As a devoted dog owner, you naturally want to provide the best for your furry companion, and that includes their diet. While commercial dog food forms the foundation of their nutrition, understanding what human foods are safe and beneficial can add variety and essential nutrients to their meals. Knowing What Can We Feed A Dog goes beyond just kibble, encompassing a range of fruits, vegetables, and proteins that can contribute to their overall health. This guide from Dog Care Story explores various healthy and safe human foods, detailing their benefits and important precautions to ensure your canine friend enjoys a well-rounded and safe diet.
Fruits and Vegetables: Nature’s Treats for Your Canine
Incorporating certain fruits and vegetables into your dog’s diet can provide valuable vitamins, minerals, and fiber. These natural treats are often low in calories and can be excellent additions to their regular meals or as healthy snacks.
Apples
Fresh apples are a fantastic, crunchy snack for dogs, provided you remove the seeds. This fruit is a good source of vitamins A and C, along with fiber, which is crucial for digestive health. Vitamin A supports the immune system, aids in bone growth, and promotes healthy skin, while also helping maintain good vision. Vitamin C can reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and assist with cardiovascular function. Always slice apples into manageable pieces to prevent choking.
Bananas
Bananas are a palatable treat, especially well-suited for older dogs with sensitive teeth due to their soft texture. This fruit offers numerous health benefits, including helping to reduce blood pressure and promoting overall heart health. Bananas are rich in fiber (aids digestion), folate/vitamin B9 (supports healthy cell growth), lectin (improves blood sugar and intestinal health), potassium (helps with fluid balance and kidneys), tryptophan (an essential amino acid for regulating sleep, appetite, mood, and pain), and vitamin C (an immune booster).
Blueberries
These small, deep-purple berries are a delicious and healthy treat for both humans and dogs. Blueberries are an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants, including vitamins C, K, and A, which may help reduce the likelihood of various diseases, disorders, and age-related issues in dogs. Their natural sweetness makes them a favorite snack for many pups.
Carrots
Carrots make a great treat for dogs. Their crunchy texture can naturally help remove plaque from their teeth, making them a dental-friendly snack. This vibrant orange root vegetable is also a good source of vitamin A. Cold or frozen carrots can be particularly helpful 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, bite-sized pieces to avoid any problems. If you’re wondering what are good vegetables for dogs to eat, carrots are definitely on the list.
A selection of healthy and safe foods for dogs including fruits, vegetables, and meats.
Cauliflower (Unseasoned)
Low in calories and packed with essential nutrients, unseasoned cauliflower can be a beneficial 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. Despite its many benefits, cauliflower can sometimes cause gas in dogs, so it’s best to offer it in small, controlled amounts. It’s safe to share with your pup raw or cooked, just ensure it’s completely unseasoned.
Celery
For pups needing to watch their weight, celery can be an excellent go-to treat. This crunchy vegetable is low in fat and a good source of fiber and vitamins A, C, and K. It’s also packed with folate, potassium, and manganese, which promote healthy metabolism, and it may even help freshen your pet’s breath. Similar to carrots, celery can pose a choking hazard. To prevent any issues, chop the veggie into bite-sized pieces, especially for smaller dogs.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are another low-calorie, sodium-free, and fat-free crunchy treat that many dogs adore. Like celery, this vegetable can be a choking hazard due to its firm texture. Always remember to cut cucumbers into small, bite-sized pieces for your four-legged family member to ensure safe consumption.
Green Beans
Green beans are among the best foods on this list for overweight dogs because of their low-calorie and low-fat content. This versatile veggie is also a good source of fiber and vitamin C. You can feed your dog cooked green beans or offer them frozen ones for a refreshing and crunchy snack. These are truly what foods are good for dogs to eat, especially for weight management.
Mango
Don’t keep this delicious tropical fruit all to yourself! Mango is rich in fiber and vitamins A, B6, C, and E, making it a fantastic sweet treat for both humans and dogs. Always remove the pit and peel before serving, as both can make your dog sick. Additionally, too much mango can lead to stomach upset, so this is one item to give in moderation.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a fantastic supplement to any dog’s diet, especially if you’re wondering what can we feed a dog to aid digestion. It’s rich in nutritional value, offering 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 with tummy issues like diarrhea or constipation. Pumpkin is also high in prebiotics, which further support a healthy digestive tract. This low-calorie food can be an excellent addition to your dog’s regular meals. Always ensure that if you are buying canned pumpkin for your dog, it is pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains dangerous additives for dogs.
