What Foods Are Good For Dogs
As a dog owner you are ever familiar with the adorable puppy dog eyes gazing up at you for every meal and snack you eat. No matter what we consume, our furry friends always seem to want what we have. We always recommend feeding your canine dog food, however, some human foods are perfectly healthy to include in their diet and can provide important nutrients and health benefits. Providing good nutrition is a proactive way to help your dog maintain a strong immune system. Whilst it is commonly known that you should not feed your dog chocolate, onions or garlic as they are toxic and difficult for them to digest, most people question what human foods are good for my dog?
Carrots
They are crunchy, healthy and sweet for your dog to eat. Low in calories, full of vitamins,and high in potassium and fibre, carrots are a great snack for your pooch. They are great for energy production and your dog’s teeth. Chewing on vegetables like carrots will naturally remove plaque from their teeth. They can be eaten raw or cooked, just remember to cut them up into smaller chunks to avoid choking.
Green Beans
Another vegetable snack that is perfect for dogs who need a healthy treat. High in vitamin A, K, and C which are vitally in maintaining a healthy immune system. Raw green beans or cooked green beans make a great treat as they are filling and low in calories. Be careful not to add any salt or seasoning.
Chicken
Cooked chicken is an excellent snack option for any dog. Chicken prepared in the correct way can offer a variety of health benefits. Unseasoned, it can even be added to your canine’s regular meals to provide a boost of protein, giving your dog ample energy. Cooked chicken may also be used as a savoury snack as a healthy alternative. As an invaluable source of vitamin B and antioxidants, it will boost your pets immune system to help them fight off infection.
Cheese
Dogs love cheese just as much as humans do as long as they aren’t lactose intolerant. However, you must be careful not to overfeed your dog on a healthy snack like cheese as it contains a high fat content and eating too much dairy can cause digestive problems. Simply monitor your dog's reaction to small amounts of cheese overtime. Good options include low or reduced fat cheeses or cottage cheese.
Blueberries
Blueberries are full of antioxidants making them an extremely healthy snack for your furry friend. They are a fantastic alternative snack to treat your dog to. All of the nutrients in blueberries contribute to your dog’s overall health and provide a great support to their immune system.
Salmon
As long as it isn’t raw, salmon is a great healthy choice for dogs containing Omega-3 fatty acids and it is high in protein. It should be cooked and completely unseasoned. It is best known for keeping your dog’s coat healthy and shiny. It can work wonders for your dog's health however it is recommended to only feed your dog salmon twice a week at most.
Peanut Butter
Unsalted peanut butter with no added sugar or sweeteners is safe for dogs to consume. Peanut butter is an excellent source of protein, heart-healthy fats, vitamin B and vitamin E. For hours of endless fun, why not stuff some peanut butter into our Rugby Ball and give your dog a real treat. Be absolutely sure that you are not using sugar free peanut butter or a light version with artificial sweeteners, particularly xylitol, as these substances are toxic to dogs. Xylitol is a replacement for sugar and incredibly dangerous to dogs.
This is just a short list of foods that are considered healthy and safe for dogs to consume. However, it is still recommended to introduce them in small amounts and do not overfeed them on these snacks. Before giving your dog any human food, do your research and check with your vet to make sure it’s safe. If your dog experiences any sort of reaction, immediately consult a veterinarian. Never feed your dog toxic human items such as chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins, or coffee.
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