Healthy and Safe Foods For Dogs


Thousands of years ago, our ancestors fed the first tamed dogs with waste from their table. They gave dogs human`s food, such as pieces of meat, vegetables, fruit, all that was left of their own meal. But is it really good for our dogs?

Right nutrition really is the foundation of dog`s health. It is the dog`s body fuel and provides the building blocks for the maintenance of health, tissue repair and energy. Proper natural nutrition of a dog is mostly a monotonous diet that does not require heat treatment, mainly consisting of low or medium fat fermented milk products, raw meat or raw offal (heart, scar, kidney, etc.), vegetables and some unsweetened fruits in raw form. It also includes bran cereal crops as an additive to the main diet.

Healthy and Safe Foods For Dogs

Today, owners are increasingly returning to the use of healthy ingredients in dog food.  Especially if you are the type of people, who are focused on studying ingredients on the packaging of dog food. Some of the ingredients included in the dog food will surprise you. There are many foods that really provide specific benefits for your dog’s health. These are foods that can very easily be added to your dog’s diet, no matter what kind of diet you feed. It turns out that useful products for dogs include not only meat, chicken and eggs. The dog needs vegetables and fruits such as carrots, spinach, apples and more.

A List of Human Foods that your Dog Can eats

Coconut and Coconut Oil

Coconut and Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a healthy addition to your dog’s diet. This product helps synthesize acids that actively fight viruses and bacteria, protecting the dog’s immune system. Unrefined coconut oil helps reduce the risk of cancer, makes the coat smooth and shiny, and is an excellent prevention of digestive upsets.

Coconut oil is made up of a mixture of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Together these 3 fats contain an impressive list of fatty acids. Many of these are Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs), including 48% lauric acid, 8% caprylic acid and 7% capric acid, plus myristic and palmitic acids. Coconut oil also contains about 2% linoleic acid (polyunsaturated fatty acids) and about 6% oleic acid (monounsaturated fatty acids).

Pumpkin, zucchini, squash

Pumpkin, zucchini, squash

These vegetables are an indispensable source of fiber, beta-carotene and vitamin A, which help eliminate problems of the gastrointestinal tract, make the pet's coat soft and shiny.

  1. Squash is rich in vitamin A and C and minerals, most importantly potassium, magnesium, calcium, manganese and copper. This anti-oxidant fights against inflammations, kidney and heart disease, improves the vision and the overall immune system, keeps cardiovascular diseases away. Squash is served cooked or baked, not raw. Raw squash can lead to gastrointestinal problems, as your dog won’t be able to digest it properly. As a result, your dog may experience stomach pain, gas, diarrhea or vomiting. Another thing to remember when giving squash to your dog is to remove the seeds and the skin. Also, you can mix squash with something else. Never add any seasoning or any spices are very dangerous to dogs.
  2. Zucchini is rich in vitamins B and C, it is a great source of important dietary fiber, contains potassium, folate, calcium and Beta Carotene. Zucchini has anti-inflammatory properties, can lead to a healthier coat and skin of dog. You can feed zucchini raw or cooked and you can mix it with something else.Do not let your dog eat the actual plant and flower. You should always remove them prior to serving zucchini to your dog.
  3. Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene (the reason behind its orange color), fiber, iron, zinc, vitamin A and potassium. Pumpkin is rich in fiber and water, which is a great combination for preventing constipation in dogs. It is great for regulating bowel movement and can help your dog with diarrhea. Introduce one or two tablespoons of canned pumpkin in your dog’s diet in order to solve the problem. Also pumpkin is very low in calories, which is why it can be a great alternative for over-weight or obese dogs. Consult with your vet who will come up with a good diet, depending on your dog’s size. Do not give raw pumpkin to your dog. You should serve it canned or cooked. Also, dog should eat pumpkin seeds, as they help his get a good night sleep, clear his intestinal tract of worms, prevent stone formations, and more. Pumpkin seeds can be crushed and ground up and added to your dog’s meals. If you give a whole seed, make sure you do so on a one at a time. Also only feed a few pumpkin seeds in one sitting. A potential side effect of too many pumpkin seeds is softer stools, due to the high the fat content.

Cheese

Cheese

Cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. It is better to feed your dog low-fat cheeses, like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or a soft goat cheese. Cottage cheese is lower in fat and sodium than other cheeses, helping reduce the risk of obesity. Cottage cheese is also lower in lactose, thus reducing the likelihood of intestinal upset.

Never give your dog cheeses contain herbs or other products that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, and chives.

