them any seeds which contain small traces of cyanide.
Oatmeal
You may be surprised to know that oatmeal is actually found in many traditional dog foods, so it’s an obvious choice for any dogs that aren’t sensitive to grains. Oatmeal is a great source of fiber and is also packed with loads of other minerals and vitamins. If your dog suffers from any bowel irregularity, oatmeal can be a great choice to help with this issue. Be sure to cook oatmeal before serving it to your dog, and always choose a plain brand with no added sugar or additives.
What not to feed your dogs
While plenty of human food is okay for dogs, some foods are not safe for your dog to eat. Here’s a list of foods to avoid. When introducing any new foods, be sure to do your research before giving them to your pet.
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Chocolate
- Macadamia nuts
- Onions
- Avocados
- Tea or coffee
- Garlic
- Lemons or limes
Portion sizes matter
Finally, it’s essential to pay attention to portion sizes, just like humans! Your dog should receive most of its nutrition from its regular canine diet. Snacks, including human foods, should not make up more than 5% of their daily calorie intake, meaning you need to keep portion sizes small.
Human food can also be higher in fat and sugar, another reason to keep portion sizes to a minimum. Too much sugar and fat can cause inflammation of the pancreas in your dog. And introducing new foods to your dog should be done slowly and over time to not cause any issues with their digestion.
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