Dogs are cherished members of our families, and just like humans, their health greatly depends on what they eat. As a devoted pet parent, you might often wonder, What Is The Best Food You Can Feed Your Dog? Beyond commercial kibble, many human foods can offer significant nutritional benefits and make for delightful, healthy treats. It’s crucial to know which foods are safe, which offer the most nutritional value, and how to prepare them properly. While we often focus on what are things that dogs can’t eat, understanding the beneficial options is equally important. This comprehensive guide will delve into a variety of excellent options that can supplement your dog’s diet, contributing to their overall well-being and happiness. We’ll explore fruits, vegetables, and proteins that are not only tasty but also packed with essential vitamins and minerals to keep your canine companion thriving.
Apples
Fresh apples are a wonderful, crunchy snack that can be a fantastic addition to your dog’s diet, as long as you meticulously remove all seeds. The fruit is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, along with beneficial fiber, which plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy digestive function. Vitamin A is vital for supporting a strong immune system, aiding in proper bone growth, and promoting healthy skin and coat. It also helps maintain good vision. Meanwhile, vitamin C is known for its ability to reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and support overall cardiovascular health.
Bananas
Bananas are a delicious and easily digestible treat, making them especially well-suited for older dogs who might have fewer or more sensitive teeth. This soft fruit offers a plethora of health benefits, including helping to reduce blood pressure and promoting overall heart health.
Beyond their natural sweetness, bananas are packed with:
- Fiber: Essential for aiding in smooth digestion.
- Folate/Vitamin B9: Contributes significantly to healthy cell growth and function.
- Lectin: May help improve blood sugar regulation and promote intestinal health.
- Potassium: Crucial for maintaining fluid balance and supporting kidney function.
- Tryptophan: An essential amino acid that plays a key role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle, appetite, mood, and pain perception.
- Vitamin C: A powerful immune system booster.
Beef (Cooked)
For dog owners asking what is the best food you can feed your dog to boost protein, cooked beef stands out as a highly nutritious option. It provides all essential amino acids, along with a rich array of vitamins and minerals crucial for canine health. If you choose to offer your dog beef, always ensure it is fully cooked to eliminate any potential bacteria. Opting for grass-fed cattle, if possible, can provide an even better source of beneficial fatty acids compared to grain-fed alternatives, further enhancing the nutritional value for your pet.
A bowl of various healthy foods like apples, bananas, carrots, and beef, suitable for dogs.
Blueberries
Blueberries, often described as deep-purple superfoods, are a delightful and highly beneficial treat for both humans and dogs. These tiny berries are an abundant source of essential vitamins and powerful antioxidants, including vitamins C, K, and A. Regular consumption of blueberries may significantly reduce the likelihood of various diseases, disorders, and age-related issues in dogs, making them an excellent choice for promoting long-term health and vitality.
Carrots
Carrots are an excellent and crunchy treat that many dogs adore. Their firm texture can actually help scrape away plaque from their teeth, contributing to better dental hygiene. This vibrant orange root vegetable is also a fantastic source of vitamin A, which supports vision, immune function, and skin health.
For teething puppies, cold or frozen carrots can be particularly helpful. They provide a soothing, firm object to chew on, which can ease the discomfort of growing teeth. However, it’s crucial to remember that carrots can be a choking hazard, especially for younger or smaller dogs. Always cut them into small, manageable, bite-sized pieces to prevent any potential problems and ensure your pup can enjoy them safely. When considering what are good things for dogs to eat, carrots certainly make the list for their combined benefits.
Cauliflower (Unseasoned)
Cauliflower, a versatile cruciferous vegetable, is a low-calorie option packed with an impressive array of nutrients. It’s rich in fiber, antioxidants, folate, pantothenic acid, potassium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, choline, sulforaphane, and vitamins C, K, and B6. These components make cauliflower an excellent way to supplement your dog’s regular diet, offering a significant health boost. Despite its numerous benefits, cauliflower can sometimes cause gassiness in dogs, so it’s best to offer this treat in small, controlled amounts. It is safe to share with your pup either raw or cooked, but always ensure it is completely unseasoned.
