Whether you're tempted to feed your pet table scraps or just looking to supplement his doggy diet, you'll find good foods and bad foods for Fido here.
We know it's best to avoid feeding man's best friend table scraps, but sometimes those puppy dog eyes can get the best of us and we can't resist throwing a little food off our plate.
But just because food is good for us doesn't necessarily mean it's safe for dogs.
Here's a list of dog-approved people foods, as well as some that should never be shared with your canine companion.
Keep in mind that every dog is different, so try these foods in small amounts, and if your dog has a reaction to any of them, consult a veterinarian.
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Human Foods for Dogs |
Human Foods for Dogs
1. Peanut Butter: Giving your dog an occasional dollop of unsalted peanut butter is a treat you can both enjoy. It's a great source of protein and healthy fats for dogs, and it's a perfect photo opportunity for you.
2. Yogurt: High in protein and calcium, plain yogurt is an ideal treat for dogs, especially if your dog is suffering from digestion issues. Make sure you choose yogurts that do not contain sugar or artificial sweeteners.
3. Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a good source of fiber, which is great for dogs with bowel irregularity issues, and is also safe for dogs with wheat allergies. Before serving to your pet, cook the oatmeal and do not add any sugar.
4. Chicken: If your dog needs more protein in his diet, chicken cooked without salt or spices is an easy addition to his regular food. It also makes a good replacement for dog food in case you run out.
5. Salmon: Dogs can benefit from omega 3 fatty acids too, so it's good to give them some cooked salmon in the food bowl for a shiny, healthy coat.
6. Broccoli: This vitamin-rich vegetable can be a great occasional nutrition boost for a man's best friend. However, it shouldn't make up more than 10 percent of a dog's diet, as it could cause gastrointestinal irritation.
7. Pumpkin: You can feed your dog pumpkin - raw or in a can - as a source of fiber and vitamin A. It is also a useful addition to diets for dogs that are experiencing digestion problems.
8. Green Beans: Nutritious and low in calories, green beans are a good option that will load your dog with iron and vitamins. Be sure to feed your dog only fresh or canned beans without added salt.
9. Cottage cheese: This bland food is high in calcium and protein, which can be a good addition to dog food. However, avoid it if your dog has trouble digesting dairy products.
10. Carrots: This vegetable is low in calories and high in fiber and vitamins. Also, the crunch of carrots can be good for dogs' teeth.
11. Eggs: If your dog needs a protein boost of energy, he adds a cooked egg to his food bowl for a healthy snack.
Foods not suitable for your dog:
1. Chocolate: You've probably heard that you're never supposed to feed chocolate to a dog, and there's a reason for that. Those delicious treats contain caffeine-like stimulants known as methylxanthines. If ingested in large amounts, chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, seizures, and even death in your pet.
2. Grapes and Raisins: Although this fruit is nutritious for you, it is toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure.
3. Onions: They can make you cry and they can also make your dog sick by causing damage to his red blood cells.
4. Avocado: Avocado leaves, fruit, seeds, and rind contain a toxin called persin that can cause stomach upset and breathing difficulties.
5. Alcohol: Even drinking a small amount of alcohol can cause significant intoxication for a dog, which can lead to vomiting, seizures, and even death. 6. Foods with sugar: as in humans, they can cause obesity and dental problems, as well as diabetes problems.
