It’s no secret that dogs love people food! However, responsible dog owners know that there are many people foods that are unsafe for dogs. This may make you hesitant to try giving your dog even the healthiest of people foods. This article is designed to take the guesswork out of the matter and let you know which people foods are definitely safe to give to your precious pooch.
Yogurt
An excellent source of protein and calcium, yogurt is an excellent treat for dogs year-round. In the summertime, why not freeze it and give your pup a cool and tasty treat? Yogurt works to help digest food and ward off infection. When you buy yogurt for your dog, be sure to choose one that contains live active bacteria and does not contain sugar or artificial sweeteners. If you have an overweight dog, choosing a fat-free yogurt is a good idea.
Salmon
If you are looking to spoil your pooch, why not do it with a piece of freshly-cooked salmon? When feeding your dog salmon, it should be given to your dog unseasoned, and should not be fed to your dog raw. Two times a week is the ideal amount to feed your dog salmon. Why is salmon so beneficial to your dog? Salmon is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Found in fish oil, this fatty acid works to boost your dog’s immune system, as well as keeping your dog’s coat lustrous and healthy-looking.
Oatmeal
A good source of carbohydrates, oatmeal is found in abundance in store-bought dog foods. Oatmeal has fiber, which aids in the regulation of glucose in your dog’s bloodstream, which is beneficial in preventing diabetes. Oatmeal also contains vitamin B5, which helps metabolize energy. In addition to this, it helps relieve depression and anxiety in dogs. For dogs that are allergic to wheat, oatmeal is an alternative source of grain. When feeding oatmeal to your dog, it should always be cooked and unflavored.
Eggs
Invite your doggie to eat breakfast with you, and cook him up some eggs! An excellent source of protein, eggs are also rich in riboflavin, and selenium. The amino acids present in eggs help to build muscle, repair tissues and strengthen hair. Biotin found in eggs assists in cellular growth and giving your dog a soft and lush coat.
Flaxseed
These small, nutty-flavored seeds offer omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which as mentioned are very healthy for your dog. Its anti-inflammatory properties help lessen the severity of symptoms of arthritis, while they lower blood pressure, help strengthen the kidneys and keep your dog’s coat in tip-top shape. Packed full of fiber, flaxseed is very good for your dog’s digestion.
Protein found in flaxseeds gives your dog energy and strengthens the immune system. Flaxseeds also contain what are called lignans, which are touted to be good for the heart and helpful in fighting cancer. To give your dog the benefits of flaxseed, you can just sprinkle flaxseed or flaxseed oil over the top of your dog’s food.
Carrots
Just the same as it is for humans, carrots make a super healthy snack for dogs. One of the reasons is because it helps to keep their teeth clean. When feeding carrots to your dog, be sure to cut them into bite-sized chunks to avoid choking. If you have a puppy, you can feed them cold or frozen carrots to help relieve their discomfort. Carrots contain vitamin A, potassium and fiber. This nutritious, low-calorie snack is a great alternative to feeding your dog traditional store-bought doggie treats.
Green Beans
An ideal snack for dogs who are overweight, green beans are chock full of vitamins and minerals. Vitamins A, C, and K are all found in green beans. Vitamin K helps blood to clot, while vitamin C helps the immune system. Iron helps to keep your dog’s blood healthy. If your dog is overweight, try replacing some of their regular food with green beans as it will help to fill up your dog. Be sure if you are giving your dog green beans, that you don’t add any oil, garlic or especially any onions, as they are poisonous to dogs.
Pumpkin
Much like salmon, pumpkin is considered a superfood. An excellent source of fiber and vitamin A, pumpkin is particularly good for the urinary tract. Pumpkin works to regulate digestion, due to a large amount of fiber it contains. For this reason, it adds bulk to stool so your dog is less likely to have diarrhea. Pumpkin can even help with weight loss. You can give your dog pumpkin seeds as well as canned pumpkin. Try mixing a tablespoon of canned pumpkin right from the can into their kibble. They are sure to love it!