Human Foods Dogs Can Eat
Your dog probably feels like a part of your family, and you may feel bad if you don’t let your dog enjoy some of the great food you eat each day. A lot of people throw their dogs a bit of table scraps or even make some food for their dog on the stove to make their dog feel special. However, there is a danger in that practice. Some of the foods that humans eat are simply not safe for dogs (and eating them could cause complex health issues such as anal gland problems)… So we want to share with you a few of the best foods that you eat that you can give to your dog.
Peanut Butter
This is one of people’s favorite foods to feed their dogs. Not only does it take absolutely no preparation, but it is also something your dog will really enjoy eating. Peanut butter contains all sorts of nutrients that dogs can benefit from too. It includes Vitamin E and Vitamin B, as well as niacin and other nutrients. You should be careful about giving your dog any peanut butter with artificial sweeteners like xylitol, though, as that can be very unhealthy for your canine friend. Any peanut butter with “sugar free” or “light” in the label probably contains artificial sweeteners.
Carrots
Your dog probably won’t eat or enjoy most kinds of veggies, but carrots are a good source of Vitamin A and beta carotene. Most vegetables aren’t able to provide your dog with nutritional benefits either, so don’t just assume that just because something is good for you then it is also good for you dog. Carrots are the exception, though, and they are the best veggie to feed your dog. They help to clean your dog’s teeth and keep those teeth strong and healthy.
Cooked Meat
While your dog may enjoy raw meat and eat it without any apparent problems, you have to be careful about bloodborne disease and the health problems caused by raw meat. Cooking the meat gets rid of lots of bacteria and other potential health issues, making the meat safer and often more palatable for your dog. Cooked chicken is just about the best meat you can give your dog, and it offers lots of protein that dogs need as a major part of their diet. Cooked turkey, lamb and beef are good options as well, and they all contain protein and various nutrients that are beneficial to your dog. Be careful about feeding your dog the fatty parts of the meat or bones. Small bones are particularly dangerous, as they can get lodged in your dog’s throat and cause a choking hazard.
Eggs
Most dogs like to eat eggs, and these are a healthy part of a balanced diet for dogs. Eggs contain nutrients like riboflavin and selenium, and they are an excellent source of protein. Your dog needs tons of protein in its diet, so supplement its regular food with some eggs from time to time is a good way to give your dog what it needs while injecting some variety into his or her meals.
Oatmeal
You can add oatmeal to your dog’s meals or just serve it alone, but be sure to prepare the oatmeal and cook it fully to give your dog a pleasant experience. Oatmeal is a great source of fiber, and it is beneficial to older dogs who may have digestion or bowel problems. Don’t give your dog any flavored or sweetened oatmeal. Their palate is not like a human’s and they don’t need all that added fluff. Artificial sweeteners and flavorings can be harmful for your dog too, so avoid all that for their health’s sake.
Cheese
Kids love slices and chunks of cheese to snack on, and so too do dogs. You can give your dog just about any kind of cheese and boost their calcium intake, helping them to have stronger, more resilient bones. Don’t feed your dog a lot of cheese at first, though, until you are sure your dog can handle it. Some dogs are lactose intolerant or just have trouble digesting cheese, so take it easy initially to gauge your dog’s reaction.
Salmon
We covered meat already, but your dog can eat some fish as well. Not all fish is good for your dog, especially in large quantities. The safest fish is probably salmon, and it is an excellent source of nutrition and low in mercury. Salmon contains Omega 3 fatty acids, which are good for your dog’s heart and help it to maintain a healthy weight. Salmon also contains fish oils that make for a shiny, sleek coat to give your dog a very healthy appearance.
As you can see, with just about any human food you give your dog, there are some potential problems you need to be aware of and try to avoid. That’s why it is always safer to feed your dog food that is specifically designed for it instead of human food. You can feed your dog some of the same things that you eat, but you just have to exercise caution and know for sure that it is safe to give to your dog.
About the author: David Cohen is a content editor at felineculture.com – a site for happy, healthy, and adventurous cats who are fuelled by nature.