Navigating the world of canine nutrition can feel overwhelming, especially with so much conflicting information out there. As a dedicated dog parent, ensuring your furry friend receives a diet that is both delicious and nutritious is paramount. Understanding What Should I Give To My Dog To Eat goes beyond just kibble; it involves knowing which human foods are safe, beneficial, and can even act as healthy treats or supplements to their regular meals. Providing the right balance of vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber is crucial for their overall well-being, from a shiny coat to robust energy levels and a strong immune system.
This comprehensive guide from “Dog Care Story” is designed to empower you with expert knowledge, helping you make informed decisions about your dog’s diet. We’ll explore a variety of common human foods that can safely be incorporated into your dog’s meals, highlighting their nutritional benefits and important considerations. Remember, while these foods can be excellent additions, they should always be given in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. It’s also vital to be aware of what are foods that dogs cannot eat to ensure your canine companion stays safe and healthy.
Fruits for Fido: Sweet and Nutritious Options
Many fruits that humans enjoy can also provide significant health benefits for dogs, offering essential vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Always ensure fruits are prepared safely, removing seeds, pits, and rinds where necessary, and offering them in appropriate portion sizes.
Apples: A Crunchy, Vitamin-Rich Treat
Apples are a fantastic, crunchy snack for dogs, provided you always remove the seeds, which contain small amounts of cyanide. This popular fruit is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, along with dietary fiber, which is vital for maintaining healthy digestion. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system, aiding in bone growth, promoting skin health, and maintaining good vision. Meanwhile, vitamin C is known for its ability to reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and support cardiovascular function. Offering small, seedless slices of apple can be a refreshing and beneficial treat.
Bananas: Easy to Chew and Heart-Healthy
Bananas are not only a tasty treat but also particularly well-suited for older dogs or those with sensitive teeth due due to their soft texture. This tropical fruit boasts numerous health benefits, notably helping to reduce blood pressure and promoting overall heart health. Bananas are packed with essential nutrients including fiber, which aids in digestion; folate (vitamin B9), contributing to healthy cell growth; lectin, which can improve blood sugar and intestinal health; and potassium, crucial for fluid balance and kidney function. They also contain tryptophan, an essential amino acid involved in regulating sleep, appetite, mood, and pain, alongside vitamin C for an immune boost.
Blueberries: Tiny Powerhouses of Antioxidants
Blueberries are a delightful and healthy treat for both humans and dogs. These small, deep-purple berries are renowned for being a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants, including vitamins C, K, and A. The potent antioxidants found in blueberries may help reduce the likelihood of various diseases, disorders, and age-related issues by combating oxidative stress. They make for a perfect bite-sized snack, whether fresh or frozen, and can be sprinkled over kibble for an added nutritional punch.
Mango: A Tropical Delight in Moderation
Don’t keep this delicious tropical fruit all to yourself! Mangoes are high in fiber and vitamins A, B6, C, and E, making them a fantastic sweet treat for humans and dogs alike. However, always remove the pit and peel before offering mango to your dog, as both can cause stomach upset or be a choking hazard. Additionally, due to its natural sugar content, too much mango can lead to stomach issues, so this is one item on the list to give in moderation as an occasional sweet reward.
Watermelon: Hydration and Vitamins for Hot Days
Anyone who has taken a bite of a juicy watermelon on a hot day knows it’s a delicious way to stay hydrated. This refreshing fruit is also a good source of vitamins A, C, and B6. Similar to mango, it is crucial to remove all seeds and the rind before giving watermelon to your dog, as seeds can cause intestinal blockages and the rind can be difficult to digest. Watermelon, given in small, seedless pieces, can be a wonderful, hydrating treat, especially during warmer months.
Vegetables for Vitality: Essential Nutrients for Canine Health
Vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them excellent additions to your dog’s diet. From crunchy carrots to nutrient-dense cauliflower, these options can support various aspects of your dog’s health.
