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7 human foods that are safe and nutritious for dogs

7 human foods that are safe and nutritious for dogs

There is perhaps a reason why your dog sneaks under your table even after being served premier dog food in a separate bowl. Your doggo craves human attention and companionship. The best way to strengthen your bond is to share your meal with your dog. But are human foods safe for them? We are here with a list of human foods you can feed your pet in moderation without worrying about the consequences.

Unsalted popcorn
Does your little pup feel left out as you gorge on popcorn while watching movies? The good news is you both can share plain, unsalted popcorn. It is not only safe for your pet but also healthy. Popcorn is a rich source of phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc, which can maintain overall health. However, ensure the popcorn you serve does not contain traces of salt, spices, or butter.

Bananas
Bananas are packed with potassium, vitamins, fiber, and biotin and are good energy sources for dogs. However, they have high sugar levels and should be served in moderation. A piece of peeled banana for breakfast or snack once or twice a week is acceptable. While the peel is not toxic, it can be hard to digest and must be kept aside.

Cashews
Cashews are generally considered safe for dogs when fed in limited quantities. They can replenish your pet with the required magnesium, protein, calcium, and antioxidants. You may feed up to five cashews at a time. But keep salted and flavored varieties out of reach as a dog’s digestive system cannot handle those.

Chicken
Chicken contains high levels of protein, selenium, and phosphorus and benefits your pup’s immune system. However, raw and deep-fried chicken can cause digestive issues. The best way to serve chicken is boiled with no salt, butter, or spices. As for quantity, feed no more than 1/3rd cup chicken for every 20 lbs. of your pet’s body weight.

Fish
Specific fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help with eye and brain development in puppies. The best varieties to consider are tuna, salmon, mackerel, mussels, and herring. But feed them cooked with no salt or seasonings. Most dogs love fish, so your pet might finish this favorite delicacy in no time.

Cucumbers
Cucumbers are rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins, magnesium, copper, and phosphorus. At the same time, they are low in fat and sodium. Cucumbers make perfect dog snacks and can be served in isolation or with diced carrots. But ensure to give them peeled, diced cucumbers to prevent choking.

Carrots
Carrots are packed with fiber and beta-carotene and are low in calories. You may serve your dogs and puppies peeled, diced carrots alongside diced cucumbers. However, limit their intake to just one carrot a day as they contain a lot of sugar.

Sharing your meals with your pet is a great way to give them the time and attention they fervently demand. The right blend of human and dog food can facilitate their overall health and well-being. Here are some premier dog food brands to consider investing in:

Royal Canin
Royal Canin has a range of dog foods classified by age—for puppies, adult dogs, and mature or elderly dogs—and breed. The treats are formulated after scientific consideration of a dog’s nutritional needs.

Hill’s
They provide essential nutrients your pet requires for energy. Chicken, brown rice, oats, potassium chloride, and essential vitamins are just some of the several ingredients incorporated.

Blue Buffalo
This pet food company employs a team of seasoned animal nutritionists and veterinarians who coordinate to produce the most nutritious foods for your furry friend.

Purina
Purina supplies quality dry and wet dog foods. A keen focus on sustainability and innovation and a sheer variety of tasty and nutritious foods make them immensely popular.

NUTRO™
In line with their FEED CLEAN™ Philosophy, NUTRO™ provides nutrient-rich dry and wet dog food in different flavors without harmful ingredients.

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7 human foods that dogs can safely enjoy

Dogs belong to the Canis lupus familiaris species, and their digestive systems differ from humans. Since they have different digestive systems, their nutritional needs vary too. Many dog food brands are available on the market with uniquely formulated treats that should be a part of your pet's daily food plan. However, once in a while, it is safe to offer them one of these seven human foods from your plate. Carrots Carrots have several health benefits for dogs. Chewing them helps maintain their dental health by removing plaque from the teeth. Carrots are also a good source of vitamin A, which is excellent for strengthening your puppy's immune system, skin, and coat. Further, they have potassium, fiber, and other essential nutrients. Apples Apples are a great source of vitamins A and C. They are also a healthy source of fiber, which can help regulate your pet's digestive system. However, you must keep your furry friend away from rotting apples, which can lead to food poisoning and, consequently, symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. White rice Giving your dog white rice is an excellent idea if they have an upset stomach. It is easy to digest and can help bind their stool. However, like in humans, rice can lead to a rise in blood sugar levels, so dogs with diabetes should be given this food in small amounts. Fish Fish like salmon, shrimp, and tuna are great protein sources for your puppy. Salmon and tuna, in particular, are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep their immune system, coat, and skin healthy. The vitamin B in shrimp helps maintain a dog's digestive system and improves blood circulation. While these fish are safe, remember to cook them properly before serving, as raw or uncooked fish may have harmful parasites. Chicken Plain boiled chicken is an excellent option for your puppy, especially during episodes of an upset stomach. Chicken is also one of the most common ingredients in dog food as it is rich in protein, which is essential for overall health. You can feed your dog cooked chicken as is or mix it with regular food. But do not feed raw chicken as it can carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella. Pork Cooked unseasoned pork is safe for pets in small amounts. Since pork has a high fat content, it can be challenging for some dogs to digest and cause inflammation and pancreatitis. So, it is best to offer them pork in limited quantities. Do not feed bacon or ham as their salt contents are high. Dairy products Dairy products like milk, cheese, and plain yogurt are safe if fed in small amounts. Too much dairy can lead to digestive problems, as dogs have low lactase levels, the digestive enzyme that breaks down the sugar lactose found in dairy products. Pets with lactose intolerance should avoid dairy products altogether. Signs of lactose intolerance include diarrhea or vomiting. Visit a vet if your pup shows these symptoms after enjoying any dairy product. While human foods can be fed occasionally, dogs must get their nutrition from quality dog foods. It is crucial to choose the correct option based on your pet's age, breed, and nutritional requirements. Blue Buffalo and Purina offer personalized food solutions with a collection of meat-rich, natural nutrition, limited-ingredient, and grain-free formulas. Hill's offers scientific and well-balanced recipes for dogs of all ages. NUTRO™ has various flavors, like chicken, lamb, fish, and duck, ensuring your dog enjoys every bite. Royal Canin is known for a great range of wet and dry foods for common breeds of puppies and adult dogs. They also have unique formulas for special needs like digestive support, urinary support, and oral hygiene.

