10 “People” Foods for Dogs
Provide variety and a nutritional boost
By Elizabeth Pask and Laura Scott
As a responsible and informed dog lover, you probably know that too much “people food” can make your dog ill or overweight, but there are some human foods that can be safely added to your dog’s meals in moderation to give a nutritional boost to Queenie’s diet and add a bit of variety to her food bowl. Just remember: any additions to your dog’s meals shouldn’t comprise more than 25 percent of her weekly caloric requirement.
1. Yogurt is a good source of available calcium and protein. When choosing yogurt, pick one that has live active bacteria and no sugars or artificial sweeteners. The active bacteria may act as probiotics. If your pooch is pudgy, make sure that you pick fat-free yogurt but not one that contains fat substitutes (e.g., Simplesse or Olestra). Frozen yogurt is a nice summer treat for dogs.
2. Flax seed (ground or oil) is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential fatty acids that are good for skin and coat. Whole flax seeds are best if ground right before feeding as this type of fat can go rancid quickly. Flax seed can also be added to your dog’s diet as a source of fibre. Flax oil is a more concentrated form of omega- 3 fatty acids without the fibre. Make sure that you store the oil or seeds in the fridge in an air tight dark container.
3. Salmon is a fatty fish which is also a good source of omega- 3 fatty acids. These fats support the immune system and can be beneficial for skin and coat health. There has also been some indication that they may benefit dogs with allergies. You can feed salmon or salmon oil. If feeding salmon, make sure it’s cooked before serving, as raw salmon can carry a parasite that can make your dog sick.
4. Pumpkin is a good source of fibre and beta carotene (a source of vitamin A). Dogs need fibre in their diet. The current trend is towards highly digestible diets that lower stool volume and this is not necessarily a good thing. Keeping the GI tract moving helps keep the cells lining the gut healthy.
5. Sweet potatoes are another source of dietary fibre and contain vitamin B6, vitamin C, beta carotene, and manganese. Sweet potatoes are great sliced and dehydrated as a chewy treat for your dog. There are so many dog treats on the market that we often overlook the simple, healthy, and reasonably priced treats available at our grocery store.
6. Green beans are a good source of plant fibre, vitamin K, vitamin C, and manganese. If your dog has a tendency to put on weight, then replacing some of her regular food with green beans is a great low calorie way to fill her up and help her maintain a healthy weight. Many dogs enjoy green beans frozen.
7. Eggs are a great source of very digestible protein, riboflavin, and selenium. For some dogs that are prone to digestive upset, eggs can give them a little protein boost. Adding eggs to your dog’s food is a healthy treat. Make sure to use cooked whole egg, as raw egg whites can cause biotin deficiency. If you do a lot of training with your dog, consider taking cooked eggs to your next class as training treats.
8. Brewer’s yeast is the yeast that’s left over from making alcohol. Dogs seem to really enjoy the tangy taste of brewer’s yeast. It’s full of B vitamins which are good for skin, coat, and carbohydrate metabolism. Make sure you’re using brewer’s yeast (available at health food stores), not baking yeast which will make your dog sick. Brewer’s yeast can spice up your dog’s appetite. Just sprinkle a little on the food of a picky eater and watch her dive into her food.
9. Apples are wonderful crunchy treats for your dog. Apples with the skin on are full of plant chemicals (phytonutrients) that are thought to be protective against some types of cancer in humans. They are a source of vitamins A and C and fibre. Apple seeds, however, contain cyanide so your dog should not be allowed to eat the core. Though the effects of a few apple seeds will likely not harm your dog, the deleterious effects can accumulate over time if allowed to eat apple seeds regularly.
10. Oatmeal is a good source of soluble fibre. This can be beneficial for some older dogs that may have trouble maintaining bowel regularity. Oatmeal is also an alternative source of grain for dogs that are allergic to wheat. It can be fed in conjunction with probiotics to enhance their function. Keep in mind oatmeal should always be fed cooked and plain with no sugar or flavouring. As always, check with your veterinarian before making any major changes to your dog’s diet, especially if they are on any medications. Upsetting the vitamin and mineral balances in your dog’s diet can have negative effects on your dog’s health and some medications interact badly with some nutrients. The aim of most dog owners is to give their dogs the best diet possible. Good nutrition coupled with a health care program may result in extending your dog’s life by as much as 15 percent. The suggestions above are not meant to replace your dog’s normal, balanced diet. Rather, they are ideas for alternative treats or for adding a little variety to your dog’s meals.
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I`ll be sure you try this!
Very interesting article. I would emphasize the difference between farmed vs. wild salmon, though. I would also like to understand more about stool volume; is the idea that low stool output in the canine an urban myth?
This is great to know. I already give my dog pumkin and yogurt. I will be sure to try these others as well.
Nice article. I've always heard peanut butter was good for dogs. Any reason its not on this list?
wild salmon contract an illness that kills K9's, especially in the pacific northwest region. This portion of your article is terrible advice.
I have been cutting small portions of carrots, bananas, cheese or strawberries into my dogs food.
1) My research said these foods were good for dogs, are you in agreement?
2) Now my dog only likes his food when embellished with some human food. Is this okay or should I get him used to eating his food plain?
Thanks for some of these other ideas...good info:)
There are other good food additives, too, like certain meats, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, other veggies, and more. There was a good article in the magazine "Dog World" on this back in December or January.
Remember not to add too much to your dog's meal, as you don't want to upset the balance of nutrients or make your dog too fat. I feed "Honest Kitchen" balanced dehydrated raw foods for dinner to my dog and those are designed so you can feed them as-is or add up to about half of what you feed of the HK of fresh foods without upsetting the balance.
You can also purchase pre-packaged dehydrated veggie and other things food additives, like "Dr. Harvey's". You soak it in water for 8-10 minutes (I soak it in the same food bowl as the HK, since you soak that for 5-10 minutes) before feeding.
If you're looking for frozen yogurt, they make some for dogs. It is called "Yoghund" (or something like that) and comes in two flavors: Banana and Apple & Cheddar. My dog loves them!! It is a great cool treat for summer.
Also, blueberries are good and dogs love them. Now is a good season to find them at your local grocery store. They make wonderful treats, too, since they're the perfect size.
One more comment: Pumpkin is very useful when your dog has the runs or is stopped up - it works for both!
To have a healthy dog you have to feed them healthy dog food which suited to their types make sure to avoid those preservative to avoid kidney failure of your dog which I've read at www.wordse.com
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