If there's one thing you know as a dog parent, it's that your pup loves 'hooman' food... but does your 'hooman' food love Fido back?
Many dog parents are curious if their dog can handle a diet beyond store-bought dog food. But, which ones are safe for your canine companion?
Don't worry. We're here to help!
We're going to review twelve common foods that you might be considering feeding to your furry fave to let you know which ones to try and which ones to avoid. Just one quick reminder!
Wait! Don't Forget Your Vet!
Before you decide to make changes or additions to Fido's diet, we strongly encourage you to consult a veterinarian beforehand.
Your dog's age, breed, size, health history, allergies, and nutritional needs are all factors that your vet may consider to ensure that Fido's new diet will be a beneficial one. After all, some human foods might be safe, but they might not be the best option for your pet's unique needs. So, it's always better to double-check!
Also, your vet may also suggest not going overboard with these additions and could suggest avoiding raw food to ensure more efficient digestion – which will come in handy if the food you’re cooking just so happens to land on the floor. ;)
With that out of the way, let's get started with the twelve foods your pup can try as part of their balanced diet!
Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?
The first big YES goes to broccoli!
Broccoli might not be a kid’s favorite food per se, but your dog might bark to differ – especially since broccoli provides calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, and fiber.
As we mentioned earlier, just be sure to cook the broccoli for better digestion. And to avoid a choking hazard for smaller dogs, we also suggest breaking the broccoli up into smaller pieces and to check if the stems are too hard to chew.
Can Dogs Eat Celery?
Celery is not only the perfect wingman for chicken wings, but it’s also a nice addition to your pup’s balanced diet!
The Vitamin A, C, K, and fiber that celery provides makes it a great option to try for your canine companion.
Can Dogs Eat Corn?
We’re sure you know that the cob part is a no-no, but we’re happy to give you a ‘yes’ for corn itself!
With fiber, folate, thiamin, phosphorus, vitamin C, and magnesium, corn is packed with the good stuff that your pup will love!
Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?
Mushrooms are more than just a good topping for salads and pizza. They’re also a hearty and healthy option for dogs!
Thanks to having Fido-approved B-vitamins (1, 2, and 5 to be specific), mushrooms are a great addition to your pet’s menu... as long as they enjoy the texture.
Can Dogs Eat Peanuts?
Peanuts! Get your peanuts!
Provided you’re extra careful with making sure your pup doesn’t choke on them, peanuts get the green light.
With magnesium, B6, and iron, your doggy might just go nuts over how good peanuts are for their Zesty life!
Can Dogs Eat Potatoes?
Potatoes are a go... but here’s a quick ‘did you know!’
Did you know that dogs actually don’t require starch or carbohydrates? As for why, it’s because they make glucose in the liver as long as there is sufficient protein.
However, female dogs in gestation and lactation may require diet fed carbohydrates due to an increased need. If carbohydrates are fed, it’s important to feed it cooked rather than raw due to digestibility differences.
Can Dogs Eat Cherries?
If your dog wants to try one and barks “pretty please with a cherry on top,” you’ll be happy to know that cherries are another ‘yes’ for Fido!
Cherries contain vitamins A, C, and K, which makes them more than just a tasty new treat. But, be sure to avoid cherries with pits, as they might be a choking hazard.
Can Dogs Eat Asparagus?
If you’re willing to spare some asparagus to your furry friend, your dog might just love it!
Aside from just enjoying chomping away at these stemmy vegetables, Fido will also receive folate and vitamin K in each bite.
Can Dogs Eat Lettuce?
Is your pup in the mood for a little bite of lettuce? Well, good news! Dogs and lettuce get along fine... just hold the salad dressing. ;)
Lettuce can sometimes be hit and miss with pets’ preferences, but its source of Vitamin A makes it a-ok to give to your dog!
Can Dogs Eat Bacon?
Ahh... bacon. Sweet, sweet, glorious bacon.
We’re not sure if dogs or humans love bacon the most, but you’ll be glad to know that bacon is safe to give to your pup.
However, keep in mind that bacon should only be given in small amounts due to its fatty and greasy nature. If given too much, Fido’s tummy might feel yucky and may have to vomit.
Can Dogs Eat Cranberries?
While we can’t exactly promise you that your dog will make the happiest face when trying something slightly tart like cranberries, but they are still good to give to your canine companion!
Much like cranberry supplements for dogs, cranberries are known to have antioxidants that keep dogs’ tails wagging, so give ‘em a try!
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?
Pumpkins are good for more than just Halloween décor!
Adding pumpkin to your dog’s diet will provide them with vitamins A, B1, B6, and C, along with fiber for good measure!
Just be sure to avoid pumpkin seeds, since Fido could choke or have trouble digesting them.
So... What CAN’T My Dog Eat?
Now that we got all the good news out of the way, there are several foods that dogs definitely have to avoid. We’re talking chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, and more!
For a handy guide to what should come off Fido’s menu, check out this post from the ASPCA for more help!
We hope this was a helpful overview of common human foods that you might be considering feeding your dog.
As we said earlier, be sure to consult your veterinarian to make sure these foods are Fido-friendly enough for your dog's specific needs. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to share them below or contact us at (800) 738-0661 or bark@zestypaws.com. Have a Zesty day!
