Ensuring your dog receives proper nutrition is fundamental to their overall health and longevity. While commercial dog food forms the cornerstone of most canine diets, many human foods can serve as healthy and safe supplements, offering additional vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Understanding what foods are beneficial and how to prepare them safely can significantly enhance your furry friend’s well-being. This guide delves into a variety of “good foods for dogs to eat,” exploring their nutritional benefits and crucial precautions to keep your canine companion happy and healthy. [cite: https://dogcarestory.com/what-is-the-best-thing-for-dogs-to-eat/]
When considering what to feed your dog beyond their regular kibble, it’s essential to prioritize foods that are easily digestible and free from harmful additives or potential toxins. Always consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog’s diet, especially if they have underlying health conditions.
Fruits Your Dog Will Love
Fruits can be excellent sources of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making them delightful and nutritious treats for dogs.
Apples
Fresh apples are a fantastic, crunchy snack for dogs, provided you remove the seeds. The fruit is packed with vitamins A and C, along with fiber, which is vital for healthy digestion. Vitamin A supports the immune system, aids in bone growth, and promotes skin health, while also helping to maintain good vision. Vitamin C can reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and assist with cardiovascular function.
Bananas
Bananas are a tasty and easily chewable treat, especially well-suited for older dogs with sensitive teeth. This fruit offers numerous health benefits, including helping to lower blood pressure and promoting overall heart health. Bananas are rich in fiber, which aids digestion; folate/vitamin B9, contributing to healthy cell growth; lectin, improving blood sugar and intestinal health; potassium, crucial for fluid balance and kidney function; tryptophan, an essential amino acid for regulating sleep, appetite, mood, and pain; and vitamin C, a known immune booster.
Blueberries
Often called deep-purple berries, blueberries are a delicious treat enjoyed by both humans and dogs. They are an abundant source of vitamins and antioxidants, including vitamins C, K, and A, which can help reduce the likelihood of various diseases, disorders, and age-related issues in dogs.
Mango
Don’t keep this delightful tropical fruit all to yourself! Mango is high in fiber and vitamins A, B6, C, and E, making it a fantastic sweet treat for your dog. Always remember to remove the pit and peel, as both can make your dog sick. Additionally, excessive mango consumption can lead to stomach upset, so offer this treat in moderation.
Healthy and Safe Food for Dogs
Watermelon
Watermelon is a refreshing and hydrating fruit, perfect for keeping your dog cool in the summer. It’s also a good source of vitamins A, C, and B6. Before giving watermelon to your dog, ensure you remove all seeds and the rind to prevent choking hazards and digestive issues.
Vegetables for Canine Wellness
Vegetables provide essential nutrients, often with low-calorie counts, making them ideal additions to your dog’s diet.
Carrots
Carrots are a wonderful treat for dogs. Their crunchy texture can help remove plaque from their teeth, and this orange root vegetable is also a great source of vitamin A. Cold or frozen carrots can be particularly beneficial for teething puppies, providing a soothing chew toy and easing discomfort. However, for young dogs, carrots can be a choking hazard, so always cut them into small, manageable pieces.
Cauliflower (Unseasoned)
Low in calories and packed with nutrients, unseasoned cauliflower is an excellent supplement to your dog’s regular diet. It provides fiber, antioxidants, folate, pantothenic acid, potassium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, choline, sulforaphane, and vitamins C, K, and B6. While highly beneficial, cauliflower can cause gas in dogs, so limit this treat to small amounts. It’s safe to share raw or cooked, as long as it’s unseasoned.
Celery
If your pup could benefit from a low-calorie treat, celery is a superb choice. It’s low in fat and a good source of fiber and vitamins A, C, and K. Celery is also packed with folate, potassium, and manganese, which promote a healthy metabolism, and it may even help freshen your pet’s breath. Like carrots, celery can be a choking hazard; prevent problems by chopping the veggie into bite-sized pieces, especially for smaller dogs.
Cucumbers
Similar to celery, cucumbers are a low-calorie, sodium-free, and fat-free crunchy treat that many dogs adore. However, cucumbers also pose a choking risk, so always cut them into small, bite-sized pieces for your four-legged family member.
Green Beans
Green beans are among the best foods on this list for overweight dogs due to their low-calorie and low-fat content. This vegetable is also a good source of fiber and vitamin C. You can offer your dog cooked green beans or provide them frozen as a crunchy, refreshing snack.
Proteins for Strength and Health
Lean proteins are crucial for muscle development, energy, and overall canine health.
