You might be surprised to know that some of the most common cooking ingredients are safe for dogs. While dogs can enjoy a bit of cookie or cracker that they’re given as an occasional treat, too much can cause some real stomach upset problems.
But some human snack foods can also bring nutritional benefits to your dog’s diet as well. So, can your puppy eat carrots or apples or even peanut butter? Read on to find out!
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1. Eggs
Eggs are highly rich in protein. In fact, this class of food is one of the best natural sources of proteins for dogs since it provides a whole lot more than just that ingredient alone. Eggs also contain high levels of choline and vitamin B, two nutrients that your dog’s body requires for maintaining an active lifestyle.
We recommend feeding your dog eggs that are from free-range farm hens. The healthier the chicken’s lifestyle, the greater the nutritional value will be of their eggs.
Eggs can cause constipation in some dogs, so take it easy to begin with so that you can how your dog’s digestive system copes.
2. Carrots
In addition to being a vegetable that dogs can enjoy as a snack, carrots are also safe for them when they’re cooked. When frozen, they can also be a great teething treat for puppies with sore gums. When chopped into small pieces, carrots also make a great training reward without the calorie count of commercially made treats.
Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, an essential nutrient which aids in the development of strong bones and teeth for dogs. They also contain good amounts of fiber and beta carotene.
3. Fish
Fish make great treats for dogs as long as they’re not prepared with salts or other spices. Fish like salmon, cod, and herring are also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 fatty acids have a lot of benefits for dogs, particularly in terms of improving their coat’s overall health. They also help with the development of strong brain function, improved immune system response, and better digestion.
Small fish can be dried and fed as treats. Fish skin is also a treat that goes down well with most dogs. Simply bake it in the oven when you’re cooking the deskinned fish for your own dinner.
4. Apples
Apples are great for your dog’s health as they can bring down cholesterol levels in their bodies. Dogs can eat apples without any preparation aside from washing them before serving. Organic apples are the best option to avoid your dog consuming pesticides.
Apples are a great source of fiber that can help your dog to regulate its bowel movements. Fiber can also prevent the build-up of gas in their stomachs and ensure that dogs don’t suffer from any digestive problems such as bloating or flatulence.
If your dog has a sweet tooth, then apples are a great way to satisfy this without the calorie count of sugar-loaded treats.
5. Cheese
Cheese is a good treat for dogs if given to them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Dogs should only have hard cheese as the softer ones are high in fat and sugar, which aren’t good for them.
Cheese is a great source of calcium that plays an important role in maintaining strong bones and teeth, especially since most dogs don’t drink milk anymore. It’s also rich in vitamin B12, something that your dog needs to maintain its overall cognitive function.
If you’re planning to give your dog cheese as a treat, make sure that it’s low in salt content or sodium citrate, which can cause medical complications for dogs such as increased thirst and urination, muscle twitching, and loss of control over their bladder.
6. Sweet potatoes & yams
Yams and other types of sweet potatoes are a nutritious snack for dogs as they contain good amounts of vitamin C, which help to build resistance to diseases, iron necessary for healthy blood cells, and manganese which can help protect against nerves and blood disorders.
In addition to their health benefits, sweet potatoes are also great for dogs because they’re filling and tasty. The natural taste of these vegetables is enough to make your dog want more every time you offer them this healthy treat. Sweet potatoes are readily available in most stores as well as supermarkets around the world.
7. Peanut butter
You might assume that dogs shouldn’t be given peanut butter since it’s food more suitable for humans than for canines. Peanut butter, however, is not only tasty but is also healthy for your dog once in a while.
Peanut butter contains protein that dogs need to grow and develop strong muscles and bones. It’s also rich in vitamin E, which helps with the development of their skin and coat while also preventing tooth decay.
Look for varieties that have no added sugar or salt to increase their nutritional value.
Do also make sure that the peanut butter has no xylitol. This sugar substitute can cause a rapid increase in insulin levels in dogs, leading to hypoglycemia and seizures.
How many treats can my dog have?
If you’re wondering how many treats your dog can have each day, then we recommend using the 10 percent rule. That means that treats should form a maximum of 10 percent of your dog’s diet each day.
We also recommend trying your dog with just a small bite of a new treat to ensure that it doesn’t cause any problems before introducing larger portion sizes. If your dog has an existing medical condition, then you should check out any significant diet changes with your vet first.
