
Americans spend a lot of money on dog food, but is your dog’s diet healthy?
We are bombarded with advertising and warnings from the pet food industry and veterinarians about what is good and what not to feed our dogs.
It’s essential to know that some human foods, such as chocolate, onions, and grapes, are dangerous for dogs.
But let’s face it: before the pet food industry blasted off into a multi-billion dollar gold mine, dogs ate and survived well on homemade foods and scraps.
So, before we get all upset about what we are feeding our pets, let’s look at several human foods that are good for them.
Keep in mind dogs are not strictly carnivores. They are omnivores. Even in the wild, they naturally seek berries, fruits, and greens to supplement their diet and boost their immune systems.
Eating grass?
Ever wonder why your dog eats grass? Yes, it may upset its tummy, but usually, it’s because it likes the taste.
Remember, if you plan to feed your puppy or dog human food, always start with small quantities to see how well they tolerate your offer. Keep the human foods supplement 25% or less of your dog’s diet.
If you have a puppy, start them with fruits and vegetables by using them as training treats.
Many suggestions can be frozen and used sparingly as refreshing treats.
Dairy
Since some dogs are lactose intolerant, start with smaller quantities when feeding your dog dairy products.
Yogurt is full of calcium and protein. Use only yogurts that are plain, sugar-free, and with active bacteria. Yogurt is a great way to build up the flora in your dog’s intestines. A spoonful of yogurt added to their food is an excellent way to motivate a dog whose appetite isn’t what it should be. Freeze it. They’ll love it.
Cottage cheese, as with yogurt, is full of calcium and proteins. A spoonful mixed with their food will get their attention and make them members of “The Clean Bowl Club.”
Eggs
Eggs are an excellent protein source and should be cooked unless your dog is on a raw diet. It’s usually best to avoid feeding your dog raw eggs.
Please don’t throw out the shells; they are good for your dog!
Peanut butter
This sandwich staple is a sneaky way to give your dog their pills. Give a little glob as a tease, and then bury the pill in the second glob of peanut butter.
Spread peanut butter on apple or banana slices as a special treat. Don’t throw out the “empty” jar; it’s like a free KONG toy.
Let your dog work at getting every last bit!
Vegetables — raw, frozen, canned, or freeze-dried
Dogs like carrots sliced, diced, or julienned. They are a terrific fiber source and loaded with vitamins and minerals your dog needs for healthy skin, coat, and digestion.
Green beans also make great fillers when mixed with regular food for dogs who are always hungry but can afford to lose a pound or three.
Again, don’t overdo the veggies. Your dog may not like them, but most dogs want at least one or two.
Give your dog broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, green/yellow beans, lettuce, kale, parsley, peas, pumpkin/squash (remove seeds), red/green peppers, and sweet potato/yams.
Fruits — fresh, frozen, canned, or freeze-dried
Apples should be washed well, but leave the skin on; it’s an antioxidant. Apples have oodles of vitamins A and C. They are an excellent source of fiber, and they “crunch.”
Smear some peanut butter on the slices for added protein. Do not feed your dog the apple seeds because they contain arsenic.
Bananas contain vitamins A and C. They also have phosphorous, potassium, and manganese.
Berries, including blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries, are healthy for dogs. Blueberries are a known antioxidant, and berries contain vitamin A, potassium, and phosphorous.
Melons like canteloupe and watermelon are an excellent source of fiber. They also contain vitamin A, potassium, and phosphorous.
Pineapples are tasty frozen or fresh treats that contain vitamin A, fiber, potassium, phosphorous, iron, and manganese.
Fish – fresh or canned
Fish caught in cold water contains Omega-3 fatty acids. Always cook fish before feeding it to your dog because some fresh fish carry parasites. Make sure you remove all the bones.
A little canned salmon, mackerel, or tuna are an excellent way to make a dull, dry meal exciting and healthier.
Meat – poultry, lean red meats, and organs
All poultry, red meat, and organs should be cooked unless your dog is on a raw diet.
