Dogs need protein, fats and carbohydrates as energy sources; additionally they require vitamins and minerals from various sources to stay healthy and strong.
Tinned fish (such as sardines or salmon) is an excellent healthy treat, but make sure that any cooked manufactured meats contain no sulphite preservatives and have low salt levels.
Milk contains sugar and some dogs are lactose intolerant. Frozen fruit offers an ideal alternative for healthy dog diets.
Contents
Meat
Omnivorous animals such as dogs can easily digest both meat- and plant-based foods, yet this doesn’t mean table scraps should be fed directly to them; doing so could cause disruptions in their nutritional balance and result in pickier appetites later on.
Cooked poultry bones, turkey, and lamb (without added sauces or spices) can provide healthy snacks for dogs, while raw pork or other cooked bones should not be given, as they splinter into sharp pieces that could harm or choke their throat or digestive tract.
Starches such as potatoes, rice, and pasta may be given in small amounts as low-cal treats to dogs as a low-calorie treat; however, high calorie sauces like gravy should be avoided and these treats should only be given occasionally.
Vegetables
While high-fiber vegetables can make an excellent supplementary food source, they should never become the mainstay of dog nutrition, especially senior or overweight dogs who may experience digestive problems or constipation. Furthermore, steer clear of cruciferous veggies such as broccoli, cauliflower and kale which contain isothiocyanates that could potentially cause stomach irritation or pain.
Leafy greens such as spinach and kale provide essential fiber, vitamins A & C, iron and roughage which stimulates the digestive tract for easier digestion. Peas (including sugar snap, English and snow peas ) are packed with protein, minerals and fiber – just be sure to steam them beforehand and remove their pods as these present choking hazards! Additionally, avoid corn on the cob which is not digestible causing blockages in their system.
Fruit
Dogs require a balanced diet consisting of various food sources to achieve the optimal balance in their nutritional intake. Although eggs, chicken or turkey may make tasty treats occasionally, they shouldn’t exceed 10 percent of daily caloric intake. Milk may be safely consumed by dogs in small quantities but young puppies shouldn’t receive human milk as this could cause diarrhea.
Plain green beans provide protein, calcium, iron and vitamin K – essential nutrients for dogs’ well-being. To reduce any risk of choking hazards when feeding plain green beans to a pup! Brussel sprouts also offer important vitamins and minerals; though it’s best to remove their stems first when feeding these delicious vegies to your pup!
Milk
Dogs require protein for building and repairing their bodies, which is why most premium dog foods contain meat as the first protein source. Unfortunately, many owners don’t realize that fish, eggs, dairy, beans and legumes contain protein as well. Some manufacturers now include novel proteins like kangaroo meat instead of beef or chicken in their offerings for dogs.
Green beans are packed with fiber, vitamins A, C, E and K and folate – making them a nutritious choice for snacks or meals alike! Since green beans contain minimal calories per serving and their light cooking prevents digestive upsets.
Eggs
Like people, dogs are omnivores able to digest both plants and animals for sustenance. Therefore, many of the healthy foods we eat, such as cooked eggs, can also be safely fed to our dogs.
Eggs are an excellent source of protein, vitamin D, selenium and riboflavin; while also being low-cal. Perfect as snacks or meals.
Raw eggs contain bacteria such as Salmonella that may lead to food poisoning in dogs, and cooking the eggs effectively eliminates these threats.
Dogs should only consume human foods and treats in moderation, as these can add unnecessary calories and nutrients to their diet. It is best to provide your pup with high-quality commercial food that provides essential nutritional needs at each life stage – either dry kibble or canned wet food are great choices!