Chicken

Chicken

Chicken is a great source of protein for dogs. Purchase chicken that is raised without hormones. Choose boneless chicken breasts, it is more convenient because you don’t have to remove the fat and bones. You can mix chicken with a brown rice and a vegetable, such as green beans. Cooked chicken and rice is safe for your dog to eat. However, rice and chicken is only an easy addition to his regular food. Supplement the chicken and rice meal with canned pumpkin or yogurt. Use canned pumpkin or non-fat, plain yogurt to regulate your dog’s digestive system. The pumpkin is high in fiber and the yogurt is a natural probiotic that will be gentle on your dog’s stomach.

Feed your dog boiled chicken 1-2 times a week. Unless your dog has a digestive issue like an upset stomach, refrain from feeding it boiled chicken more than twice a week.

Yogurt

Yogurt

Yogurt is an excellent source of calcium and protein. It contains live and active bacterial cultures, like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus Thermophilus, can help regulate the digestive system of dog. You should choose plain, unflavored, non-or low-fat yogurt. Both Greek and regular yogurt are fine for healthy dog. Be careful, as some types of yogurt contain ingredients that can be harmful to dogs. Never purchase yogurts that are chocolate flavored or use artificial sweeteners for fear that Xylitol is used which is toxic to dogs. You should consult with veterinarian, if you want to incorporate yogurt in your dog’s diet.

Salmon

Salmon

Salmon is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids, which support your dog’s immune system and can keep dog’s coat healthy and shiny. Salmon is a good alternative, if your dog is allergic to more common sources of protein, like chicken. You should feed your dog cooked salmon and add salmon oil to his meal.

Salmon is a common ingredient in high-quality dog foods because it is a good protein source.

Never feed your dog this fish in raw form. Your dog can eat only fresh, well-cooked, boneless and small portions of salmon.

Carrot

Carrot

This vegetable is safe for dog and it also can serve as a healthy, low-calorie snack for your pup. Carrot is good for a dog’s teeth, is high in fiber, beta carotene and vitamin A. Baby carrot is perfect for rewarding good behavior your dog.  You should give cold or frozen carrots for teething puppies, as a way to relieve teething discomfort. In addition large frozen carrot is cheap and edible chew toys. Chewing on carrots can also help improve your pup’s dental health. Both raw and cooked carrots are healthy variant for dog and make a nutritious add-in to meals.

It is important to cut whole carrots and even carrot sticks into bite-size chunks before feeding to prevent choking, especially in small dog breeds. Make sure that carrots are thoroughly washed and peeled to remove all dirt and pesticides.

Apple

Apple

Apple is a good fruit to include in dog diet and it is useful for your dog as a treat. Apple is a source of fiber and carbohydrates. It helps to clean residue off a dog’s teeth and helps to freshen her breath. All sort of apples (from tart to sweet) are good for your dog to eat as a treat. You should give your dog washed apple, without seeds and stem, peeled or not. Also you can cut into slices or chunks, depending on your dog breed.

Never give your dog a whole apple because he should not eat the stem and seeds in apples. One or two slice of apple is a good portion for your dog because it should only be 10 percent of your dog's daily calories. Also dog can eat some kinds of applesauce without sugar.

Apples can make a good treat for your puppies but they need supervision, especially if they haven’t had this product before. Watch them carefully as they eat a slice to prevent choking or any digestive issues.

Green beans

Green beans

Green beans can be a good treat for dog. They are high in nutrients while remaining low in calories and they are loaded with vitamins and iron. All types of green beans are safe for dogs to eat. You can give your dog raw, chopped, steamed, or canned green beans. Green beans are often recommended by many veterinarians for weight loss in dogs and there’s even a green bean diet for dogs.

Never feed your dog raw beans because it may cause a lot of trouble.  You should remember green beans, like all beans, contain lectins. This is a type of protein that binds to cell membranes so overindulgence in feeding dogs raw green beans can lead to nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Eggs

Eggs

Eggs provide nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. They are an important source of nutrition and they are also one of the most complete sources of amino acids, the building blocks of protein. So feeding them to your dog is a great way to boost his protein intake. In addition to protein, feeding eggs to your dog is an easy way to offer him a range of nutrition support. Eggs provide many key nutrition components including Vitamin A, Riboflavin, Folate, Vitamin B12, Iron, Selenium, Fatty Acids. The dog can eat 1 egg 2-3 times a week.

Dogs should never eat raw or undercooked eggs. Raw eggs are not safe at all because they can be a source of Salmonella.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is high in fiber and contains a plethora of nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants. It is a great alternative carbohydrate for dogs that may be sensitive to wheat or grains. Oatmeal contains vitamin B, which helps maintain a healthy coat, and linoleic acid, which is a type of omega-6 fatty acid that helps to keep a dog’s skin strong and healthy. Oatmeal is a great source of soluble fiber, which can regulate blood glucose levels and help dogs that have irregular bowl movements.

 It is important to feed your dog plain oatmeal, instead of flavored oatmeal. Flavored oatmeal may have extra ingredients added to it that could be harmful to your dog.

 

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