Never give your pet cooked chicken bones. Kidneys and liver should be offered sparingly as a special surprise or motivator to get your dog to eat.
Grains
Brown and white rice, bulgar, and cooked oatmeal are excellent options for adding carbohydrates for energy, especially if your dog has wheat allergies.
White rice is good for dogs with upset bellies, and oatmeal is a fantastic source of fiber for senior dogs with elimination problems.
Dangers of adding human food to your dog’s diet
Feeding human food to dogs can be tempting, especially when those puppy eyes stare up at you.
However, it’s essential to understand this practice’s potential dangers and risks.
Many human foods, including chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, caffeine, and avocados, can be toxic to dogs, leading to serious health issues ranging from gastrointestinal distress and anemia to liver or kidney damage.
Also, avoid artificial sweeteners and xylitol, a sweetener also known as birch sugar, which can cause seizures, liver failure, low blood sugar, and, in some chronic cases, death.
Human foods are not formulated to meet dogs’ nutritional needs.
Regularly feeding dogs these foods can result in deficiencies in essential nutrients or create an unbalanced diet that adversely affects their overall health.
Another concern is the risk of obesity and related health problems, as many human foods are high in calories, fats, and sugars. This can increase the likelihood of issues such as diabetes, joint problems, and heart disease.
Human foods can also cause upset stomachs. Dogs have different digestive systems than humans, and introducing rich or unfamiliar foods can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and discomfort, particularly fatty foods and dairy products, which many dogs struggle to digest.
Feeding human food can foster behavioral issues, as dogs may become conditioned to beg for food during meals, leading to unhealthy habits.
There are also safety risks associated with choking hazards, especially if human foods are not prepared appropriately—bones or large chunks can pose significant threats to dogs, particularly if they do not suit their size or chewing ability.
Portion control is crucial
Maintaining a healthy diet for dogs is crucial for their well-being and longevity. Two vital components of this are portion control and balanced nutrition.
Just like humans, dogs can easily overeat, which can lead to obesity and various health issues such as diabetes, joint problems, and heart disease.
Portion control ensures dogs receive the right calories and nutrients based on age, size, activity level, and health status.
Balanced nutrition is equally important, as it provides essential nutrients—including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals—necessary for a dog’s health.
High-quality dog food is typically formulated to meet these nutritional needs. Still, pet owners need to choose the right food and ensure the ingredients are appropriate for their dog’s specific age and lifestyle.
Feeding a dog a balanced diet aids in maintaining a healthy weight, supports immune function, promotes a shiny coat, and strengthens bones and muscles.
This balanced diet can reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall quality of life.
Monitoring portion sizes while ensuring a range of nutrients contributes significantly to a dog’s physical health, energy levels, behavior, and happiness.
Consult your vet before changing your dog’s diet
Consulting with a veterinarian before making any significant changes to a dog’s diet is crucial for ensuring the health and well-being of your pet.
Dogs’ specific nutritional needs vary greatly depending on age, breed, weight, activity level, and pre-existing health conditions.
A veterinarian can provide tailored dietary advice based on your dog’s requirements, helping to prevent potential issues such as allergies, obesity, or nutrient deficiencies.
Additionally, a professional can guide you in choosing high-quality food options and inform you about any transitions that should be made gradually to avoid gastrointestinal upset.
By seeking expert guidance, you can ensure that your dog’s diet supports their overall health and longevity.
Bottom line on your dog’s diet
Occasionally, adding human foods to your puppy or dog’s diet will be a surprise and treat.
Don’t overdo it. Moderation is essential. Always start with small amounts to see how your dog reacts.
Using fruits and vegetables as treats will help prevent packing on the pounds for those dogs whose owners can’t resist giving their pampered poochies treats!
Add healthy training treats to your dog’s diet if you have a puppy. It’s usually easier to get them to appreciate that a chunk of apple or broccoli is more desirable than a bacon-flavored biscuit.
Karen A. Soukiasian owns Good Dog! Dog Training in St. Augustine, Florida. You can follow Karen on Facebook.