Healthy Food That Dogs Can Eat

 

Asparagus

Asparagus: Asparagus is a very healthy vegetable that your dog will probably love. It contains vitamins A and K, as well as many minerals. The high amounts of dietary fiber make it good for your dog's digestion and keeping the colon healthy. Also, asparagus is rich in antioxidants, which are very important for fighting off diseases and slowing down aging.

Even though asparagus is generally considered to be low-calorie food, don't overdo it—a little goes a long way!

Blueberries

Blueberries are a great, healthy snack for dogs. They're high in fiber and antioxidants and low in calories, so they make a nice addition to any dog's diet. One piece of advice: if you feed your dog blueberries, it might be a good idea to prepare some for yourself as well—because once your canine friend realizes how delicious they are, they won't want to share!

Canola oil

You can use canola oil in place of vegetable oil for a healthier alternative. Canola oil is one of the best sources of monounsaturated fats, which help decrease your dog’s risk of developing heart disease and cancer. It also provides omega-3 fats, which can reduce inflammation and strengthen your dog’s immune system. In addition to being a good source of healthy fats, canola has the least amount of saturated fat out of any cooking oil available on the market. It's high in vitamin E, an antioxidant that promotes eye health and boosts your dog's immune system.

Carrots

Carrots are chock full of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is helpful for vision, especially in dim lighting (a.k.a., when you're out for a walk on a cloudy day).

Beta-carotene also helps protect your dog's eyes from cataracts and other eye issues as he ages, and also maintains healthy teeth and gums. It also helps with digestion by regulating your dog's metabolism, thereby preventing constipation (and other digestive problems) from developing.

Rich in nutrients like vitamins B6, B12, K1, fiber, potassium, iron, and copper—all of which are essential to a dog's health—carrots are an excellent source of essential minerals that can help boost the immune system and keep your pup feeling his best.

Carrots can be given raw or cooked; if raw they will provide more crunchy enjoyment as well as more nutrition. The typical size used for dogs is baby carrots or smaller; larger ones should be cut lengthwise to prevent choking hazards.

Celery

Another vegetable that can be good for your dog is celery. It has a high water content, which makes it a great choice in the summertime, and it is also rich in vitamins A, C and K. Celery also contains calcium, magnesium, and iron.

Celery is not only good for your dog; it's good for you too. If you want to try giving your dog some celery, just make sure that you first remove the stringy bits that run up the center of the stalks because they can get caught in your pet's throat or teeth.

Cheese (in moderation)

• It's a safe bet that your dog enjoys cheese, at least to some extent (who doesn't?). However, it is important to consider what kind of cheese you are offering your furry friend. If you're thinking of giving him processed American "cheese," think again. It's definitely not healthy for dogs, as it contains too much salt and a very limited amount of real milk. The best kind of cheese for dogs is cheddar cheese or mozzarella, due to the high protein content and low levels of dairy fat.

• As with all "human" foods, too much cheese can be unhealthy for your companion, so moderation is key when offering it as a snack or training aid. As long as you don't go overboard with the dairy treats, it should be fine. Also, keep in mind that puppies should not have any dairy products until they are fully weaned off their mother's milk; doing otherwise could result in serious health complications such as diarrhea or vomiting.

So if you're wanting to give your dog some extra calcium and protein without breaking the bank on expensive dog food options, consider incorporating some healthy cheeses into his diet!

Chicken

You can give your dog chicken safely and easily by following these steps:

• Get a good deal. Many larger grocery stores sell whole chickens for about $1 per pound, and this is the best (and cheapest) way to buy them. Chicken breasts cost more because they’re generally easier to cook than other parts of the chicken, and dogs don’t mind if you give them tough meat anyway.

• Cut it up or grind it. It's helpful to cut up the chicken or grind it into small pieces so that you have smaller servings that are ready to go whenever your dog needs them. You can also consider freezing some of the ground chicken so that you always have some on hand when you need it.

• Give it to your dog raw or cooked. There are benefits and drawbacks to both methods—some say raw food is better for dogs since their bodies can digest meat better than carbs, while others argue cooked meat is safer because it kills bacteria—but most vets agree that either way is fine as long as the portions aren't too big and there's not too much fat on the meat itself.

