Can Dogs Eat Human Food?
It’s an age-old question that plagues pet parents everywhere: can dogs eat human food? While owners may want to give their furry family members special treats from their dinner table, it’s important to know what’s safe to feed and what isn’t when it comes to human food for dogs. Let’s explore what is, and what isn’t, appropriate for our pooches to consume.
Benefits of Human Food for Dogs
There are a variety of potential benefits to feeding your dog human food in the right amounts. As their diet is mostly made up of commercial foods and treats, the variety of human foods can offer a wealth of nutrition that may not otherwise be available. Many human foods can boost mineral and vitamin intake, while others can act as natural anti-inflammatories and support good digestion.
Few human foods also contain calcium, magnesium, potassium, and other essential minerals, while fruits and vegetables are an important source of antioxidants, which can be hard to come by in a commercially processed diet. Additionally, you can often find ingredients in human food that offer healthy fats, which are good for their fur and overall health.
Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Dog
Despite the potential benefits of introducing human foods into your dog’s diet, there are some dangerous, and even deadly, foods that can put your pup’s health at risk. Generally, these foods contain toxic levels of fat, sugar, and salt for our canine companions. This includes foods like:
-Chocolate
-Caffeinated drinks
-Alcohol
-Grapes and raisins
-Xylitol
-Macadamia nuts
-Garlic and onions
-Raw eggs
-Hops
As a general rule of thumb, if it’s not safe for humans, it’s not safe for your pup either. It’s important to be aware and avoid any food items that may further aggravate or cause health concerns.
Safe Human Foods That Dogs Can Eat
That being said, there are a variety of human foods that are perfectly safe and healthy for our four-legged friends. Here are some of the best human foods to supplement your pup’s diet:
-Lean meats (e.g., chicken, beef, turkey)
-Plain, cooked eggs
-Unsweetened applesauce
-Cooked pumpkin and sweet potato
-Carrots
-Oats
-Broccoli
-Green beans
-Bananas
-Cottage cheese
-Cooked fish
-Brown rice
When adding human foods to your dog’s diet, it’s important to go slow. Start by introducing just a quarter teaspoon at a time and work your way up to see how your fur baby feels.
As a responsible pet parent, it’s important to know what’s safe to feed, and what to avoid. While it’s a great idea to add some tasty, human-friendly foods to your pup’s meals, it’s always best to speak to your vet first to discuss any new, human foods you’d like to introduce into your pup’s diet. They can provide specific advice for your pet, and help work out the perfect balance for them.