There isn’t much a dedicated dog lover wouldn’t do for their four-legged family member. If you’re a dog lover, you know that both your home and your heart are fully available to your dog.
Many dog lovers also like to share meals and snacks with their canine. While this show of love is admirable, it’s important to make sure you’re feeding your dog foods that agree with his or her digestive system.
Next time you’re itching to share a snack with your pup, here are a few human foods that are safe to feed your furry friend.
Eggs
Eggs are a safe food to share with your dog as long as the eggs are cooked completely. Egg whites that are not completely cooked can result in biotin deficiency in your dog, so it’s important to only serve your dog eggs that are well-cooked. Not only are eggs a great source of protein for your pet, but the eggs you feed your dog can help calm an upset stomach.
Fish
Your dog will receive a number of positive health benefits when you share a serving of fish with them. The healthy fats and amino acids in the fish can help to maintain your dog’s muscle tone and provide a boost in cardiovascular health. Salmon is a type of fish that contains a high amount of vitamins and minerals that will benefit your dog. Sardines are another great choice. Sardines are easily digestible and will help satisfy your dog’s need for calcium.
Honey
Honey contains an assortment of vitamins that will benefit your dog’s overall health. Honey will also introduce pollen to your dog’s system — this can help them build an immunity to the allergens in their environment. A topical honey spread can even be used to treat minor scrapes, cuts, and burns.
Tuna
Tuna is both safe and healthy for your dog in small amounts. The Omega-3 fatty acids in tuna are good for your dog’s eyes and heart. However, canned tuna contains both sodium and mercury. These substances are both bad for your dog, so save tuna for a once-in-a-while snack. You should also look for tuna varieties that come in water and avoid those that are packed in oil whenever possible.
Wheat and other grains
Your dog doesn’t have to maintain a grain-free lifestyle to be healthy and happy. Wheat and corn are two grains that will provide your dog with fiber, essential fatty acids, and protein. However, it’s important to monitor your dog for possible allergies the first time you give him or her a wheat product. If you’re in doubt about feeding your dog wheat, talk to your veterinarian first.
Turkey
Your furry friend will be over the moon if you share some turkey! Just make sure you remove the skin and any excess fat from the meat you give your pup. You should also remove any small bones from the meat that could splinter and cause your dog to choke or experience intestinal discomfort.
Yogurt
Have you ever thought about sharing a cup of yogurt with your dog, but found yourself unsure whether or not it was a good idea? It’s perfectly fine to feed yogurt to your dog — just observe your pet to make sure they don’t struggle with digesting dairy products. The bacteria in yogurt can positively affect the probiotic environment in your dog’s gut and provide a major boost to his or her immune system. Make sure to choose a brand with no added sugars or artificial sweeteners and you’ll be good to go.
Popcorn
When you want to bond with your dog over a snack, a small amount of popcorn with no added butter or salt is an excellent selection. The nutritional content of popcorn is actually good for the health of your dog’s eyes and digestive system.
The experts at Snowy Pines White Labradors suggest you pop the kernels as completely as possible and remove any unpopped kernels before sharing popcorn with your dog, as unpopped kernels can be a choking hazard for your dog.
Takeaways
There’s no limit on what a dog lover is willing to share with his or her dog, and bonding moments over a tasty snack are a great opportunity. These eight snacks are safe for your dog to eat and can allow you to enjoy dinner together.
