Most dog owners know that chocolate is a no-no when it comes to giving your dog a little something special, but are you aware of the human foods you can treat your dog to? Some of these foods may seem obvious, like peanut butter, but do you know about the health benefits it provides? Below, we’ve listed some of our favorite foods that can be used both to reward good behavior and improve your dog’s quality of life!
Peanut Butter
Most dogs love the taste of peanut butter! When given in moderation it not only provides a creamy, delicious treat, but also a good amount of protein, niacin and heart-healthy fats, along with vitamins B and E. The best type of peanut butter to feed your dog is raw and unsalted so it doesn’t contain any artificial sweeteners, like xylitol, which can be toxic to dogs. To administer as a treat, you can spoon some into a dog’s chew toy, which will also provide extended entertainment.
Carrots
Since carrots are low in calories, they can provide a crunchy and nutritious treat for your dog. Vitamin A, potassium and fiber are among some of the beneficial nutrients that carrots provide. They also contain the antioxidant beta-carotene which converts into Vitamin A and can help lower the risk of cancer. Serving carrots to your dog raw will help clean your dog’s teeth and reduce plaque build-up, however serving carrots lightly cooked or steamed will provide more nutritional benefits.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is often recommended by vets to help support digestive issues, but most dogs also love the taste. Pumpkin is a good source of fiber and beta-carotene, which is a pre-cursor to Vitamin A. Among its many benefits, Vitamin A helps support the immune system, improve the skin and coat, lower the risk of cancer and even improve eyesight. You may feed your dog canned or fresh cooked pumpkin by mixing some into their daily meal but be sure it doesn’t contain any added sugars or spices.
Salmon
Salmon is such a powerful food for both humans and dogs. It’s a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. These good fats help support immune health and provide a shine to your dog’s coat! You may feed salmon to your dog as long as it has been cooked and contains no spices or bones. Alternatively, you could also allow them to have a taste of the leftover fish skin or add some salmon oil into their regular meal for enhanced flavor and extra benefits.
Apples
We’ve all heard the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but could this be true for dogs too? Feeding your dog apple can certainly provide health benefits, but it is best to give them just a few slices at a time because a full apple could be too much sugar. Not only are apples low in fat, they are also a good source of fiber, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. They also contain pectin, a soluble fiber, which can help relieve digestive issues. Before feeding your dog an apple, be sure to remove the core and seeds first. The skin is ok for dogs to digest. Freezing apple slices can provide a convenient snack for dogs to enjoy after spending time outside on a warm summer day. As a bonus, apples also help clean your dog’s teeth and freshen their breath!
Honey
Honey has any abundance of vitamins and minerals that are great for your pooch, however, is best to be given in small amounts due to the high sugar content. Honey should also be avoided if your dog is obese or diabetic. Many pet owners give their dog honey due to its many reported medicinal properties, such as helping to relieve allergies, reduce inflammation, soothe throats and even treat topical wounds. There is some science behind feeding your dog honey to help relieve allergies. By introducing a small amount of local honey into their system each day it may help build immunity to local allergens. Raw and Manuka honey are known to provide the most health benefits, however it is best to consult your vet before considering using honey as any sort of medical treatment.
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As with all treats, moderation is key! We recommend checking with your vet before introducing any new foods into your dog’s system and to better understand the correct dosage. Always supervise your dog while giving any sort of treat or food to prevent choking. Keep in mind there are many other human foods your dog can benefit from eating, as well as foods that should be avoided. If you’re interested in discovering some foods that can help your dog reduce inflammation check out this article here: 6 Human Foods To Help Your Dog Fight Inflammation