You are familiar with the look: Big, pleading eyes, belonging to the most adorable creature imaginable, sitting beside you and begging. Surely just a tiny bite won’t hurt your dog, right?
Any pet owner has learned that their pet wants to do what they do, including eating the same foods. Pet owners are often unable to resist the pleading eyes and end up sharing their own food. However, this is a dangerous habit and we’re about to learn why.
It’s far better to learn some resistance and share only those foods which are safe for pets. So, let’s find out which human foods are ok for dogs and the science behind it.
What Makes Human Food Dangerous for My Dog?
It’s always best to stick with a monitored, high-quality and commercially prepared pet food regime for your pet, if possible. Human food can have additives that are toxic to your dog and may cause lasting damage.
Some human foods are toxic to dogs even without additives. It’s helpful to have a list nearby of toxic foods and food groups when preparing your own food. These foods include:
- Chocolate
- Grapes/Raisins
- Onions
- Garlic
- Macadamia Nuts
- Alcohol/Caffeine
- Dried Fruits (they contain harmful additives)
- Lemon/Lime
Some additives, like sugar substitutes, seasonings, and fatty foods can also be toxic and are harmful to your dog. This also means that you need to check all packaged or canned items for additives before offering them to your dog. If a can of vegetables has garlic seasoning added, it will be toxic to your dog even if the vegetable itself is safe to eat.
Food Allergies
Dogs can have food allergies just like people. Even if a human food is generally safe for your dog to eat, some allergies are triggered by different types of proteins. Some common food allergies that dogs can have include allergies to beef, chicken, eggs, fish, dairy, and grains.
If you suspect your dog may have a food allergy, refrain from offering the above foods and have your local vet conduct a food allergy test for your dog.
Best Human Food for My Dog
Some animals are picky eaters, and they may turn their nose up at commercially prepared pet food, no matter how good it smells! Also, preparing treats that both you and your pet will enjoy can be a bonding experience.
There are some human foods that are safe for dogs to eat:
Eggs
Cooked, unseasoned eggs are a great choice for your furry family member, and they give you the option to make breakfast for the entire family. Eggs include protein, Vitamin D, selenium, and riboflavin, and they taste great as well! Just be sure to leave the seasoning out of your pup’s portion.
Oatmeal
Speaking of breakfast foods, cooked oatmeal is one of the healthiest foods you can have for your morning meal. It’s also safe for your dog. Because of its source of soluble fiber, oatmeal is even a common ingredient in commercial dog food. Oatmeal also contains vitamin B, which gives dogs a healthy coat, and linoleic acid, which helps your dog’s skin.
Just be sure to cook it properly and ensure it’s free of additives and seasoning.
Chicken, Turkey, Beef, and Fish
When preparing meat dishes for your pup, make sure they are cooked and unseasoned. Also, be sure they are bone free. Your dog can choke on the bones. Even cooked bones can splinter in your dog’s GI tract and cause perforations.
As long as you properly prepare the meat, it can add protein to your dog’s diet. Fish also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which is healthy for your dog.
Green Beans, Carrots, and Spinach
These are great vegetables for your dog to eat, and can easily be incorporated into a family meal. Just ensure they are cooked thoroughly. Raw and partially raw vegetables can be hard for your dog to digest.
- Green Beans contain fiber, vitamin C, and other nutrients, and are low in calories and fat. This makes them an excellent vegetable choice for overweight dogs.
- Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, as well as fiber and vitamin A.
- Spinach contains fiber, vitamin A, Vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium. Spinach is such a healthy food, that it’s even safe for cats to eat!
Fruits
There are several fruits that are safe for dogs to eat. Fruits are not only healthy for your pup in moderation, but they’re so delicious that your dog will really get excited.
Pumpkin is a good source of fiber and beta-carotene, and is low in calories and fat. You can serve it chopped up and cooked.
Apples are an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber. They can also be served with the skin. Just chop them into pieces and remove the seeds and core to avoid choking hazards.
Apples are delicious, and dogs actually enjoy the crunch of a fresh apple, just like people. Apples should be given in moderation due to the level of fructose, which isn’t good for dogs in high quantities.
Bananas should be given in moderation only, but make for a tasty, occasional treat that your pup will appreciate. Bananas are healthy for your dog due to their potassium, fiber, and magnesium.
Bananas are often added to homemade dog treat recipes, because many dogs really love the taste of bananas. However, just like apples, bananas have a high natural sugar content, so should only be offered sparingly.
Final Thoughts
Human foods are not an adequate substitute for a quality, commercially prepared dog food diet. Dogs require many different vitamins and minerals that are included in proper dog foods.
Safe human foods make a nice treat, and it’s great to include them as toppings or for an occasional treat. Just be sure to balance it with a proper diet of high-quality dog food.
With these thoughts in mind, relax, prepare some delicious treats, and enjoy a fun meal with your beloved pup!