Top Human Foods That Are Safe For Dogs To Eat
While your dog may beg for any and all human food, there are some foods, such as chocolate, grapes and raisins, and raw eggs, that are considered dangerous for dogs to eat, and that pet owners should avoid giving to a pup. Human foods can also contribute to health issues such as pet obesity, canine diabetes, or heart disease. Some foods, however, can be a healthy treat. Read on for some safe human foods for dog to eat:
1. Chicken and turkey
Chicken or turkey are both safe foods for dogs to eat in limited quantities. These meats should be cooked plain, without bones intact or any added ingredients like oils, salt and pepper, or herbs and spices. Furthermore, it is recommended you avoid feeding dogs turkey skin; while turkey meat is fine for dogs, the skin contains a high amount of fat, which has been linked to pancreatitis in dogs. Moreover, ensure that there are absolutely no bones in any meat that you feed to your dogs, as they can cause serious, potentially fatal, choking hazards.
2. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is packed full of vitamins and nutrients that are great for your dog. Some of the nutritional benefits of pumpkin include vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, C, and E, and nutrients, including iron and potassium, that are great for digestion. Pureed fresh or canned pumpkin can also help reduce issues with diarrhea in dogs, as this vegetable contains probiotics, which support important gut bacteria. Giving your dog too much pumpkin should be avoided, however, as it is high in calories as well as in fiber, which can be dangerous in high quantities. Start by mixing a few tablespoons into your dog’s food to see how they handle it.
3. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a common ingredient found in both commercial and homemade dog foods, and are high in vitamins A, B6, and C. Sweet potato also contains other nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium. It should be noted that sweet potatoes are a high-carb food, so they should be fed to your dog in moderation.
4. Hard cheese
Cheese, in most hard varieties, is perfectly safe for dogs to eat in moderation (they are also great for disguising medication). Cheese is loaded with a variety of nutrients, including protein, vitamin A and B-complex vitamins, phosphorus, zinc, and essential fatty acids. Some varieties of cheese should be avoided, however, including cheeses with added herbs and spices (some of which can be toxic for your dog) as well as hard aged cheeses and bleu cheese.
5. Cooked eggs
Cooked eggs are a perfectly safe option for dogs to eat. Eggs provide your dog with an excellent source of proteins, fatty acids, and vitamins that help support your pup’s nutritional health. It is recommended that you cook eggs before serving them to your dog, as feeding your dog raw eggs increases the risk of salmonella as well as potential biotin deficiencies. It is also recommended that you consult a veterinarian before choosing to feed raw eggs to your dog.
6. Plain yogurt
Dogs can eat yogurt in most varieties, in moderation. While you should avoid feeding your dog flavored yogurts or yogurts sweetened with xylitol, other types of yogurts, including plain yogurt and even Greek yogurt, are all safe options.