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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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 Food | Health Benefit |
---|---|
Peanut butter | Provides dogs with energy and increased brain power |
Eggs | Boosts a dog’s energy levels and improves digestion |
Salmon | Increases cardiac function and reduces inflammation |
Cheese | Strengthens a dog’s bones and teeth |
Popcorn | Provides dogs with a healthy, low-calorie snack designed to prevent weight gain |
Bread | Helps regulate the digestive tract |
Pork | Contains numerous life-sustaining nutrients |
White rice | Promotes digestive health |
Turkey | Boosts energy levels |
Honey | Strengthens a dog’s immune system |
Milk | Strengthens a dog’s bones and teeth |
Quinoa | Increases energy levels and improves gastrointestinal system function |
Shrimp | Heightens a dog’s immunity |
Yogurt | Strengthens a dog’s bones and teeth |
Nuts | Increases a dog’s energy levels and boosts their immunity |
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