Are you a dog mom or dad? If you are, then you’re no doubt familiar with your dog begging for your dinner scraps. Or, if they are particularly well behaved, maybe they just gaze longingly at whatever food you have in your hand as they give you those adorable puppy eyes.
No matter what it is, dogs always seem to want our ‘human’ food - but what’s safe to share with them and what isn’t? Here’s 8 safe human foods that are perfect for giving your dog as a treat, and a few to avoid as well.
1. Peanut Butter
When it comes to human foods that dogs love, peanut butter tends to top the list. Peanut butter is an easy treat to use to fill kong toys, and even to trick your dog into taking medication that they refuse to take. Plus, if you are good in the kitchen and want to spoil your pup, you can even make your own peanut butter dog cookies. Your dog will love you for the yummy treats and your wallet might even thank you too - after all, we all know how pricey dog treats can be!
2. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is another easy dog treat that you can use to make your own dog treats. Use either fresh or canned pumpkin puree to whip up a delicious doggy snack that is, again, likely cheaper than what you would buy in the store. On top of being great to use to make dog treats, pumpkin is also good to mix into dry dog food if they get bored with their food or if they aren’t feeling well and have diarrhea. Pumpkin is easy on a dog’s stomach, plus it contains a lot of fibre and plenty of vitamins to help them feel normal and get back to being regular.
3. White Rice
White rice isn’t the most exciting treat but, like pumpkin, white rice is a great thing to feed your dog then they have an upset stomach. It’s bland and mild, which means it’s easy on their digestive system.
4. Baby Carrots
Baby carrots are an excellent treat for your dog. Not only do most dogs love getting them, but they are beneficial for your dog’s health as well. Carrots are low calorie and high in vitamin A and fibre, not to mention they’re good for your dog’s dental hygiene.
5. Salmon
Salmon is a top protein to share with or, if you are feeling particularly generous, cook for your dog. It’s a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for their immune system and help to keep their fur healthy, soft, and shiny. Make sure to cook the salmon first!
6. Chicken
Chicken is another good and safe protein for your dog. While it doesn’t have the same health benefits as salmon, it’s a perfect add-in if your dog starts to get bored with their food, or if you run out of dog food and need a substitute until you can get to the store. Lucky dog!
7. Eggs
Eggs are another example of an easy way to incorporate extra protein into your dog’s diet, and they are also easy for dogs to digest. Make sure to cook the eggs though, as raw egg whites may actually make your canine companion sick.
8. Cheese
Most dogs love cheese (let’s be honest, most humans do too!). While cheese is a great treat for dogs, you do need to be careful not to overfeed them with this snack, as the majority of cheeses do have a high fat content. Also, keep in mind that some dogs can be lactose intolerant, so if you are just starting to give cheese to your canine companion, do it in very small doses and monitor for any possible reactions.
Of course, there are also a number of foods that you shouldn’t feed to your dog because they are toxic and/or difficult for your dog to ingest. These include food items such as chocolate, onions, and grapes or raisins. Before you share your food with your dog, it’s always best to do some research or check with your veterinarian first.
