There are plenty of people foods we’d love to share with our dogs, but some are much healthier than others. In fact, some foods are even toxic to our dogs. If you’re going to feed your dogs “people” food, shouldn’t you feed them something that’s actually good for them? A nutritious, balanced diet is essential to keeping your dog healthy. Learn what you should be feeding your dog for a healthy life:
FLAXSEEDS
These small seeds known for their alpha linolenic acid (ALA) content and benefits to coat, skin, bone and brain function- that pack a big nutritional punch. Grind fresh flaxseeds, which are nutty and crunchy; flaxseed oil is also available in most health food stores and contains a more concentrated amount of ALA. Add the ground seeds or a teaspoon of oil to your dog’s food and increase the nutrient density of any meal.
PEANUT BUTTER
Peanut butter is a good source of protein, but it also contains heart healthy fats, vitamin B, niacin, and vitamin E. Stuff peanut butter into a Kong to keep your dog busy for hours. Choose raw, unsalted peanut butter.
CHICKEN
Cooked chicken meat is a perfectly suitable snack or meal additive, but cooked bones should never be fed to dogs. On the other hand, both raw chicken and raw chicken bones are healthy for our dogs to eat. Cooked bones splinter and can be dangerous, while raw bones are soft and chewy.
RICE/PASTA
Your pet dog can have pasta once in a while, too. Just make sure it’s plain and cooked. Brown rice is a healthy whole grain your dog may gobble up. Mix some into her regular dog food to liven up her meal. Make human food a treat for your dog no more than 5% to 10% of her diet. The rest should be dog food, which supplies the nutrients she needs.
YOGHURT
Yogurt, which may improve gut function, contains a number of nutrients, including protein, calcium, phosphorus, Vitamin B12, potassium, zinc and iodine. Active cultures known as probiotics (necessary, friendly bacteria) help keep the bad bacteria away. Pro tip: A dollop of non-fat yogurt is a great way to disguise some yucky medicines.
PUMPKIN
Pumpkin is low in calories and high in soluble fibre! it helps maintain a healthy digestive tract. It is low in sodium and exceptionally high in carotenoids, potassium and vitamin C, and has some calcium and B vitamins. Canned organic pureed pumpkin can be found at food stores but be sure that it is pure and not a pie filling, so with no sugar or spices added.
CHIA SEEDS
Chia seeds have several of the same benefits as the more well-known “super seed” flax, but unlike flax seed, you don’t need to grind them to reap the health benefits. The nutritional benefits of chia include fibre, omega fatty acids, calcium, antioxidants and even protein. (Highly absorbent, they can help hydrate the body.) Chia seeds can be simply sprinkled on their meals.
CHEESE
If your dog is not lactose intolerant, cheese is an excellent treat choice. Cottage cheese is fed often by many dog owners because it’s high in protein, calcium and is bland and easy to digest.