Celery
If you’re looking for a healthy, low-calorie snack for a pup who might be carrying a few extra pounds, celery could be an ideal choice. Celery is remarkably low in fat and serves as a good source of fiber, along with vitamins A, C, and K. It’s also loaded with folate, potassium, and manganese, all of which contribute to a healthy metabolism. An added bonus? Celery may even help to freshen your pet’s breath naturally.
However, like carrots, the fibrous nature of celery can pose a choking hazard. To prevent any issues, always chop this veggie into small, bite-sized pieces, especially for smaller dog breeds, ensuring they can enjoy it safely and comfortably.
Chicken (Cooked and Unseasoned)
When a dog has an upset stomach, veterinarians frequently recommend a bland diet of plain, boiled chicken and rice. This combination is highly digestible, rich in protein, and low in fat, making it an excellent temporary dietary solution. You can easily present it as a meat topper for your dog’s regular kibble.
While chicken is a fantastic protein source, remember that dogs are omnivores and require a balanced diet that extends beyond just meat. Therefore, it’s best to offer cooked chicken as a supplement or an occasional treat rather than a primary food source. A critical warning: never give your dog chicken bones, especially cooked ones. Cooked bones can splinter easily and cause severe damage to your dog’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract, leading to serious health complications. Knowing what are some things dogs can eat safely is paramount for their well-being.
Cucumbers
Similar to celery, cucumbers offer a refreshing, low-calorie, and virtually fat- and sodium-free crunchy treat that many dogs thoroughly enjoy. Their high water content also makes them hydrating. However, much like celery, cucumbers can present a choking hazard, particularly for smaller dogs or those who tend to gobble their food. To ensure your four-legged family member can safely indulge in this healthy snack, always be sure to cut cucumbers into small, bite-sized pieces before serving.
Eggs (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein and are rich in a wide array of vitamins, including vitamins A, B, D, and K. They also provide other crucial nutrients such as selenium, calcium, and zinc, all of which contribute to a super healthy and beneficial treat for your dog. It is absolutely essential to cook eggs thoroughly, as raw eggs can contain salmonella, which can be harmful to dogs. Your dog might enjoy scrambled eggs, or even a hard-boiled egg, as a nutritious complement to their regular diet.
Fish (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Fish, particularly varieties like salmon and sardines, are celebrated for being rich in protein and essential amino acids, making them a fantastic answer to what is the best food you can feed your dog for omega-3s. They are also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for skin, coat, and joint health. An added advantage of sardines is that their soft bones can be consumed, offering a valuable natural boost of calcium.
Important Note: Sardines are typically the only fish where the soft bones can be safely left in. For all other types of fish, it is imperative to meticulously remove all bones before feeding fish to your dog to prevent choking hazards or internal injuries. Always ensure fish is fully cooked and unseasoned. To maintain a balanced diet, limit your dog’s fish intake to no more than two servings per week.
Green Beans
Green beans are one of the most beneficial foods on this list, especially for dogs who might need to manage their weight, because they are remarkably low in calories and fat. This versatile veggie is also an excellent source of fiber, aiding in digestion, and vitamin C, which boosts immunity. You can serve your dog cooked green beans, either steamed or boiled, or offer them frozen green beans for a satisfyingly crunchy and cooling snack.
Mango
Don’t keep this delicious tropical fruit all to yourself – mangoes are a fantastic sweet treat that your dog can enjoy in moderation. They are high in fiber and a good source of vitamins A, B6, C, and E, all contributing to your dog’s overall health. However, it is crucial to always remove the large pit and the peel, as both can make your dog sick or pose a choking hazard. Additionally, feeding too much mango could lead to stomach issues due to its natural sugars and fiber content, so this is one item on the list best given as an occasional, small treat.
