While we share our homes with our dogs, it may not always be good to share your plate.
Human food that we digest just fine can make your dog sick or even cause death. On the other hand, some human foods can provide health benefits, the American Kennel Club says. Always make sure their main diet is a commercially available dog food, which can provide them with the appropriate nutrition.
Here’s what’s safe to share with your furry friend:
Bread: Dogs can eat bread with no spices and no raisins. It doesn’t really have any nutritional value, the AKC says. Homemade breads are better because commercially made breads usually contain preservatives.
Cashews: Unsalted cashews are OK, in moderation. The AKC says they contain calcium, magnesium, antioxidants and proteins, but too many can lead to weight gain.
Cheese: Dogs can have cheese in small quantities as long as they’re not lactose intolerant. The AKC says to choose lower-fat varieties.
Coconut: The AKC says coconut is OK for dogs and contains lauric acid, which can help combat bacteria and viruses. It can help clear up bad breath and skin conditions. Coconut milk and coconut oil are also OK.
Corn: Corn is a top ingredient in dog food and is fine for dogs to eat. However, the cob can cause an intestinal blockage.
Fish: Dogs can eat fish, especially sardines and salmon, which are loaded with vitamins, protein and calcium. With the exception of sardines, which have soft bones, make sure all other fish is deboned and fully cooked and cooled.
Peanut butter: Peanut butter is a great treat for dogs as it contains protein, heart-healthy fats and nutrients. The AKC says raw, unsalted peanut butter is best. Peanut butter shared with Fido should not contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that can be toxic to dogs.
Quinoa: Quinoa is another grain that’s sometimes found in dog food and is OK for dogs to eat. It’s packed with nutrition that makes it a good alternative to corn, wheat and soy, common starches used in dog food.
Turkey: Dogs can have turkey if the fat, skin and bones are removed. Any meat with salt, seasonings, garlic and onions should be kept on people plates.
Yogurt: Plain yogurt makes for a great snack for dogs if they can eat dairy. It can help their digestive system, but avoid any with added sugar and don’t feed them any with artificial sweeteners.