Dogs love to eat, that’s for sure. When it’s dinner time and you’re enjoying your meal, it’s no surprise to find your dog on your side waiting for some of that food you’re having. And some pet parents would give in and share the food with their dogs.
But is it ok to feed human food to your dog? What human foods for dogs are safe and beneficial to their health? Here’s what you need to know about human foods for dogs.
Should I Feed My Dog Human Food?
The answer to this question is both yes and no. Some human foods are safe for dogs but there are some that should be avoided at all costs.
A dog’s digestive system is different from a human’s and their bodies process food differently. What’s perfectly safe for human consumption can be toxic to dogs. Even the nutritional requirements of dogs differ. Protein is the most important part of a dog’s diet, with low requirements for carbohydrates and fats.
Dog food and treats nowadays are formulated to provide the nutritional needs and benefits of your best bud. They have come a long way since, but if you’re looking to add some new flavor or a little excitement to your dog’s diet, there are human foods for dogs that are good options that you can consider.
What To Consider When Feeding My Dog Human Food
Before you start giving any kind of human food to your dog, there are considerations you need to take to make sure it doesn’t impact your dog’s health negatively.
Current Dog Food
Is your dog getting all the nutrition it needs from its dog food? Premium dog foods generally have higher protein content and quality as well as the other nutritional needs of your dog. Should you choose to add human food into the mix, it should complement the dog food you’re serving.
However, if your dog isn’t receiving enough nutrients from their dog food, giving them human food isn’t the best solution. Their main source of nourishment should be their dog food and human food should only be given as a snack or a supplement to their food.
Health Benefits
As mentioned, human foods also provide health benefits to dogs. For example, if your dog is vitamin deficient, feeding your human food that provides the needed vitamins will boost your dog’s overall health.
Age
If you have a puppy, human food isn’t advisable if they’re less than 4 weeks old or until they start eating solid food. This is usually when they’ve been weaned.
Puppies need more nutrition and calories to support their growing bodies and they won’t get this from human food. At this stage, it’s best to stick to puppy food and give human food as occasional treats.
Health Condition
Certain health conditions will require you to monitor your dog’s diet. Obesity, allergies, heart disease, and diabetes are a few health problems that will affect the food they eat. Whether it’s avoiding certain foods, monitoring consumption, or eating only a specific diet, these will impact the kind of human foods you can give your dog.
Quantity
Too much of a good thing is bad, especially when it comes to human food. Because human food isn’t part of a dog’s natural diet, it should be given in controlled and moderate quantities. This is especially the case in some foods that can cause health problems if consumed excessively.
Safety
Above all else, you have to take safety as the main consideration. Some human foods are completely unsafe, while some are only safe in moderation. Even though there are safe human foods for dogs, you should talk to your vet before deciding to make it part of their diet permanently.
Best Human Foods To Give Your Dog As A Treat
Here are the best human foods for dogs that provide essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional benefits that contribute to their good health.
Peanut Butter
Every dog’s favorite treat, peanut butter is not only delicious but is high in protein, healthy fats, vitamin B, and E. Some dog toys like Kong allow you to put peanut butter in them for delicious and stimulating playtime. However, be sure to avoid the sugar-free or lite variants that contain artificial sweeteners toxic to dogs. Ideally, it’s worth spending the money on 100% natural peanut butter, since they contain no added oils or sugars.
Carrots
This vegetable is a low-calorie treat that’s rich in fiber, beta carotene, and vitamin A. Cutting them into small bite-size sticks can also satisfy their chewing habits and benefit their teeth. BEst of all? They’re inexpensive and keep in the fridge for a long time.
Apple slices
A high fiber fruit, apple slices are a great source of vitamin A and C. Like carrots, chewing on apple slices can remove any residue between your dog’s teeth and can also help freshen their breaths. Just remember to remove the seeds and the core since they can be choking hazards.
Blueberries
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants that can help fight cancer and support a healthy immune system. They’re rich in vitamin C and K and low in calories, perfect for dogs that need to watch their weight.
Green beans
Whether raw or cooked, this vegetable is high in protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin K. It’s also a filling snack, making your dog feel full for longer, reducing their need to eat too much and too often. It’s a great snack for weight loss or maintenance. If you choose to cook green beans, make sure to avoid putting any seasoning.
Pumpkins
Your dog can get a good dose of fiber, beta carotene, and vitamin A from pumpkins. They also help get the bowel moving for dogs with digestive issues.
Yogurt
Yogurt, specifically Greek, contains a high amount of calcium and protein for your dog’s bone and muscle health. The probiotics found in yogurt also help maintain a healthy digestive system. Avoid any variations with artificial sweeteners.
Human Foods/Ingredients To Avoid
On the flip side, here are some human foods for dogs that should be completely avoided.
Almonds
While not necessarily toxic, dogs don’t digest almonds properly. This can cause an upset stomach and digestive issues. Also, the size of the almond nuts makes it a choking hazard for any dog.
Chocolates
As good as chocolates are for humans, they’re bad for your pet dog. They contain toxic substances that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and in worst cases, even death.
Garlic
Garlic is a highly toxic food that can cause anemia, pale gums, elevated heart rates, and can even cause your dog to collapse. Unfortunately, garlic poisoning symptoms don’t appear immediately and will take a few days for it to show.
Ice Cream
Dogs are lactose intolerant and since milk is the main ingredient of ice cream, it’s not a human food that should be given to dogs. Aside from this, it contains a high amount of sugar, something which dogs should never have as well.
Avocado
Despite being a favorite for health-conscious humans, the avocado plant contains persin, a highly toxic sustenance for dogs. Persin poisoning can lead to diarrhea and vomiting.
Grapes and Raisins
Eating grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in your dog, a major issue that can lead to death. Even small amounts can cause vomiting and weakness for a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I give my dog treats or snacks?
Dogs absolutely love treats and they’ll devour them whenever possible. However, there is a limit to the amount of treats you can give your dog. Whether it’s human food or doggy treats, treats or snacks should only make up 10% of your dog’s diet.
Dog treats have a serving suggestion that you can follow. For human foods, always give small portions moderately to make sure you don’t overfeed your dog.
Is it ok to feed my dog table scraps?
It’s not encouraged to feed your dog table scraps because of the following:
- There are a limited number of safe human foods for dogs. The food we eat on our table is all seasoned and thus not ideal for dogs. Human foods that can be fed to dogs are usually fresh and always unseasoned.
- It encourages your dog to beg for table scraps or even steal them if they find it to their liking. This can be dangerous since you’ll be unable to determine if they’ve eaten anything that’s bad for their health.