Sonia
As a dog owner, it is natural that you may sometimes want to share your snacks with your furry friend. However, all human foods are not safe for dogs. Here are 20 human foods that are not only safe but also beneficial for your dog.
Chicken
Dogs love meat, and chicken being one of their favorites. Lean meats like chicken are an excellent source of protein for dogs. All you need to do is ensure they are cooked and do not contain salt. But do make sure that the chicken is free from bones, fat, and skin. That is because these can cause severe health issues in your dog.
Fresh Apples
Not all fruits are great for dogs, but apples surely are. You can include apples in their daily meals because they are packed with natural sugars and antioxidants. Remember that you should never feed apples in large quantities because it will only end up with your dog gaining weight. Another good thing about apples is that dogs chew them, which keeps their teeth clean.
White Rice
A lot of vets say that giving plain steamed white rice to dogs can significantly help maintain their digestive health. White rice is extremely gentle on their stomach and is a great source of carbohydrates, too. So your dog gets the much-needed energy without upsetting their stomach. You should cook the rice thoroughly before serving it to your dog for easy digestion.
Peanut Butter
Unsalted peanut butter is another treat that you can give your dogs. Not only is it a good source of protein but it also contains a lot of healthy fats. But you should keep in mind that the peanut butter should not contain xylitol. Xylitol is said to increase insulin levels in dogs, which can lead to decreased blood sugar levels.
Tomatoes
Ripe tomatoes are also a great food for dogs. You can feed your dog ripe tomatoes or add it to their steamy chicken broth. But you should avoid feeding the leaves, stems, and green parts, as they might contain solanine. Tomatoes are also a great source of folates, vitamins K, A, and C, which will help in building immunity and lower cell damage in your dog.
Eggs
Boiled eggs or oil-free scrambled eggs are a great source of protein for dogs. But you have to remember that raw eggs can have some amount of salmonella in them, so it is best if you cook them before feeding. Also, eggs have essential amino acids and fatty acids that help in keeping the coat healthy.
Oatmeal
Plain oatmeal is an excellent source of fiber and can be a healthy snack for your dog. You should only feed whole-grain oatmeal because it does not contain any preservatives or added sugar which can be toxic for dogs. Also, never give too much oatmeal or too frequently because it can cause gastric issues and weight gain.
Pumpkin
You can also feed pureed pumpkins to your dogs. Anything pureed dogs love, so it will not be too hard to feed this. Pumpkin is good for digestion and also can help with diarrhea, being low in calories and high in fiber. If your dog is suffering from constipation, you can add 1 to 4 spoons of raw or canned pumpkin to their meals to ease it.
Yogurt
Dogs love yogurt. Yogurt not only helps digestion but also improves absorption of nutrients. Avoid feeding store bought yogurt because they contain added sugars and artificial sweeteners. Instead, you can easily make a batch at home. Also, if your dog has a history of lactose intolerance, avoid feeding yogurt altogether.
Cheese
Cheese is also a good source of protein and fatty acids. So, it will help keep your dog coat healthy and with a shiny coat. Some people even use cheese to train dogs because the taste appeals to them. But, be cautious with portion sizes, as too much cheese can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth is not only hydrating but also soothing for dogs with upset stomachs. It’s a good way to entice dogs to eat their regular food if they’re feeling unwell or are picky eaters. Just ensure it’s low in sodium and free from onions and garlic, which are toxic to dogs.
Salmon
Salmon is a great source of protein and essential nutrients like vitamin D and B vitamins. These nutrients support the immune system and overall health. However, never feed your dog raw salmon due to the risk of salmon poisoning disease, which can be fatal.
Quinoa
Quinoa is a gluten-free alternative to grains. It can be a very good option for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. It is also high in antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation in the body. You can simply add a few drops of quinoa to their meals every day. But never feed cooked quinoa that contains salt and other spices.
Green Beans
Green beans are a great source of plant fiber. It can not only help regulate the digestive system but is also extremely low in calories. That is great if your dog is overweight. Always remember that even for green beans, you cannot feed cooked and seasoned ones to your dog. So, add it to their meals without any spices or salt.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a soft, mild cheese that is easier on a dog stomach. So, it is a good option for dogs with digestive issues. It is also a good source of protein and essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and phosphorus. A lot of vets suggest feeding cottage cheese because it can reduce obesity and also improve any intestinal problems.
Plain Popcorn
Dogs love popcorn, or at least most of them do. You can give popcorn to your dog, but again, without any kind of seasoning or salt. Popcorn is actually a great source of zinc, phosphorus, and magnesium, all of which are essential for dogs and keep them healthy.
Carrots
Carrots are not only a good source of dietary fiber, but they also contain beta-carotene, which is excellent for dog vision. That is because the beta-carotene in carrots gets converted into vitamin A in the body which is essential to maintain good eye health and a strong immune system.
Zucchini
Zucchini is a low-calorie vegetable that is high in water content. Some dogs love it as a refreshing and hydrating treat, especially during hot and humid weather. It is also an excellent good source of dietary fiber, and vitamins like A, C, and K. But never give too much zucchini, sometimes mixed with their meals is fine.
Broccoli
Some dogs love broccoli as much as we humans do. You can mix them up in a soup or add it to rice. Or the simplest way is to make broth using broccoli. If your dog likes other veggies, you can add them too. Trust us, your dog is going to love you for this.
Bananas
Bananas are great for dogs. But you have to keep in mind that, like anything else, nothing is good in excess. Because bananas are low-calorie and are also quite high in potassium, fiber, copper, and biotin, it is a good idea to feed your dog bananas every once in a while.
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