There are some days where no matter how hard we try to avoid the puppy-dog eyes, we can’t resist giving our dogs a little nibble of whatever we’re snacking on. But while you may know what foods are toxic to dogs, such as grapes and chocolate, do you also know what foods are best for your pup?
If not, we’re here to help. We spoke with Dr. Shannon Vawter, medical director and veterinarian at Thrive Pet Healthcare Wedgewood to see what type of “human food,” if any, is safe for your pet, so you can stop asking Reddit.
Here’s everything to know.
Can you share your food with your dog?
It depends on what you’re eating, but there are many “human foods” that are perfectly safe for your pup when given in moderation.
While some foods are great when used as treats — such as cheese, corn (without the cob), cooked eggs, plain popcorn, carrots, strawberries, raspberries and apples — others can be in place of full meals when needed.
“Chicken and rice can be a great dietary option if your dog has an upset stomach on the weekend,” Vawter says. “Green beans are excellent for weight loss, while fresh pumpkin (not pie filling) or shredded wheat are often recommended for diarrhea or anal gland issues.”
In addition, unseasoned cooked turkey with no skin or bones and plain cooked sweet potatoes are also great options for your pup, she says.
However, there are some human foods that are completely off-limits when it comes to our pets. Those include, but are not limited to, avocado, garlic, onion, grapes, chocolate, cooked bones, raisins and gum that contains xylitol. This is one of the reasons Vawter says it’s always best to consult your veterinarian before adding in any new foods to your dog’s diet to ensure it is safe for your pet’s medical and dietary needs.
Read more: Yes, Houseplants Can Be Toxic to Pets, but These 7 Are Perfectly Safe
Can you make your dog homemade treats?
Yes! In fact, we’ve even rounded up eight treats you can make right at home and even taste yourself since the ingredients are both pet- and human-friendly.
“Homemade treats are wonderful because you know exactly what’s in them, and they typically contain fewer preservatives and less sugar than store-bought options,” Vawter says. “However, let’s be honest — sometimes it’s just easier to grab something pre-packaged. It’s perfectly fine to give your dog store-bought treats made in the US, but I recommend limiting the amount you give.”
As a rule of thumb, treats for your pets — whether they’re homemade or store-bought — should make up 10% or less of your dog’s daily diet.
“This means 90% of your pet’s calories should come from a complete and balanced diet,” Vawter says.
And speaking of what to feed your pup on a daily basis, Vawter gave one last parting piece of advice regarding a specific type of diet.
“I do not recommend feeding your dog a raw diet due to potential risks, such as bone fragments and the possibility of salmonella or E. coli exposure to family members, especially children in the household,” she says.
So as long as the food you’re giving your pup is fully cooked and doesn’t contain any ingredients that are toxic to dogs, it should be perfectly safe when given in moderation.
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