Foods Suitable for People and Dogs

Dogs are part of our family and we share our lives with them ever more closely; which is why so many of us cannot resist giving them some of our food, even without knowing whether it might actually be bad for their health.

There are foods in our everyday diet, such as onion or chocolate, that are outright toxic to our dog, and some vegetables can be hard for them to digest; even so, there are also other foods that can be worked into a dog's diet without any trouble and can even bring benefits to their health.

Before giving our dog any food, we should find out which ones are safe and which could send them straight to the emergency vet. Below we present the TOP 10 human foods we can share with our dog in complete safety.

Carrots

Carrots are a healthy snack for our dog, being low in calories and high in fibre, which is good for their digestive health. What is more, they are a source of beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, which is good for eyesight.

Chewing carrots can also help keep their teeth clean, since mechanically it can scrape away the plaque that builds up on the surface of the dog's teeth.

Before giving our dog any raw fruit or vegetable, we should wash it properly to remove any trace of dirt or possible pathogens. If we notice our dog is not digesting raw carrots properly, we can boil them lightly before serving.

Boiled Eggs

Eggs are the best source of protein, since they contain the essential amino acids our dog needs. They are also a good source of calcium and biotin; this vitamin supports cell growth and the metabolism of fatty acids, helping to keep a dog's coat soft and glossy.

Eggs should be boiled and served whole (yolk and white). Fried eggs should not be given to a dog, since we would be adding fats that are not good for their health.

Although eggs are a wholesome food, they should not be eaten to excess and should only be given as a complement to the diet; they should not become our dog's staple food, however much they like them.

Plain Yoghurt

Dairy is generally one of dogs' favourite foods; we do have to pick the products we give them carefully, though, since a high lactose content can cause digestive problems.

Plain yoghurts are low in lactose, which makes them a suitable food for our dog. Even so, in dogs with sensitive digestion, lactose-free varieties are recommended. It is very important that we make sure the yoghurts we give them have no added sugars or sweeteners.

Plain yoghurts are a good source of calcium and contain live bacteria that promote our pet's gut health.

This dairy product is a perfect treat for dogs in any season, since in summer it can be served frozen as a kind of ice cream to cool them down.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a superfood, having a wide range of vitamins, minerals and fibre. It helps regulate digestion and adds bulk to the stools, which reduces episodes of diarrhoea in dogs.

Its calorie content is also low, which makes it an ideal option for overweight dogs. It has a tasty flavour they usually enjoy, so it is best cooked without any additions (no salt or oils).

Boiled Chicken

Chicken is a good source of lean protein, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids and several B group vitamins. It should be served boiled with no additions of any kind (no added salt) and it is essential to remove the bones, since they splinter very easily and can cause serious damage to the digestive tract and even choking. It should never be served raw, since there is a risk of contracting salmonella and other bacteria.

We can give our dog boiled chicken as a complement added to their usual food and, served alongside a carbohydrate source such as rice, it can even make a good temporary substitute for their usual food if we run out of dog food.

Broccoli

This is one of the most complete foods we can offer our dog, since it provides fibre, minerals and vitamin K, among other nutrients. It should be cooked without additions and is a good complement to add to the diet of overweight dogs, thanks to its filling effect and low calorie contribution.

Apple

Apples are a good source of fibre and also provide vitamins A and C. They can be given with the skin on, but it is essential to remove the core along with all the seeds (pips), since these can be harmful to their health.

If it is cut into large pieces the dog will chew them, which helps clean their teeth through the mechanical effect.

Salmon

Salmon is a food that is good for our dog's health thanks to its high omega-3 fatty acid content. This fatty acid has a natural anti-inflammatory effect and helps maintain healthy skin and a glossy coat.

Salmon is also a good source of protein with a low fat content, which makes it a suitable food for dogs on a diet. It is also a good protein substitute for dogs allergic to other meats, such as chicken.

It should be served fully cooked by boiling with no additions, and all the bones should be removed. Giving it more than twice a week is not recommended because of its possible heavy metal content.

Rice

Rice is one of the human foods that can be given to dogs daily. It is a good source of complex carbohydrates and, boiled, it is very digestible. Brown rice contains insoluble fibre, which is good for digestive health, and this makes it a highly recommended food in cases of diarrhoea or gastroenteritis. Rice is also a source of vitamins such as vitamin B3, which is essential in enzyme and hormone control.

Honey

The best honey to offer our dog is artisanal and organic, since it keeps almost all its properties intact and contains no added sugars, preservatives or artificial sweeteners.

Honey is a great source of energy thanks to the natural sugars it contains (100 grams of honey contains around 300 calories). It is also rich in minerals, vitamin C and some B group vitamins. This wealth of nutrients makes it good for health, as long as it is given in small amounts so as not to encourage obesity.

These are just some of the human foods we can give our dog without any trouble, but it is worth remembering that they should be given in small amounts and should not replace their usual diet — they are simply a complement. To begin with, it is recommended to try them in small amounts to gauge whether they agree with our dog.