We all feed our dogs a little human food from time to time. After all, it’s hard to resist when those puppy dog eyes are looking up at you at the table or while you’re cooking. However, even though we have the best intentions, human food isn’t always good for dogs. Human food contains a lot of additives and other ingredients that simply aren’t good for dogs, so table scraps don’t make good treats. Overeating certain human foods can also lead to obesity in dogs. Show On the other hand, a lot of owners have taken to feeding their furry companions homemade dog food. There are a number of reasons this can be a good, healthy option for your pet. If you’re considering turning human food into healthy homemade food for dogs, it’s important to understand what dogs can eat and what the best kind of human food is for your dog. What nutrition do dogs need?Dogs are carnivorous, meaning the primary component of their diet should be meat. But they aren’t obligate carnivores—or only meat-eating. In the wild, dogs survive mainly off of prey animals and some seasonal vegetables. Wild dogs will also occasionally eat fruits. When you’re deciding on your dog’s diet, it should primarily revolve around these food items. What human foods can dogs eat for a healthy diet?ProteinsAlthough meat is good food for dogs, all meat should be cooked and any bones should be removed to avoid a choking hazard. It’s also important to note that some dogs are lactose intolerant and can’t eat dairy foods, so their protein should come from a different source. Protein sources dogs can eat include:
Fruits & VegetablesDogs can eat certain fruits, but they are high in sugar so you should only give them to your dog in moderation. Other types of fruits and vegetables can be dangerous for dogs to consume, so check with your vet before adding them to your dog’s diet. The following fruits and vegetables are typically okay for dogs to eat:
GrainsMost dogs need some moderately-fermentable fibers in their diets. Foods that are high in fiber are not good for dogs with high energy requirements, or dogs who are young and growing. Dogs can eat the following grains:
Other FoodsThese other human foods are safe to give your dog in moderation as a treat:
What human foods are unsafe for dogs?The following human foods are not only unhealthy for our pets, but many of them can also be toxic, such as:
Vet in Clear Lake, TexasTo provide a well-balanced diet your dog’s age, size, and activity level should all be taken into consideration. All dogs need protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals in their diet. Store-bought foods are prepared with these nutritional requirements in mind. However, if you are making your dog food at home, it’s wise to consult your veterinarian to ensure that your dog eats a safe and healthy diet full of the specific nutrients they need. As a veterinary hospital serving Clear Lake and Webster, Texas, we are passionate about pet health and wellness. While we don’t encourage feeding dogs human food from the table, we are supportive of a healthy, homemade diet. If there is a type of human food you are wondering whether your dog can eat that is not on the list, give Nasa Pet Hospital a call at 281-332-3418 and we’ll be happy to let you know if it is safe for your pup. Photo by Harshal S. Hirve on Unsplash (9/22/2020)
 Domesticated dogs are largely carnivores but will also eat plant-based foods. Wild dogs eat a variety of food which comprise mainly of prey animals, consisting of raw meat, bones, organs and a small amount of the vegetable matter contained in the gut of their prey. Basic dog feeding guideThe following information is general advice, but as each dog is an individual, seek veterinary advice, particularly if your dog has any special dietary needs or has a reaction to a standard diet. The basis of your dog’s diet should be a high quality balanced premium commercial dog food that is appropriate for their life stage (puppy, adolescent, adult, pregnant, senior) and health status. By reading the label, you can check that it complies with the Australian Standard for the Manufacturing and Marketing of Pet Food AS5812:2017 [1]. The amount of food required will depend on your dog’s size, breed, age and level of exercise, but take care not to overfeed or underfeed. Your vet will be able to weigh your dog, assess your dog’s body condition score and provide advice. To avoid bloat, which can be fatal, adult dogs should be fed at least twice a day and should not be exercised immediately before or after eating. This applies particularly to deep-chested dogs such as Boxers and German Shepherds. Fresh drinking water must be available at all times but do not offer your dog milk as this can cause gastrointestinal upsets. Feeding bonesBones and raw meat are not recommended as they can break teeth and cause internal blockages, raw bones also carry bacteria that can make both animals and humans ill. Read the article Should I feed bones to my dog? for more information. If you do choose to offer bones to your pet, they should always be raw and introduced gradually. Dogs have evolved significantly from their wolf ancestors, including developing an ability to digest starch and fat, plus living longer and healthier lives. Feeding them bones is not necessary given the range of quality nutritionally balanced diets available. Dental chews are a good alternative if you wish to provide your pet with entertainment that assists with teeth cleaning – the global Veterinary Oral Health Council lists dental products that meet standards for safety and reducing plaque/tartar. Other foodsDogs may be offered fish (such as tinned fish – sardines, tuna or salmon) as an occasional treat, but fish should not be fed constantly. Take care to avoid fish bones and choose fish canned in spring water rather than oil or brine. Dogs may also be offered a small amount of cooked vegetables such as pumpkin or carrots. A small amount of plain cooked pasta or rice may also be offered. Cooked meat, such as boiled chicken or lamb, may also be offered, but ensure there are no cooked bones and no onions/onion sauces or other toxic substances present (see below). As mentioned above, raw meat and bones carry bacteria that can make both animals and humans ill and so are not recommended. However, if you do decide to feed your dog any raw meat or raw bones, it is recommended that you choose only human-grade raw meat and bones. You should avoid raw meat products marketed as pet food (pet meat/pet mince/pet rolls and bone products), sausages, sausage meat and cooked manufactured meats as they can contain sulphite preservatives. There have been many pet food safety incidents linked to sulphite preservative-induced thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency, which can be fatal. See this article for more information. You should make sure your dog has access to grass (avoid chemically treated grass and toxic plants). Dogs will sometimes eat grass, which may provide a source of vegetable matter and micronutrients. Toxic foodsDo not ever feed the following substances as they are toxic to dogs (note this is not a complete list): alcohol, onions, onion powder, garlic, chocolate, coffee or caffeine products, mouldy or spoiled foods or compost, avocado, bread dough, yeast dough, grapes, raisins, sultanas (including in Christmas cakes etc), currants, nuts (including macadamia nuts), fruit stones or ‘pits’ (e.g. mango seeds, apricot stones, avocado stones), mushrooms, and fruit seeds. Also, never feed the following as these can be dangerous for dogs: corncobs, green unripe tomatoes, cooked bones, small pieces of raw bone, fatty trimmings/fatty foods, salt and roughly-cut vegetables. Also ensure your pet dog doesn’t have access to string wrappings around rolled roasts or absorbent pads found under meat when wrapped on trays. |
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