Peanuts (Unsalted) and Peanut Butter
Unsalted peanuts are generally considered a safe nut for dogs to eat. They provide healthy fats and protein, which can be beneficial in moderation. However, too much fat can lead to health issues such as weight gain or pancreatitis, so portion control is key. Peanut butter offers additional benefits, including vitamins B and E, as well as fiber, all of which contribute to cardiovascular and digestive health. A critical caution: always ensure that any peanut butter you give your dog does not contain xylitol, an artificial sugar substitute that is highly toxic and potentially fatal to dogs. Always check the ingredients list carefully. Understanding what can dogs eat and not eat is vital for their safety.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a truly fantastic supplement that can be added to almost any dog’s diet, offering a wealth of nutritional benefits. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, along with essential minerals like iron and potassium. Furthermore, its high soluble fiber content makes it exceptionally great for your dog’s digestion, helping to alleviate common tummy issues such as diarrhea or constipation. Pumpkin is also high in prebiotics, which play a crucial role in supporting a healthy digestive tract and gut flora.
Being low in calories, pumpkin can be an excellent addition to your dog’s regular food, whether mixed in or given as a treat. Always make sure that if you are buying canned pumpkin for your dog, it is pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which often contains dangerous-for-dogs additives like spices and sweeteners.
Turkey (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Like chicken, cooked turkey is another excellent source of lean protein that can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet. However, proper preparation is essential. Always be sure to remove the skin, bones, and any excess fat before offering it to your dog. Turkey skin is high in fat and can cause digestive upset, while bones, especially cooked ones, can splinter and pose serious internal injury risks. Any turkey you give your dog should be fully cooked and completely unseasoned, as many common seasonings are harmful to pets.
Watermelon
Anyone who has taken a bite of a watermelon and immediately felt the refreshing juices knows that this fruit is a delicious way to stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. It’s also a good source of vitamins A, C, and B6, contributing to overall canine health. Before offering watermelon to your dog, it is absolutely essential to remove all seeds and the rind. Watermelon seeds can cause intestinal blockages, and the rind can be difficult for dogs to digest and may also lead to choking or stomach upset.
White Rice (Cooked)
Cooked white rice is a staple often recommended by veterinarians for dogs needing a bland diet for a few days, particularly when recovering from stomach upset or diarrhea. It is easy to digest and helps to firm up loose stool, aiding in recovery. However, it’s important to note that since rice can cause a spike in blood sugar, dogs with diabetes should only consume small amounts, and only under the guidance of a veterinarian. Your vet can help you determine the appropriate amount of rice, if any, your diabetic dog should consume to manage their condition effectively.
Yogurt (Plain)
While some dogs can have difficulty digesting dairy products due to lactose intolerance, plain, unsweetened yogurt can be a wonderfully healthy treat for many dogs. The probiotics found in plain yogurt can help strengthen your dog’s digestive system by promoting a healthy gut flora. However, it is crucial to never give your dog yogurt with any added sugar, artificial sweeteners (especially xylitol, which is highly toxic), or fruit flavorings. Stick to plain, unsweetened varieties only. Considering what is a good human food for dogs for a healthy gut, plain yogurt is a strong contender.
Conclusion: Making the Best Choices for Your Dog’s Diet
Choosing what is the best food you can feed your dog involves understanding their unique nutritional needs and identifying safe, beneficial human-grade foods to complement their regular diet. From crunchy apples and carrots to protein-rich cooked beef and fish, and digestive aids like pumpkin and plain yogurt, there are many excellent options to enhance your dog’s health and happiness. Always remember to prepare these foods properly, removing any potentially harmful parts like seeds, pits, or bones, and to serve them in moderation. When in doubt about introducing new foods or addressing specific dietary concerns, consulting your veterinarian is always the best course of action to ensure your furry friend receives the most balanced and appropriate nutrition. Continue exploring our guides on “Dog Care Story” for more valuable insights into keeping your canine companion thriving.
