Pet owners should remember to feed vegetables to their dogs only occasionally as they contain high levels of soluble fiber and water content, and it’s wise to steer clear of cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower as these can lead to gas, stomach upset and diarrhea for their pet.
Dogs can enjoy eating plain, fully cooked shrimp; however, seasoned or salted versions should be avoided to prevent potential choking hazards.
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Fruits
Dogs can benefit from getting some of their vitamins from fruits, but only 10% should make up their diet. Some fruits may cause digestive upset or be toxic to dogs while others pose potential choking hazards.
Cantaloupe makes for a delicious summer refreshment and boasts high amounts of Vitamin A and C, potassium, niacin, folate and folate content. Strawberry’s plentiful Vitamin C content as well as calcium magnesium iron fiber content makes them another delicious hydrator option.
Papaya contains papain, an enzyme which aids digestion and assists with protein breakdown. Furthermore, this tropical fruit is packed with carotenoids, Vitamin C, K and potassium as well as fiber – just make sure that before giving this tropical treat to your furry friend that the seeds and core are removed first!
Vegetables
Vegetables such as green beans and brussel sprouts are safe for dogs to eat as long as they have been cooked without being overseasoned, providing fiber as well as vitamins A, C, K, potassium and magnesium. Sweet potatoes should only be given in small pieces as these could pose a choking hazard.
Berrys can be given to dogs safely, provided you remove their skin and hard pit. Strawberries contain high amounts of sugar so limit their daily intake as much as possible.
Chard is another leafy green that can be safely consumed by dogs, provided it has been blanched before feeding to them. Blanching helps eliminate oxalates that bind minerals, as well as goitrogens that could interfere with thyroid function in some dogs.
Fish
Fish is a protein source packed with Omega-3s, B vitamins and essential minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium that are all vital to human health and can even contribute to weight management and muscle mass development. Fish should not be fed to dogs due to mercury contamination that could compromise their immune systems and cause illness in some instances.
Stay away from feeding your pup smoked salmon (which contains harmful bacterias), tuna (high in mercury levels), or anchovies (only give fresh or canned packed in water versions of anchovies as the bones can become lodged in throat and organ walls and cause major trauma).
Meat
Dogs are omnivores, meaning they can consume both animal and plant-derived foods without adverse reactions. While dogs don’t consume meat exclusively like wolves do, certain food items may still cause serious reactions in them.
Raw meat and bones contain bacteria that can make both humans and dogs sick, so it’s crucial that it is cooked thoroughly so as to avoid food poisoning for your pet.
Certain large fish contain dangerous levels of mercury and should never be fed to dogs, while macadamia nuts contain high quantities of citric acid that could potentially be toxic for dogs to consume.
Cashews are an ideal, low-fat treat that provide dogs with calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants. But be careful with overfeeding them as this could lead to weight gain or other health issues.
Dairy
Many dogs are lactose intolerant and cannot digest the natural sugar found in dairy products, leading to uncomfortable gas and diarrhea symptoms. This can cause painful gas build-up as well as diarrhea in extreme cases.
Dairy products should only be consumed in moderation and in small amounts. Dairy is high in calories and could contribute to weight gain; additionally it contains calcium and phosphorus which may be harmful if given in excessive quantities. Yogurt may provide some added beneficial bacteria which can help restore balance to gut microbiomes.
Raw goat milk offers another option, as it contains less lactose than cow’s milk, making it a good way to give your dog probiotics, especially if they suffer from digestive issues.
Human Food
Dogs enjoy occasional tastes of human food as a special treat, but this should never exceed 10% of their diet. Chocolate, coffee or caffeine products, onions (including garlic ) sultanas/raisins which may present choking hazards as well as cherries with persin toxin that could potentially cause circulatory or digestive issues should all be avoided as treats for your pup!
Cooked beans, carrots, broccoli and sweet potato can make healthy treats for your dog but should only be fed occasionally as these foods contain high concentrations of sugar. Bread should only be given in small quantities as it may cause digestive upset in large doses.
