Are you the kind of dog owner who likes to hand over your plate to your pet when you’re done with it? There are some foods you certainly can’t pass on, but others that your dog will really love and that can even aid digestion and provide nutrition. Here are five common human foods that you never have to feel guilty about handing over to your pup.
1. Meat
There isn’t a dog out there who won’t happily wolf down any meat that you have to pass onto them. From lunch meats to steak, small portions of meats are perfectly fine for your dog. This is especially true of offal, or organ meats, which have higher amounts of vitamins and minerals than muscle meats. If you’re a fan of liver or kidney, these will probably be your dog’s favorite treats.
There is some concern that passing on too many processed meats is as bad for your dog as it is for you. Certainly, meat from your plate shouldn’t be the bulk of your dog’s diet.
2. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is certainly a less healthy snack than meat for a dog, but it isn’t all bad. It offers a lot of protein, even though that comes with a lot of sugar. Plus, as dogs need to slowly lick up peanut butter, it is a great option for toys and brain puzzles, which is healthy in a whole different way. A surefire way to make any toy more engaging is to add peanut butter. One great trick is to mix peanut butter with your dog’s kibble and put it inside treat toys.
3. Pumpkin
This isn’t exactly a typical dog treat, but pumpkin is actually great for dogs. It can help with their digestion and is often recommended for dogs who are having tummy problems for that reason. Pumpkin offers fiber, which explains its bowel effects, and also offers vitamins and minerals that can help your dog’s urinary tract and overall health.
Some people boast that pumpkin seeds may act as natural dewormers. There isn’t much scientific evidence for this, but at least the seeds aren’t harmful, so there’s no reason you can’t give it a try.
4. Coconut
Another unusual option for dogs, coconut is quickly becoming a staple of homemade dog treat recipes. Coconut meat and oil are both perfectly digestible for dogs and offer some nutrients and vitamins. However, remember that coconut oil is high in fat and shouldn’t make up a significant portion of your dog’s diet.
5. Cheese
If you need to sneak medicine or vitamins into your dog’s food, the best way to do it is with cheese. Dogs cannot get enough of cheese, what with all its delicious fat. Plus, cheese is highly moldable to hide the pill. Some dogs are lactose intolerant and can’t have much cheese, but most are fine with small amounts without getting an upset stomach.
There are plenty of other human foods that you can happily share with your pup, but it is always wise to search the food online before you hand it over.
