9 Human Foods That Are Safe and Healthy for Dogs
Dog parents are often tempted to let their pets have a bite of whatever snack or meal they are eating. But this can be dangerous because a canine’s digestive system might be unable to metabolize that food. This is why individuals must do their research and avoid feeding their pets something that may spoil their tummy. Here, we have listed nine human foods that are safe for humans as well as dogs.
Chicken
Chicken is one of the tastiest and healthiest human foods that dogs can safely eat. It is a rich source of protein, which is necessary to maintain your pet’s shiny coat and boost its immune system. Unsurprisingly, many dog food brands use chicken as a key ingredient in their recipes. You can slip in a few cooked chicken pieces in your furry friend’s bowl while enjoying them yourself. However, you need to take care of a few things. For instance, the chicken should not contain sauces, marinades, or seasoning, and the bone should be separated from the meat and discarded before feeding. Besides chicken, meats like rabbit, pork, duck, and lamb are healthy for both humans and dogs. But avoid feeding processed meats like bacon, sausages, or pepperoni.
Blueberries
Berries of all kinds are rich in antioxidants that help fight diseases and keep a dog’s immune system healthy. However, blueberries, in particular, help prevent inflammation, which means your pet will find relief from any pains or lesions after eating them. Blueberries are also rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals, all of which offer excellent nutritional value to your pet. Moreover, since they are so tiny and low in calories, they can help your doggo remain lean and healthy. Besides blueberries, you can consider feeding raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries, as these also serve as healthy dog foods.
Salmon
Like chicken, salmon is an excellent source of protein for dogs. But that is not its only benefit. This fatty fish is loaded to the gills with omega-3 fatty acids, which are incredible anti-inflammatory agents for humans as well as dogs. They can boost your pet’s coat appearance, skin health, and, most importantly, immune system. However, you must ensure salmon is deboned and well-cooked before feeding. Raw salmon is bad for a canine’s health and must be kept away from their meals. In its raw form, the fish tends to contain a parasite that brings about a fatal health condition known as salmon poisoning disease in dogs.
Unsalted peanut butter
Salt is unhealthy for canines as it can cause a dry mouth, digestive problems, and, in worst-case scenarios, death. But unsalted foods are usually safe and healthy for them. Unsalted peanut butter is a good pick as it contains nutritious fats, proteins, and only a limited amount of oil. This prevents high cholesterol or potential cardiovascular issues in dogs. So, the next time you reach out for that jar of peanut butter to spread on your toast, feel free to share some with your furry friend!
Eggs
Eggs are a rich source of nutrients and proteins that are healthy for both you and your doggo. Eating eggs now and then can strengthen your pet’s core and increase their muscle mass. However, feed cooked eggs only as raw eggs exposes dogs to the risk of diseases like salmonella. Aside from that, eggs are as good a dog food as anything else out there. Your pet may love hard-boiled or scrambled eggs, so try these recipes for breakfast and enjoy them together!
Bread
Bread is more of a delicacy than a truly healthy and nutritious food for dogs. Feeding too many bread pieces at once is not advisable because they are rich in carbohydrates, which can be hard for dogs to digest. However, in small quantities, bread is perfectly healthy and delicious. That said, you must avoid feeding store-bought bread as it contains several unnecessary preservatives that could harm a canine’s health. Interestingly, dogs enjoy eating bread from their owner’s hands, so try this human food when your pet needs a push of motivation.
Watermelon
Many people enjoy crunchy, juicy watermelon slices during the hot summer. But what if we told you that your pet could give you company? Watermelon is incredibly refreshing and healthy for both humans and dogs. Feeding your pup a few slices on a hot and sunny day can make them feel like water in the middle of a desert. The fruit’s most outstanding quality is its incredible hydrating ability. It contains about 90% water and a naturally sweet taste owing to the vitamins in it. So, all in all, if your dog is looking for something refreshing and hydrating, feeding them watermelon is a brilliant idea.
Popcorn
Pet owners might scoff at the idea of feeding dogs popcorn. However, it is not a bad idea at all. Corn, the chief ingredient of popcorn, is present in many dog foods. It contains a good amount of thiamine, iron, riboflavin, and carbohydrates, all of which are excellent for a dog’s overall health. What’s more, popcorn can boost a dog’s eyesight and digestive system. However, while feeding popcorn is fine, only give them plain varieties, definitely not salted or buttered.
Apples
Fruits are usually safe and healthy for both humans and dogs, and there’s perhaps nothing better than apples. They contain a bit of everything—vitamins A and C, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and antioxidants. These components give apples a range of health benefits for dogs.
While the foods listed here are healthy and safe for dogs, consult a vet if your pet has food allergies. The expert can also tell you exactly how much of these foods your dog can eat at a time depending on their age, breed, and health condition.