Beef (Cooked)
Beef is a highly nutritious protein source, containing all essential amino acids, along with vital vitamins and minerals. If you decide to give your dog beef, ensure it is thoroughly cooked to eliminate any harmful bacteria. Opting for grass-fed cattle, if possible, provides a better source of beneficial fatty acids than grain-fed varieties. [cite: https://dogcarestory.com/what-meat-can-i-feed-my-dog/]
Variety of Healthy Foods for Dogs
Chicken (Cooked and Unseasoned)
For dogs with an upset stomach, veterinarians often recommend feeding plain, boiled chicken and rice, often as a topper to their kibble. Chicken is easily digestible, high in protein, and low in fat. However, as dogs are omnivores requiring a balanced diet beyond just meat, offer chicken as a supplement or treat rather than a primary food source. Crucially, never give your dog chicken bones, especially cooked ones, as they can splinter and cause severe damage to your dog’s gastrointestinal tract. [cite: https://dogcarestory.com/what-can-i-feed-my-dog-when-sick/, https://dogcarestory.com/what-can-i-feed-my-dog-when-hes-sick/]
Eggs (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Eggs are an excellent source of protein and rich in many vitamins, including A, B, D, and K. They also provide important nutrients such as selenium, calcium, and zinc, making them a highly healthy treat for your dog. Always cook eggs thoroughly, as raw eggs can contain salmonella. Your dog might enjoy scrambled eggs or even a hard-boiled egg as a complement to their regular diet.
Fish (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Fish, particularly salmon and sardines, are rich in protein and amino acids, and they are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Sardines offer an additional benefit: their soft bones provide a valuable boost of calcium. Note that sardines are the only fish where you can leave the bones in; for all other fish, it is vital to remove all bones before feeding them to your dog. Always cook fish completely and limit your dog’s intake to no more than two servings per week.
Nutritious Human Foods Safe for Dogs
Turkey (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Similar to chicken, turkey is a good source of lean protein. When preparing turkey for your dog, be sure to remove the skin, bones, and any excess fat. Any turkey you offer your dog should be fully cooked and completely unseasoned.
Other Wholesome Additions
Beyond fruits, vegetables, and lean meats, several other items can provide valuable nutrients for your dog.
Peanuts (Unsalted) and Peanut Butter
Unsalted peanuts are a safe nut for dogs, providing healthy fats and protein. However, too much fat can lead to issues like weight gain or pancreatitis, so offer them in moderation. Peanut butter offers additional benefits, including vitamins B and E, as well as fiber, all of which contribute to cardiovascular and digestive health. Crucially, always check that peanut butter does not contain xylitol, a common sugar substitute that is highly toxic to dogs.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a fantastic supplement for any dog’s diet. It’s rich in nutritional value, including vitamins A, C, and E, plus minerals like iron and potassium. Its high soluble fiber content makes it excellent for your dog’s digestion, helping to alleviate tummy issues such as diarrhea or constipation. Pumpkin is also high in prebiotics, which further support a healthy digestive tract. It is low in calories and can be an excellent addition to your dog’s regular food. When buying canned pumpkin, always ensure it is pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which often contains dangerous additives for dogs.
Balanced Diet for Canine Health
White Rice (Cooked)
Cooked white rice is often recommended for dogs needing a bland diet for a few days due to an upset stomach. It is easy to digest and helps firm up loose stool. However, since rice can cause a spike in blood sugar, dogs with diabetes should only consume small amounts, and always under veterinary guidance. Your vet can help determine the appropriate amount of rice, if any, for your diabetic dog.
Yogurt (Plain)
While some dogs have difficulty digesting dairy products, plain yogurt can be a wonderfully healthy treat. The probiotics found in plain yogurt can help strengthen your dog’s digestive system. It is vital, however, not to give your dog yogurt with any added sugar, artificial sweeteners (especially xylitol), or artificial flavors. [cite: https://dogcarestory.com/what-is-a-healthy-human-food-for-dogs/]
Conclusion
Providing your dog with a diverse and nutritious diet is key to their health and happiness. While commercial dog food should remain their primary sustenance, incorporating appropriate human foods can offer a wealth of additional nutrients and variety. Remember to always introduce new foods gradually, observe your dog for any adverse reactions, and ensure all additions are prepared safely—removing seeds, pits, bones, and avoiding seasonings. Moderation is crucial, as even healthy foods can lead to digestive upset or weight gain if overfed. For personalized dietary advice and to address any specific health concerns, always consult with your veterinarian. Explore Dog Care Story for more insights on canine nutrition and care to keep your beloved companion thriving!
