15 People Foods that are Surprisingly Healthy for Dogs

Written by Matthew Emma
Published: January 9, 2024
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Devoted pet parents often enjoy indulging their dogs. In many cases, dog owners spoil their furry friends by giving them human food. However, they may not always stop to wonder if the shared edibles provide their canine friends with any significant health value. Learn about 15 people foods that are surprisingly healthy for dogs.

Peanut Butter

Jar with peanut butter on peanut background, close up

Peanut butter contains several nutrients dogs need to maintain good health.

©AtlasStudio/Shutterstock.com

The classic human food peanut butter proves safe for fur babies. The product contains notable amounts of important nutrients such as fiber, protein, healthy fats, and Vitamins B and E. Moreover, researchers believe that the popular spread increases a dog’s brain power.

However, dogs must be fed peanut butter in moderation. The product holds large calorie contents, which may lead to weight gain. Furthermore, peanut butter possesses increased salt quantities. Therefore, if possible, dogs should be given unsalted varieties.

Eggs

Basket with fresh picked white large goose eggs close up

Animal researchers suggest that eggs help improve digestion in dogs.

©Picture Partners/Shutterstock.com

Nutrition experts maintain that as little as one egg provides dogs with significant amounts of key nutrients like protein. Moreover, certain veterinary care providers argue that the edible items improve digestion and ease gastrointestinal symptoms in dogs.

That said, dogs must never consume raw eggs. Doing so increases their risk of developing food-borne illnesses like salmonella. Making matters worse is that dogs can pass such ailments to their human family members.

Salmon

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

Salmon strengthens a dog’s cardiovascular system.

©olegda88/iStock via Getty Images

The noted and tasty fish holds large amounts of powerful nutrients known as Omega-3 fatty acids. These substances play a critical role in regulating a dog’s blood pressure, improving heart function, and increasing overall cardiovascular health. Additionally, researchers believe salmon reduces inflammation in dogs. This problem damages cells and tissues thus heightening a dog’s chances of developing numerous potentially serious diseases like cancer.

However, like eggs, dogs should not eat salmon raw. Such action increases their risk of developing potentially life-threatening parasites.

Cheese

Spanish cheese manchego made from sheep milk

Cheese helps strengthen a dog’s bones and teeth.

©barmalini/iStock via Getty Images

This popular food holds notable levels of calcium. This nutrient proves critical to producing strong bones and teeth in canine companions. That said, cheese must be eaten in moderation. Excessive intake of this dairy product might cause digestive problems. Moreover, the food contains increased fat quantities, which could result in unwanted weight gain.

Popcorn

Popcorn viewed float Paper cup with popcorn on white isolated

Popcorn serves as a tasty, low-calorie treat for dogs.

©SizeSquares/Shutterstock.com

Dog parents should feel free to share the famed movie treat with their fur babies when settling into an evening of television watching. The popular snack contains a diminished amount of calories. However, popcorn must still be given to dogs in moderation because it contains high salt levels.

Bread

Sliced white bread on wooden board

Bread’s high fiber amounts improve a dog’s digestive tract function.

©Kritchai7752/Shutterstock.com

The sandwich staple contains large quantities of fiber. This nutrient plays a key part in regulating a dog’s gastrointestinal system and ensuring the animal has solid and regular bowel movements. That said, bread contains significant numbers of calories. Therefore, only a slice or two should be served as an occasional snack.

Pork

Homemade Smoked Barbecue St. Louis Style Pork Ribs

Cooked pork holds numerous vitamins and minerals that dogs need.

©bhofack2/iStock via Getty Images

Many people know the nutritional value certain meats like chicken provide dogs. That said, others may not realize that cooked pork provides dogs with vital nutrients such as iron, protein, zinc, phosphorus, and substances in the Vitamin B complex. However, dogs must never be served processed forms of pork like bacon or ham because these products carry large amounts of salt.

White Rice

Japanese white rice on tatami mat

White rice strengthens a dog’s digestive tract.

©Wako Megumi/iStock via Getty Images

Rice proves a healthy dietary choice for dogs because the product is light and simple to digest. Moreover, rice binds stool, which helps dogs maintain normal bowel movements.

Turkey

Roasted whole turkey on a table with apple, pumpkin and figs for family Thanksgiving Holiday.

Turkey contains large amounts of protein.

