Dogs love joining their owners in whatever they do. This includes eating as well. It’s not uncommon for dogs to look up to their human parents while they eat, expecting them to share their food and for owners to fulfil their wishes by giving them some table scraps. But did you ever think this habit of yours could potentially harm your furry pal?

Dogs cannot eat all human foods. Therefore, it’s important for owners to know what foods they can and cannot share with their four-legged friends. We’re here to help you with just that.

The Best Healthy Human Treats for Dogs

Here are some of the human foods that make great treats for dogs. They are not just safe but also healthy for your furry pet.

• Pumpkin – Whether or not you like the taste of pumpkin, most dogs do. It also helps regulate their digestive system and can even fix mild diarhea.
• Carrots – These low-calorie snacks are a good source of vitamin A and beta-carotene. They are good for your pup’s skin, coat, immune system, and dental health. Don’t give your dog too many carrots, though, as they may cause gas.
• Apples – Packed with vitamins, apples are just as good for your pet’s health as they are for you. As a good source of fibre, apples help regulate your pup’s digestion, too. Just make sure not to let your pup eat its cores and seeds.
• Cooked Salmon – It not just tastes great to them but is also good for their skin, coat, and immune system.
• Sardines – Great source of protein, vitamins, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Dogs seem to love their taste, too.
• White Rice – These can help fix an upset stomach but should only be given in small quantities to dogs with diabetes as they cause spikes in blood sugar levels.

Dairy products should only be given to dogs in limited quantities. Too much of them can cause digestive issues as dogs’ bodies produce only a small amount of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose.

Human Foods That Should Not Be Given to Dogs

Now that we know what human foods are good for dogs, it’s only wise to take a quick look at foods that should never be given to dogs as they are bad for their health. Some can even be toxic.

The worst human foods for dogs include:

• Onions
• Garlic
• Grapes
• Peaches
• Plums
• Raw Eggs
• Raisins
• Almonds
• Macadamia Nuts
• Chocolate
• Caffeinated Beverages
• Too much salt and sugar
• Citrus Fruits (in high amounts)
• Xylitol containing foods, such as candies and some diet foods and baked goods.

The Final Word

Sharing food with your pooch may be your way of expressing love for them. But it can backfire if you aren’t careful of what you’re giving to your pup. Therefore, dog parents must familiarize themselves with how different foods impact dogs’ health and choose treats accordingly. If your dog has health issues, it’s best to talk to your vet about what foods you can and cannot share with your four-legged friend.