We love our dogs. Our dogs love to share with us. Table scraps tend to be a food of choice for most dogs, but often are not healthy for them. Here are some food that won’t contribute to obesity or make your dog sick. Any addition to your dog’s typical diet should be no more than ΒΌ of its total intake of calories. You can give your dog’s nutrition some additions while enhancing variety, but not placing it at risk.
Salmon
This fish is well known for the Omega-3 fatty acids it contains and is commonly used as a supplement in humans to provide this. Salmon or salmon oil can both be used, so the fish itself or the capsule form can augment the diet. If you choose to use the fish, be sure it is cooked to protect your pet from the possibility of parasites that this fish can bring. The benefits include enhancing skin and coat, boosting the immune system, and even may reduce the effects of allergies!
Yogurt
The live bacteria in yogurt will give your dog beneficial probiotics, calcium and protein. Avoid artificial sweeteners and sugars, choose just a simple one with live bacteria. Fat free (without fat subsitutes) will be yummy for your overweight pooch. In the heat of the summer, your dog may appreciate frozen yogurt as much as his humans do!
Brewer’s yeast
Just think about it. Do you enjoy beer? Well, brewer’s yeast is what is left after the making of beer or other alcohol. Baking yeast, that you typically will have in your kitchen, is not the same thing and will not mix well with your dog, in fact, can make your dog ill. So, head to the health food store and be specific. The benefits are B vitamins β positive effects on skin, coat, metabolism of carbohydrates, and can even enhance your dog’s appetite. Most dogs will gobble up their food if you add a little in the food bowl at meal time.
Eggs
Cook the entire egg, and add some protein to your dog’s diet. Eggs come with a bonus of selenium, and riboflavin and are very easily digested. Be careful as raw egg whites can reduce your dog’s uptake of biotin. Some people find eggs are an effective training treat and bring them along!
Pumpkin
While pet foods lately have been focusing on increased digestibility which results in less poop pick up needed, this isn’t necessarily the best health benefit for your dog. Your pooch needs fiber. Pumpkin can provide fiber as well as beta carotene (Vitamin A), which will help keep the gut in good shape by keeping the intestinal tract moving along well.
Flax seeds
Flax seeds add more Omega-3 fatty acids, whether provided in oil form or ground. The seeds or ground flax seeds add fiber, but if you don’t want the fiber you can just give the oil. These can go bad rapidly so they need to be stored in the refrigerator and in a container that keeps out light. Some people prefer to keep seeds on hand and then grind it right before feeding for the highest element of freshness.
Oatmeal
As in humans, this is also a good resource for healthy fiber, especially for our senior citizen canines, who may struggle with irregularity. This provides a soluble fiber, and one that won’t be a problem for our wheat sensitive doggy friends. Cook just basic oatmeal for your pooch, to aid in preventing weight gain through excess sugars. If you add probiotics when you feed oatmeal the one will aid the uptake of the other.
Apples
First the warning, don’t let your dog eat the apple seeds as these contain cyanide and while one or two or so won’t harm your dog, this is a toxin that will build up in their system. Your dog will love the crunch of these, and you will love the Vitamin A, Vitamin C, fiber, and the phytonutrients (plant chemicals in apple skins). These phytonutrients are possibly a protection against cancer.
Green beans
Our chubbier canine friends would benefit from the addition of green beans will help them feel more satiated when they have their meals, which will aid in weight control. The benefits are also Manganese, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and fiber. Some dogs even prefer frozen green beans, particularly on hot days, providing a crunch as well as the coolness.
Sweet potatoes
These are easy to find in your grocery store and a simple treat. Dried slices make great chews for your dog while giving them Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Manganese, beta carotene and fiber. The newest trend in pet food stores are treats from sweet potatoes, but you don’t need to spend a great deal of cash to give your dog this health benefit!