Sharing food with our dogs is a gesture of love, but it comes with its cautions. As a responsible dog owner, being aware of what’s safe and what’s dangerous for our dogs is important. Some human foods that are harmless to us, can be really toxic and even fatal for our dogs. Some others are completely fine for dogs to snack on for example watermelons.
The digestive systems of dogs differ from ours, They digest some foods differently than we do. Chocolate, for example, contains Theobromine, a compound dogs struggle to digest, potentially causing vomiting, diarrhea, and even heart issues.
Grapes and raisins might seem harmless to us, but they can cause kidney failure in dogs. Certain foods like cooked plain chicken, carrots, and blueberries can be delightful, safe treats.
Here is a list of 6 foods that dogs can eat with us without causing them any health issues.
6 Foods That Dogs Can Eat: Salmon
Salmon is packed with proteins and omega-3 fatty acids, it offers fantastic benefits for your dog’s skin, coat, and immune system. These nutrients contribute to their overall health and well-being. However, you should be cautious of feeding your dogs raw salmon.
Raw salmon can have a parasite linked to a serious condition known as salmon poisoning disease, which poses a fatal risk to dogs. To protect your dog’s health, it’s best to feed your dog cooked salmon as a safe and nutritious treat. Cooking the fish properly eliminates the risk of this parasite, ensuring a delicious and safe addition to your dog’s diet.
6 Foods That Dogs Can Eat: Chicken
Including chicken in your dog’s food could provide them with more protein and it’ll be a lot more testier. keeping it simple is key, chicken marinated or flavored with no sauces or seasonings works best. Don’t forget to debone the chicken before giving it to the dog.
It’s important to avoid processed meats like sausage, bacon, and deli meats. Dogs shouldn’t eat these processed meat kinds since they are unhealthy due to their excessive salt and preservative content. Choosing fresh, unseasoned meats means there are no potential health risks and your dog will be getting a tasty and healthy meal.
6 Foods That Dogs Can Eat: Apples
Apples are a healthy addition to your dog’s diet as they are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Apples’ high fiber content may also benefit your dog’s gastrointestinal system.
Slice the fruit in half, taking care not to give your dog the whole apple, to make it a safe and fun treat. Stems, pits, and seeds ought to be kept away from the dog since they might cause them to choke on them, Choosing sliced and core-free apples will give your dog a satisfying and nutritious snack.
6 Foods That Dogs Can Eat: Peanut Butter
When given in small amounts, peanut butter is a really tasty and safe treat for dogs. Rich in healthy fats, protein, and necessary vitamins like B, E, and niacin, it supports the overall health of your dog. But, because peanut butter is high in calories and eating too much of it might result in weight gain, it’s important to limit how much your dog eats of it.
If you give your dog peanut butter, use the plain, unsalted ones. The ones that contain additional salt or artificial sweeteners (Xylitol in particular) should be avoided as they may be harmful to your dog’s health. Choosing natural, sugarless peanut butter along with tracking how much your dog gets of it makes it an enjoyable treat without the risk of running into any health issues.
6 Foods That Dogs Can Eat: Cheese
Cheese is a great treat. It is highly digestible and high in calcium and protein, and most dogs love it. So if you’re considering sharing cheese snacks with your dog, you might want to give him small bites of it. Start with small amounts and watch your dog’s reaction.
Choosing cheeses with low or decreased fat content helps prevent consuming too much fat. If you give your dog too much cheese, it may cause stomach problems or unintended weight gain. Mozzarella, cheddar, and cottage cheese are usually recommended because they provide a satisfying and healthy reward in sensible serving sizes.
6 Foods That Dogs Can Eat: Blueberries
Blueberries are packed with fiber, vital vitamins, minerals, and disease-fighting antioxidants, blueberries are good for your dog’s health. They are the perfect workout treat because they are tiny and low in calories. They may also be frozen, which gives snack time a unique twist and makes for a cold, refreshing treat on hot days.
Apart from blueberries, your pet can also eat strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries without risk, although moderation is key. Serving these berries in moderation will guarantee that your dog gets all the healthy, tasty advantages without any health issues.
How Dogs Digest Different Foods
Examining the digestive tract of dogs is necessary to understand how they digest food. This knowledge helps make up for nutritional deficiencies, particularly in the first eighteen months of a puppy’s life, by promoting healthy growth of the bones, teeth, and tissues.
Because they are carnivores, dogs’ molars are sharp, which is why they slice meat instead of crushing it. They can swallow big quantities of meat without having to chew them thoroughly because of their single-hinged jaws. Because they don’t have digesting enzymes in their saliva as herbivores do, carnivores may feed quickly without mingling their saliva.
Their digestive tract is comprised of a huge stomach, a simple, smooth colon, and a tiny intestine that is rather short. Strong hydrochloric acid is secreted by the carnivore’s stomach to aid in the breakdown of proteins and combat harmful germs present in decomposing meat.
Dogs’ stomach acids are closer to 1-2 than those of humans, which helps with protein digestion and bacterial removal. Foods derived from animals, such as eggs and muscle meats, have high digestibility rates because this digestive tract mostly breaks down protein and fat.
Since most carbs pass through undigested, dogs have difficulty digesting complex carbohydrates including grains. Protein digestion is impacted by high-temperature processing because it modifies molecular bonds, which hinders the breakdown of proteins and vital amino acids.
Weaned puppies and adult dogs do not need carbs in their diet, according to Dr. David Kronfeld. Their liver produces glucose from lipids and amino acids with efficiency. In addition to offering vital nutrients and serving as organic shields, fruits and vegetables also improve digestion and immunity.