Eggs

Eggs are an excellent source of protein and a good source of fatty acids and vitamins A, E, and D. Eggs contain the most biotin, riboflavin, selenium, and choline per serving of all common dog food ingredients.

But can dogs eat eggs? What about raw eggs?

Yes! Dogs can eat eggs safely. And if you're asking whether or not you should feed your dog raw or boiled eggs, the short answer is both are safe for your pooch to eat. If you have an egg in one hand and an eggshell in another, it's best to give them both to your dog—shells included!

Why shell-free? Eggshells contain 90 percent calcium carbonate by weight. This is one reason they're highly recommended as a natural treatment for poultry osteoporosis; they’re also a great addition to homemade chicken feed.

Fish (most kinds)

In general, fish is a great source of protein for your dog—that is, as long as it's cooked properly and doesn't contain any bones. Oily fish in particular (like salmon and sardines) are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which not only promote shiny coats but also may help prevent age-related cognitive decline. Avoid raw fish at all costs, though; it could harbor bacteria that'll make your dog sick.

In addition to the risk of bacteria and parasites, some kinds of fish are too high in mercury for dogs to eat safely. It's best to stick with smaller varieties like sardines, tilapia, and mackerel. These small species will have had less time to accumulate toxins from their environment than larger ones like tuna or swordfish would have had.

As for bones, whether they're from a fish or another animal: don't feed them to your dog! The risk of choking or internal damage isn't worth it; just leave the bone chewing to the cartoon characters who eat dynamite on accident all the time.

Overall, feel free to share some good stuff from your plate with Fido while you're cooking up dinner tonight! You can even find prepared foods (such as pet food brands or homemade recipes) made specifically with healthy canned fish in mind if you want his taste buds to do a happy dance every time he gets fed!

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a good addition to your dog's diet. It's a whole grain and so has all the benefits of whole grains: high fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Oatmeal also contains B vitamins, which help with metabolic functions such as sugar regulation and energy production. In other words, oatmeal can help your dog feel fuller longer if you feed it to them in the morning.

Peanut butter

Peanut butter is a fun, healthy treat for your dog as long as you choose an unsweetened, no-salt variety. Peanut butter is rich in protein and heart-healthy fats. It's also a good source of niacin, vitamin B and vitamin E. Choose an all-natural peanut butter that doesn't have any sugar or preservatives added to it to ensure that the natural ingredients do not cause adverse effects on your dog's health.

Pumpkin (pureed)

The pulp of the pumpkin is safe for your dog to eat. It is a healthy source of fiber, vitamin A and potassium. However, avoid pumpkin pie filling or canned pumpkin with added spices and sugar because it may be harmful to your dog.

Also don't feed raw pumpkin to your pet as it is harder for them to digest.

Pumpkins can be given whole, pureed, or in small chunks. How much you give will depend on the size of your dog. Some dogs may experience intestinal gas from eating too much pumpkin at once, so before giving a large amount, test how well they digest it.

Salmon (cooked)

Fish is a great source of protein. In fact, it's one of the best sources of protein available. And like the rest of the animal kingdom, dogs need protein to survive (hey—protein isn't just for those designer bodies!). Fish is also full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial to both humans and dogs in a variety of ways: they're great for your brain and eyes, boost your immune system and help maintain healthy skin and hair.

Salmon is a particular favorite among dog owners because it is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Not only will it keep your pup happy and healthy—it'll give them plenty of energy to play! Still not convinced? Check out this video from Animal Planet to see how much fun dogs have chasing salmon around rivers. Now that looks like good clean fun!

What is healthy for humans can be healthy for dogs.

Many people are surprised to learn that dogs can eat a lot of the same foods that humans do. For example, many fruits and vegetables are perfectly safe for your dog to consume, and they can provide valuable vitamins and fiber. It's also possible to share other treats with Fido—for example, he might appreciate a taste of ice cream or yogurt.

However, a few foods that are generally healthy for humans can be dangerous for dogs. Avoid sharing chocolate with your pet; it contains caffeine and theobromine, which are toxic to dogs in large quantities. Similarly, grapes (and their dried form, raisins), onions, garlic, and chives can be harmful. And if you're not sure whether food is okay for your dog to eat or not, always check with your vet before serving it up as part of his dinner!