There are great debates that are waged in the pet community that have to do with “people food” and whether or not it is okay for a pet to have it. Every animal is different as to which foods are deemed okay and which foods are not. Dogs should not have a great amount of “people food” in their diet, but there are some that would be alright and maybe even beneficial to your dog.
Some good foods to give your dog that are a good source of fiber are flax seeds oatmeal, and apples. Flax seeds can also provide omega-3 fatty acids which are great for their skin and coats. If you want to maximize the usefulness of flax seeds try grounding them right before feeding your dog. As for oatmeal, make sure to feed it to them cooked without any seasonings or sugar added. Oatmeal is especially good for older dogs. Apples are also a good source of vitamins A and C. Just be sure to not let them eat the core of the apple since apple seeds contain cyanide.
Some other great treats for dogs are yogurt and salmon. Yogurt provides your beloved pooch with calcium and protein. When picking that perfect yogurt get one that does not have sugar or sweeteners. Also, make sure it has active bacteria which act as probiotics for them. Salmon can also give your pup those much desired omega-3 fatty acids for their skin and coats. It has also been thought to help dogs that have problems with allergies. Remember, your dog salmon needs to be cooked.
Photo by Tony Alter.
In addition to all those great choices your four legged baby will also like sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and eggs. Sweet potatoes provide vitamins B6 and C, and beta carotene. Pumpkins have beta carotene, and even some fiber. Cooked whole eggs have protein, riboflavin, and selenium which are great for your pup.
Of course, when feeding them those approved “people foods” make sure that you are careful to avoid feeding them those ones that can hurt them. Chocolate, avocados, grapes, and alcohol are just a few that are dangerous to your furry baby. Also, any kind of raw meats or uncooked eggs should be avoided as well.
As always consult your veterinarian before making any changes to their diet. They can help you adjust your dog’s diet to best suit their needs!