Every dog owner has experienced their pet begging for food off their plate at least once. While it would be easy to give in, you might be worried about feeding your dog harmful foods. But there are plenty of human foods you enjoy that are safe for your dog to eat as well. Read on for some foods that might surprise you, from dog CBD to watermelon, these foods are totally safe for your dog.
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1. Apples
Fresh apples are an excellent source of nutrients for your dog. The fruit is filled with essential vitamins for dogs, like vitamins A and C. Apples are a good source of fiber as well, which helps regulate your dog’s digestion. Avoid feeding your pet an apple that’s rotted as there is a risk for your dog getting ethanol poisoning, also known as alcohol toxicity.
2. Blueberries
Blueberries are a tasty sweet treat that humans love to enjoy and your dog can safely enjoy them as well. Blueberries have great health benefits for dogs from the fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals in the fruit. Some studies even suggest that the antioxidants in blueberries may help improve age-related issues in dogs.
3. Cannabidiol
Cannabidiol, which is often referred to as CBD, is a beneficial consumable for humans that helps relieve pain and stress. But it’s not just for humans. Dog CBD can have major benefits for your pet and it’s completely safe for them to consume. CBD can have similar benefits for dogs as it does for humans, including stress, joint pain, itching, and more.
4. Carrots
Carrots have tons of overall health benefits for your dog. The vegetable has a good source of Vitamin A which benefits your dog’s skin, coat, and immune system. Carrots can be beneficial for a dog’s dental health because chewing on the vegetable can help remove plaque.
5. Cooked Meats
Okay, maybe this one isn’t too surprising. But what might surprise you is that while cooked meat is great for dogs, raw and undercooked meat should be avoided. Raw meat can contain Salmonella or E-coli, both of which are bacterias that can cause food poisoning in dogs and humans. Meat that is cooked properly kills any bacteria making it safer to consume.
Meats like chicken, turkey, and fish are great options for dogs that provides nutritional protein for their diets. It’s best to serve these meats plain so they are gentle on your dog’s stomach. If you love a lot of seasoning on your meats, avoid feeding it to your dog right from your plate and instead opt to make a slide of meat for them without seasoning.
6. Dairy
Dairy products served in low quantities are completely safe for dogs to eat. Similarly to meat, opt for plain options like milk, cheese, and yogurt. Overconsuming dairy can cause digestive problems so avoid feeding your pet too much of it. In addition, if your dog has shown signs of lactose intolerance (like vomiting or diarrhea after consumption), avoid feeding dairy products altogether.
7. Peanut Butter
In moderation, peanut butter can be very beneficial to a dog’s diet. Peanut butter can be a great source of vitamins E and B, protein, and healthful fats. If you plan to feed your dog peanut butter, read the label carefully. Opt for unsalted peanut butter with no added sugar or sweeteners and especially look out for the ingredient xylitol. Dogs are highly allergic to this sweetener.
8. Watermelon
Watermelon is a delicious and fun fruit to enjoy during the summer month. Your dog can join in on the fun, too. Watermelon has a high water content that helps keep dogs hydrated, which is a must during hot days. Watermelon also has a good source of vitamins A, C, and B-6. Before feeding your dog watermelon, make sure the seeds are removed as ingesting those can block the intestines. Don’t allow your dog to chew on the watermelon rind as this can cause an upset stomach.
9. White Rice
Many dog foods contain rice as an ingredient, but you can also feed white rice to your dog. Cooked, plain white rice is great for dogs that have an upset stomach because it’s easy to digest and helps bind stool. If your dog has diabetes, only feed them white rice in low quantities as the grain can cause a spike in blood sugar levels.
Did you find these options surprising? Expand your dog’s palate and give some of these options a try. Your dog would love the opportunity to enjoy a meal or a snack with you – their very best friend.
