Ensuring your dog receives optimal nutrition is fundamental to their health, happiness, and longevity. As a devoted pet parent, you’re constantly seeking the best ways to nourish your furry companion, and understanding what constitutes a healthy diet can feel overwhelming. From commercial kibble to homemade meals and supplementary treats, the options are vast. This guide delves into the essential nutrients and best food choices that contribute to your dog’s well-being, helping you answer the question, “What Is The Best Thing For Dogs To Eat?” We’ll explore a variety of safe and beneficial human foods that can complement their regular diet, supporting everything from a shiny coat to a robust immune system.
A balanced diet is crucial for dogs, just as it is for humans. It provides the energy they need for daily activities, supports their immune system, maintains healthy skin and coat, and aids in proper organ function. While commercial dog foods are formulated to meet these nutritional needs, incorporating certain human foods as treats or supplements can offer additional vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, it’s vital to know which foods are safe and how to prepare them to avoid any health risks. For instance, if your dog is feeling unwell, knowing what should you feed a sick dog can be a lifesaver.
Essential Nutrients for Canine Health
Before diving into specific food items, it’s important to understand the core nutrients your dog needs. These include proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water.
- Proteins: The building blocks for muscles, skin, hair, and enzymes. High-quality protein sources are essential for growth and repair.
- Fats: Provide concentrated energy, support cell function, and aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, are particularly beneficial for skin, coat, and joint health.
- Carbohydrates: A primary energy source. Complex carbohydrates found in vegetables and whole grains provide sustained energy and fiber.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Essential for countless bodily functions, from immune system support to bone health and nerve function.
- Water: The most critical nutrient, vital for nearly every bodily process.
Understanding these foundational needs helps in selecting appropriate foods and treats that contribute positively to your dog’s diet.
Fruits Your Dog Can Enjoy Safely
Fruits can be excellent, natural treats for dogs, offering vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Always remember to remove seeds, pits, and rinds, as these can be toxic or pose choking hazards.
Apples
Fresh apples are a fantastic, crunchy snack for dogs, provided you remove the seeds. The 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, assists in bone growth, promotes skin health, and helps maintain vision. Meanwhile, vitamin C can reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and aid cardiovascular function. This makes apples a wholesome addition to your dog’s treat repertoire.
Bananas
Bananas are a tasty and easily digestible treat, particularly well-suited for older dogs or those 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 packed with fiber (aids digestion), folate/vitamin B9 (contributes to healthy cell growth), lectin (improves blood sugar and intestinal health), potassium (helps with fluid balance and kidney function), tryptophan (an essential amino acid for regulating sleep-wake cycles, appetite, mood, and pain), and vitamin C (an immune booster).
Blueberries
These vibrant berries are a delightful and healthy treat for dogs. Blueberries are a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants, including vitamins C, K, and A, which may reduce the likelihood of various diseases, disorders, and age-related issues. Their antioxidant properties are particularly beneficial for fighting free radicals and supporting overall cellular health, making them a tiny but mighty superfood for your pup.
Mango
Don’t keep this delicious tropical fruit all to yourself; mango is high in fiber and vitamins A, B6, C, and E, making it a fantastic sweet treat for both humans and dogs. Always remember to remove the pit and peel, as the pit can be a choking hazard and contains small amounts of cyanide, which can be harmful. The peel can also be difficult for dogs to digest. Additionally, feeding too much mango could cause stomach upset due to its sugar content, so offer this juicy delight in moderation.
Watermelon
Watermelon is a refreshing and hydrating fruit, perfect for keeping your dog cool during warmer months. It’s an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and B6. Before offering watermelon to your dog, it’s essential to remove all seeds and the rind. The seeds can cause intestinal blockage, and the rind is difficult to digest and can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Served in small, seedless pieces, watermelon can be a delightful and beneficial treat.
Vegetables for a Healthy Canine Diet
Vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them excellent additions to your dog’s diet. Always serve them plain and unseasoned, either raw (if appropriate) or cooked.
Carrots
Carrots are a wonderful treat for dogs. Their crunchy texture can help scrape plaque from their teeth, contributing to better dental hygiene. This orange root vegetable is also a good source of vitamin A, which is vital for vision, immune function, and skin health. Cold or frozen carrots can be particularly helpful for teething puppies, providing a soothing chew toy that eases discomfort. However, ensure carrots are cut into small, manageable pieces to prevent choking, especially for smaller dogs or puppies.
Cauliflower (Unseasoned)
Cauliflower is a low-calorie vegetable brimming with nutrients like fiber, antioxidants, folate, pantothenic acid, potassium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, choline, sulforaphane, and vitamins C, K, and B6. It’s a great way to supplement your dog’s regular diet with essential nutrients. Despite its many benefits, cauliflower can sometimes cause gas in dogs, so introduce it in small amounts to see how your pup reacts. It’s safe to share raw or cooked, but always ensure it’s completely unseasoned.
Celery
For dogs needing a low-calorie treat, celery is an excellent option. It’s naturally low in fat and a good source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and K. Celery is also packed with folate, potassium, and manganese, which promotes a healthy metabolism. An added bonus? It may even help freshen your pet’s breath! However, like carrots, celery can be a choking hazard due to its fibrous strings. Prevent any problems by chopping the veggie into bite-sized pieces, especially for smaller dogs.
Chicken (Cooked and Unseasoned)
If your dog has an upset stomach, your vet will often recommend feeding them plain, boiled chicken and rice. This combination is easily digestible, high in protein, and low in fat, making it an ideal choice for sensitive tummies or as a meat topper for kibble. However, remember that dogs are omnivores and 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 ones), as they can splinter and cause severe damage to their gastrointestinal tract.
