Have you been wondering “Is human food bad for dogs?” Although we humans try to keep our dogs on their canine diets, we sometimes just can’t resist slipping them an occasional human morsel. If you’ve been wondering what human food is safe for dogs, you certainly do not want to miss this article.
Let’s Explore the Best Human Food for Dogs That Are Safe and Healthy for Our Canine Friends
Peanut butter
The first on our list of best human food for dogs is peanut butter. As a favorite treat for many canines, peanut butter is an excellent source of protein, heart-healthy fats, vitamin B, niacin, and vitamin E. For a stimulating activity that will keep your dog busy for hours, consider stuffing peanut butter into a Kong dog toy. Be sure to choose raw, unsalted peanut butter.
Note: Be absolutely sure that you’re not using sugar-free or “lite” peanut butter with artificial sweeteners, particularly xylitol, as these substances are incredibly toxic to dogs.
Cooked chicken
As one of the most common ingredients in pet food, cooked chicken is another human food good for dogs. Cooked chicken may be slipped into the bowl along with your dog’s regular food to add extra protein and a touch of spice. In addition to being a savory treat, cooked chicken also makes a healthy meal replacement if you’re in a pinch and out of dog food.
Cheese
Cheese makes a fantastic treat for your dog as long as she isn’t lactose intolerant, which a small percentage of dogs are. Make sure to monitor your dog’s reaction after feeding her small amounts of cheese. Opt for low- or reduced-fat varieties and don’t overfeed, as many cheese types can be high in fat. Cottage cheese is typically a good choice for dogs.
Baby carrots
The fourth-best human food for dogs on our list is baby carrots. Baby carrots are a low-calorie treat that’s great for your dog’s teeth. Additionally, carrots are high in fiber, beta carotene and vitamin A. Carrots may be eaten raw or cooked. You may also feed your dog regular carrots, but be sure to slice them into small bite-size pieces to help prevent your dog from choking.
Yogurt
Another safe human food for dogs is yogurt. Yogurt is high in calcium and protein, making it a great treat for canines. Furthermore, yogurts with active bacteria can act as a probiotic and are good for your dog’s dog’s digestive system.
Keep in mind that you should choose only yogurts that do not contain artificial sweeteners or added sugars. Greek yogurt is typically the best choice for dogs, as it has less lactose than regular yogurt. You may also feed your dog kefir as long as it’s plain and unflavored.
Salmon
A good source of omega 3 fatty acids, salmon helps keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny as well as supports your dog’s immune system. There are multiple ways to add salmon to your dog’s diet. Consider adding cooked salmon to your dog’s dish, pouring salmon oil on her food bowl, or slipping him some of your unwanted fish skins.
Pumpkin
The seventh-most-healthy human food for dogs is pumpkin. A member of the squash family, pumpkin is an excellent source of fiber, beta carotene, and vitamin A. Moreover, pumpkin can help keep the GI tract moving as well as aid with digestive issues. Both fresh pumpkin and canned pumpkin make excellent dog treats as long as it’s plain with no added sweeteners.
Eggs
Scrambling up an egg for your pup is a great way to give her diet a protein boost. In addition to being high in protein, eggs are also a fantastic source of easily digestible riboflavin and selenium. To avoid the risk of salmonella, be sure to thoroughly cook eggs. Alternatives to scrambling eggs are boiling and poaching. Just make sure to avoid adding seasoning.
Green beans
Another healthy human food for dogs is green beans. Green beans are a source of protein, calcium, vitamin K and iron. Raw green beans and cooked green beans make a great treat for your dog since they are filling and low in calories. Keep in mind to serve only beans that have no added salt or seasoning.
Apple slices
Sliced apples are high in fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C, making them a fantastic treat for your pup. Additionally, apple slices are known to help clean residue off a dog’s teeth, which, in turn, helps freshen her breath. Before feeding your dog apple slices, make sure to take out the seeds and the core, as these can be choking hazards.
Oatmeal
The last best human food for dogs is oatmeal. Because cooked oatmeal is a great source of soluble fiber, it is especially beneficial to senior dogs with bowel irregularity issues. It is also a fabulous alternate grain for dogs allergic to wheat. Make sure to cook oatmeal before serving it to your dog and select only oatmeal that has no added sugar or flavor additives.
This is just a shortlist of human food for dogs that are healthy and safe. Remember to feed these foods in small amounts when you first introduce them to your dog’s diet. If your dog experiences any sort of reaction, immediately consult a veterinarian.
Before giving your dog any human food, do some research to make sure it’s safe. Never feed your dog toxic human items such as chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins, yeast dough, artificial sweeteners, macadamia nuts, avocados, alcohol, or coffee. Consult your veterinarian with any questions you might have on what human food is safe and what is harmful.
