Considering what to feed your dog or anybody in your care is not something to take lightly. Besides mental health and physical exercise, diet is among the major contributors to well-being. Feeding your pet healthy foods is essential. The eating habits we incorporate into our loved ones’ diets, including our pets, can mean the difference between a healthy life and programming them for failure.
So if you’re considering healthier options for your pet besides their suggested canine food, this article isn’t something you should skip. So let’s discuss the human foods that are healthy and safe for your furry friend.
Healthy Pet-Friendly Foods
If you’re planning to start feeding your pet human food, start with small amounts, then eventually add as their tolerance increases. Keep in mind that human foods supplements must only be 25% percent of your pet’s diet to keep everything balanced. Below are five human foods you can start feeding your pet as treats or snacks.
1. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is among the healthiest human food for canines. It’s an excellent source of fiber, vitamin A, and beta-carotene. Furthermore, it also promotes a healthy digestive system. Canned and fresh pumpkins are perfect canine treats as long as they’re plain without added sweeteners or seasonings. Even with healthy food like pumpkin, sometimes it’s still inevitable for dogs to show signs of health problems.
So when that happens, be proactive in taking them to a nearby animal pharmacy to identify their condition and start their treatment immediately.
2. Eggs
Feeding scrambled eggs to your four-legged friend is a great way to boost their diet’s protein. In addition, eggs are high in protein and a great source of easily digestible selenium and riboflavin. Refrain from feeding raw eggs to your pet to prevent salmonella. You might also consider boiled or poached eggs, but remember not to put any seasoning.
3. Yogurt
Yogurt has active cultures called probiotics, which keep bad bacteria away. It helps improve gut function and has nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, iodine, protein, zinc, and calcium. Furthermore, it’s a good source of pantothenic acid and riboflavin, which is responsible for cellular functions, energy production, and enzyme action.
Yogurt is an excellent calcium source and can help dogs with arthritis symptoms. Although they might benefit more from vet acupuncture in facilities like Fine Animal Hospital as it’s often used for alleviating pain and enhancing joint range of motion.
4. Sweet potatoes
These tuberous root veggies rich in beta-carotene hold 150% more antioxidants than blueberries. Furthermore, sweet potatoes are high in vitamin C to support your pet’s immune system and high in vitamin A to keep their heart healthy. However, remember that nutritious foods aren’t meant to replace preventative care.
It’s still important to be up-to-date on their preventative care and puppy shots to prevent prevalent pet diseases and keep them healthy.
5. Sardines
Taurine, a naturally occurring amino acid containing sulfur, is becoming popular recently. This explains why many fur parents are looking for ways to add taurine to their pet’s diet, and sardines are an excellent and readily available choice. Sardines contain omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for good health.
Since they are short-lived fish, they do not have enough time to accumulate toxic substances in their body and don’t eat larger, older fishes that have time to do so. This makes sardines a relatively clean and better option.