Pawesome foods you can find in your home that your dog will love as a healthy snack.
It’s hard to resist the infamous puppy-dog eyes the moment you sit down to enjoy a snack or meal you have prepared for yourself. Those big eyes and twitching noses stare longingly at you and more importantly, your food. It’s easy to sneak a little treat off your plate to satisfy your precious pooch in situations like these – and we don’t blame you!
But the thing is, you need to be aware of the dangerous effects foods like chocolate can have on our furry members of the family. Of course, there are some pawesome healthy snacks for dogs that you are welcome to share a bite of.
The Ultimate List of Healthy Human Foods for Dogs
1. Peanut butter
One of our personal favourite snacks as humans – who can resist the nutty, flavourful, stick-to-your-mouth goodness of a teaspoon (or tablespoon, we don’t judge) of peanut butter? Peanut butter also makes for a wholesome and tasty treat for your dog.
It is a great source of protein and is also loaded with vital nutrients and vitamins. Just make sure that your peanut butter does not contain xylitol and that it is unsalted. Remember – xylitol is extremely harmful to dogs.
2. Pumpkin
Did you know that pumpkin is a superfood for humans and dogs? It is full of fibre and keeps you feeling fuller for longer. Pumpkin contains heaps of vitamins to promote shiny coats and it works as an amazing natural remedy for an upset tummy. Canned, fresh, chopped, boiled, cooked, or whatever way you want – any kind of pumpkin is a great treat for our precious pooches.
3. Salmon
The Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon are as good for dogs as they are for humans. These vitamins are especially prominent in the skin of the salmon. Feel free to slip some salmon skin into your dog’s food bowl for an extra delicious and healthy add-on to their meal.
Read: 8 dog friendly Restaurants in Joburg
4. Apple
Apple slices help to clean bacteria and plaque off your dog’s teeth and also freshen up their breath. Apples are a great source of fibre and vitamin C and A. Just make sure that you take the seeds and apple core out before feeding to your dog as these may be a choking hazard.
5. Cheese
Cheese makes for one great treat for pooches! Just make sure that your dog is not lactose intolerant before feeding it to them. You can determine if your dog is lactose intolerant by monitoring their reaction to cheese. If they display one or more of the below symptoms, then your dog is likely to be allergic to dairy products:
- Abdominal pain
- Accidental pooping in the house
- Bloating
- Dehydration
- Diarrhoea
- Excessive thirst
- Vomiting
- Weakness
It’s best to opt for the reduced fat and low-fat varieties of cheese and only offer it as a snack on special occasions as cheese is very high in fat and can cause weight gain in your dog if eaten too frequently. Low-fat cottage cheese is always a good option.
6. Vegetables
Fresh veggies such as carrots, green beans, and broccoli are great for dogs! They are good for their teeth, low in calories, and very nutritious. Green beans are particularly healthy as they are high in vitamins and iron. Broccoli is also rich in vitamins, but this should be given in small amounts as it may lead to an upset tummy.
7. Eggs
The next time you decide to whip up some scrambled eggs for breakfast, you might want to make some extra for your dog too! Eggs are an amazing source of a digestible protein – but make sure you stay clear of raw eggs whites as these may be harmful to your dog.
8. Chicken
Many dog owners include chicken and veggies in their dog’s diet. Cooked, unseasoned chicken is a fantastic source of protein and helps to build up a dog’s muscles. The Omega-6 fatty acids found in chicken also help to sustain healthy skin and very shiny coats. Ensure you take out the bones and cook the chicken all the way through before serving.
9. Popcorn
Movie date with their dog, anyone? Unbuttered, unsalted, and air-popped popcorn can promote healthy digestion and eye-health in dogs. It’s also an enjoyable and fun snack the two of you can enjoy together!
Check with your vet
If you are not sure about certain foods for your dog, then make sure you check with your vet before serving them to your precious pooch. Every dog will react differently to certain foods, as humans do. So it’s always best to double check any human food choices you want to feed your dog with your local vet (you should check out Oneplan Pet Insurance if you’re looking for affordable pet insurance that pays you BEFORE you see the vet!).
