Dogs are classified as omnivores, meaning they can meet their nutritional needs by consuming both plant and meat foods. Their metabolism has more in common with other omnivores like humans than the carnivorous cat. While dogs are technically classified as omnivores, they are often considered carnivores due to their membership in the Carnivorous order and their closest relatives, wolves, consuming mainly meat. After about 15,000 years of living with us humans, dogs have adapted well to a diet that combines both meat and plant ingredients.
It is important to recognize that each of the foods below will not contain everything your dog needs to stay happy and healthy, so feeding only one type of food exclusively (even meat) can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Only by carefully combining different foods to give the right amounts and proportions of nutrients can you achieve a balanced diet. To keep your canine friend in good condition, feed him a complete and balanced dog food, and remember that treats should not account for more than 10% of his total caloric intake. When it comes to human food, dogs love meat! Chicken, beef, turkey, venison - the list goes on.
They all contain proteins and vitamins, plus your pup will go headlong for their flavors. If you give him some meat as a treat, always offer it cooked but avoid adding seasonings or spices. Regarding your dog's normal diet, look for a dog food that is specially formulated for your pet's needs - meat should be the first ingredient in Purina's recipes, and they're available in many different flavors so you can always choose your pet's favorite. Peanut butter is another favorite treat for many canines. It is an excellent source of protein, heart-healthy fats, vitamin B, niacin and vitamin E.
For a stimulating activity that keeps your dog busy for hours, consider filling peanut butter into a Kong dog toy. Be sure to choose raw, unsalted peanut butter. Cooked chicken is another good human food for dogs. Cooked chicken can be slid into the bowl along with your dog's regular food to add extra protein and a touch of spice. In addition to being a tasty treat, cooked chicken is also a healthy meal substitute if you have problems and don't have dog food. Cheese is a fantastic treat for your dog as long as it is not lactose intolerant (which is a small percentage of dogs).
Be sure to monitor your dog's reaction after giving him small amounts of cheese. Opt for low-fat or reduced-fat varieties and don't overfeed, as many types of cheese can be high in fat. Cottage cheese is usually a good choice for dogs. Baby carrots are a low-calorie treat that is ideal for your dog's teeth. In addition, carrots are high in fiber, beta-carotene and vitamin A.
Carrots can be eaten raw or cooked - you can also feed your dog regular carrots but be sure to cut them into small bite-sized pieces to prevent your dog from choking. Yogurt is high in calcium and protein which makes it a great treat for canines. In addition, yoghurts with active bacteria can act as probiotics and are good for the dog's digestive system. Keep in mind that you should choose only yogurts that do not contain artificial sweeteners or added sugars - Greek yogurt is usually the best choice for dogs as it has less lactose than regular yogurt. You can also feed your dog kefir as long as it is natural and tasteless - a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon helps keep your dog's coat healthy and shiny as well as supporting your dog's immune system. There are several ways to add salmon to your dog's diet - consider adding cooked salmon to your dog's plate, pouring salmon oil into his food bowl or putting some of your unwanted fish skins on him. Pumpkin is an excellent source of fiber, beta-carotene and vitamin A - both fresh pumpkin and canned pumpkin make great treats for dogs as long as it is simple and without added sweeteners.
Stirring an egg for your puppy is a great way to give his diet a protein boost - in addition to being rich in protein eggs are also a fantastic source of easily digestible riboflavin and selenium - to avoid the risk of salmonella be sure to cook the eggs well. So what human foods do dogs love that are safe for them to eat? Take a look at the list above! Meat is always at the top of the list but there are plenty of other options like peanut butter, cooked chicken, cheese (in moderation), baby carrots, yogurt (without added sugar), kefir (natural & tasteless), salmon (cooked) and pumpkin (fresh or canned). Remember that each of these foods will not contain everything your pup needs to stay happy and healthy so feeding only one type of food exclusively (even meat) can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Only by carefully combining different foods to give the right amounts and proportions of nutrients can you achieve a balanced diet.
