They offer you unconditional love and also double up as something of a security guard when you’re not at home, protecting your possessions.
So, it would stand to reason that if you have a dog that you love very much, you may want to give them a little sliver of what you’re eating from your own plate come meal time and, it’s likely that they wouldn’t complain.
However, it’s not that straightforward. Dogs have different dietary requirements to people and as such, they may be more likely to develop illnesses or stomach issues from consuming foods that humans eat every day. Indeed, some of the biggest no-nos when it comes to giving your dog food include chocolate, oranges and pork, as it is very high in fat.
Therefore, if you are looking for a way to treat your pup when you’re having dinner, it’s important to know what foods they can eat without it being detrimental to their health and also providing them with benefits. This article aims to explore 18 common human foods that you can slip into your pup’s dish without issue.
Apples
Dogs are omnivores, and while they can obtain vitamin C without eating high-in-vitamin C foods, they usually love a slice of apple.
Apples are rich in vitamin A as well, and they are also low in fat, making them an ideal snack food if your dog has put on a lot of weight or is on a diet but wants something to snack on. It should be noted, however, that dogs should not eat too many apples per day, as these are high in sugar and can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease in older dogs.
Also, make sure that you remove the core of your apples before sharing them with your dog, as, according to Pet Food Safety, these rather unassuming seeds can cause a fair amount of issues for your pup, as they are highly toxic.
Bananas
Many dogs have something of a love hate relationship with bananas. Some dogs absolutely love them, and others cannot stand them!
However, these fruits are a very good choice of snack food for dogs that have gastrointestinal issues, as they can be very binding and also non-inflammatory. So, if your pup is experiencing a bout of runny movements, the humble banana can help. However, it should be noted that bananas are exceedingly high in sugar and should be served in moderation to your dog to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and obesity.
Blueberries
Most people enjoy nibbling on blueberries from time to time and this sweet berry treat is a healthy option and snack for both humans and dogs. The average blueberry is packed full of antioxidants and is also a very good source of vitamin C and fiber. So again, if you have a dog that has a sensitive gut, it may be worse than giving them some blueberries to see how they manage. These are also ideal treats to give to your dog on a hot day, as they can be served frozen. So, if you’re in the middle of a heat wave, it may be worth cracking out some frozen blueberries along with your dog’s cooling mat!
Carrots
Do you want to improve your dogs oral health but they hate having their teeth brushed? It may be worth giving them a carrot. Carrots are a great crunchy snack that is low in calories and are great at removing plaque from your dog’s teeth and gums. They also make a great snack for you to share with your dog if you are out and about, as they can be served raw or cooked. Just don’t panic too much when your dog has a movement; it may look slightly orange if they’ve had a bit too much carrot!
Green Beans
Green beans are another crunchy, healthy, low calorie snack which are perfect for you to share with your dog. They are packed full of vitamins such as Vitamin A, C and K, and your dog will likely enjoy consuming these plain and uncooked, as they will have extra crunch. So try to avoid the seasoned options that you can purchase in stores.
Sweet Potatoes
Many dogs also enjoy having some boiled or mashed sweet potatoes added to their food.Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and fiber, and also have a slightly sweeter taste which a lot of dogs enjoy. Just try to make sure that these crunchy orange snacks are cooked at home and are unseasoned, to ensure that your dog does not consume any additional salt or fat.
Chicken
It should come as a surprise to absolutely nobody that almost every single dog likes chicken. Chicken is high in protein and will help your dog to stay lean and healthy. Always remember that you should minimize your dog eating the chicken bones.
According to Heart and Paw, chicken bones are exceedingly likely to shatter when your dog bites into them and this may cause sharp ends to pass through your dog’s digestive system, which could lead to internal bleeding and infection.
Salmon
It is more expensive than chicken but many dogs love salmon. It is great for dogs that have stiff joints or arthritis too, as it is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which also aid in creating a glossy coat for your pup.
Make sure that if you give your dog salmon that it is cooked thoroughly, to avoid parasitic infections, and that it has not had any salt or pepper added to it.
Turkey
Whether it is plain turkey for Thanksgiving dinner, or it is sliced in a sandwich, turkey is a great option for dogs. It is a low-fat meat option that is loaded with protein as well as nutrients. Make sure you serve it plain for your pup and aim to keep the skin off. That part is pretty fatty!
Yogurt
If you eat plain, unsweetened yogurt, you can share it with your pup too. It will aid in their digestion and it’s a high calcium and protein food which is also great for digestion. Just aim to make sure that it is plain yogurt and that it has no additives which could upset your dog’s stomach.
Cottage Cheese
A lot of dogs love cheese, so it would make some sense that the majority would love cottage cheese. Provided it has no added sugars (like pineapple slices) it is perfectly fine to give to your pup in small quantities, as it is low in fat.
Oatmeal or Porridge
Technically, the meal that you could share with your dog would be more similar to gruel, as you would need to make it with water rather than milk. However, the high fiber content in oatmeal makes a great food for dogs, just make sure there is no added sugar or salt. It can also be great for dogs that have sensitive tummies and allergies too.
Brown Rice
Provided that it has been thoroughly cooked, plain brown rice will be a snack that your dog will love, primarily because it’s easy for them to digest. It’s also a great mix of other foods such as meat and special meals. It is also a healthy source of carbohydrates and vitamins.
Cheese
Most dogs love cheeses like cheddar and it is a safe treat that you can share with them as long as it’s in small doses.Try to opt for low fat cheese, for a healthier option and make sure that you do not give your pup too many cubes of cheese, or they may get a bit, well, constipated.
Quinoa
Quinoa is a perfectly safe treat that you can share with your dog as it has a lot of nutritional benefits for your pet, according to the American Kennel Club. In fact, quinoa contains all 9 essential amino acids, making it one of the best protein options that you can give to your dog.
Pumpkin
Pumpkins aren’t just for carving, and around the time of Halloween, you can use them to make some delicious doggie treats. Much like sweet potato, pumpkin is a great boost for dogs digestion and is also low in calories and fat. When cooking the pumpkin, make sure you do so thoroughly and serve it to your dog’s plain. Make sure there are no added spices, as these can upset your dog’s stomach.
Peanut Butter
Most dogs love peanut butter and it is perfectly safe for your 4 legged companion as long as it is given in moderation and as long as it doesn’t contain an ingredient called xylitol which is toxic to dogs. So always make sure to check the.People will buy a dog friendly peanut butter.Option which you can eat as well.
Broccoli
Last but certainly not least, broccoli is a wonderful addition to your dog’s diet, whether it has been roasted, boiled or raw. Of course, as is the way with all the other vegetables on this list, make sure if you are cooking it that you do so thoroughly and that there are no added salts, sugars or herbs.
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