What would dinner time be without our dogs staring down our every bite, begging for a taste? While the best nutrition for your pet is the dog food created for them, it can be tempting to slip them a bit of your own lunch from time to time. Read on to learn which people foods are safe to feed your dog.
1. Carrots
A favorite of Easter bunnies everywhere, carrots make a great healthy snack for dogs. Low calorie and an excellent source of vitamin A and fibre, this vegetable doubles as a cheap and edible chew toy.
Both raw and cooked carrots are safe for dogs to eat. Just make sure to cut them into bite-size pieces to prevent choking.
Tip: freeze raw carrot bites to provide some pain relief to dogs with dental discomfort. Teething puppies rejoice!
2. Corn
Served plain (without butter or salt), corn kernels are safe to slip to your dog as a fibre-packed treat.
As for corn on the cob, leave the dish to your human guests. You should never let your dog have the cob - it's inedible! Even just chewing on a corn cob is a bad idea as small pieces can break off and block your pet’s digestive tract. If your dog manages to sneak a piece, call a veterinarian immediately.
3. Sweet Potato
In moderation, sweet potatoes make a perfect yummy reward for your good-est boy or girl! Try making these easy
DIY sweet potato snacks for your dog as a safe and healthy treat.
4. Eggs
Eggs are full of protein, vitamin A and B12, and are safe to feed your dog! Our idea of a balanced breakfast? One scrambled egg for us, one hardboiled egg for our pup.
Now, can dogs eat raw eggs? Surprisingly, yes! Dogs are well equipped to handle raw foods. As long as the eggs are stored properly and contain a normal level of bacteria (look for organic and free-range eggs), salmonella poisoning isn’t a risk for your pet. Both the egg white and yolk are safe for them to eat. Be careful though: it is possible for salmonella to spread to human owners.
As for the shell: good news, eggshells are safe to feed to dogs! Crushed eggshell pieces are a great source of calcium and protein. Tap a boiled egg against the counter for a quick and easy meal for your dog.
5. Watermelon
A refreshing, delicious snack for humans and dogs alike – take your dog on a picnic date with these easy
DIY frozen watermelon treats.
Juicy watermelon has plenty of vitamins and is a great source of fibre. Make sure to remove all the seeds and rind first as they will harm your pet if ingested.
6. Bananas
This fruit isn’t just for monkeys! Banana slices, full of vitamins and fibre, make a tasty and healthy snack for your dog. Try taking it up a notch and delight your pup with these easy
DIY frozen treats. They’re sure to go bananas!
Something to keep in mind: like most fruits, bananas contain sugar and are best enjoyed in moderation.
7. Peas
When it comes to adding people good to your dog's diet, green peas get the green light! Cooked, raw or frozen, peas are good for your dog’s vision, skin, digestion and more.
Avoid giving your dog peas if they have kidney issues, as peas can aggravate their condition.
8. Salmon
Seafood lovers: feel free to add a little nautical flair to your dog’s diet. Cooked, boneless salmon is a safe source of omega-3 fatty acids for your dog. And if your pet is allergic to chicken or beef, salmon can be a good protein alternative for them.
Be careful to fully cook salmon before feeding it to your pet though, as raw salmon can be fatally poisonous to dogs. In addition, salmon bones are brittle and can be a choking hazard if not removed.
When trying to expand your pup’s culinary horizons, it’s always a good idea to double-check each new food to see if it’s safe for your dog to eat. Many dishes that taste great to humans can be toxic for your dog.
As for safe foods, the most important thing to consider when feeding your dog table scraps is to give them people food in moderation only. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing.
With that, bon appétit!
Next Article:
Why do dogs chew their paws?
