As dog owners, we’re all guilty of wanting to give our best friends a little extra from our own plate, but it’s important to know which foods might be harmful to them. The next time your dog wants a treat, here are 17 foods that are safe for them to eat.
Apples
Not only are apples rich in healthy vitamins for your dog, including A and C, but they’re also low in fat, which is great news for pooches prone to obesity. But remember to make sure the seeds and core have been removed first.
Bananas
The American Kennel Club says bananas are safe to share with dogs and are also a good choice for dogs with gastrointestinal problems. However, due to their high sugar content, bananas are best in moderation.
Blueberries
Blueberries are a healthy treat for both humans and dogs because they’re packed with antioxidants and are a great source of vitamin C and fiber (which is great news for their digestion). These low-calorie treats can also be served fresh or frozen, depending on whether your dog needs cooling down.
Carrots
Carrots are a fantastic crunchy option for dogs and their teeth. They are low in calories and can aid in removing plaque. Carrots also make for a great snack on the go to share with your dog if you have a busy lifestyle because they can be served raw or cooked.
Green Beans
Green beans are another low-calorie snack perfect for your pooch, and they’re also high in fiber. They’re packed full of vitamins, including A, C, and K, so they’re ideal for a healthy snack. Your dog will likely enjoy green beans best plain, so you might want to avoid the seasoned ones!
Sweet Potatoes
Your dog will also enjoy a helping of sweet potatoes, thanks to their rich vitamin content and fiber content. Sweet potatoes can be served in many different ways, too, including mashed or chopped into pieces to make them easier to digest. Always make sure sweet potatoes are cooked and unseasoned before sharing them with your dog.
Chicken
We know that most dog food has chicken options, but you might have been wondering if you could also share your chicken dinner with your pet. The good news is, you can! High in protein, chicken will help your dog stay lean and healthy—but remember to always remove bones and serve plain.
Salmon
If you’re a no-meat household, salmon is another great option your dog will love. Its richness in omega-3 fatty acids means that your dog will be able to show off a healthy coat, too. Make sure to fully cook the salmon first to avoid the risks of bacteria and parasites.
Turkey
Another great – and safe – meat option for your pup is turkey, so if you want to treat them to a little extra at Thanksgiving, go right ahead! It’s a low-fat meat option that still packs a lot of protein, and your dog will prefer it plain without the skin on.
Yogurt
Plain, unsweetened yogurt is a delicious (and safe) option to feed your dog, too, and it can also help with their digestion. It’s both a healthy and tasty treat, reveals Purina US, and its high calcium and protein content will support your dog’s movement.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is another food that’s safe for you to share with your dog. It’s low in fat, so you don’t need to worry about it being too heavy for your pooch. But you might want to cut it down to small doses to avoid any lactose repercussions!
Oatmeal
If you’re looking to share your breakfast with your dog, then the good news is oatmeal is a healthy and safe snack for them, too. Oatmeal’s high fiber content also means it’s great for a vitamin and mineral top-up and can also help dogs with wheat allergies.
Brown Rice
Plain brown rice – thoroughly cooked, of course – will be well received by your dog, too, because it’s easily digestible. It’s also great for mixing with other treats, like meat, for a special meal. Brown rice additionally provides healthy carbohydrates and vitamins to your pet.
Cheese
Cheese is a safe treat to share with your dog, as long as it’s in small doses! It makes for an ideal training treat because it can be chopped up into small pieces. To be as healthy as possible, opt for low-fat cheese for your pup!
Quinoa
If you’ve made a huge batch of quinoa with some to spare, don’t worry – it’s perfectly safe to share with your dog! It has plenty of nutritional benefits for your pet, says Masterclass, as Quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids, making it one of the healthiest protein sources.
Pumpkin
If you’re looking to make some delicious doggy treats the next time Halloween rolls around, you’ll be pleased to hear that pumpkin is safe for your dog, too. It’s a fantastic boost to their digestion and is low in calories. It’s best to feed your dog pumpkin plain, either from a can or cooked.
Peanut Butter
And, ending on one of the most popular doggy snacks, peanut butter! Peanut butter is perfectly safe for your furry friend in moderation, as long as it isn’t a brand that contains an ingredient named xylitol, which is toxic to dogs, states Blue Cross – so always check the label!
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