Your dog will eat anything. From the most savory dog food to unsecured garbage, your canine with ingest anything it can get its paws on. And as a dog owner, you’re concerned about the things your dog consumes. But high-quality dog foods can be pricey. If you are looking for a healthy alternative to costly dog food, you may only need to look as far as your own refrigerator. While we all know that dog owners should never give chocolate to their beloved family pets, there are a number foods that are completely acceptable to feed your fury friend. Listed below are some everyday human foods that are healthy for your animal to eat.
Meats and Proteins In the wild, dogs eat meat. While your dog would enjoy an endless supply of beef, chicken and pork products, feeding your dog these things would cost more than the high-end dog food you want to avoid. But there are a number of other proteins your canine can enjoy besides these. Fish Fish are full of omega-3 fats and many dog food companies incorporate this fat into their food. Not only do these fats increase your animal’s immune system, it can also increase their fur’s luster. If you do feed your pet fish, make sure to cook it first, as uncooked fish can potentially upset your pet’s stomach. Fish that have high omega-3s include:
Salmon
Herring
Cod
Mackerel
Anchovies
In addition to the meat of the fish, you can also mix the skin into your dog’s food for a similarly healthy result. Eggs No matter how you cook them, eggs are delicious. Scrambled, fried, over-easy, or hard-boiled, eggs are a staple as a breakfast food in many cultures. And from the yoke to the shell, these little balls of protein are full of other vitamins and minerals that increase the health of your dog. While less likely in dogs than in humans, when a dog eats a raw egg, they run the risk of exposure to salmonella. To prevent this, cook the egg before giving it to your animal. Peanut Butter Dogs love peanut butter. Mix a dollop of peanut butter into your canine’s dry dog food or lather it on treat for your dog to enjoy. This flavorful food is full of heart-healthy fats and comes with a variety of vitamins, including:
Niacin
Vitamin B
Vitamin E
Dairy Products Not all daily products are acceptable for dogs, and not all dogs will respond well to dairy products. Like humans, some dogs may suffer from lactose intolerance. If you give your animal dairy, make sure to do so in small amounts, and monitor their reaction. Avoid moldy cheeses as these can cause gastrointestinal problems. All daily products are high in calcium, which is an essential mineral required for a healthy diet. But two other dairy products that can benefit your dog are yogurt and cottage cheese. Yogurt To create yogurt, dairy specialists introduce bacteria to milk. Over time, the bacteria change the sugar in the milk, which causes it to thicken. The bacteria found in yogurt helps in the digestive process. If you have an irregular animal, consider a serving of plain yogurt. Cottage Cheese Cottage cheese is high in protein. Protein helps rebuild muscle, and can be a great source of energy. This can be especially beneficial after a long walk or a day at the park. You may find older dogs need additional protein more than younger ones. Vegetables Like all human foods, there are some vegetables that are more acceptable in a dog’s diet than others. The overconsumption of some vegetables can lead to stomach issues and blood problems. Some safe vegetables for dogs include celery, broccoli, and carrots. Celery Celery is a fibrous vegetable and can keep dogs regular. It also keeps blood pressure low, the immune system high, and acts as a diuretic. Full of vitamins and minerals, the nutrients found in celery include:
Vitamins A, B1, B2, and B6
Magnesium
Potassium
Folic acid
Sodium
Calcium
Iron
In addition to these ingredients, celery also contains a rich supply of amino acids. Make sure to remove the leaves before giving a stalk to your dog. Broccoli Rich in cancer-fighting nutrients, broccoli should not be part of your dog’s regular diet. But when given in moderation and strictly monitored, this vegetable can increase your dog’s ability to fight stave off tumors. It is also an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber, and when chewed, can help keep teeth clean. Smaller dogs should have proportionally smaller amounts of broccoli, as too much of this can lead to digestive problems. Carrots As a treat, give raw carrots to your canine as a healthy alternative to processed dog biscuits. Carrots are a low-calorie snack that foster stronger teeth and can reduce the risk of obesity. For puppies and older dogs alike, these are an enjoyable treat. Like you, your dog will benefit most from a balanced diet. To make sure your canine stays healthy, talk to your veterinarian at Bellamy Lawrence Animal Hospital about your pet’s eating habits. Your vet will help you keep your dog healthy, and active.