As loving pet parents, we constantly ask ourselves, “What To Give My Dog To Eat?” Ensuring our canine companions receive a balanced and nutritious diet is paramount to their health and happiness. While commercial dog food provides essential nutrients, supplementing their meals with certain human foods can offer added benefits and variety. However, it’s crucial to know which foods are safe and which can be harmful. This guide, brought to you by Dog Care Story, outlines a range of healthy and safe human foods that you can share with your furry friend, backed by expert insights to help you make informed choices for your dog’s well-being. Understanding what can dogs have to eat is key to preventing health issues and enriching their diet.
Healthy and Safe Food Options for Your Canine Companion
Navigating the world of human foods for dogs can be tricky, but many common fruits, vegetables, and proteins offer excellent nutritional value without posing a risk. Always introduce new foods gradually and in moderation to monitor for any adverse reactions.
Apples
Fresh apples make for a delightful, crunchy snack for dogs, provided you meticulously remove all seeds. This fruit is a good source of vitamins A and C, along with fiber, which is vital for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system, aiding in bone growth, promoting skin health, and maintaining good vision. Vitamin C, on the other hand, is known for its ability to reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and support cardiovascular function.
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 is packed with health benefits, including properties that help reduce blood pressure and promote overall heart health. They are rich in fiber, which aids digestion; folate/vitamin B9, contributing to healthy cell growth; lectin, which can improve blood sugar and intestinal health; potassium, essential for fluid balance and kidney function; tryptophan, an amino acid vital for regulating sleep, appetite, mood, and pain; and vitamin C, a known immune booster.
Beef (Cooked)
Cooked beef is a highly nutritious protein source, offering all essential amino acids, along with a wealth of vitamins and minerals crucial for canine health. When preparing beef for your dog, ensure it is thoroughly cooked to eliminate any potential bacteria. Opting for grass-fed cattle, if possible, provides a better source of beneficial fatty acids compared to grain-fed alternatives.
Blueberries
Often described as deep-purple gems, blueberries are a popular and healthy treat for both humans and dogs. They are an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants, including vitamins C, K, and A, which are believed to reduce the likelihood of various diseases, disorders, and age-related health issues in dogs.
Carrots
Carrots are a fantastic treat for dogs, offering more than just a sweet crunch. Their firm, crunchy texture can actively help remove plaque from your dog’s teeth, contributing to better oral hygiene. This vibrant orange root vegetable is also a good source of vitamin A. Cold or frozen carrots can be particularly soothing for teething puppies, providing a safe and comforting item to chew on while easing discomfort. However, it is important to cut carrots into small, manageable pieces to prevent choking hazards, especially for younger dogs.
Cauliflower (Unseasoned)
Low in calories and brimming 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. Despite its many benefits, cauliflower can sometimes cause gassiness, so it’s best to offer this treat in small amounts. It is safe for your pup whether raw or cooked, as long as it remains unseasoned.
Celery
For pet owners with a “chunky pup” looking for healthier treat options, celery can be an ideal choice. Celery is remarkably low in fat and serves as a good source of fiber and vitamins A, C, and K. It is also packed with folate, potassium, and manganese, which collectively promote a healthy metabolism, and may even help to freshen your pet’s breath. Similar to carrots, celery can be a choking hazard. To prevent any problems, chop the vegetable into bite-sized pieces, particularly for smaller dog breeds.
Chicken (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Plain, boiled chicken and rice are often recommended by veterinarians for dogs with an upset stomach due to their easy digestibility, high protein content, and low-fat nature. It can be served as a meat topper for your dog’s kibble. While beneficial as a supplement or treat, remember that dogs are omnivores and require a balanced diet beyond just meat. Crucially, never give your dog chicken bones, especially cooked ones, as they can splinter and cause severe damage to your dog’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Cucumbers
Much like celery, cucumbers offer a low-calorie, sodium-free, and fat-free crunchy treat that many dogs enjoy. However, they also present a choking hazard if not prepared correctly. Always cut cucumbers into small, bite-sized pieces for your four-legged family member to ensure safe consumption.