Cucumbers
Similar to celery, cucumbers are a low-calorie, sodium-free, and fat-free crunchy treat that many dogs adore. They offer refreshing hydration and a satisfying crunch. However, like celery, cucumbers can be a choking hazard if given in large chunks. Always cut them into bite-sized pieces for your four-legged family member to ensure safe consumption.
Green Beans
Green beans are one of the best foods for overweight dogs because they are incredibly low in calories and fat, making them a guilt-free snack. 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 crunchy, cooling treat, particularly appealing on a hot day.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a fantastic supplement for almost any dog’s diet. It’s incredibly rich in nutritional value, boasting vitamins A, C, and E, plus essential minerals like iron and potassium. Its high soluble fiber content makes it exceptional for your dog’s digestion, helping with common tummy issues like diarrhea or constipation. Furthermore, it’s high in prebiotics, which support a healthy digestive tract. Pumpkin is low in calories and can be an excellent addition to your dog’s regular food. Always ensure that if you are buying canned pumpkin, it is pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which often contains dangerous-for-dogs additives like xylitol or spices.
Protein Powerhouses for Pups
Proteins are vital for your dog’s muscle development, energy, and overall health. When offering meat, ensure it’s thoroughly cooked and unseasoned.
Beef (Cooked)
Beef is a highly nutritious protein source, providing all the essential amino acids your dog needs, along with a wealth of vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and B vitamins. If you choose to give your dog beef, make sure it’s fully cooked to eliminate harmful bacteria such as E. coli or Salmonella. Opting for grass-fed cattle when possible can be beneficial, as they tend to be a better source of healthy fatty acids compared to grain-fed cattle. Always trim excess fat and avoid seasonings. If you’re wondering what type of meat is good for dogs, lean cooked beef is a top contender.
Eggs (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Eggs are an excellent source of protein and are high in many essential 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. It’s crucial to cook eggs thoroughly, as raw eggs can contain Salmonella, which can cause food poisoning in dogs (and humans). Your dog may enjoy scrambled eggs or a hard-boiled egg as a beneficial complement to their regular diet.
Fish (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Fish, particularly salmon and sardines, are rich in protein and amino acids, while also being an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats are crucial for skin and coat health, reducing inflammation, and supporting cognitive function. An added benefit of sardines is that their soft bones are edible and offer a valuable boost of calcium. For other types of fish, it’s important to remove all bones before feeding fish to your dog, as they can cause choking or internal injury. Always fully cook fish and limit your dog’s intake to no more than two servings per week to avoid potential mercury exposure.
Turkey (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Like chicken, turkey is a lean and excellent source of protein, essential for muscle maintenance and overall vitality. When preparing turkey for your dog, be sure to remove the skin, all bones, and any excess fat, as these components can be difficult to digest or pose choking hazards. Any turkey you give your dog should be fully cooked and completely unseasoned, as many human seasonings, especially salt, garlic, and onion, are harmful to dogs.
Other Beneficial Foods and Treats
Beyond fruits, vegetables, and proteins, some other common food items can offer unique benefits to your dog’s diet when given correctly.
Peanuts (Unsalted) and Peanut Butter
Peanuts are generally considered a safe nut for dogs to eat, provided they are unsalted. They contain good fats and protein, but excessive fat intake can lead to issues like weight gain or pancreatitis, so moderation is key. Peanut butter offers additional benefits, including vitamins B and E, as well as fiber, all of which are good for cardiovascular and digestive health. However, it is absolutely critical to make sure that the peanut butter you offer does not contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that is highly toxic and potentially fatal to dogs. Always check the ingredient label carefully.
White Rice (Cooked)
Cooked white rice is a bland and easily digestible carbohydrate often recommended for dogs needing a gentle diet for a few days, particularly if they are experiencing an upset stomach. It helps to firm up stool and provides a simple energy source. However, because rice can cause a spike in blood sugar, dogs with diabetes should only consume small amounts, and only under veterinary guidance. Your vet can help you determine how much rice, if any, your dog should safely consume as part of their diet.
Yogurt (Plain)
While some dogs have difficulty digesting dairy products due to lactose intolerance, plain 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 microbiome. It’s crucial, however, not to give your dog yogurt with any added sugar, artificial sweeteners (especially xylitol), or artificial flavors, as these can be harmful. Always opt for plain, unsweetened varieties.
Foods to Avoid and General Precautions
While many human foods are safe and beneficial for dogs, it’s equally important to be aware of those that are harmful. Foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and avocado are toxic and should never be given to dogs. Always consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog’s diet or if you have concerns about specific foods.
Remember, moderation is key when introducing new foods or offering treats. Even healthy foods can cause stomach upset if given in large quantities. The best approach is always to supplement their primary, balanced dog food with occasional healthy treats.
Your dog’s health journey is a continuous one, and providing them with the best possible nutrition is a cornerstone of their care. By making informed choices about what they eat, you contribute significantly to their vitality and happiness. For specific dietary recommendations or concerns, always consult your veterinarian, who can provide tailored advice based on your dog’s individual needs, age, and health status.
For more insights into canine nutrition and care, explore our other articles on Dog Care Story!
A selection of healthy and safe foods for dogs, including fruits, vegetables, and lean meats, arranged appealingly on a wooden surface.
Expert Reviewer
This article has been reviewed by Dr. Kathy Wiederkehr (Wentworth), V.M.D. Dr. Wiederkehr has been practicing veterinary medicine at pet care facilities in California since 2001 and is board-certified as a diplomate in Canine and Feline Practice by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. Her expertise ensures the accuracy and reliability of the nutritional information provided.