©Edalin/iStock via Getty Images

Some might not realize that turkey is an ingredient in many common dog foods. That said, pet parents are encouraged to share white meat turkey with their furry friends the next time the fowl is on the dinner menu. Turkey holds significant quantities of protein, which proves crucial to maintaining a dog’s energy levels.

Honey

Honeycomb with honey spoon isolated on white background, bee products by organic natural ingredients concept

Honey is rife with nutrients, especially powerful chemicals called antioxidants.

©DONOT6_STUDIO/Shutterstock.com

The product possesses notable levels of vitamins and minerals vital to a dog’s diet such as Vitamins A, members of the B complex, C, D, E, and K. In addition, the thick, sweet, and syrupy product contains elevated amounts of calcium, potassium, magnesium, and copper.

Above all, however, honey holds significant antioxidant levels. These chemicals are strong nutrients known to fight bodily inflammation in dogs. Inflammation increases a fur baby’s risk of physical injuries, as well as potentially serious sicknesses like heart disease, cancer, immune system disorders, and diabetes.

Milk

Milk Carton

The noted white beverage contains high calcium levels.

©&#169 Getty Images/PhotoObjects.net via Getty Images

Milk holds significant amounts of calcium. That said, veterinary professionals urge pet parents to give their dogs small amounts per serving. Milk contains a substance known as lactose. Like people, certain members of the canine population carry an intolerance to this chemical, which often leads to digestive upset.

Quinoa

Raw and cooked quinoa

Quinoa contains countless nutrients important to a dog’s health.

©iStock.com/letterberry

The grain product called quinoa holds large quantities of fiber and protein. Nutritionists suggest that it is healthier for dogs than foods containing corn, wheat, and soy.

Shrimp

Cooked shrimps,Top view of boiled peeled shrimps isolated on white.

Shrimp contains high amounts of nutrients and low amounts of potentially harmful substances.

©KungCrayfish/Shutterstock.com

Nutritionists maintain that shrimp is one of the best foods dogs can eat. The popular seafood item possesses significant levels of vital nutrients such as phosphorus, Vitamin B-12, and health-protecting antioxidants. Moreover, shrimp holds low quantities of weight-boosting chemicals like calories, carbohydrates, and fat.

Yogurt

full of keffir, milk and yogurt cups liquid

Yogurt benefits a dog’s digestive and skeletal systems.

©istockphotoluis/iStock via Getty Images

As a dairy product, yogurt contains enough calcium to keep a dog’s bones strong and healthy. However, the product also possesses powerful organisms called probiotics. These pathogens help promote digestive health.

Nuts

cashews

Certain types of nuts contain several health-boosting nutrients.

©iStock.com/PrasongTakham

Nuts like cashews and peanuts hold notable levels of key nutrients such as protein and antioxidants. Furthermore, nuts serve as a low-calorie snack lacking hidden calories capable of resulting in weight gain.

Summary of 15 People Foods that are Surprisingly Healthy for Dogs

People FoodHealth Benefit
Peanut butterProvides dogs with energy and increased brain power
EggsBoosts a dog’s energy levels and improves digestion
SalmonIncreases cardiac function and reduces inflammation
CheeseStrengthens a dog’s bones and teeth
PopcornProvides dogs with a healthy, low-calorie snack designed to prevent weight gain
BreadHelps regulate the digestive tract
PorkContains numerous life-sustaining nutrients
White ricePromotes digestive health
TurkeyBoosts energy levels
HoneyStrengthens a dog’s immune system
MilkStrengthens a dog’s bones and teeth
QuinoaIncreases energy levels and improves gastrointestinal system function
ShrimpHeightens a dog’s immunity
YogurtStrengthens a dog’s bones and teeth
NutsIncreases a dog’s energy levels and boosts their immunity

The photo featured at the top of this post is © AS Foodstudio/Shutterstock.com

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About the Author

I have been in the writing field for more than 20 years. During my career's first half, I served as print and online journalist for various local publications. Over the latter half, my interests turned to content and freelance writing where I've covered various topics for a wide-ranging client base. Relating to animals, I currently serve as a family assistant for a woman with two aging dogs. Raven and Cruz have intensified my love for dogs, increased my awareness of animal issues, and inspired me to devote more of my time and professional skills to promoting animal causes.

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