Good for us and good for them

We all know the look your dog gives you when you are trying to enjoy a snack. Most dog owners find it difficult to resist those sad eyes, but if you are going to give him a treat, we recommend you give him something both safe and healthy for him. We have prepared for you a list of 10 dishes for people that you can safely give your dog.

Baby carrots are low in calories and are a great source of fibre and beta carotene/vitamin A. Feeding your dog baby carrots is also a good way to keep his teeth clean and gums healthy while satisfying his need to chew. There is a chance that, by eating baby carrots, rich in beta carotene, your dog’s poo might turn slightly orange, so don’t panic of this happens. Always keep in mind that not all the dishes that we eat are good for your dog’s health. We also have a list of edibles that are good for people but can be harmful for dogs.

Pumpkin is a good source of fibre and beta carotene (a source of vitamin A). This fruit keeps the GI tract moving and also helps with digestive issues. Besides the obvious digestive benefits there are also other advantages of feeding pumpkin to your dog. Pumpkin seeds are high in essential fatty acids and antioxidants (good for overall healthy skin and fur) and the oils in pumpkin pulp and seeds are believed to support urinary health. Feeding pumpkin to your dog is also considered a good way to prevent pet obesity. Reducing a portion of their food and replacing it with the same portion of canned pumpkin will reduce the chance unwanted weight gain and your dog will probably like the additional flavor.

Cooked chicken: tasty and high in protein, this treat can be mixed with its regular food or can make a great meal replacement. Chicken soup is also something you can give your dog and that your dog would enjoy eating. It has good nutritional values and it is recommended for all ages: puppies, adults and even senior dogs. Another way to give chicken meat to your dog is either to buy special treats made from dehydrated meat or dehydrate the meat yourself. Dehydrating the meat kills bacteria and also gives a boost in flavour making it perfect for training sessions.

Eggs are a great source of protein but make sure that they are cooked otherwise they can cause biotin deficiency. Eggs are a complete food source, being one of the most complete sources of amino acids and also containing Vitamin A, Riboflavin, Vitamin B12, Iron, Selenium and Fatty acids. The shells are also a good nutritional source: they are perfect for dogs that cannot eat bones. Simply cleaning, drying and then grinding the shells gives a nutritious powder that you can sprinkle on your dog’s food as an extra Calcium source.

Yogurt is a good source of calcium and protein, and it contains bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus which are the natural inhabitants of the digestive tract. Avoid yogurt that contains sugar or artificial sweeteners. Yogurt, when given responsibly, preferably after consulting a vet, can have many benefits for your dog, such as:

• reduces cholesterol levels
• reduces incidence of yeast infection
• enhances the immune system
• balances the digestive micro flora

Apple slices are great source of fibber, vitamin A and C but make sure first that you take out the core and seeds. Apples are also good for cleaning the dog’s teeth and giving him a more pleasant breath. When giving your dog dehydrated apple bits, keep in mind that they don’t contain water, so you can cause some digestive trouble if you give him too much. Small amount of dehydrated apples are a great source of nutrients. It seems that the expression an apple a day keeps the doctor away works for dogs too.

Rice is a very good dish that you can give your buddy, because it is easily digestible and represents a good source of energy. It is also a great choice if your dog has an upset tummy or it can be a great alternative for dogs that are allergic to wheat. Another advantage of rice is that it is very easy to prepare and can be combined with the other dishes above to create a highly nutritious meal. After boiling the rice until the grain is soft and swollen, drain and rinse it under cold water. After doing so the rice can be mixed with the chicken or ages or even apple to create a healthy dish that your dog will find delicious.

Salmon is a good source of omega 3 fatty acids, which helps the immune system and also gives your dog a shiny, healthy coat. There are many ways to feed salmon to your dog: you can simply cook it, you can give it some fish skins than he will surely enjoy or you can buy salmon oil from a veterinarian pharmacy and add it to his food bowl.

Peanut butter is one of the most beloved treats for many dogs; it contains heart healthy fats, vitamin B, vitamin E and niacin. It is also a great protein source. Make sure to give him raw, unsalted peanut butter.

Green beans are low in calories and can help your dog maintain a healthy weight. They are a great source of fibre, vitamin K, vitamin C and manganese. Green beans make great treats and can be successfully used in training sessions, being filling and non-fattening. Many dogs enjoy.