Eggs (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Cooked eggs are a fantastic source of protein and are rich in numerous vitamins, including A, B, D, and K. They also provide essential nutrients such as selenium, calcium, and zinc, all contributing to a super healthy treat for your dog. It is vital to cook eggs thoroughly, as raw eggs can carry salmonella. Your dog might enjoy scrambled or hard-boiled eggs as a nutritious complement to their regular diet.
Fish (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Certain fish, particularly salmon and sardines, are excellent sources of protein and amino acids, in addition to being rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Sardines offer an extra benefit with their soft bones, providing a valuable boost of calcium. It’s important to note that sardines are the only fish where the bones can be left in; for all other fish, thoroughly 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. For more on safe protein sources, you might be interested in what meat should all dogs avoid.
Green Beans
Green beans are among the best foods on this list for dogs needing to manage their weight, as they are exceptionally low in calories and fat. This versatile 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.
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 remove the pit and peel, as both can make your dog sick. Additionally, excessive amounts of mango can lead to stomach issues, so this is a treat to give in moderation.
A dog happily eating a piece of an apple, highlighting safe fruit consumption for pets.
Peanuts (Unsalted) and Peanut Butter
Unsalted peanuts are generally safe nuts for dogs to consume, providing good fats and protein. However, too much fat can lead to health concerns like weight gain or pancreatitis, so moderation is key. Peanut butter offers additional benefits with vitamins B and E, as well as fiber, all of which are good for cardiovascular and digestive health. It is crucial to ensure that the peanut butter you choose does not contain xylitol, a common sugar substitute that is highly toxic to dogs. To understand more about what common items can be problematic, check out our guide on what food is good and bad for dogs.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a truly fantastic supplement for any dog’s diet. It is rich in nutritional value, containing vitamins A, C, and E, along with minerals like iron and potassium. Its high soluble fiber content makes it excellent for your dog’s digestion, helping to alleviate common tummy issues such as diarrhea or constipation. Pumpkin is also high in prebiotics, which support a healthy digestive tract. Being low in calories, it can be an excellent addition to your dog’s regular food. Always ensure that if you are buying canned pumpkin for your dog, it is pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which often contains additives that are dangerous for dogs.
Turkey (Cooked and Unseasoned)
Similar to chicken, cooked and unseasoned turkey is a valuable source of protein for dogs. When preparing turkey for your dog, be sure to remove all skin, bones, and excess fat. Any turkey you offer should be fully cooked and completely unseasoned.
Watermelon
Anyone who has enjoyed a bite of watermelon on a hot day knows it’s a delicious way to stay hydrated. For dogs, it’s no different; this fruit is a good source of vitamins A, C, and B6. Before giving watermelon to your dog, always remove the seeds and rind to prevent potential digestive upset or choking hazards. Many dog owners wonder what can dogs eat for dinner that is healthy and refreshing, and watermelon in moderation can be a great option.
White Rice (Cooked)
Cooked white rice is a staple recommendation for dogs requiring a bland diet, often for a few days to settle an upset stomach. It is easy to digest and helps to firm up loose stool. 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 determine the appropriate amount of rice, if any, for a diabetic dog. For a broader perspective on dietary restrictions, explore what foods can t dogs eat list.
Yogurt (Plain)
While some dogs may have difficulty digesting dairy products, plain, unsweetened yogurt can be a wonderfully healthy treat. The probiotics found in yogurt can help strengthen your dog’s digestive system. However, it is crucial to never give your dog yogurt that contains any added sugar or artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol, which is toxic.
Conclusion: Nourishing Your Dog with Confidence
Knowing what to give my dog to eat from the vast array of human foods empowers you to enrich their diet safely and deliciously. By sticking to cooked, unseasoned options, removing hazardous parts like seeds and bones, and introducing new items gradually, you can enhance your dog’s nutrition and overall health. Always prioritize your dog’s well-being by consulting with your veterinarian before making significant changes to their diet, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions. With careful attention to these guidelines, you can confidently share a variety of healthy treats, fostering a lifetime of love and good health for your beloved canine companion.
