Top 10 Foods Dogs Can Eat


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Easy and healthful nourishment for your dog comes in the form of professional dog foods. Scientists and veterinarians have rigorously tested and perfected these formulas in order to best fulfill your dog’s needs. As long as you are willing to pay for a quality brand, feeding your dog from these commercial products provides them with necessary vitamins, minerals, and ingredients while preserving tastiness. But you love your dog, and sometimes you want to treat him or her to a little something special, something a little different than eating dog food. When treats are not handy, you may be tempted to feed your dog something off your own plate. While this act is not all bad, you should familiarize yourself with the foods dogs can eat, and the ones they should avoid. Continue below to learn the top 10 foods that answer the question, “what human foods can dogs eat”.

1. Melons

melons foods dogs can eatImage Source: medicalwesthospital.org

Whether it is watermelon, cantaloupe, or honeydew, your dog will love to munch on some refreshing melons. Slice whatever melons you have in your kitchen into a manageable size, depending on the size of your dog. Don’t allow him or her to eat the rinds or seeds, for both choking and health reasons, and be wary of more exotic melons such as the Kazakh, Canary, or Crenshaw Melons. Otherwise, melons are a prime example of what human foods dogs can eat.

2. Berries

berries foods dogs can eatImage Source: calgiant.com

Berries present another fruit category which includes various types that can both nourish and satisfy your dog. Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and others are a superb treat, as they grow into the perfect portion size. Therefore, you can take them right out of the box or right off the bush and immediately pass them onto your pooch.

3. Apples

apples foods dogs can eatImage Source: thenaturalwayofhealing.com

While apples only constitute one type of the greater fruit family, the many species of apples provide an abundance of options for human foods dogs can eat. These morsels are basically ready for immediate consumption; you need only to cut into smaller portion sizes and remove the seeds. Organic apples are the best option for greatest health benefit, but any variety will appease your dog.

4. Carrots

carrot foods dogs can eatImage Source: healthyfig.com

Moving on to the vegetable spectrum, carrots provide a low-calorie snack option that will still taste sweet and delicious to your dog. Because of the nutritious nature of this vegetable, you can give you dog as may of these morsels as you desire. Your dog will feel as though you are spoiling it beyond reason, and you can smile because they are only improving your furry friend’s eyesight, strengthening its teeth, and feeding it vitamins.

5. Green beans

green beans foods dogs can eatImage Source: farmandforksociety.com

Green beans similarly present a solid option of human foods dogs can eat. You can immediately treat your dog with one of these green strips, or you can prep them slightly for ease of consumption. Removing the ends is option, as well as snapping them into smaller portions. The variable size of this vegetable allow you to use it as an option for both your small and large dogs as you can customize the size. The green beans you give to your dog should preferably be fresh or canned without salt.

6. Cooked chicken

chicken foods dogs can eatImage Source: newhealthadvisor.com

Dogs are omnivores, and ones with a slight preference for meat. While dogs should avoid eating beefs and porks, you can feed your canine cooked, boneless chicken. This chicken can be baked, broiled, or grilled, among other techniques. Dogs can handle many cooking oils and seasonings, but you should avoid cooking it with onion or garlic.

7. Shrimp

shrimp foods dogs can eatImage Source: eatsomethingsexy.com

For the dog with a slightly more refined and expensive palate, shrimp may be the perfect delicacy. This shellfish contains low amounts of fat, carbohydrates, and calories, while boasting high levels of antioxidants and phosphorus. Only feed your dog shrimp after you cook it fully and completely remove the shell, which includes the head, tail, and legs.

8. Boiled eggs

eggs foods dogs can eatImage Source: melskitchencafe.com

When you are low in ingredients around the house, simply boil some eggs to give to your dog. Make sure to cook the eggs the entire way through, until both the yolk and the white are firm. Perhaps this goes without saying, but removed the outer shell before giving to your dog. Boiled eggs provide an excellent source of protein, as well as an easy and affordable option for you as a dog owner.

