It’s common for dog parents to give their dog a few table scraps when they are done eating. Why bother picking the meat off a bone when you can just give it to the dog? That leftover fish that no one wants to eat might be better enjoyed by the dog, but are the remains of all human foods safe for your pooch?
Here we’ll list some of the best human foods to feed your dog as well as the foods your furry friends shouldn’t eat.
HUMAN FOOD YOUR DOG CAN EAT
Peanut Butter
Feed this one to your dog as a special treat. Dogs love the sweet, sticky taste and texture of peanut butter, and it’s pretty good for them too. Peanut butter has too much sugar to be a staple of any dog’s diet, but it is fine to give to them once or twice a week. Just dish out a dollop on a spoon or put it over their food to make it taste better. You could even use it as a reward when you are training your dog. Here we spread it over a lick mat, it’s a fun way to entertain your pooch whilst you’re out running errands.
Yogurt
This is another delicious food that is not only nutritious but also a real treat for your pooch. It can be a little too high in sugar to feed to your dog every day. It’s recommended that you feed a low fat greek yogurt and it’s best enjoyed in moderation. Some dogs are lactose intolerant, so if you suspect your pooch has food intolerances or allergies, vets may recommend putting them on a limited ingredient dog food to try and work out what they’re sensitive to, but consult with them before doing so.
Salmon
Yes, you can give your dog the leftover fish carcass after you eat fish soup or fried fish. Your dog will love the soft, meaty taste, and your dog’s heart will benefit from the Omega-3 fatty acids. These are heart-healthy fats that help to keep cholesterol levels low and promote excellent cardiovascular health. Salmon or anything with Omega-3 can be a staple of your dog’s diet.
Eggs
Eggs are another healthy food that your dog will love. It’s best to cook the eggs thoroughly to prevent any potential food poisoning. Eggs are a good source of selenium, which is excellent for boosting thyroid function and controlling hormone levels, among other things.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal can be a quick and hearty meal for your dog that’s pretty cheap and very healthy. Oatmeal is a good source of soluble fiber, helping with digestion and benefitting a number of systems in your dog’s body.
Other human food dogs can eat include:
CAN’T EAT HUMAN FOOD YOUR DOG CAN’T EAT
Chocolate
You may think that chocolate is just as harmless and tasty as peanut butter. How much your dog would enjoy chocolate is up for debate, but you should never feed it to your dog, even in processed, cooked or baked forms. Chocolate contains a chemical component known as theobromine. It’s harmless to humans, but it can kill your dog in large enough amounts. If you accidently give some to your dog, then you need to get him to vomit within two hours of eating the chocolate and then call your vet right away.
Garlic and Onions
These foods can be toxic to your dog, and they can cause the red blood cells in your dog’s body to break down. That can mean serious health problems, and you want to avoid even small amounts of foods like these that are from the allium family. That includes leeks, and these should not be shared with your dog in any form or fashion, including baked, fried or raw. Garlic is the worst offender, and even garlic powder can be toxic, so watch out what you are seasoning your human food with that you feed to your dog. Think about even the trace ingredients that could find their way in there, and if you are not sure, then read the ingredient list before giving the food to your dog.
Fruits with Pits
The soft, fleshy part of fruits like peaches and plums are not dangerous to your dog, but the pit can be dangerous. Your dog may try to digest the pit, since it is small and can probably fit down his throat. The pit doesn’t break down very well inside your dog’s stomach, though, and it can cause a blockage in the intestines that is very harmful. In some cases the pit will need to be surgically removed. It’s best to just slice the fruit and toss the pit where your dog cannot access it, like in your garbage bin.
Other human foods to avoid:
