If there’s a time when dogs are most obedient and persuasive, it’s probably during your dinner time. It’s hard not to make eye contact with those longing puppy eyes, and it’s even harder to not succumb to sharing some of your grub with your pooch. Unfortunately, a lot of human foods isn’t suitable for dogs; some are even toxic and can be deadly when consumed.
Some human foods, however, are not only safe for pups, it is as good for them as it is for you–here is a list of eight foods you can feel good about sharing with your four-legged friend.
1. Apples and Pears: A well-known Cockney-rhyming slang for stairs, but also two very beneficial fruits for your dog! Both are excellent sources of fibre, vitamins, and many antioxidants. These delicious fruits also help freshen up their breath by cleaning the residue off their teeth. Be sure to remove the stems, seeds, and pits.
2. Peanut Butter: This popular sandwich spread makes an excellent snack for your dog. A great source of protein and healthy fats, give your best friend an almost empty container to keep them busy or when they’re stressed out.
3. Turkey and Chicken: Lean meats are great to incorporate into your dog’s meals, as they are likely already part of the dog food. Cook the meat by simply boiling it and leaving it unspiced to avoid any unwanted ingredients.
4. Carrots: Carrots are a terrific health boost for canines. Low in calories, high in antioxidants, great sources of Vitamins, and beneficial for the eyesight, these are one of the best human foods to infuse into your pup’s diet.
5. Salmon: Cooked salmon is a great way to give your dog omega-3 fatty acids to help keep the coat healthy and shiny. This fatty acid also helps with itchy skin, joint paint, and brittle nails.
6. Pumpkin: If your pup is having digestive issues, canned or fresh pumpkin might be your best homemade cure. It’s not only a good source of beta-carotene (provitamin A), but also packs a lot of fibre to help move along the gastrointestinal tract.
7. Oatmeal: Oatmeal is another terrific source of omega-3 fatty acids and fibre. Serve up this nice breakfast meal to your furry friend without flavours or sugar for maximum health benefits.
8. Popcorn: Ever wanted to share that bowl of popcorn with your pooch while watching a movie? Popcorn contains minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and calcium that are essential for bone health. So feeding your dog popcorn is actually a pretty good idea! Just make sure it’s unbuttered and unsalted for Fido.
Dog owners are notorious for feeding human food to their pets, so it’s important to make sure it’s completely safe for your dog by checking with a veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet.
Check out this amazing peanut butter carrot oats biscuit recipe for dogs, and let us know which healthy human foods your dog goes crazy for!