Some foods that are safe for human consumption can make dogs very sick, such as macadamia nuts which cause muscle shakes and vomiting in many dogs, or chocolate which can result in seizures.
Small quantities of plain, cooked human food can make an excellent treat for your pup. Be wary of anything with sugar or salt content, such as candy. Unsalted peanut butter without xylitol may be particularly nutritious.
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1. Raw Meat
Dogs can consume raw meat in moderation if it has been cooked thoroughly. Some pet owners opt to feed their dogs a diet consisting of raw meat, veggies and fruit (check out Stella & Chewy’s for quality choices that have been high pressure processed to reduce bacteria risk), which they do just fine on.
Cheese can also be an acceptable treat or added in small amounts as part of their meals, especially over vegetables or with plain brown rice.
Peanut butter should also be enjoyed in moderation, just remembering to stay away from any varieties with added flavors or salt. Air-popped and unsalted popcorn contain riboflavin, thiamine, iron, and protein for optimal nutrition.
2. Bones
Dogs love chewing bones, but this habit can pose a choking hazard and damage the dog’s teeth if left in their mouth for too long. Also, bones may splinter during digestion causing blockages or cuts in their digestive tracts if too many are consumed at once.
Himalayan chews made of yak and cow milk provide a good alternative to bones for keeping dogs entertained while you prepare meals, while sweet potatoes make an easy to digest snack option for pets.
Dogs that suffer from yeasty, itchy skin can benefit greatly from bone broth prepared in two hours without using vinegar as its key ingredient. Bone broth provides ample amounts of glycosaminoglycans such as glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health while detoxifying their livers! Progressive vets advise rotating their dog’s food on an ongoing basis.
3. Whole Grains
If your dog is allergic to whole grains, this could result in symptoms like itchy skin and hair loss due to scratching and chewing, ear infections and inflamed pads on the underside of paws – which is extremely uncomfortable for your canine companion. Consult your vet or pet nutritionist immediately about implementing a grain-free diet as a remedy.
Plain rice can help soothe a dog’s upset stomach when suffering from allergies, but only use freshly prepared versions in order to avoid irritants and additives that could further upset his GI tract.
Eggs provide your dog with protein and essential vitamins and minerals, but only cooked ones should be given due to potential Salmonella contamination. Milk products must also be given on an individual basis as some dogs are lactose intolerant.
4. Vegetables
Just like humans, dogs require a diet rich in vegetables for optimal health. Vegetables provide essential fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Examples of vegetables to include in your dog’s diet are:
Broccoli: Packed with vitamin C, potassium and folate as well as the antioxidant sulforaphane which supports healthy digestion and immune function, broccoli is an essential component of any balanced diet.
Green beans: Green beans provide fiber, vitamins A and K, folate and are an effective weight-loss food option. Plus, their low-calorie count can help facilitate weight reduction!
Watermelons: Packed with potassium and an excellent way to hydrate your dog, watermelons are an ideal food choice to ensure they remain hydrated. When feeding watermelons as treats it may cause digestive upset in certain dogs. For best results, cut into small pieces before offering as snacks.
Avoid feeding your pet food that may be toxic for him, such as grapes, garlic and onions. Also keep an eye out for foods in the nightshade family such as eggplant which could potentially trigger allergies in certain dogs.
5. Fruits
While fruits can be an ideal supplement to any dog’s diet, they must be given sparingly and under close observation as some may cause harmful side effects if given frequently.
Peanuts and cashews can make great treats for dogs; just be sure they aren’t salted or seasoned beforehand! Popcorn can also make an ideal treat, just select air-popped varieties without salt or butter for optimal enjoyment.
Blueberries make an enjoyable treat for dogs and are packed with antioxidants. Not only will they support their immune systems, but they may even slow aging processes! Watermelons provide refreshing refreshment; however, ensure to buy seedless varieties as large seeds could potentially clog intestines and cause choking hazards. Likewise, apples provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber – slice into slices for easy digestion!
