Doggy Dieting: 8 Healthy Human Foods for Dogs

Dogs and humans have different digestive tracts and metabolisms, so passing your dog a part of your meal from the dinner table isn’t always the best idea.

Consider onions and garlic, tasty to us, yet both of which are highly toxic for your canine BFF. On the other hand, several human foods are perfectly healthy for your dog. What’s crucial for your pup’s overall health and well-being, is knowing the difference.

Want to show your pooch how much you care? Offer one of these 8 foods that are completely safe and healthy for man’s best friend.

Photo by Rarnie McCudden

Apples
Apples are incredibly high in fiber and contain generous amounts of vitamins A and C as well as antioxidants and minerals, so your dog is getting a treat that will favor the digestive system. Before offering your dog a piece of apple, remove any seeds as they contain cyanide and remove the cork to impede choking during ingestion.

Blueberries
Blueberries are a great addition to the canine diet. So much so, that premium dog food manufacturers such as Chippin include blueberries in several of their dog treats.
They are rich in antioxidants and offer significant amounts of vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber, so your dog would be getting a kind of superfood. They are small in size making them ideal as treats and very low in calories so that even if your dog is overweight and on a weight management regime, you can still include blueberries in their diet.

Bread
Whole grain or plain white bread is safe for most canines when offered as a treat. It should not contain added ingredients like raisins which are toxic to dogs. If there is a downside to sharing your piece of bread with your pup, it’s that it adds calories to your pup’s daily intake which can lead to weight gain.

Carrots
Carrots, whether raw or cooked, are a great treat for your favorite canine, and they are completely safe. Low in calories, they offer lots of fiber, minerals, and vitamins, particularly beta-carotene and vitamin A.

When offering carrots to your dog, cut them into suitable bite-sized pieces to prevent the risk of choking. Raw carrots are particularly good for your dog’s teeth.

Chicken
Chicken is a great food loved by both humans and dogs alike. Often found as a source of protein in commercial dog foods, if you offer a pooch some real cooked chicken, it will add healthy protein to its diet.

Apart from the taste, which your pup will love, it also can be used as a meal substitute if you are short on dog food, but never give your dog chicken bones as they can cause choking as well as puncture the canine digestive tract.

Eggs
If you want to give your pup a protein boost, do so with a cooked egg. Whether boiled, poached, or scrambled, eggs are high in protein and supply selenium and riboflavin. Avoid adding salt or seasoning.

It is recommended that eggs should always be fully cooked to avoid the risk of salmonella. Your dog may not become sick from it, but your pooch can transmit it to you.

Green Beans
Green beans are another healthy food, as they contain plant protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin K. They are low in calories and can be served to your dog either raw or cooked — they also come with the benefit of filling your dog’s appetite. Again green beans should not be seasoned or salted when offered to your dog.

Peanut Butter
Plain peanut butter is a healthy and nutritious snack for your pooch when offered in moderate amounts. It includes lots of protein, fats good for heart health, niacin, and vitamins B and E.

Breeding Business warns that peanut butter is high in calories and fat. When given in large amounts it will contribute to weight gain. So don’t overdo it, regardless of how much your dog enjoys it. It should not be a meal substitute if you run out of food and can’t get to the store.

When sharing a bit of this creamy treat, make sure you are offering your pup plain unsalted peanut butter. Many brands will feature added ingredients, such as sugar, sweetener, and salt, which can harm your dog’s health.

A Final Word
As demonstrated by this partial list, there are a number of safe human foods that can be shared with your furry best friend without placing your dog’s health at risk. Other foods may be harmful — if not dangerously toxic.

Before offering your dog any of your food, make sure it’s safe for canine consumption. It’s wise to remember that the general rule “all things in moderation” is just as valid for your pup as it is for you. These are some of the small steps you can do to help your dog live a long and healthy life.