Watermelon
Watermelon is a refreshing and hydrating fruit, making it a delicious way for dogs to stay cool, especially in warmer weather. It’s also a good source of vitamins A, C, and B6. Always remove the seeds and rind before giving watermelon to your dog, as the seeds can cause intestinal blockages and the rind is difficult to digest.
Proteins: Essential Building Blocks for Health
Protein is a vital component of a dog’s diet, providing the amino acids necessary for muscle development, tissue repair, and overall bodily functions. When considering what can we feed a dog from your own kitchen, certain cooked and unseasoned meats are excellent choices.
Beef (Cooked)
Cooked beef is a nutritious protein source that provides all essential amino acids, along with important vitamins and minerals. If you choose to give your dog beef, ensure it’s fully cooked to eliminate any bacteria. Opt for grass-fed cattle if possible, as they tend to be a better source of beneficial fatty acids than grain-fed cattle. Always serve plain and unseasoned.
Chicken (Cooked and Unseasoned)
If your dog experiences an upset stomach, your veterinarian might recommend a bland diet of plain, boiled chicken and rice. Chicken is easily digestible, high in protein, and low in fat, making it a gentle option for sensitive tummies. It can be a good meat topper for your dog’s kibble. However, since dogs require a balanced diet beyond just meat, it’s best to offer cooked chicken as a supplement or treat rather than a primary food source. Crucially, never give your dog chicken bones (especially cooked), as they can splinter and cause severe damage to their gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Eggs (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Eggs are a superb 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, all contributing to a super healthy treat for your dog. Make sure to cook eggs thoroughly, as raw eggs can contain salmonella. Your dog might enjoy scrambled eggs or a hard-boiled egg as a compliment to their regular diet.
Fish (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Fish, particularly salmon and sardines, are rich in protein and amino acids, while also being excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. An added benefit of sardines is that their soft bones offer a valuable boost of calcium. Note that sardines are typically the only fish where you can leave the bones in; otherwise, it’s crucial to remove all fish bones before feeding fish to your dog to prevent choking or internal injury. Always fully cook fish and limit your dog’s intake to no more than two servings per week.
Turkey (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Similar to chicken, cooked turkey is a good source of lean protein for dogs. When preparing turkey for your dog, be sure to remove the skin, all bones, and any excess fat. Any turkey you offer your dog should be fully cooked and completely unseasoned to avoid ingredients that could be harmful.
Grains and Dairy: Considerations for Your Dog’s Diet
While not all dogs tolerate grains and dairy well, some can benefit from these additions in moderation. It’s important to introduce them slowly and observe your dog for any adverse reactions.
White Rice (Cooked)
Cooked white rice is often recommended for dogs needing a bland diet for a few days, particularly when recovering from stomach upset. It’s easy to digest and helps firm up loose stool. However, because 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 you determine how much rice, if any, your dog should have as part of what can we feed a dog with specific health needs.
Yogurt (Plain)
Some dogs have difficulty digesting dairy products due to lactose intolerance. However, plain, unsweetened yogurt can be a wonderfully healthy treat for many dogs, as the probiotics it contains can help strengthen their digestive system and support gut health. It is critical not to give your dog yogurt with any added sugar or artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Important Considerations for Feeding Your Dog
When deciding what can we feed a dog from your pantry, always prioritize their health and safety. While many human foods are beneficial, some can be harmful or even toxic. If you’re unsure about a particular food, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian first. Remember that treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake to maintain a balanced diet. Be mindful of foods that can cause digestive upset or choking hazards, and always prepare human foods appropriately by washing, cutting, and cooking them without seasonings. For more information on potentially harmful foods, you might want to read about what foods will make a dog sick.
For puppies, proper nutrition is especially critical for growth and development. If you have a growing pup, you might be interested in what can i feed my puppy to make him bigger. Similarly, understanding what vegetables dogs can’t eat is just as important as knowing what they can.
Conclusion
Providing a varied and nutritious diet is a cornerstone of responsible pet ownership. By understanding what can we feed a dog safely and beneficially, you can enhance their diet with a range of healthy human foods, complementing their regular dog food. From crunchy apples to lean cooked chicken, these additions can offer vital nutrients, promote dental health, and provide enjoyable treats. Always introduce new foods gradually, in moderation, and be vigilant for any signs of digestive upset. For personalized dietary advice tailored to your dog’s specific needs and health conditions, always consult your veterinarian. Ensuring your dog’s diet is both safe and beneficial will contribute significantly to their long and happy life.
