10 Safe "People" Foods for Your Dog

If you’re going to feed your dogs “people” food, shouldn’t you feed them something that’s actually good for them? Here are some healthy, easily obtainable options straight from market shelves that can be added to spice up your pup’s regular fare. There are, of course, a few cautions to keep in mind. First, none of these items by themselves constitutes a “complete and balanced” meal, and if your dog has health or weight issues, check with your vet before introducing them. Next, considering that many dogs are willing to eat almost anything they find, they can be surprisingly fussy about new things in their food bowls; start with a small portion to see if it’s a go… or no. And finally, always introduce new foods gradually. Look for 10 more “easy pieces” in the next issue.

1. Banana
High in potassium (great for muscle and blood vessel function as well as for regulating the acidity of body fluids), fiber (a handy home remedy for the occasional bout of doggy diarrhea or constipation) and magnesium (important for energy transport and protein building in the body). Bananas have lots of pyridoxine (Vitamin B6), which helps metabolize proteins and regulates blood cell function so the blood can bring more oxygen to the brain and muscle. They also contain Vitamin C, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage and helps build cartilage. Pup Prep: Mash a banana and mix it in with your dog’s food. Be forewarned that the compounds in bananas that make them smell banana-y are offensive to some canines.

2. Rutabaga
A sorely ignored veggie, similar to a turnip. Rutabagas are very good boiled and mashed. They’re available year-round in most grocery stores and keep well. Their high levels of Vitamin C, potassium and carotenoids (precursors to Vitamin A) aid eye health and maintenance of DNA activation in cells. They are also important in immune system function and have a number of lesser-known phytochemicals, which are shown to reduce the risk of several chronic diseases associated with aging. Pup Prep: Peel, boil and mash the rutabaga, then add a little bit of safflower or olive oil; these oils are not harmful to dogs, who need fats and handle them far better than do humans.

3. Sweet Potato
Loaded with nutrients, such as the carotenoids and Vitamin C, in addition to some lesser known antioxidants and phytochemicals. They are high in pyridoxine, potassium, fiber and magnesium. They also are good sources of copper, iron and manganese–all essential minerals that perform myriad functions in cells, from transporting oxygen to assisting in the assembly of proteins. Pup Prep: As with rutabaga, boil, mash and add a bit of good oil.

4. Flaxseeds
Small seeds–known for their alpha linolenic acid (ALA) content and benefits to coat, skin, bone and brain function–that pack a big nutritional punch. These seeds are also high in fiber and lignans (a fiber type), which may be beneficial for insulin action. They are a great source of manganese, pyridoxine, magnesium, phosphorus and copper. They also contain the B vitamin folate, which is important for cell regulation. Pup Prep: Grind fresh flaxseeds, which are nutty and crunchy; flaxseed oil is also available in most health food stores and contains a more concentrated amount of ALA. Add the ground seeds or a teaspoon of oil to your dog’s food and increase the nutrient density of any meal. (Note: Store in refrigerator to maintain freshness.)

5. Yogurt
Active cultures known as probiotics (necessary, friendly bacteria) help keep the bad bacteria away. Yogurt, which may improve gut function, contains a number of nutrients, including protein, calcium, phosphorus, Vitamin B12, potassium, zinc and iodine. It is also a fair source of other B vitamins such as riboflavin and pantothenic acid (required for enzyme action and energy production, as well as other cellular functions). Pup Prep: A dollop of non-fat yogurt is a great way to disguise some yucky medicines.

1 of 2

Read more: Dogs, Pets, natural pet remedies, pet food, pet health

By Roschelle Heuberger, PhD, The Bark

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Kara C.

4:05AM PDT on Apr 2, 2012

Tuna in springwater as a special after water torture (Jessie HATES baths) or after the vet. Also whenever I make roast veggies I do a few extra peices of pumpkin, but always taste the skin off Jessie has choked on it.

send a green star

Jennifer S.

10:49AM PDT on Mar 12, 2012

I don’t really give my dogs any people food, even if it’s listed in the ingredients in the natural dog food we buy. Dog foods (at least the good brands) are formulated with specific amounts of healthy ingredients inside and that’s all a dog really needs. We get a good grain-free chicken/turkey meal/duck dog food called Alpha with garbanzo beans, peas, cranberries, blueberries, kelp, etc. I’m probably feeding my dogs better quality food than I feed myself!

Joe R.

2:24PM PST on Feb 14, 2012

Thanks for the list.

Ellie D.

7:03PM PST on Dec 1, 2011

thanks

Kelly G.

1:41AM PDT on Aug 13, 2011

corn isn't easily digestible and is not recommended...also grapes, raisins, dark chocolate, onions, nutmeg, these things can cause kidney failure especially in a smaller animal. Strawberries, sliced raw yams, carrots, spinach, blueberries, apples, bananas, beets (not pickled) all great! dogs don't easily tolerate spicy food and should never be allowed to eat table scrapes that are spicy or left over fat from meat....they are prone to the same kinds of weight gain and heart disease as humans.

1:33AM PDT on Aug 13, 2011

Another note....most vets will recommend a certain type of food, especially if it is in their office because they make money promoting that brand for the distributor. Vets are usually not specifically trained in nutrition and are not all that knowledgeable in the facts. Do your own research, you would be surprised. Purina, Science Diet, Pedigree, eukanuba, expensive and not nutritional...all start with a grain. I personally like Canidae or Taste of the Wild (grain free)

1:26AM PDT on Aug 13, 2011

Diehard, you shouldn't be giving any advice on nutrition....you clearly don't understand what is necessary for a dog to have a nutritionally sound meal. It is much more complex than what you describe. Any kibble with the first ingredients that are a grain, corn, wheat, rice etc...is basically just a filler...the first ingredient should be protein a pure protein, not a by product which is junk. Animals need a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, seeds (flax, pumpkin) skinless salmon and white fish are all solid proteins along with chicken, lamb, bison, which are all easily digestible. You need to do more than fill your pets stomach to make him healthy....I have studied nutrition for years....Most commercial dog foods (bought in a grocery store) including Purina, are garbage and actually contain ingredients that can eventually cause illness to your animals....you need to read labels for your pets as well as for yourself....if you wouldn't eat it, chances are, it isn't good for your dog either. I.E. animal by products of any kind usually means parts like beaks, feet, intestines, and ground up euthanized animals including dogs and cats. The same medication used to put these animals down is now in the food you are feeding your healthy animal....something to think about. My English Mastiff, eats better than most people ( I am not rich, I am disabled and live on disability) you don't have to be wealthy to feed them good food. Saves on vet bills, they feel better & look g

Autumn M.

2:41PM PDT on Jul 30, 2011

My lab eats the salmon & rice from Purina ONE. It was recommended by more then 1 vet because the fish oil would help his skin problems.

Die Hard - you might want to go check your facts. Cayenne pepper is NOT my lab's favorite. Also "Dogs are perfectly happy on a diet of black-eyed susans and rice -- plenty of protein, lots of fiber -- with a little flavoring." Humans would also be perfectly happy with that if we were not given flavors, so why not give our pets some??

Emma F.

9:34AM PDT on May 6, 2011

what is bad to feed them? we usually mix leftover meat scraps or a little cheese in his food.. (i am against the cheese but my parents ignore me)

Anyie A.

8:43AM PDT on Apr 22, 2011

thanks for the info.by the way,my dog don't like fruits and vegetables..:)