Let’s face it: most people give their canine companions food from the table. Contrary to what you may have heard, feeding people foods to your four-legged friend isn’t always a bad thing, especially if you’re giving your pup healthy options. In fact, you may be surprised at what you can safely — and nutritiously — feed your pooch from the table. These are the best people foods for dogs.
Sweet potatoes
One of nature’s nearly perfect foods, sweet potatoes are so healthy they could be fed to your dog daily! That’s why they top the list of the best people foods for dogs. These tubers contain potent antioxidants to aid in healing, cancer prevention, and fighting the effects of aging. They also boast vitamins A, C and B; the minerals manganese, copper, and iron; and dietary fiber to help with loose stools.
You can feed your dog sweet potatoes whole after baking (the microwave works great and saves time!) or in the form of “wonder chips” (thinly sliced and baked in cooking oil). They’re cheaper and healthier than store-bought treats.
Fish
Oily fishes such as salmon, sardines, and anchovies are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids (DHA/EPA). Omega-3 fatty acids help prevent skin problems and allergies, treat arthritis and heart disease, and have been shown to improve both behavior and intelligence. These fish are tasty enough for the choosiest canine. You can add fish to your pet’s regular food in the form of freshly prepared, canned, or pouches. Dogs do exceptionally well on a diet consisting of fish proteins.
Carrots
One of the greatest treats for dogs also happens to be loaded with powerful phytonutrients. Packed with Vitamins A, K, and C, carrots pack a powerful antioxidant punch. Additionally, carrots help a dog’s vision, heart, and blood sugar levels. Try raw baby carrots or slice carrots and freeze them in ice cubes for an “ice surprise.” Cooked carrots can be added to your dog’s regular food or used as part of a healthy home-prepared meal.
Broccoli
Broccoli has been shown to have anti-cancer effects, aid in fighting infections, treat skin and heart problems, and help metabolize drugs and excrete toxins. This veg is so helpful every dog could eat it daily. Feed broccoli to your pup raw or cooked. A raw floret is a healthy treat that costs pennies yet provides incalculable benefits. Try combining steamed or cooked broccoli with other super foods and fish for a health infusion whenever a pet is feeling ill.
Kale
It’s hard to beat kale in terms of maximum nutrition for minimal calories. Kale is a proven cancer-risk cutter. It’s also an abundant source of fiber, calcium, as well as Vitamins A, E, and C. Finally, it helps prevent heart disease and contains numerous antioxidants. Most dogs enjoy kale thinly chopped and sautéed. Avoid serving to pets with certain types of bladder stones or kidney disease.
Beans
Black beans, soybeans, and garbanzo beans are all super foods for dogs. Beans help provide natural fibers that help regulate blood sugar levels, one of the leading causes of insulin-resistance and diabetes in dogs. In addition, these rich sources of proteins and minerals boost your pet’s immune system and help burn fat.
Quinoa
Once known as “the gold of the Incas,” this ancient grain is being rediscovered today due to its amazing healing properties. One of the few vegetable sources of complete proteins, quinoa is also associated with preventing heart disease and cancer. It’s also a potent antioxidant and may reduce the risk of diabetes. Quinoa is easy to prepare; simply boil for about 15 minutes. Combine it with fish or meat, plus two to three vegetables, for a quick and easy homemade meal.
Kelp
Most Americans don’t think of feeding their dog kelp, despite its use for hundreds of years in Asia. Kelp is truly a miracle plant because of its many therapeutic properties. It’s an essential ingredient in home-cooked diets because it contains minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, iodine, selenium, and iron. Kelp strengthens the immune system, reduces arthritis pain, controls appetite, aids in weight loss, and fights infections. Kelp (not California kelp) is often found in a powdered form that can be sprinkled over a dog’s normal food or added to a home-prepared meal.
