Dog Approved People Foods - Part One

We all know the mantra that says people food is bad for our pups. Keeping them on a diet that is specifically designed for dog nutrition is a must. But those puppy eyes kick in with that attentive gaze, and it can be so hard to say no. Luckily, there are people foods that are okay in varying amounts, and today we are setting the record straight with this quick list of dog approved people foods.

 

Peanut Butter & Peanuts

Yes, this a favorite treat and it is packed with heart-healthy fats, vitamins B and E, and niacin. It’s also a great source of protein and can keep our canines busy with their Kong toys for hours. Occasionally, we mix a little peanut butter into our pup’s EcoEats Dehydrated Food for Dogs because as a protein-packed treat that adds a little boost to the “bring your own protein,” nutrient-packed dinner. Raw, unsalted peanut butter is the best option because it has all the health benefits without the additives. The big NO when it comes to peanut butter is using sugar-free or lite versions. It seems counter-intuitive to avoid sugar-free, but it contains artificial sweeteners, the most common of which is xylitol - which is highly toxic for dogs. Peanuts are just as safe as peanut butter. Actually, they are a little safer than peanut butter because we don’t run the risk of exposing our pups to the toxic artificial sweetener, xylitol. Just make sure they are unsalted. And always share these treats in moderation. They are high on the list of dog approved people foods, but are also high in fat and can lead to pancreatic problems if we make it part of their daily diet.

Cashews

Nuts, such as almonds and macadamia nuts are bad for dogs. But peanuts and cashews are just fine. Cashews have protein, calcium, magnesium, and lots of antioxidants. And they contain less fat than most nuts, so they aren’t linked to weight gain and other fat-related conditions. Just make sure these are handed out a few at a time and that they are unsalted.

Eggs

Yup. Scrambling an egg and having breakfast with our fur babies is a great way to spend the morning together and also give Fido a protein boost. Eggs also receive a high score on the list of dog approved people foods because they are a great source of riboflavin and selenium. Plus, they are easy to digest and can even ease an upset stomach. Just make sure eggs are fully cooked. Raw egg whites can cause biotin deficiency in dogs.

Coconuts

It’s not a cure-all, but coconut is okay for dogs to ingest. Coconut oil and milk are also safe forms of coconut nutrients. Coconuts contain Lauric, an immune system booster that can help fight viruses. It’s also useful when used in combination with the right companion ingredients, for helping to clear up skin conditions, hot spots, flea allergies, and itchy skin.

Honey

We need to keep this stuff off their fur and away from wounds where it can cause a sticky mess that attracts dirt. Honey used as a delicious topping on food or as a sweet additive in other treats is a great superfood. It’s packed with vitamins, such as A, B, C, D, E, and K. Plus it contains potassium, calcium, magnesium, and copper. And it’s packed with antioxidants. In small amounts over time, honey can help our puppies build up natural immunities to pollen, which helps prevent some allergies later in life.

Milk, Cheese, & Yogurt

The only warning about dairy for dogs is that there are dogs who are lactose-intolerant. We can be sure to monitor their reactions to foods and snacks with dairy. If they seem to get an upset stomach, become constipated, end up with diarrhea, or are flatulent, test their reaction to a dairy-free diet for a few weeks. Reduced fat cheeses, such as cottage cheese and mozzarella, are preferred. Just remember to opt for moderation in quantity. The same goes for milk. Digestion can be difficult for those who are lactose intolerant, but a little milk can be a cool, tasty treat for many pups. Plain yogurt is a great snack for canines. The bacteria in yogurt strengthens digestive systems with probiotics as long as our pup isn’t lactose-intolerance. Yogurt is also high in calcium and protein and is often used to add shine to our dog’s coats. Just avoid yogurt with added sugars and artificial sweeteners because one of the most common artificial sweeteners is xylitol, which is toxic for dogs.

Not So Dog Approved People Foods

There are many human foods that are toxic to our pups. And even the list of okay human foods come with warnings about preparation and amounts. Chocolate, onions, peppers, garlic, grapes, raisins, some nuts, coffee, alcohol, avocados, and artificial sweeteners are just a few of the most toxic foods for dogs. Remember to always consult a veterinarian where there is uncertainty or where a potential reaction is developing.