If there’s one thing we all know about dogs, it’s that they love human food. That’s why you’ll find your pup hiding under your dinner table hoping and waiting for someone to drop a tasty morsel.
Dogs’ favorite food often includes the best dog treats, which not only satisfy their taste buds but also provide essential nutrients for their health and well-being. From chewy jerky to crunchy biscuits, the market offers a variety of best dog treats that cater to different canine preferences. But dogs’ favorite food isn’t always the best food for them. That’s why it’s important to know what human foods a dog can and can’t eat.
Here are five human foods that help your dog stay healthy!
1. Peanut Butter
The only dog that doesn’t love peanut butter is a dog who hasn’t tried it yet.
Peanut butter is high in protein and healthy omega fats, and it’s super tasty. That’s why you’ll find peanut butter as a common ingredient in dog treats!
If you feed your dog human peanut butter, try to stick to brands that are low in sugar and salt. While ground peanuts and oil are good for your pup, sugar isn’t! What’s more, xylitol, a common sugar substitute, is toxic for dogs.
To be extra safe, make your own peanut butter! It’s easy, and it ensures you know what you’re giving your dog.
2. Corn on the Cob
There’s nothing like a fresh ear of corn ripe at the end of the summer. And your dog agrees! Dogs love corn and can absolutely eat it.
Whether or not you give them the cob depends on your dog’s personality. They love chewing on the cob, but you shouldn’t leave dogs unsupervised with it. Dogs have trouble digesting the cob, so you should stop them from eating it.
Some dogs have corn allergies, but if yours does, you likely already know. Corn is a common ingredient in both regular and premium dog food.
3. Oily Fish
You won’t catch your dog out with a bait and a hook, but they do love fish. Like peanut butter, fish is full of healthy fats, which keep your dogs’ heart and coat healthy. Sardines and salmon are particularly good for dogs because they support whole-body health.
Just make sure that you give your dog boneless portions. Like you, dogs choke on the tiny bones. However, they can eat sardines whole (again, just like you).
4. Quinoa
Quinoa is a superfood carbohydrate that serves as a great alternative to the starches found in most dog kibble.
Although your dog may not target a quinoa salad on your table, there’s plenty of dog treat (and food) recipes to make for your pet. You can use both the grain and quinoa flour.
5. Yogurt
Dogs can drink milk and eat yogurt as long as they’re not lactose intolerant. It’s packed full of calcium to support their bones, and yogurt comes with probiotics to help them digest everything else they eat during the day.
As with peanut butter, it’s best to skip any yogurt with added sugar or artificial sweetener. And make sure you limit their serving size. Older dogs don’t have the enzymes to digest much lactose, so too much dairy can upset their stomachs.
Learn More About Dogs’ Favorite Food
Dogs love food as much as they love their owners. But it’s up to you to make sure you strike a balance between dogs’ favorite food and the food that’s good for them.
To learn more about finding the right food for dogs, head over to our Pet Health archive!