Have you ever wanted to share a meal with your beloved pet? Well, you totally can! As it turns out, there are some kinds of healthy people food for dogs. That's right, you truly can share a meal with you dog, even if it's kind of weird.
There are many joys of dog ownership, and at the very top of that list is the unconditional love from your furry friend. So, you want to give them that love back. One way of showing you care for your dog is providing them with healthy human foods packed with vitamins, minerals, and great nutrients. All in moderation, of course.
Of course, you shouldn’t opt for solely feeding your dog human food. It’s recommended you only serve your dog these human foods from time to time or as treats. If you’re looking for the best overall diet for your dog, sticking to a natural dog food brand is likely best.
Below are the best people foods to give to dogs, as well as information on how to safely feed your dog human food.
Instead of giving your dog a bone, why not give it a carrot stick? It's just as crunchy, but it also provides vitamin A, potassium, and fiber. Chewing on carrots also helps with dental health, as it helps remove plaque. Some vets even recommend frozen carrot sticks for teething dogs to soothe discomfort.
Because carrots are a harder vegetable, you want to watch your dog eat this treat, especially if it’s a smaller dog, to avoid choking. You can also cook the carrots to avoid this issue.
Peas are a great source of vitamin B1 and B6, vitamin K, and fiber. Vitamin K promotes bone health, so peas are especially good for an aging dog. Peas also tend to be very gentle on the digestive system, so your dog should be able to process them with no issues. However, vegetables are only supposed to make up a small portion of a dog’s diet, so feed peas in moderation.
Eggs are a healthy, and natural, treat for dogs. Don't feed them raw, though; there are risks of salmonella and biotin deficiency. However, cooked or boiled eggs can be a tasty snack for your dog, as they're high in amino and fatty acids. Serve them up plain from time to time to shake up your treat routine.
Sweet potatoes pack in plenty of vitamin A, which promotes healthy skin, fur, eyes, nerves, and muscles. On top of that, sweet potatoes are also high in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, calcium, and iron. Sweet potatoes are also gluten-free and easy on dogs’ digestive systems.
Like everything else, sweet potatoes should be fed to your dog in moderation, as too much vitamin A can led to muscle weakness and bone problems. They can be steamed or boiled, or baked into treats for your pet.
Dogs love peanut butter, and fortunately it’s good for them, too. Peanut putter is a great source of healthy fats, vitamin B, vitamin E, and niacin. The best options to feed your pup are unsalted peanut butter or homemade peanut butter, as some of the added sugars and chemicals in commercial peanut butter brands aren’t great for dogs.
Apples are a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber for dogs. On top of that, apples can help keep your dog’s teeth clean and freshen their breath.
If you have an older dog or a dog who is prone to illness, you may have to limit meaty treats. If this is the case, apples can be a tasty substitute. Just make sure you remove the seeds and core first.