Credit: Photo by Camylla Battani on Unsplash
Dogs have probably been using their puppy dog eyes to get table scraps since they were first domesticated. Sneaking your dog leftover foods may seem like a way to show your affection, but it can also be more harmful that you’d think.
Nightly table scraps can cause a dog to pack on unwanted pounds, potentially causing minor and severe health problems. Obesity in dogs can lead to arthritis in the hips from carrying extra weight or diabetes from excessive salt intake.
Also, dogs can have allergies, too. If your dogs are suffering from allergies, human foods might not for them. These commercial foods in this suggestion can help lower your dog’s risk of developing an allergy or manage your dog’s allergy symptoms.
However, that’s not to say you can’t feed your dog human food.
There are a surprising number of human foods that are not only safe for dogs but can also help keep them healthy. However, there are just as many foods that should be avoided because of their toxicity to dogs. Grapes and chocolate are the two foods that dogs should never ingest. What kind of human food can be fed to dogs without worry?
13 Dog-Friendly Human Foods
This infographic was made by CyberPet
If you want to share food from your plant or use human food to supplement your dog’s kibble, add these foods to your grocery list:
1. Blueberries
“Eat your fruits and vegetables” is a refrain humans hear since the time they are kids. Transferring that mantra to your dog may seem like a healthy option. However, many fruits are high in sugar, which can do more harm than good to both humans and canines.
Blueberries are made from 85% water and contain less sugar than other fruits. They are also full of antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation from arthritis and other ailments.
2. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are easily digestible and help boost the immune system. They are full of vitamins, including Vitamin A, which improves vision and helps build muscle. Many dog owners use sweet potatoes to keep a dog ‘regular’ and to prevent constipation due to their high fiber content.
The sweet potatoes should be steamed or boiled. In general, the skin of the potato is safe for dogs to consume. However, too many sweet potatoes in your dog’s diet can cause free-flowing diarrhea, so use it in moderation.
3. Chicken Breast
Chicken is lean meat rich in proteins that makes it a healthy choice for dogs or humans. The Omega 6 fatty acids can help your dog’s fur retain a shiny coat. Chicken and rice are a popular remedy for dogs who are recovering from an illness and need a healthy but bland diet.
If you choose to make your own dog food at home, chicken could be the main ingredient. However, the chicken must be cooked or broiled. Raw chicken should never be consumed by people or dogs.
4. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a great snack that dogs love and something that keeps them occupied. The tasty treat is full of healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins. However, reading the labels of store-bought peanut butter is extremely important. Some manufacturers use Xylitol as a sugar replacement in the ingredients for peanut butter.
Xylitol is extremely lethal to dogs. It can also be found in sugar-free gums. Raw, unsalted peanut butter is the best option for Fido.
5. Apples
Apples are high in fiber and dogs love the crunchy, sweet taste of the refreshing fruit. Apples do have higher sugar content than blueberries. So while apples are safe to eat, they should be given less often than blueberries.
The stems and seeds must be removed before the fruit is consumed by the dog. Stems and seeds can get stuck in a dog’s throat. The seeds also contain traces of cyanide, making them bad for humans, too.
6. Green Beans
Green beans are amazingly healthy food for humans and dogs. The green veggie is high in protein, irons, and multiple healthy vitamins. Green beans are also low in calories. They are a great option to add to your dog’s bowl of kibble to supplement their diet and satiate their hunger.
As healthy as green beans are, the canned products sold in stores often have added salt that can contribute to diabetes. If using canned green beans, choose the brands that stamp ‘no added salt’ on their products.
7. Beef Liver
Beef liver is rich in protein and iron that promote your dog’s energy levels and overall health. The organ meat may seem like an odd choice, but dogs seem to love it. It can be made into jerky and used as treats for your canine pal.
However, beef liver is high in Vitamin A. Consuming too much Vitamin A can cause toxicity that may lead to bone issues. The beef liver must always be cooked before fed to the dog in moderation.
8. Sardines
Sardines are rich in vitamins and Omega 3 that give dog’s their shiny coats. The small, oily fish can help strengthen a dog’s muscles. They are also low in salt and can be added to your dog’s diet or used as snacks.
However, like green beans, canned sardines can have salt added. Always check the labels before giving any food to your dog, even if it’s designed for canines.
9. Spinach
Spinach is another leafy green vegetable rich in vitamins. The antioxidants can help boost your dog’s immune system. Spinach is also full of beta-carotene, which can contribute to your dog’s eye health.
10. Cooked Pumpkin
Cooked pumpkin is the go-to food every pet owner uses for a dog’s upset stomach. The natural fiber in the canned pumpkin helps slow the digestive system and harden the dog’s stools. However, the canned pumpkin used for pumpkin pies is too high in sugar and spices for dogs to ingest.
11. Eggs
Eggs are one of the best foods for dogs and humans. They are rich in proteins and healthy fats that are turned into energy and muscles. Dogs can eat eggs scrambled or mixed into their kibble. Even the eggshells can be ground up for an extra boost of calcium.
12. Ground Turkey
Turkey is another lean meat that is full of healthy proteins and nutrients. It can also be a great alternative if your dog has an allergy to chicken or beef. Ground turkey can be converted by your dog’s body to muscle-building energy and boost digestion.
13. Carrots
Carrots
are rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and antioxidants. While they are higher in
sugar than other vegetables, they promote eye and dental health in your
four-legged friend.
If You’re Not Sure It’s Safe, Leave it on Your Plate
Many human foods can be added to your dog’s regular diet. However, their diet should include kibble or other dog-centric foods. A diet of solely human food doesn’t give a dog the proper nutrients necessary for a healthy life.