Dogs have been with humans for thousands of years, giving them a lot of time to practice their puppy dog eyes when they see you eating a tasty snack. Have you ever wondered which food you often eat could also be a nutritious addition to their dog food diet? Let’s discuss the types of foods that you can introduce to your dog to spice up their meals, improve their health, and keep them happy.
Before we begin, it is imperative to know one thing: only feed your dog these items if you can verify all of the ingredients. Tossing dog-friendly food from your plate might seem okay, but that piece of food might have been mixed with additional ingredients. If you want to introduce some of these healthy options, making your dog their own separate portion is a foolproof way to keep them safe.
Meat
As expected, most dogs will go crazy for a good piece of meat. A high-quality protein introduced to your dog’s diet will keep them healthy and strong. If you are unsatisfied with the quality of protein used in your dog food brand, supplementing it with a cheap but fresh cut of beef, pork, or chicken could do wonders for your dog’s physical and mental health. In moderation, fat from meat such as beef is safe for your pup. However, the daily portion of meat you give them should mostly be lean. Consuming excessive amounts of fat has been shown to cause pancreas issues in dogs. You should always cook this meat without seasoning. But don’t worry! Your dog will still scarf it all down.
Fruits
Some fruits can be highly beneficial to dogs. Usually rich in vitamins and water, fruit is the perfect snack for your dog during a hot summer day full of play. Watermelon, blueberries, apples, and more are perfectly healthy as long as prepared adequately. For any particular fruit, always make sure to double-check online for specific instructions. But chances are that the fruit you are snacking on can safely be turned into dog food if they badly want a taste.
Vegetables
Just like fruits, vegetables can be a cheap and easy way for your dog to get a large number of vitamins and nutrients into their diet. Veggies like spinach, broccoli, carrots, and potatoes are safe for dogs and chock full of vitamins. To aid digestion, it is often recommended to finely chop or puree the vegetables before serving and keep them free from seasoning or spices. As always, double-check to ensure the vegetables you are working with are safe. But next time you make homemade mashed potatoes, set one aside for your pup and give it to him as a healthy treat. They will love you for it.
Rice
Rice is one of the most commonly known “human foods” that can also safely be dog food. Often recommended to dogs with intestinal issues, plain white rice as a part of a meal will help ease the dog’s digestion issues and help them feel full for longer, aiding with weight. In addition, due to the fiber within, small daily servings of rice can help to regulate your dog’s bathroom schedule and help bind their droppings together in the case of diarrhea.
There are many foods that your dog can eat, even if you would not believe it at first. Whether you want to give them a tasty snack or revolutionize their diet, your dog will take delight anytime you give them fresh food made with love. Here at Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training, we care about every aspect of your dog’s life. If you need training or obedience classes, we would love to help out.
