Bella and Max aren’t just any dogs. They are your dogs, and they are part of the family. After all, they go to doggie day camp while you are at work, and their bedtime dictates the rest of the household’s bedtime, too.
Let’s face it: Bella and Max are basically your children. They get pup cups when you get your afternoon coffee, but can dogs eat human food? Of course, you “drop” them a morsel of this or that when you are cooking, and they always get their own popcorn bowls on Sunday night.
At Vitalize®, we also have our own version of Bella and Max—we have Nala, Piper, and Roxie. They made us dog moms before we became human moms, and we love to give them TLC. But we also want them to live long, healthy lives so our little humans can know the unconditional love a pet offers.
That’s why we decided to do some investigative reporting
Can Dogs Eat Human Food?
The simple answer is yes. The long answer is dogs cannot eat everything that humans eat. There are certain human foods that are perfectly fine for Nala, Piper, and Roxie to munch on. Those foods might even have great nutritional value for your canine companions.
However, there are some human foods that dogs shouldn’t eat. They either pose a choking hazard to your pups or are toxic and can lead to health problems or even death.
Let’s explore human foods that are actually healthy for your pup.
Healthy Human Foods for Your Dog
When we asked if dogs could eat human food, we were surprised to find out that many dogs actually like fruits and veggies. Our dogs prefer peanut butter and cottage cheese. However, can dogs eat carrots? Yes, they can.
We share 6 healthy people foods that you might want to share with your dog, in moderation, of course.
1. Cooked, Skinless, Boneless Meat
What dog doesn’t love a little extra protein? Cooked beef, turkey, and fish are excellent sources of added protein; however, it is best if it is unseasoned and skinless. Dogs should never have meat bones – particularly poultry bones – as they pose a choking hazard. Additionally, some bones can splinter in the dog’s throat or digestive tract.
2. Cooked, Unseasoned Eggs
The versatile egg also makes a good treat for your canine because you can prepare them in a variety of ways. Dogs love a good scrambled or hard-boiled egg, but please leave it unseasoned, as the salt can be hard on their stomachs.
3. Cooked Pumpkin
In the spirit of PSL season, we didn’t want Nala left out! Dogs can have cooked, chunked-up pumpkin. Pumpkin is a great source of fiber and riboflavin, which help with digestion and improve the appearance of your dog’s coat.
4. Cooked Green Beans
What pup won’t want to have green beans? Cooked green beans are a low-fat, low-cal snack. They are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and other nutrients that can help support your dog’s overall health.
5. Cooked Spinach
If it is good enough for Popeye, it’s good enough for Max! In fact, Spinach is loaded with nutrients, including fiber, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium. Cooked spinach is soft enough that it doesn’t require additional cutting up for your dogs prior to eating.
6. Apples & Bananas
A lot of dogs enjoy the crunch of an apple skin, so a sliced apple makes a great snack for a dog! Just remember to remove any choking hazards like the stem, core, and seeds. Apples and bananas are filled with nutrients, and so make great dog snacks. However, they are also filled with natural sugars, so they should be enjoyed in moderation.
Vitalize Completes Your Dog Nutrition
Although you can give your dog a human treat every once in a while, we hope that you regularly offer your dog nutrition that is balanced and complete. One way to offer a total nutritional package is by adding Vitalize to their diets. Vitalize is a line of supplements for horses, dogs and cats with proven solutions to keep your animal healthy and performing.
Vitalize is powered by two proprietary ingredients: AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a prebiotic research-proven to enhance digestibility, and MHB3®, a patented high molecular weight hyaluronic acid. With Amaferm improving digestibility, we know that your dog will be healthier, as 70% of the immune response is found in the digestive system. Further canine studies show that dogs that have been fed Amaferm experience fewer stillbirths, produce larger litters, and wean more puppies.
Here is a rundown of the products Vitalize offers for healthy digestive systems.
Vitalize® Dog
Vitalize Dog is a granular vitamin and mineral supplement for dogs designed to support breeding and performance. It contains AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a prebiotic research-proven to enhance digestibility, omegas for healthy skin and hair, and a high-quality blend of vitamins and minerals for daily support of any diet.
Vitalize® Alimend® K9
Vitalize Alimend K9 is a liquid product for dogs designed to support gastric health and GI tissue and which may relieve occasional gastric issues. In addition to Amaferm, it contains MHB3®, a patented high molecular weight hyaluronic acid that coats the stomach and supports GI tissue integrity. It also contains beta-glucans to support the gut and immune system.
Vitalize® Dog Gel
Vitalize Dog Gel is a prebiotic and nutrient-rich gel for dogs. It immediately supports the digestive and immune systems. It contains Amaferm and MOS to help normalize gut microflora and the immune system. The gel works fast to support appetite and hydration.
The Final Word
You’re human. It often feels like your doggie is too. It’s only natural to give them some human food once in a while. However, if you mistakenly give them something, and you are asking, “can dogs eat human food,” call your veterinarian. Immediately.
Always consult a veterinarian. Your animal doctor knows what’s best for your dog. Listen to him or her, and make sure to have your dog examined annually. That is the best way to build a veterinary-client relationship with your dog and the vet. That also helps with dog anxiety, and the dog won’t think going to the vet has to be just for troubleshooting or sickness.
Read and follow labels. We cannot emphasize this enough. Even on our Vitalize products, we put labels there for a reason, and if you don’t read them, your dog might not be getting the best nutrition possible, regardless of how good the nutrients are in the bag.
Monitor your dog’s health. Just because he or she licks the bowl clean every time, doesn’t necessarily mean that food is the best option. Does your dog have bright eyes, a shiny coat and seem happy and active? Those are good signs. If those change, take note and consult your veterinarian.
Get your Vitalize Today!
Can dogs eat human food? Well, often yes! Even better, they can eat Vitalize. And providing that kind of quality support might be the best “human” thing you could do for Max or Bella! Get your Vitalize today. We have made purchasing Vitalize as easy as possible.
You can visit your local dealer to purchase Vitalize products. Locate a dealer near you, today.
Perhaps you prefer the convenience of online shopping. You can shop online and have Vitalize delivered right to your front door.
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