What is your dog’s favorite food? Share it with us in the comments.
You’ve heard about “superfoods” for humans (lookin’ at you, salmon and blueberries). But what makes a food “super” for dogs? Canine superfoods deliver the maximum amount of nutrients with minimum calories. And as it turns out, lots of superfoods for dogs are good for humans, too.
The nutrient-packed picks below will help your dog (and you) fight disease, boost energy, and maintain good health in general. They make great additions to your dog’s diet — whether you feed them packaged dog food or home-cooked meals. Just be sure to introduce these foods gradually and in proper portions — and run them by your vet first if your dog has any dietary or health issues.
10 Superfoods for Dogs
1. Kale
This supercharged leafy green contains loads of vitamins, including A, E, and C. It’s a good source of antioxidants and helps the liver detoxify the body. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. If your dog has bladder stones or kidney disease, ask your vet before feeding your dog kale; it may need to be avoided.
2. Carrots
Crunchy and naturally sweet, carrots are loved by most dogs. They’re loaded with carotenoids, fiber, vitamins C and K (which aids in blood clotting to help wounds heal), as well as potassium. They also have magnesium, manganese, most of the B vitamins, and phosphorus, which is required for energy production, among other things.
3. Pumpkin
Low in calories and high in soluble fiber, pumpkin helps maintain a healthy digestive tract. It is low in sodium and exceptionally high in carotenoids, potassium, and vitamin C; it also has some calcium and B vitamins. Canned organic pureed pumpkin can be found at grocery stores but be sure that it is pure and not a pie filling — it should have no sugar or spices added.
4. Sweet Potatoes
These tuberous root veggies are rich in beta-carotene and boast 150% more antioxidants than blueberries. Sweet potatoes are also super high in heart-healthy vitamin A and packed with vitamin C to keep your dog’s immune system strong.
5. Fish
Oily fishes like herring, salmon, sardines, mackerel, and anchovies are bursting with omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s can do wonders for your dog’s skin, coat and brain; it can also inhibit inflammatory processes that cause arthritic pain and other chronic canine conditions. (If your dog has any of these conditions, ask your vet if fish oil in capsule form might help too.) Fish are also an excellent protein source, with many essential vitamins and minerals.
6. Nori (dried seaweed)
Dried edible seaweed is a Japanese staple. Often associated with sushi, nori is available in some supermarkets, especially those that stock Asian food items. It has protein, galactans (a soluble fiber), vitamins C, E and all the Bs, and minerals such as zinc and copper. It also contains some lesser-known sterols and chlorophyll, which may help regulate metabolism. Nori may also aid in fat metabolism, immune function, and anti-tumor responses. Be sure to buy low sodium nori to keep your dog’s salt intake in check.
Sudden scratching? Finicky food eater? Loose poop? Whatever pet health question is on your mind, our veterinary pros are here to help.
7. Chia seeds
The seeds of this traditional grain have several of the same benefits as the more well-known “super seed” flax. But unlike flax seed, you don’t need to grind them to reap the health benefits. You can simply sprinkle seeds onto your dog’s meals. The nutritional benefits of chia include fiber, omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, antioxidants and even protein. They are also highly absorbent, which means they can help hydrate the body.
8. Quinoa
Commonly considered a grain, quinoa is actually a seed related to spinach. It’s a complete protein, supplying all eight of the essential amino acids and is a good source of fiber, folate, magnesium, iron, phosphorous, and many phytochemicals. One of the few vegetable sources of complete proteins, quinoa is a potent antioxidant and helps reduce the risk of diabetes.
9. Yogurt
Yogurt contains active cultures known as probiotics (aka, healthy bacteria), which help keep bad bacteria away. It may improve gut function, contains a number of nutrients including protein, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B12, potassium, zinc, and iodine. It is also a fair source of other B vitamins such as riboflavin and pantothenic acid (required for enzyme action and energy production, as well as other cellular functions).
10. Blueberries
Loaded with phytochemicals, blueberries are a great treat for your dog year-round (you can buy them fresh or frozen). The deep blue color comes from anthocyanidins, which are potent antioxidants; blueberries also supply vitamins C and E, manganese, and fiber. It’s best to give your dog small quantities since gorging on this tasty fruit can adversely affect canine (and human) bowel movements.
A Few Other Healthy Foods For Dogs
In addition to these superfoods, there are many simple, fresh, wholesome foods that dogs and humans can thrive on, including: apples, green beans, papaya, leafy greens, liver and hearts, eggs, oats, bananas, wheat grass, cranberries, nuts, pumpkin seeds, coconut oil, parsley, wheat germ, apple cider vinegar, and many more. For dogs, animal protein such as chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, goat, rabbit, pork, beef, fish, and venison should also be an integral part of their meals.