Carrots: Dental Health and Vitamin A Boost
Carrots are a wonderful treat for dogs, offering more than just nutritional value. Their crunchy texture can naturally help remove plaque from their teeth, contributing to better dental hygiene. This popular orange root vegetable is also a good source of vitamin A, which, as mentioned with apples, is essential for vision, immune function, and skin health. Cold or frozen carrots can be particularly helpful for teething puppies, providing a soothing chew toy that also eases discomfort. However, for young or small dogs, it’s crucial to cut carrots into small, manageable pieces to prevent choking hazards.
Cauliflower (Unseasoned): A Low-Calorie Nutrient Powerhouse
Cauliflower is a low-calorie vegetable packed with an impressive array of nutrients, making it a great way to supplement your dog’s regular diet. It contains fiber, antioxidants, folate, pantothenic acid, potassium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, choline, sulforaphane, and vitamins C, K, and B6. Despite all its benefits, cauliflower can sometimes cause gassiness in dogs, so it’s best to offer this treat in small amounts. It is safe to share with your pup either raw or cooked, but always ensure it is unseasoned to avoid harmful additives.
Celery: A Low-Fat, Breath-Freshening Snack
If you have a dog that could benefit from a low-calorie treat, celery could be an excellent option. Celery is remarkably low in fat and serves as a good source of fiber and vitamins A, C, and K. It’s also rich in folate, potassium, and manganese, all of which promote a healthy metabolism. An added bonus? Celery may even help freshen your pet’s breath! Like carrots, celery can be a choking hazard, especially for smaller dogs, so always chop the veggie into bite-sized pieces to prevent any issues.
Cucumbers: Hydrating and Calorie-Free Crunch
Similar to celery, cucumbers are a low-calorie, sodium-free, and fat-free crunchy treat that many dogs adore. They are primarily water, making them an excellent hydrating snack. However, just like celery, this vegetable can pose a choking hazard due to its firm texture. To ensure your four-legged family member can enjoy them safely, be sure to cut cucumbers into bite-sized pieces, especially for smaller breeds.
Green Beans: Ideal for Weight Management
Green beans are among the best foods on this list for dogs who are overweight or need to maintain a healthy weight because they are notably low in calories and fat. This versatile veggie is also a good source of fiber and vitamin C. You can feed your dog cooked green beans (steamed or boiled without seasoning) or offer them frozen beans for a crunchy, refreshing snack that also helps cool them down on a hot day.
Pumpkin: Digestive Aid and Nutritional Boost
Pumpkin is a fantastic supplement to almost any dog’s diet. It is exceptionally rich in nutritional value, offering vitamins A, C, and E, along with essential minerals like iron and potassium. Its high soluble fiber content makes it remarkably effective for your dog’s digestion, providing relief for tummy issues such as diarrhea or constipation. Additionally, pumpkin is high in prebiotics, which support a healthy digestive tract microbiome. Pumpkin is also 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 puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which often contains dangerous additives and sweeteners for dogs.
Proteins and Other Goodies: Essential for Growth and Energy
Proteins are fundamental to a dog’s diet, providing the building blocks for muscles, organs, and overall body function. When cooked properly and unseasoned, several meat and dairy products can safely be shared with your canine companion.
Beef (Cooked): A High-Quality Protein Source
Beef is a highly nutritious protein source that provides all the essential amino acids your dog needs, along with a host of vitamins and minerals crucial for their health. If you choose to give your dog beef, always ensure it is fully cooked to eliminate any harmful bacteria. Whenever possible, opt for grass-fed cattle, as they tend to be a better source of beneficial fatty acids compared to grain-fed cattle. Serve small, unseasoned pieces as a treat or mixed into their regular meal.
