There are some foods that dogs cannot eat – chocolate or anything with alcohol, for example – but there are also many foods humans enjoy that are good for dogs. Here are a few, below:
- Chicken
You can give this food to your dog in a number of different ways. Cooked chicken meat is fine, but cooked bones are not, since they can splinter. However, raw chicken meat and bones are both fine for your pet because they are softer and chewier.
- Peanut butter
This is a great food for dogs because it satisfies their hunger for a long time. It stays with them. Also, it’s loaded with protein, good fats, niacin, and vitamins B and E.
As with humans, unsalted peanut butter is best for dogs. Also, make sure that there are no sugar substitutes in the peanut butter such as Xylitol, which can be fatal to dogs.
- Cheese
This also is a very healthy food to give to your dog, as long as he or she is not lactose intolerant. Many dog owners give cottage cheese to their pets because it is high in protein and calcium and is easy for the animal to digest.
- Carrots
Carrots are good for dogs for the same reasons as humans – they are high in fiber and vitamin A and low in calories as well. They also help clean your dog’s teeth.
- Yogurt
The right kind of yogurt is also good for dogs. Yogurt has protein, calcium and digestive cultures, all good for dogs. However, make sure the yogurt you give to your dog is unsweetened and non-fat.
- Pumpkin
Like carrots, pumpkin provides a lot of fiber and vitamin A for dogs. Canned, fresh or cooked are all good for dogs. But again, stay away from pumpkin with added sweeteners.
- Eggs
Raw or cooked are both good for dogs. If you feed your dog raw eggs, make sure to give the egg to him with the shell because it is loaded with vitamins and minerals. Cooked eggs should have no salt.
- Green beans
If your dog is overweight, this is a great snack because green beans are high in fiber and low in calories.
- Salmon
This is also a wonderful food for dogs because of the fatty acids it contains. However, only give your dog cooked salmon, never raw.
- Sweet potatoes
Like pumpkin and carrots, this food has a lot of fiber and vitamin A. Dogs can handle this food best if it is unseasoned, steamed or baked.
It may be February but summer vacations will be here before you know it. Call Barney’s Ranch at (469) 273-1661 to discuss your summer plans with us, ensuring that we have space for your pet when you need us.