Accent your dog's diet with the right kinds of human food.
As most dog owners know, man's best friend will eat pretty much anything, for better or worse. While sticking to dog food is a surefire bet, some owners just can't resist a begging pup. In moderation, some human food is actually healthy for dogs. Know what you're getting into before you start feeding your canine people food, as some human foods cause health problems for your pet.
Fruits and Vegetables
Because dogs need a high-fiber diet, many fruits and veggies are safe bets when it comes to people food. Pumpkin provides fiber and vitamin A, while sweet potatoes add vitamin B6 and vitamin C. Filling green beans, which are high in fiber, vitamin K, vitamin C and manganese, help pudgy canines lose weight when used as a partial substitute for canned dog food. Give your dog phytonutrient-rich bananas or apples as a sweet treat, but leave the apple seeds and banana peels out. Served fresh or frozen, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and raspberries contain immune system-bolstering antioxidants, while baby carrots help clean teeth.
Meats
Feed your dog fully cooked meats in moderation, and avoid strong seasonings or heavy cooking oils. Cooked salmon, which features a high omega-3 fatty acid content, bolsters your dog's immune system and helps improve skin and coat health if given in extreme moderation. Feed your dog high-protein, low-fat cooked chicken or lean ground hamburger meat as a partial dog food substitute on rare occasions.
Other Foods
The omega-3 fatty acids contained in flax seeds contribute to the shine of your dog's coat, as do those found in brewer's yeast. Try sprinkling these items atop commercial dog food to entice picky eaters. Plain, all-natural yogurt adds calcium and protein to your pet's diet. Opt for frozen yogurt as a special treat on hot days, but avoid giving your pet too much dairy as it may lead to stomach problems. Cooked eggs, known to help dogs with digestive problems, provide protein, riboflavin and selenium, as does fully cooked, plain, sugar-free oatmeal.
Foods to Avoid
Alcohol, chocolate, salt, sugar and caffeine are big no-nos when it comes to your dog's diet, causing everything from electrolyte imbalances to nervous system complications. Avoid feeding dogs raw meat or eggs, as bacteria and parasites may make your pet sick. Always leave the bones out of meat, and the seeds out of fruits and vegetables. Never feed your dog avocados, grapes, mushrooms, onion, garlic or rhubarb leaves. In general, don't allow your dog's diet to exceed more than 25 percent human food.
Tags: your diet, human food, fiber vitamin, fully cooked, omega-3 fatty, people food, some human