Dog Diets
Cats have relatively strict diets. As carnivores, they pretty much stick to meat. But dogs evolved and adapted to be much more versatile scavengers, and as a result, they can consume a much wider variety of foodstuffs. That said, some table scraps and snacks are healthier for your dog than others. If you've been wondering what human foods dogs can eat, we've got the info you want. You may be surprised to learn just how many of your meals you'll be able to share with man's best friend.
Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
Answer: Yes!
You already know that blueberries are good for us. They're one of those "superfoods" we're constantly told we should have more of in our diets. Whether you think they're a delicious treat you've been sprinkling on your cereal for years, or you think they're nasty but you force a few down each morning because they're so healthy, there's no denying blueberries do a body good. Unsurprisingly, they're also good for your dog. All the antioxidants, fiber and phytochemicals blueberries boast provide the same benefits for your dog's body that they give yours. Fresh blueberries are great, but frozen blueberries make for a crunchy treat dogs love. (Bunkblog)
Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?
Answer: Yes!
Berries. Is there anything they can't do? Along with blueberries, strawberries are a nutritional powerhouse for both you and your dog. Like their blue cousins, strawberries are full of antioxidants. They also boast high fiber and a lot of vitamin C. Here's a bonus: Strawberries even contain an enzyme that can help whiten your dog's teeth. Keep a bag of frozen strawberries in your freezer to make smoothies for yourself, and you'll also have a crunchy snack on hand for man's best friend. Just don't feed unlimited amounts, because even though the sugar in strawberries is natural sugar, too much can be bad news. (Sarah's Dogs)
Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
Answer: Yes!
Eggs are a healthy snack for dogs. They are excellent sources of protein, dollar for dollar one of the most cost-effective protein sources available. Add to that the vitamins and minerals they contain. There is some debate regarding whether or not they should be offered raw or cooked as a dog's snack. Some are concerned about salmonella, but salmonella is rarer in dogs than in humans. Plus, the shells are edible and nutritious for canines. But if you're nervous, cook 'em up. (Cesar's Way)
Can Dogs Eat Apples?
Answer: Yes!
An apple a day keeps the veterinarian away. The nutritional benefits that make apples a famously healthy snack for people carry over to canines. They're packed with fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C. And unlike strawberries and blueberries, you don't have to keep apples frozen for them to provide the pleasant crunch that dogs love. Don't just toss a whole apple to your dog, though. You don't want her eating the core, or more specifically, the seeds. A few probably won't hurt, but if you plan to give your dog apples on the reg, slice them up first and make sure your pal's snacks are seed-free. (Bunkblog)
Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?
Answer: Yes!
Many pet owners are concerned about the safety of feeding peanut butter to their dogs. The dogs seem to crave the stuff, but is it a safe snack? If your dog can't seem to keep her snout out of the Skippy, you may be relieved to know that it's safe, and even healthy, since peanut butter is a good source of vitamins, protein and healthy fats. A caveat: Choose a peanut butter that's all-natural. Preferably, you want the ingredients to list peanuts only. A lot of sugar, salt and preservatives don't make for a healthy choice.
Can Dogs Eat Spinach?
Answer: Yes!
Popeye never had a dog, but if he did, and had fed his own favorite snack to his canine friend, Pupeye (that's what we'd name him) would have been "strong to the finish," too. The leafy green vegetable is famous for its high iron content, but it doesn't skimp on fiber, calcium, potassium or vitamins either. Spinach also contains flavonoids and carotenoids that have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties to benefit your dog's health.
Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe?
Answer: Yes!
These delicious melons make a tasty and nutritious treat for dogs. They pack lots of vitamins C and B-6, plus fiber, folate, niacin and potassium. Here's what else cantaloupes have a lot of: beta-carotene, which may be good for your dog's vision. Studies have shown that beta-carotene can help prevent or reduce the growth of cataracts. Cantaloupe is also good for dogs because it is particularly non-allergenic, so most dogs can stomach it with no adverse allergic reactions. It also makes a fine fruit salad with all those strawberries, blueberries and apples.
Can Dogs Eat Beets?
Answer: Yes!
Beets are a nutritional warrior of the root-vegetable realm. They've really got it all: beta-carotene, fiber, iron, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, B and C, just to start. On top of their laundry list of vitamins and minerals, beets are also well-regarded as being of particular benefit for liver health and are frequently used for cleansing and detoxifying. If your dog has a liver ailment, beets could do him a world of good. Even if your dog is completely healthy, beets still make a tasty and healthy snack. (All Pet News)
Can Dogs Eat Bananas?
Answer: Yes!
Besides their uniquely smooth texture and sweet taste, bananas also boast loads of amino acids, electrolytes, minerals, vitamins B6 and C, potassium, fiber and manganese, i.e., a lot of nutritional bang for your buck. Because of their sugar content, bananas are often used as treats for working and athletic dogs. If your dog uses a lot of energy, whether he's your professional companion or just your sidekick on long hikes, bring a few bananas along to keep him going strong. (Modern Dog)
Can Dogs Eat Blackberries?
Answer: Yes!
Blackberries round out the holy trinity of healthy berries for your trusty mutt, along with strawberries and blueberries. Like those others, blackberries are loaded with antioxidants to fight free radicals in your dog, and also have plenty of fiber and vitamins, too. It is worth mentioning that not all berries are good for dogs. When making a doggy fruit salad, stay away from cherries, holly berries, juniper berries, baneberries, poke berries, and mistletoe berries. These contain pits and/or chemicals that can be health hazards for your dog. (Raising Healthy Dogs)
Can Dogs Eat Sunflower Seeds?
Answer: Yes! (As long as they're shelled)
Sunflower seeds have a variety of health benefits. They're anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and heart-healthy. Perhaps their biggest claim to fame, however, is that they're loaded with vitamin E. Vitamin E is a common ingredient in skincare products designed for humans, but it's also important for the health of your dog's skin, particularly to help remedy/prevent dryness. But if you're going to feed your dog sunflower seeds as a snack, Susan Lauten of Pet Nutrition Counseling recommends that you skip the salt. Take home an unsalted variety, and most importantly, make sure the seeds are shelled before you feed them to Fido. Sunflower seed shells can be hazardous for dogs. Needless to say, they can't chew up the shells and spit them out the way we can.
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
Answer: Yes!
Spring might have only just sprung, but that simply means that summer will be here before you know it. When you're chowing down on a refreshing slice of watermelon, don't be afraid to share a little bit with your dog, especially when the weather is hot. The high fluid content in watermelon can help ward off dehydration. It's also low in calories, and has plenty of vitamins A and C, plus potassium and magnesium. Just don't share any of the seeds or the rind. (Dog Channel)
