Human Foods You CAN Feed Your Dog
Dog owners know too well how hard it is to resist the adorable faces of their little furbabies, especially when they’re begging for your delicious food. Or perhaps your dog has become your own personal vacuum cleaner, especially when the kids decide to throw their dinner all over the kitchen floor. It can be scary not knowing what is and isn’t safe for your dog to eat.
With that in mind, we have searched the web to find you the foods that are safe for them to eat! Some of these foods should be served as an occasional treat while others are highly encouraged to be a part of their regular diet. Keep in mind all dogs are different, and just because some food is safe for them to eat it doesn’t guarantee that they’ll enjoy eating it. Either way, you can feel at ease serving them these 12 foods!
1. Eggs
Eggs are a nutrient-rich food that is great for you and your furbaby! Eggs are an excellent source of protein, and contain important vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, and potassium!
Cooked eggs are completely safe to feed to your dog, however, raw eggs are not highly advised. While your pet may not become sick, you do run the risk of spreading bacteria such as salmonella around the home.
2. Pineapple
Let your pooch indulge in a sweet treat like pineapple! Pineapple is an excellent source of vitamin C and beta-carotene.
It’s perfectly safe for dogs, however, be sure to give it to them in smaller amounts as too much could result in an upset stomach or even diarrhea.
3. Carrots
Carrots have a wonderful flavor, a crunchy texture and are a highly nutritious snack. They’re especially high in fiber, vitamin K, antioxidants, potassium, and beta carotene.
Carrots are perfectly safe for your dog. You can feed them both cooked and raw carrots too. However, to avoid choking, be sure to cut the carrots into bite-sized pieces before feeding it to your pet.
4. Watermelon
Watermelon truly is earth’s candy! It’s so juicy and sweet and is perfectly safe for your pup! Although, be sure it’s a seedless watermelon and that you remove the rind as these both are not good for your dog.
Watermelon has many amazing nutrients. For example, it’s a great source of thiamine, lycopene, vitamin B-6, folate, and more! This healthy treat is not only nutrient-rich but it’s low in calories too.
5. Salmon
While you cook yourself a delicious piece of salmon, go ahead and cook one for your pooch too! Just make sure it’s thoroughly cooked and doesn’t contain any bones!
First of all, salmon is a great source of high-quality protein which is a big part of a healthy diet for your dog. Further, salmon is rich in vitamins and minerals like omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin B12! Be sure to skip the seasonings and prepare it plain for your pooch.
6. Plain Air-popped Popcorn
While you wind down with your favorite movie, snuggle up with your furbaby and share a bowl of popcorn. Yes, your pup can indulge in popcorn but let’s be clear, not the microwaveable kind. It’s only safe for them to consume good ol’ plain air-popped popcorn preferably without salt and certainly without butter.
Keep in mind this should be treated as an occasional treat and not an everyday snack type of thing. Your pup will love sharing this delicious snack with you!
7. Chicken
Chicken is a common ingredient found in many different types of dog food so you can bet that chicken too is safe to feed to your pet! Much like salmon, chicken is another great source of protein for your dog.
While it may seem obvious, it’s definitely worth noting, never feed your dog raw chicken so that you can avoid the risk of salmonella. Additionally, be sure sure to never feed your dog chicken with the bone. The bones can wreak havoc internally and could be a choking hazard too.
8. Blueberries
The next time you find yourself snacking on a bowl of these delightful little berries feel free to share them with your pooch. They’re already the perfect size so you don’t have to worry about cutting them up!
Blueberries are a nutritious snack because they’re rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are important because they can help fight off diseases. Further, they’re high in vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber all of which can contribute to a healthy diet for your pet.
9. Sweet Potatoes
You might find your pup begging for your sweet potatoes. They’re naturally sweet so why wouldn’t they love them! Go ahead and let them have a treat because sweet potatoes are actually good for them!
It would be best not to feed it to them frequently as too much vitamin A in their diet could be harmful but moderate amounts are acceptable.
10. Bananas
Bananas can be a great treat for your dog as long as you give it to them in moderation. They’re an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C and contain several other vitamins and minerals.
Feel free to throw your dog a slice or two. Or perhaps, mash it up into their regular dog food.
11. Peanut Butter
Many dogs love peanut butter. If you ever wondered if it’s actually safe, well rest assured, it is! However, keep in mind if you’re going to let your pooch enjoy it but be sure it’s unsalted and natural.
There are many different types of peanut butter but watch out for the ones with additional ingredients like salt or sweeteners. And finally, be sure to give it to your dog as a treat as peanut butter is highly caloric and high in fat. Too much peanut butter could lead to weight gain.
12. Rice
Then next time your kids throw their rice on the floor feel at ease when your pup rushes to clean it up. Better yet, feel free to give them some rice right in their own food bowl.
Both plain cooked white and brown rice is safe for dogs as it is easy for them to digest. Want to turn it into a meal? Feel free to add some cooked chicken to the rice for added protein!
Now that you know what foods are safe for dogs, check out What Foods You Should Never Feed Your Dog!