9. Popcorn

popcorn foods dogs can eatImage Source: bakeryandsnacks.com

As with humans, making your own air-popped popcorn is an easy and healthy treat for canines. If you have the equipment and capability of making your own popcorn, elect to leave off the butter and salt. Feed the kernels to your dog individually as this snack should only be eaten in moderation and because unpopped kernels present a choking hazard. Otherwise, enjoy throwing popcorn in the air as you and your dog simultaneous chow down (a phenomenon which could not occur inversely with humans eating dog food).

10. Peanut butter

peanut butter foods dogs can eatImage Source: peanutbutterlovers.com

Last but not least, is peanut butter. Many dog breeds love the taste of this nutty spread, one you can use to amp up other less savory foods or as a treat of its own. Raw, unsalted is best, but no matter what variety you chose, peanut butter provides an excellent source of protein for your dog, making it a healthy example of foods dogs can eat.

Many of these are not only foods dogs can eat, but also foods which can provide nutritional benefits to your canine. It is no coincidence that this list contains whole foods, not processed, fried, or manufactured ones. For the same reason nutritionists advise humans to consume these fruits, vegetables, meats, and other snacks, dogs can experience similar benefits. These benefits include the acquisition of antioxidants and vitamins, the strengthening and cleaning of teeth, and low-calorie consumption. Dogs can safely consume other human foods, but the aforementioned list contains the best choices as they are not only safe, but healthy.

Foods dogs can’t eat

While the aforementioned list and others provide many options of foods dogs can eat, you should still exercise caution when slipping your furry friend food from off your plate. Certain human foods can not only harm, but can kill your dog. Each breed of dog and each individual dog contain unique tolerances for various human foods, but several are widely recognized as likely harmful to your dog.

1. Grapes

While grapes resemble the suitable dog treat of berries in size and other fruity qualities, these morsels are potentially fatal. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure, vomiting, or general illness.

2. Chocolate

Chocolate is the epitome of a human food which dogs should not consume. Perhaps the most widely known of the foods dogs can’t eat, chocolate of any type — white, dark, baking — in any form — icing, cake, pudding —  is extremely dangerous. Even just a small taste can make your dog extremely thirsty, begin vomiting, and suffer from diarrhea. Further, chocolate can affect your dog’s heart beat, leading to an abnormal rhythm or tremors, cause seizures, and eventually foster death.

3. Dairy products

Whether it be a milkshake, ice-cream cone, or glass of milk, you should guard your canine from dairy products. Cheese and yogurts are less dangerous dairy options, but with even these you may want to air on the side of caution and avoid them. You have many other options when it comes to treating your dog with human food; do not settle for products which could induce their demise.

4. Onions

Onions contain elements which are toxic to dogs. While negative effects are not immediate and require a large amount of consumption, onions and the related garlic and chives should not be given to your dog; they weaken red blood cells and can make your pooch sick.

5. Avocados

Do not be fooled by the often desirable green coloring of avocados, these pear-shaped pieces of produce are toxic even to horses. Eating a significant amount of the avocado flesh or skin can disable your dog, and eating the pit could kill it.

Aside from the five foods dogs can’t eat mentioned above, you should also be aware of certain foods to which canines are commonly allergic. Red meats, wheat, and soy products have often been seen to produce a negative reaction in canines.

Even with these general guidelines, you should monitor your dog’s reaction to these foods when you he or she eats it for the first time. Glance at their stool before disposing of it, take note of any increased gas or bloating, and be on alert for any other digestive problems. Take your dog to the veterinarian at any sign of negative reaction.

If you ever wondered “what human food can dogs eat”, the mystery is over. Armed with this list of approved foods dogs can eat, and an awareness of foods you should probably avoid, you can make educated decisions about how to treat your dog. Remember that for prolonged sustenance, you should continue feeding your dog from a quality professional dog food brand. But feel free to occasionally slip your pooch some of these fruits, vegetables, meats, or other snacks.

 

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