Dogs love getting people food from the dinner table. It can be difficult for humans, however, to know what’s healthy for their dog and what’s not.
There are some foods that are actually quite good for your dog. Here are just a few things you can sneak to your dog that will help keep them healthy.
1) Lean Protein
In the wild, dogs got much of their energy from killing other animals. Now that they’re domesticated, they generally don’t hunt like they once did. But they still need that meat to keep them healthy.
Lean proteins like chicken, turkey, and pork are great for your dog. Try to avoid fatty pieces of meat and ground meats, but cuts with the fat removed are good for them. Also, never give your dog chicken bones, because they can splinter in the dog’s stomach.
2) Salmon and Tuna
These fish are great for a dog’s coat. Since they are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, they are also quite nutritious for your dog.
You should look for wild-caught salmon instead of farmed salmon, because the former has fewer toxins. If you don’t normally eat fish but want to supplement your dog’s diet (and your own), you can buy cod liver oil and add it to your dog’s food.
3) Liver
Liver is one of the most nutrient-rich foods on the planet. Those nutrients can help your dog stay healthy and active.
This food is chock full of vitamins A, B, and K. You should, however, be careful how much you give them, because too much vitamin A can be harmful for your pet. It’s best to limit this to about a half ounce in smaller dogs and a full ounce in larger dogs. If you’re not sure, err on the side of less liver.
4) Parsley
Doggy breath can be cute, but when it becomes overpowering, it’s a problem. Fortunately, some parsley can clear up that bad breath right away.
Just add a little bit of parsley to your dog’s dinner to make his or her breath more tolerable. As an added bonus, it’s a good source of potassium and calcium.
5) Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a great source of fiber, which can help with your dog’s digestion. As a whole grain, it’s especially good for older dogs who may have issues with their stomachs.
Some dogs have trouble digesting wheat, which can be a problem because wheat is in many brands of dog food. If you are going to give your dog oatmeal, just make sure it cools before you serve it. Otherwise your dog could burn its mouth from eating it too quickly.
6) Carrots
It can be very difficult to keep your dog’s teeth healthy. Although there are treats that can clean a dog’s teeth, if your dog is on an all-natural diet those treats might not work for you.
Carrots can scrape the plaque and other gunk off your dog’s teeth, preventing a buildup that can require tooth extraction. Either baby carrots or regular carrots are fine; just pick the right one for your dog’s size.
