Paws-itive Pooch Facts
Healthy Foods Dogs Can Eat Plus The Benefits (Some Ingredients that I Use):
Peanut Butter - is one of the best treats to give to dogs because it lasts them so long. Plus, it's packed full of protein, healthy fats, niacin (vitamin B3), vitamin B and vitamin E. Make sure the peanut butter DOES NOT contain sugar substitutes like Xylitol, which can be deadly for dogs.
Chicken - Chicken can be fed to dogs a variety of ways. Cooked, boneless, skinless chicken meat without any spices or marinades is a perfectly suitable snack or meal additive, but cooked bones should never be fed to dogs. On the other hand, both high-quality 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.
Cheese - (Note: some dogs are lactose intolerant, and any dairy products should be given in small amounts.) 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.
Carrots - Carrots are high in fiber and Vitamin A while being low in calories, so they make a great snack for your pooch. Chewing raw carrots is also beneficial for your dog’s teeth. If you’ve got an overweight dog, carrots are a great choice for treats because of their low calorie content.
Yogurt - Yogurt is full of protein, calcium and digestive cultures and is an excellent way to improve your pup’s digestive health. Make sure the yogurt you choose includes live active cultures and is non-fat with no sweetener or flavor.
Pumpkin - Dogs can eat this fall favorite too. Canned pumpkin or fresh, cooked pumpkin with no added sugars and spices is a great choice for dogs with a sensitive stomach. It’s also an excellent source of Vitamin A and fiber. If you go with canned, be sure to choose plain pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
Eggs - Treat your dog to a favorite human food breakfast: eggs. Fresh eggs can be fed raw or cooked and both have great health benefits. Raw eggs can also be fed with the shell viving the full amount of biotin, protein, riboflavin and selenium. Cooked eggs should be prepared plain with no salt, pepper or any other seasoning.
Green Beans - Green beans are highly recommended by vets for owners looking to help their dogs lose weight. They are high in fiber but low in calories, making them a healthy treat alternative that’s filling but won’t add any weight.
Salmon - Salmon is very high in healthy omega-3 fatty acids and is typically the fish used to make fish oils for our pets Whether you want to give your pooch unseasoned cooked salmon or salmon oil capsules, you’ll be providing healthy vitamins for them. Do not give your dog uncooked salmon for any reason.
Sweet Potatoes - Sweet potatoes work similarly to pumpkin as they are high in Vitamin A, fiber and other nutrients. They are easily digestible when steamed or baked and served unseasoned.
Apples - Sliced apples are a healthy and tasty treat for dogs that are full of phytonutrients (natural chemicals produced by plants), Vitamin A and Vitamin C. They can be given with the skin on, but avoid feeding the seeds as they naturally contain traces of cyanide.
Oatmeal - Oatmeal is found in many dog foods and for those not sensitive to grains, it can be a healthy additive to your dog’s meal. Not only is it packed with vitamins and minerals, but it’s also an excellent source of dietary fiber for humans and non-humans alike.
Flax seed - (ground or oil) is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential fatty acids that are good for skin and coat. Whole flax seeds are best if ground right before feeding as this type of fat can go rancid quickly. Flax seed can also be added to your dog’s diet as a source of fibre. Flax oil is a more concentrated form of omega-3 fatty acid without the fibre. Make sure to store the oil or seeds in the fridge in an airtight dark container.
Brewers’s Yeast - Brewer’s yeast is the yeast that’s left over from making alcohol. Dogs seem to really enjoy the tangy taste of brewer’s yeast. It’s full of B vitamins which are good for skin, coat and carbohydrate metabolism. Make sure you're using brewer’s yeast (available at health food stores), not baking yeast which will make your dog sick. Brewer’s yeast can spice up your dog’s appetite. Just sprinkle a little on the food of a picky eater and watch her dive into her food.
Parsley has long been thought to improve doggie breath, so next time you are baking treats for your dog, try adding a few tablespoons of parsley for added flavor and color. Parsley can also be a good source of calcium, potassium and beta-carotene.
Peas can be added right to your dog’s food, frozen or thawed. Peas are a good source of Vitamin B, Thiamin, phosphorus and potassium.