Commercial dog food is a multimillion-dollar industry, with hundreds of different brands and varieties flooding the shelves of pet stores. However, it can be a concern that there is no 100% guarantee about the quality of the ingredients found in these types of products.
Dog owners who want to practise responsible pet ownership or people looking to get a new puppy may want greater control over what goes into their dog’s food. Additionally, the process of making these commercial dog foods naturally strips them of some nutrients that are crucial for your dog.
When it comes to feeding your dog, you may want to consider giving them a variety of healthy and safe human foods. Not only can this be an excellent way to show your dog some love, but it can also help provide them with essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients they need to stay happy and healthy.
Here are 10 dog-safe human foods that you can feed your pup as a snack or supplement to their meals.
10 Foods That You Can Feed Your Dog
1. Apples
Apples are a great way to give your pup some extra fibre and vitamin C. Apples can add variety to your dog’s diet and keep them from becoming bored with their meals. They can make a tasty treat or snack for most dogs, but it’s important to make sure that your pup is getting all of the nutrients they need from its regular diet as well.
Just make sure that you remove the core and seeds before serving as these parts contain trace amounts of cyanide, which can be harmful if ingested in large amounts.
2. Bananas
Bananas are generally considered a safe and healthy treat for dogs in moderation. Bananas are high in potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, fibre and other nutrients that can benefit your dog’s health. They also contain natural sugars that may provide a boost of energy for active dogs.
However, it is important to keep the portion size small as too much banana can lead to an upset stomach. If your dog has diabetes or another condition that requires careful monitoring of sugar intake then bananas might not be the best option for them due to their natural sugar content.
3. Carrots
Carrots contain Vitamin A which helps with the development of bones and teeth, as well as improving eyesight. They also contain beta-carotene which is an antioxidant that helps protect against oxidative damage from free radicals. This makes carrots an excellent source of nutrition for your dog’s overall health.
Additionally, carrots are high in fibre, which helps with digestion and can prevent constipation. One thing to keep in mind is that you should never give your dog whole carrots as they could pose a choking hazard.
4. Peanut Butter
When it comes to giving your dog a healthy treat, natural peanut butter is generally considered safe and nutritious. Natural peanut butter is made with just one ingredient: peanuts. It contains no added sugar, salt, or other ingredients that could be potentially harmful to dogs.
In fact, natural peanut butter can be a great source of protein and healthy fats for your pup. Just make sure you check the label to ensure there are no added sugars or artificial sweeteners which can cause health issues in dogs.
However, if the peanut butter you’re considering has additives like xylitol (an artificial sweetener), hydrogenated oils or palm oil, then it should be avoided as these ingredients can be toxic for dogs.
Xylitol is especially dangerous as it can cause seizures and even death in some cases so make sure you double-check any labels before offering your pup any kind of peanut butter treat!
5. Oatmeal
Oatmeal has long been a popular breakfast food for humans and can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet as long as it does not contain any added flavourings or sweeteners.
Oats are a complex carbohydrate that provides energy to fuel your pup’s activities during the day. This can be especially helpful if you have an active dog who needs some extra energy throughout the day.
6. Yoghurt
Plain yoghurt can be a beneficial snack for dogs, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Yoghurt is high in calcium and protein which can help promote healthy bones and teeth, as well as aid in digestion. However, it also contains lactose which can be difficult for dogs to digest and may cause gastrointestinal upset if too much is consumed.
Yoghurt should only be given as an occasional treat and should not replace a balanced diet. If you choose to feed your dog yoghurt, monitor them closely and look out for symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhoea which could indicate they have eaten too much or an unsuitable type of yoghurt.
7. Salmon
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other essential vitamins and minerals, making it a very healthy choice for dogs. When deciding whether or not to feed salmon to your dog, it is important to consider the source of the salmon and its preparation method.
Commercially prepared canned salmon that has been cooked and deboned should be safe for your dog to consume as long as there are no added ingredients like salt or preservatives that could potentially be harmful.
Fresh cooked salmon from a reputable source (such as wild-caught Alaskan salmon) can also be safe for dogs, but you should make sure that all bones have been removed before feeding. Raw fish may contain parasites or bacteria that can cause illness in dogs so it should be avoided.
Raw salmon should never be given to a dog as it can carry the risk of salmonella infection.
8. Green Beans
Green beans can be an excellent source of many essential vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin K, beta-carotene, calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese and iron. Additionally, they are low in calories and fat while being a great source of dietary fibre. These nutritional benefits make them an ideal addition to your pup’s diet as long as they are served in moderation.
Just avoid green beans that have added salt or that have been cooked with ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as onion and garlic.
9. Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin puree is a versatile vegetable that can provide several benefits to dogs, but it should only be given as an occasional treat and should not replace regular meals.
Pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) is high in fibre, which can help with digestion and regulate your dog’s blood sugar levels. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, zinc, iron and magnesium. These nutrients are all beneficial to your pup’s overall health.
10. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes offer plenty of essential nutrients such as vitamins A & B6, plus they’re full of dietary fibre making them perfect for helping maintain regularity while keeping blood sugar levels balanced.
When feeding your pup sweet potatoes, it’s important to cook them first. Raw sweet potatoes contain compounds called saponins that can be toxic to dogs if consumed in large amounts.