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Chicken (Cooked and Unseasoned): Gentle on Upset Stomachs
Plain, boiled chicken is often a go-to recommendation from veterinarians for dogs with an upset stomach due to its easy digestibility, high protein content, and low-fat profile. It makes a great meat topper for your dog’s kibble. However, since dogs are omnivores and require a balanced diet beyond just meat, it’s best to offer chicken as a supplement or treat rather than a primary food source. A critical safety note: never give your dog chicken bones, especially cooked ones, as they can splinter and cause severe damage to your dog’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Eggs (Cooked and Unseasoned): Protein and Multivitamins
Eggs are an excellent source of protein and are rich in numerous vitamins, including vitamins A, B, D, and K. They also provide other important nutrients such as selenium, calcium, and zinc, all of which contribute to a super healthy treat for your dog. It is crucial to cook eggs thoroughly, as raw eggs can contain salmonella, posing a health risk. Your dog may enjoy scrambled eggs or even a hard-boiled egg as a beneficial complement to their regular diet.
Fish (Cooked and Unseasoned): Omega-3 Powerhouse
Certain fish, particularly salmon and sardines, are incredibly rich in protein and amino acids. They are also an outstanding source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for skin, coat, joint, and brain health. An added benefit of sardines is that their soft bones offer a valuable boost of calcium and can often be safely consumed by dogs. For most other fish, it’s important to remove all bones before feeding fish to your dog. Always fully cook fish and limit your dog’s intake to no more than two servings per week to prevent over-exposure to certain metals.
Peanuts (Unsalted) and Peanut Butter: Healthy Fats and Vitamins
Unsalted peanuts are a safe nut for dogs to eat, providing good fats and protein. However, too much fat can lead to issues like weight gain or pancreatitis, so moderation is key. Peanut butter offers the added benefits of vitamins B and E, as well as fiber, all of which are good for cardiovascular and digestive health. A crucial warning: always ensure that the peanut butter you give your dog does not contain xylitol, a common sugar substitute that is highly toxic to dogs and can be fatal. Check labels carefully.
Turkey (Cooked and Unseasoned): Lean Protein Option
Like chicken, turkey is a good source of lean protein that can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet. If you offer turkey, be sure to remove all skin, bones, and excess fat, as these can be difficult to digest or pose choking hazards. Any turkey you give your dog should be fully cooked and completely unseasoned, as many seasonings contain ingredients harmful to dogs.
White Rice (Cooked): A Bland Diet Staple
Cooked white rice is a commonly recommended food for dogs needing a bland diet for a few days, often 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 you determine the appropriate amount of rice, if any, your dog should consume based on their specific health needs. This can be especially helpful if my dog has bad teeth what can i feed him as it is soft and easy to chew.
Yogurt (Plain): Probiotic Benefits
While some dogs 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 yogurt can help strengthen your dog’s digestive system and improve gut health. However, it is absolutely essential not to give your dog yogurt with any added sugar, artificial sweeteners (especially xylitol), or fruit flavorings, as these ingredients can be harmful. Always choose plain, unflavored yogurt in moderation.
Conclusion: Balancing Nutrition for a Happy, Healthy Dog
Providing a varied and nutritious diet is one of the most significant ways to show love and ensure the longevity of your canine companion. Understanding what should I give to my dog to eat involves not just feeding them, but making informed choices about the quality and variety of their food. By incorporating safe and beneficial human foods into their diet in moderation, alongside their high-quality commercial dog food, you can enhance their overall health, boost their immune system, and bring variety to their mealtime. Always prioritize safety, proper preparation, and consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns or before making significant changes to your dog’s diet. A well-fed dog is a happy dog, full of vitality and ready for a lifetime of adventures with you.
Expert Reviewer
Dr. Kathy Wiederkehr (Wentworth), V.M.D.
Dr. Kathy Wiederkehr (Wentworth) has been practicing veterinary medicine at pet care facilities in California since 2001. Most recently, she served as medical director of the VCA PetPoint Medical Center and Resort in Irvine. She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and became board-certified as a diplomate in Canine and Feline Practice by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in 2010. Her extensive expertise ensures the accuracy and reliability of the nutritional information presented.
Author Bio
Abbie Mood is a freelance writer with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked with clients of all sizes to create compelling content and has written for the American Kennel Club, Marriott Bonvoy, Women’s Health Online, Headspace, and more. Her passion for pets and commitment to well-researched content make her an invaluable contributor to “Dog Care Story.”
