The foods you can offer your dog

IS IT SAFE TO FEED MY DOG HUMAN FOOD?

Approximate reading time: 8 minutes

In your quest to give your furry friend as natural a diet as possible, you may well have wondered which human foods you can give them and which you should avoid. This is certainly an issue you need to be very careful about, as not all foods that are healthy for people are suitable for dogs. Dogs are primarily carnivores, as the basis of their diet must be animal protein (e.g. turkey, beef, lean meat, rabbit), but they can also benefit from other components such as fruit and vegetables.

Among the foods that are safe for dogs, there are some that are particularly interesting, as their composition provides many benefits to the canine organism. Let's discover them!

Table of contents

1. 9 healthy human foods for your dog

• Carrot

• Egg

• Peanut butter

• Salmon

• Apple

• Yoghurt

• Broccoli

• Green beans

• Olive oil

2. What foods can't I give my dog?

9 healthy human foods for your dog

First of all, it is important to bear in mind that every dog is different. Depending on their age, weight, health condition or preferences, your pet will tolerate one type of food or another. It is therefore advisable to consult your vet before introducing a new ingredient into your dog's diet, and you should do so gradually, starting with a small amount to see how your dog tolerates it. However, the foods listed below are suitable for almost all dogs, as they are generally well tolerated and, most importantly, provide our furry friends with a large amount of nutrients that are beneficial to their health. Therefore, you can safely offer these human foods to your dog, either because you prefer a natural diet, or on an ad hoc basis if you have run out of your dog's usual food.

• Carrot

Although the main component of the canine diet has to be animal protein, a percentage of carbohydrates is advisable in most cases. Vegetables are an excellent option for incorporating this macronutrient into your dog's diet, and among them we would like to highlight the carrot, as it not only aids digestion, but also helps hydration as it contains a large amount of water. If your dog eats dry food or finds it difficult to drink, giving carrots as a snack is a highly recommended and healthy option. Carrots are also detoxifying and alkalising, so they fight uric acid. Because they are so low in calories, they are an excellent food for obese dogs. And if you give them raw, they become a very tasty and healthy ‘bone’ that will help take care of your dog's teeth.

• Egg

You've probably never thought of giving your dog eggs. Yes, this food is totally safe and healthy for these animals. A source of healthy fats, amino acids and minerals, eggs help protect your dog's cardiovascular system, brain and muscles. Offer them to your furry friend boiled or fried but always unsalted and cooked to avoid salmonella and other bacteria and viruses. As a fairly neutral-tasting food with binding properties, you can use the egg to make burgers, balls, snacks or other preparations to surprise your dog.

• Peanut butter

Let's move on to another food that provides your dog with a large amount of protein, which is necessary to keep his musculoskeletal system in good condition. We are talking about peanut butter, which also provides healthy fats, vitamin B, E and niacin, which protects the digestive system, skin and nerves. If you are going to give peanut butter to your furry friend, we recommend that you prepare it at home by processing the nuts in a powerful blender, or buy it ready-made, making sure that it does not contain salt or sugar. You can give it to your dog smeared on a carrot or other safe vegetable, or put it in their kong toy to keep them entertained for a long time licking it.

• Salmon

Salmon drives cats crazy, but did you know that dogs tend to love it too? In addition, this fish contains healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids that will keep their fur and skin healthy and protect their immune system. You can give it boiled and crumbled or even add salmon oil to their regular food. It will make it much richer and more nutritious.

• Apple

In the fruit section, apples are a good option to give your dog, as they contain antioxidants, fibre, vitamin A and C. In addition, chewing apples can help your pet fight tartar and maintain healthy teeth. Don't forget to remove the seeds and core from the fruit before giving it to your dog. We recommend it for occasional consumption, as it has sugars which, although natural, should not be abused.

• Yoghurt

If your dog is not lactose intolerant, try incorporating yoghurt into their diet. It is a very healthy food for most dogs, as it contains calcium and has a probiotic function in the digestive system. It is also a very versatile source of protein, as you can add it to other preparations, such as ice cream for your dog. However, always choose natural yoghurts, without sugar, sweeteners or flavourings.

• Broccoli

Broccoli is another vegetable we can't leave out of this list. It is rich in several vitamins, folic acid, fibre, iron, carotenes (antioxidants that promote brain function) and flavonoids, which, according to several studies, can fight cancer and heart disease. To incorporate broccoli into your furry friend's diet, you can steam it, boil it or mash it up for inclusion in other preparations, such as homemade meatballs.

• Green beans

If your dog isn't a big fan of broccoli, here's another healthy alternative: green beans. They are very low in calories, making them the perfect snack to reward overweight pets, or simply if you want an option other than industrial treats. They contain a lot of fibre, which will help dogs with constipation problems. If you buy them in a tin, make sure they do not contain salt.

• Olive oil

It may surprise you, but small amounts of extra virgin olive oil are very beneficial to your dog's health. It contributes to the health of their skin and coat, as well as boosting their defences and strengthening their immune system. But they also have the power to improve the palatability of any food because of their intense and pleasant flavour, making them a great way to make your dog's food more appealing and delicious. Just add a spoonful to their food and see how they like it. If your dog is obese, it's best to opt for other foods or introduce olive oil on an ad hoc basis.

What foods can't I feed my dog?

Whenever you are going to introduce a new food into your dog's diet, we recommend that you consult a professional for advice on the percentage that you can give them.

It should also be borne in mind that some common ingredients in our kitchens are really toxic and dangerous for our furry friends, such as chocolate, onions, grapes or coffee. However, the list is longer, so don't be overconfident and always check if the food you are going to give your pet is safe for their health. Some of these components only cause mild discomfort with large intakes, but others are toxic even with small amounts.

In the case of dogs that are fed on feed (ultra-processed food) be careful: do NOT mix feed with natural ingredients as the digestion process is different and can cause discomfort and create serious problems in the digestion of your furry friend. Did you know that?