Standard disclaimer: this is a list of foods usually reserved for humans that have been found to have little to no negative effects on dogs’ delicate digestive systems. It’s best, always, to feed your dog according to dietary guidelines set by your veterinarian. With any human food provided to dogs, give just a little at a time, and check for any reaction. If you notice listlessness, a lack of appetite, or vomiting after giving your pet something that it doesn’t normally eat, don’t give any more, and contact an emergency veterinary service. If you want to let your furry friend in on some human fun, there are some safer ways of doing so:
Peanut Butter
A tried and true snack or treat. It’s common sense among most dogs owners and dog lovers that dogs love peanut butter. Just a little taste of it makes their day. There doesn’t seem to be a limit on how much peanut butter can hurt a dog, but as always, give a little at a time, and watch for symptoms. There is a variety of fun recipes for peanut butter-based dog treats out there, and a simple Google search will show several that you can make right now!
Avocado
A relative newcomer to the world of dog food, avocado rarely causes negative side effects in dogs. The high fatty content of this fruit, though, is a good reason to be careful with how much you give your dog: even humans can have a difficult time digesting it. Part of what makes avocado so healthy, though, is the oil that exists in the fruit. It can help give your dog a nice, shiny coat.
Egg
Some are surprised by this, but eggs can be given to dogs, and are safe for them to eat. Make sure, though, that you only give eggs to your dog after you’ve thoroughly cooked them. Bacteria that exist in the yolk and on the shell can make your four-legged friend very, very sick. If you do cook up some eggs for your dog, though, you’re providing a nutritional powerhouse of good cholesterol, vitamins, minerals, and protein.
Sweet Potato
Not just a trendy superfood, sweet potatoes are a vegetable loved the world over. You don’t want to give your dog a slice of sweet potato pie, though - their little stomachs will have a difficult time with all of that sugar. Instead, bake the sweet potato, or buy canned sweet potatoes. If you bake them, let them cool before cutting them into small pieces for your dog. If they’re canned, make sure to drain them. Carefully rinse them if they were canned in syrup.
Brown Rice
Another food loved the world over is rice. White rice, for the most part, is okay for dogs, but brown rice, just like for people, is a much better and healthier option. Loaded with fiber and protein, this little grain is a great dinner treat for your dog. I actually used to have a brown rice-sweet potato-chicken concoction that I would feed my dog, and he absolutely loved it.
Fish Filet
While it should be understood that any meat is generally fine for dogs, fish is particularly good. Not only will you have the benefit of plenty of protein, just as you do in any other meat, but you are also giving your dog fish oil. The Omega vitamins in fish oil are very good for dogs’ skin, fur, and vision. While it can’t treat or cure any ailment, fish oils are a great addition to your dog’s overall health. Fish oil is also a good addition for joint and brain support in dogs, and in people.
Boiled Beef Balls
Surprised that this isn’t a burger? The grease that cooks off of ground beef is actually unhealthy for dogs. If you want a quick treat for your dog, a couple of balls of ground beef, boiled to doneness is a great surprise for them. With plenty of protein and B-vitamins, beef balls are a great way to include your dog at the next family barbeque without making them sick.