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8 Nutritious Human Foods Safe for Pet Cats

Ensuring that a pet cat gets the best nutrition is imperative so that it can live a healthy lifestyle. And most people often resort to feeding their feline friend table scraps or home-cooked meals to save time putting together a pet-specific meal. However, feeding pets the wrong types of foods can lead to multiple health problems. Therefore, here are eight safe food items to consider adding to your pet's next meal. Salmon Fish like salmon are highly nutritious, not just for humans but also for pets. The seafood is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and proteins essential for your pet. Salmon also nourishes cats with necessary vitamins and minerals, including niacin, selenium, potassium, and vitamins B6 and B12. You can serve the fish as a tasty treat or mix it with other regular meals. However, ensure that the salmon is cooked and not served raw. You should also consider removing the tail, bones, and head of the fish as they might lead to choking hazards. Spinach Spinach is one of the healthiest food sources for pets, including cats. The leafy green is abundant in essential vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C, and K. The food also contains other minerals like iron and calcium that are equally important to improve their health. Add the food to their regular meals or serve it as a treat. However, if your cat has had calcium oxalate bladder stones, you must avoid feeding them spinach. Eggs Most of us love eating a couple of eggs prepared in a different style for breakfast each day. Luckily, this food option is also suitable for your pet cat. Eggs are full of healthy proteins and B vitamins that are vital for pet nourishment. Before serving the food to your feline pal, ensure the eggs are cooked and not served raw. The latter may carry food-borne illnesses that can affect your pet's health. Chicken Chicken also gets the green light as it is a food safe for cats. The meat source is rich in proteins essential to help the body maintain a strong heart, improve vision, and promote a healthy reproductive system. Remember to cook the chicken thoroughly before serving it to your pet cat. Furthermore, removing the meat's skin may also help reduce the harmful fat exposure in their digestive system. Bananas Getting cats to eat fruits might be tedious since they are obligate carnivores. However, turning these foods into interesting treats may help your cat munch on bananas immediately. Slice it up into tiny pieces, freeze it, and serve a few to your cat occasionally. Excessive amounts of the nutrients present in the fruit may have adverse effects on your pet's health. But rest assured, feeding them banana treats will ensure their system is nourished with potassium and soluble fibers. Oatmeal Adding oatmeal to your pet's meal plan can improve their energy and vitamin B intake. The food is a common ingredient added to several cat food products. And if you want the obligate carnivore to take a liking to oatmeal, you must introduce tiny amounts in their daily meals. Eventually, you can increase the amount and see whether they are interested in the food. Watermelon Fruits like watermelon are nutrient-dense options for human consumption and for cats. The food has healthy amounts of vitamins A, B1, B5, and C that promote better health. Your pet cat will receive other watermelon nutrients, including magnesium and potassium. You can make eating watermelon fun by slicing and freezing it before laying it out as a treat for your feline friend to munch. But ensure you remove the seeds, as consuming them may lead to choking. Strawberries Strawberries are as healthy as they are delicious. Feeding the berry to your pet can enrich them with healthy fibers, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Other berries like blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and cranberries are also healthy for cats. Remember to cut these into bite-sized pieces before serving them to your pet. Moreover, serve the pieces after they are frozen to make them more delicious. Packaged cat food options You may not always have the time to cook a full-blown healthy meal for your pet. Here's where buying wet packaged food for your cat can prove handy. There are several options available in the market when you go looking. But if you're confused about which brand to purchase from, here are the most popular options today. Tiny Tiger Pate Beef This beef-based product from Tiny Tiger is a suitable wet food option for pets. The recipe includes high-quality animal protein to nourish your cat with essential amino acids to maintain lean and active muscles. A 3-oz can, a case of 24 of the Tiny Tiger Pate Beef Recipe grain, is available on Chewy's website for about $19. Wellness Complete Health Turkey & Salmon You can buy a 12 case of 12.5-oz cans of Complete Health Turkey, and the Salmon formula from Wellness is available on Chew's website for about $55. The product is a 100% grain-free recipe for adult cats. It is also made with antioxidant-rich cranberries, vitamins, omega fatty acids, and balanced minerals to support your pet's health. Purina Cat Chow Naturals Original Dry Cat Food This is one of your pet cat's best dry cat food options. The formula includes ingredients like real chicken, salmon, and whole grains, delivering 25 essential vitamins and minerals to support a cat's overall health. You can purchase an 18-lb bag for about $24. ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Cat Food A 12-lb bag of this delicious dry cat food for cats is available for about $70 on Petco's website. The formula includes key ingredients like chicken, turkey, and wild-caught fish that support healthy digestion, skin, and coat health and benefit your pet's overall heart health.

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