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Providing good nutrition is the best way to keep your dog healthy and prolong its lifespan. In this article, we will find out what human food can a dog eat and what is the best food for them, plus lots of helpful information.
Let’s dive right in!
What human food can a dog eat?
PROTEINS
Protein helps your dog have stronger muscles, greater bone and body mass, enhances neuron function, increases cell formation, and can aid with wound healing.
- Pork
- Chicken
- Fish (salmon, ocean whitefish, lake whitefish…)
- Lean beef
- Turkey
- Eggs
- Yogurt
- Cheeses
- Peanut butter
Keep in mind that all meat should be cooked and boneless to avoid choking hazards. Also, some dogs are lactose intolerant and can not tolerate dairy products.
FRUITS & VEGETABLES
Adding fruits and vegetables to your dog’s diet can help them get sufficient critical nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, to stay healthy and boost their immune system.
- Apples
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Beans
- Green peas
- Mango
- Orange
- Pineapple
- Pumpkin
- Seedless watermelon
Fruit is high in sugar so feed your dog in moderation.
GRAINS
Your dog may need healthy grains to meet all their nutritional needs. The grains in dog food can support healthy skin, coat, and the immune system.
- Corn
- Rice
- Oats
- Barley
- Wheat
- Rye
- Sorghum
- Quinoa
What is the best human food for dogs?
While your dog may be only a part of your life, you are everything to them. Dogs are man’s best friends. Therefore, we want to feed our furry friends the best foods to keep them healthy and prolong their life. Here are the 7 best human foods for dogs.
1. Carrot
Carrot is one of the healthiest snacks for dogs. It provides your canine with many health benefits.
Chewing on carrots can remove plaque from their teeth and support their dental health.
It is also a great source of vitamin A, an essential vitamin for dogs. Vitamin A is always included in commercial dog food. It boosts the immune system, enhances skin and coat health, and improves eyesight when taken in the correct amount.
If you prepare your dog’s food at home, you should include carrots in their diet.
2. Salmon
Salmon is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can boost your dog’s immune system and maintain their coat health.
Salmon is a good protein substitute for dogs who are allergic to other meats, such as chicken, because of its low fat but high protein content.
If salmon is too expensive or hard to find, it’s not the only beneficial fish. Cold-water fish like tuna and herring, as well as a little amount of fish oil, are acceptable.
Salmon can improve your dog’s health, but it must be consumed in moderation.
You should only feed your dog salmon in small portions and check the quality of the fish beforehand. Uncooked fish can contain harmful parasites, so it’s crucial to cook salmon before feeding it to your dog.
3. Chicken
Chicken is a perfectly healthy option in your dog’s diet. Chicken is a lean protein source that will supply your dog with plenty of energy and sustenance.
It helps your pup has a shiny coat, promotes healthy bones, and boosts their immune system, thus helping them fight off infections.
But it must be served without chicken bones or fat. Cooked chicken bones can break apart and bock or even tear the windpipe or digestive tract, causing choking.
Chicken can be a supplement to your dog’s regular diet. But it should not be served uncooked due to the risk of salmonella.
4. Yogurt
This dairy treat is ideal for dogs of all seasons. The frozen version can keep dogs cool in the summer, while regular yogurt can keep them healthy.
This treat contains a lot of calcium, just like milk. Yogurt is high in calcium and will help promote bone health for your dog.
While yogurt is good for your dog, not all varieties are suitable. Any yogurt that contains artificial sweeteners or sugar should be avoided. It’s essential to buy plain yogurt from a reputable brand.
However, if your dog has a problem digesting dairy products, you shouldn’t feed them yogurt.
5. Green beans
These veggies are perfect for overweight dogs who need a healthy snack. Green beans are a source of protein, vitamins, and minerals like vitamins A, K, C, calcium, and iron.
Dogs can eat green beans cooked or raw. But green beans with added salt, spices, onions, garlic, or oil, on the other hand, should not be given to your dog.
Start with small amounts of the veggie and gradually increase as needed. It is best to keep it simple and green to ensure your dog’s health.
6. Oatmeal
In store-bought dog food, this cereal is abundant. It is a healthy choice for all dogs, even ones that are sensitive to grain, and it is simple to prepare at home.
Oatmeal should be prepared and served simply with no added sugar, butter, or artificial sweeteners.
Oats can supplement but not replace your dog’s diet. You can add a spoonful to their diet or give them a cup at breakfast once a week.
7. Pineapple
This tropical fruit could be the ideal summer treat for your furry friend. It has all the essential vitamins and minerals, and it is also very tasty.
Pineapples have a wonderfully sweet flavor. While your dog will look forward to it, it should be given in moderation, maybe once or twice a week.
You are not allowed to feed them the hard inner core or outer skin because this could result in choking.
Can I feed my dog only human food?
Yes, you can. But you have to learn what you can and can’t feed your dog and learn how to create a balanced diet for them.
A balanced diet should take into account your dog’s age, size, and activity level. All dogs need protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals in their diet.
However, if you are making your own dog food at home, it is always better to consult with your vet to ensure your dog is getting all the nutrients required.
Related post: The Very Best Food For Akita (A Complete Guide)
Conclusion
Providing good nutrition is the best way to keep your dog healthy and prolong its lifespan. All dogs need protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals in their diet.
What human food can a dog eat? The best human food a dog can eat includes carrot, salmon, chicken, yogurt, green beans, oatmeal, and pineapple.
If you have any dog feeding tips, don’t hesitate to share them with us by leaving a comment below.
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