You finally sit down to eat dinner after a long day of work, but before you can even take a bite, you notice Fido staring at you with those big puppy eyes, begging you to share just a little bite. We’ve all been there. And while you should never encourage your dog to beg, there are plenty of foods that you can share with your pup on those days where they’re just too cute to resist.
The digestive system of a dog works differently than that of a human, meaning we can’t always share foods, however there are many foods that dogs and humans can both eat safely. Today I’m telling you 12 foods that you can safely share with your pooch.
1. Carrots
Carrots are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They’re also very low in calories which makes them a great treat for your pup. Carrots can be fed to your dog either raw or cooked.
2. Eggs
Eggs are chocked full of protein and contain many vitamins and minerals that are good for your dog. While dogs typically have no issue consuming raw eggs, it’s always safer to cook it before giving it to them.
3. Blueberries
Blueberries are a safe and healthy treat for your dog. Blueberries provide disease-fighting antioxidants while also containing vitamins, minerals and fiber. Because they’re small in size and low in calories, blueberries make a good snack for your pup.
4. Pineapple
Pineapple can be a good treat for your pup. Like blueberries, pineapple contains many vitamins and minerals that are healthy for your dog. Too much pineapple may result in nausea and diarrhea so it is best to feed it in small amounts.
5. Watermelon
Without the rind or seeds, watermelon is a very healthy snack for your dog. The fruit contains vitamins A and C, both of which are an important part of a dogs diet. Watermelon is also low in calories, making it a good option for when you want to give your pooch a special treat.
6. Oatmeal
Plain oatmeal is a safe food to share with your furry friend. Oatmeal contains fiber as well as vitamins and minerals that are good for your dog. Just make sure you aren’t feeding your dog flavored oatmeals, as those could contain ingredients that aren’t healthy for them.n
7. Broccoli
Both cooked and raw broccoli are okay for your dog to eat. Being that it is low in calories and packed with nutrients, broccoli is a very healthy treat for dogs. Like most foods, you’ll want to make sure you’re feeding broccoli in moderation as to not upset your pups stomach.
8. Chicken
Cooked chicken is perfectly safe to feed to your dog. It is full of protein, making it a good addition to your pups diet. When feeding chicken, stay clear of giving your pup bones as they could splinter and cause choking or problems in the digestive tract. You should also be weary of any seasonings on the chicken. Plain, unseasoned, chicken is best for your pup.
9. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are safe for dogs as they are easy to digest. Being rich in vitamin A makes them a healthy treat for your pup. Sweet potatoes can even be included in your dogs daily meals. Many store bought dog foods contain sweet potatoes as one of the main ingredients.
10. Ice Cream
Some dogs can safely eat ice cream in small quantities. Plain, vanilla ice cream is fine for dogs to have as an occasional treat, as long as they are lactose tolerant. Many dogs are lactose intolerant, meaning that giving them dairy will cause an upset stomach and likely diarrhea. If your dog can handle the lactose, ice cream is fine to give as a very rare treat. Watch out for xylitol, a sugar substitute that is very toxic to dogs. Always check the ingredients on any food before sharing it with your pup.
11. Rice
Rice is a good food to share with your pup. Plain, white rice can help your dog if they are experiencing loose stool. Rice mixed with some plain chicken or turkey is good to soothe an upset stomach.
12. Shrimp
Plain, cooked shrimp is safe to feed to your dog. Shrimp contains protein and many nutrients that your dog will need in their diet. Avoid feeding raw shrimp, as they contain harmful bacteria that could make your dog sick.