Human foods that can be shared with a dog

Dogs are known as man’s best friend, and for a good reason: these lovable creatures certainly make for very loyal and obedient companions and pets. So much so that we frequently feel tempted to share our own food with them (even if it is just table scraps), in order to strengthen the bond between man and hound even further. But which human foods are actually safe to share with your four-legged friend? Bread, nuts, fruit, vegetables: are they safe for canine consumption, or toxic? Read on to find out.

Generally speaking, you shouldn’t feed your dog any of your own food at all, as the dog food should be enough and keep your pup healthy and happy. The majority of commercial dog foods on the market today will provide your pooch with a good balance of all the daily nutrients required to stay healthy. However, it is still acceptable to feed your hound some of your own diet in the form of snacks and treats – up to 10 percent of his caloric requirements according to the experts. Aside from the issue of toxicity, you need to be on the lookout for individual allergic reactions to human food, choking risks, the dangers of bacterial infection and eating improperly cooked food. Every dog is unique, with its own individual weight, age, breed, size, medical history, and activity levels – all of which determine what you can feed your dog and in what amounts. Before introducing any new foods to your dog’s diet, you should always check with your veterinarian first, and proceed carefully. So what human foods are also fit for consumption by dogs? Bread: dogs can eat bread just as safely as humans. Gluten insensitivity is uncommon in pooches, so it should be OK to feed dogs normal white, whole-grain or whole-meal bread. Always check the ingredients on the packet before serving though. Also, avoid raw dough which contains yeast. Dairy products: dogs love cheese, which is ok to feed your dog in small portions (due to its high salt and fat content). As with other dairy products, the main risk is lactose intolerance. If your dog doesn’t suffer from this affliction, then feeding most dairy products should be quite safe. Avoid ice cream, as it has high sugar content, and is difficult for dogs to digest; and when feeding your dog eggs, make sure they are thoroughly cooked to avoid Salmonella infection. Fish: fish is a fine source of essential omega-3 fatty acids, which are now known to aid with joint pain and inflammation. Again, when feeding fish to dogs, make sure it is thoroughly cooked so as to avoid any risk of bacterial infection. Also, remove the bones as it is possible to choke on them.

What to avoid? You should never feed your dog alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, garlic, lemon, onions, raisins, macadamia nuts, leeks, or yeast dough. As all of the above-mentioned foods can be dangerous and can lead to different health problems for your doggy. Check out PupsBest for more information on everything dog-related from how to take care of your pup to how to buy the best large dog pen for outdoors.