Human Foods That Are Actually Good for Your Dog
If you want to indulge your pup, here are the foods that can actually be healthy for your spoiled canine friend.
Fruits your dog can eat
Human food dogs can eat include many fruits. Most dog owners know that grapes and raisins can make their dog sick, but they don’t know which fruits are actually beneficial. If one fruit is toxic to your dog, you may fear that all fruits are poisonous. Luckily, that’s not the case. “Fruit can be a nutritious and tasty treat for your dog,” says Kelly Ryan, DVM, Director of Veterinary Services for the Animal Medical Center of Mid-America. So what human food can dogs eat? Here are your dog’s best options.
Watermelon
“It is a health-food powerhouse, low in calories and packed with nutrients—vitamins A, B6, and C, and potassium,” according to The American Kennel Club. Watermelon is also a great snack to give your dog on a hot day, as it is mostly water. Pro tip: Freeze some watermelon cubes for your dog to make for an even better cool-down.
Blueberries
Blueberries are absolutely packed with antioxidants, making them extremely healthy for man’s best friend and one of the best human food dogs can eat. Depending on your dog’s size, however, choking might be a potential risk; try cutting up the berries for smaller dogs.
Apples
Apples are light and delicious for both you and your dog. According to CesarsWay.com, they also provide fiber, vitamins A and C, omega-3, omega-6, antioxidants, flavonoids, polyphenols. “But make sure your dog doesn’t eat the apple seeds,” Dr. Ryan warns. “They are toxic!” Apple seeds actually contain small traces of cyanide. The human digestive system can easily filter this out, but the same is not true for canines. Look out for these signs your “healthy” dog is actually sick.
Veggies your dog can eat
Even if you’re not keen on eating your vegetables, your dogs will be. This healthy human food dogs can eat provide nutrients with minimal calories. However—as with humans—dogs can have adverse reactions to certain foods, even if they are supposedly good for them. “It’s important to know that dogs can have food intolerances just like people, causing gastrointestinal upset or even an allergic reaction,” Dr. Ryan says. Be sure to monitor your dog and check with your vet if you’re questioning whether to introduce a food into her diet.
Carrots
Carrots are wonderful snacks for your pup. Purina says that dogs can eat carrots several ways: raw, cooked, or even with the green tops still on them. But remember, they’re just a small part of your pet’s complete diet. Read up on the most common health problems in 14 popular dog breeds.
Green beans
Green beans are the full package, according to Rover.com: They’re a great source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, and K, folic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and potassium. In fact, green beans are so healthy for dogs that some people make a sizeable portion of their fur baby’s daily food regimen. Just remember not to add salt or seasoning.
Asparagus
This vegetable has plenty of fiber, which can be good for a dog’s digestive health. As a snack, cooked asparagus is perfectly safe for dogs. Just don’t give Fido the raw version: It can be difficult for him to digest.
Spinach
Spinach is rich in antioxidants, iron, and vitamin K. That’s what makes it so healthy for humans and a potentially beneficial part of your dog’s diet. According to Rover.com, spinach can boost your dog’s immune system and energy levels, making for an all-around healthier pet. Just watch out for the food that can give your pup heart disease.
Pumpkin
Vets often recommend pumpkin when a dog is constipated or has other digestive issues. Give your dog some canned pumpkin with their kibble to keep their digestive system running smoothly. Look the organic kind, recommends Dr. Ryan, and “be sure it’s not pumpkin pie mix to avoid the spices. Also check with your veterinarian to see how much pumpkin he or she recommends, as too much can cause diarrhea.”