Human food that’s okay to feed your dog?
When the topic of feeding your dog “people food” arises in conversation, there tends to be an air of either judgment or shame that comes over the exchange.
Because, as a whole, it’s been deemed an unsafe practice to feed dogs anything but their pet food.
There are a lot of foods that can be super harmful to your pet’s health, and it might be easier to say all human food is all bad.
However, if you educate yourself, there are some “human foods” that are beneficial to your dog’s health (in moderation, of course).
That’s why, in this post, we’re sharing what you can feed your dog without feeling guilty and what foods you should avoid.
High quality protein
High-quality, unprocessed proteins that don’t have added sodium, are healthy for your pet’s diet. With all of the leftover turkey that’s sure to be around after Thanksgiving this year, create a separate bag with pieces that you can give to your furry friend as a treat! If possible, try to opt for organic protein—it’s easiest for your pet to digest.
Vegetables
Be sure your dog gets veggies, too! Although there are some vegetables that can be toxic for your dog (such as certain types mushrooms and onions), most vegetables can improve your pet’s digestive health—and make for a great snack.
Some vegetables, such as big carrot chunks and broccoli stems, even help clean your dog’s teeth!
Here are some vegetables that your dog can enjoy:
- Green Beans
- Carrots
- Asparagus
- Broccoli florets
- Cauliflower
- Brussel Sprouts
Important note: don’t give your pet vegetables that have been prepared with salt. Raw veggies are best.
Avoid carbohydrates
According to DogFoodAdvisor, your dog really shouldn’t have carbohydrates as part of a healthy diet. However, this is a main ingredient in many dry dog foods. Although a small amount of carbohydrates isn’t terrible, a primarily protein-rich diet is safer for your pet.
If you’re looking for the occasional carbohydrate snack for your pet, rice cakes are good option.
Absolutely no junk food or desserts
This is an obvious one, but it’s important to note. If junk food and desserts aren’t good for a human’s digestive system, it wreaks absolute havoc on your pet’s digestive health. No chips or cookies for our furry friends!
Everything in moderation
Just like humans, pets need to eat in moderation. Especially if your pet isn’t used to eating “human food” regularly, you should take it slow at first and monitor how he or she adjusts.
Talk to your vet about how many calories a day is best for your pet or use this dog food calculator for a rough estimate, and then be cognizant of the total number of calories your pet consumes between meals, treats, and snacks.
Looking to drastically improve your pet’s health with homemade pet food?
