11 healthiest human foods you should be feeding your dog

We love our dogs and treat them like members of our family. That often means we want to share more than our home with them. We want to dole out bits of what we’re eating to our furbabies, too. Unfortunately, not all human food is good for dogs, and in some cases can actually be fatal.

 

Here are eleven human foods that are healthy for dogs and that you can give them in moderation.

 

1. Peanut butter
It’s been said that peanut butter is the national food of children, and our four-footed buddies are just as fond of it as our kids are. It lasts a long time and packs plenty of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins E and B, all good for our dogs. Just make sure it’s unsalted and doesn’t contain artificial sweeteners like Xylitol, which is deadly for dogs.

 

2. Chicken
Dogs love the taste of chicken, and cooked or uncooked, it’s healthy for them to eat (some sources say never to feed raw meat of any kind). Don’t feed cooked chicken bones to dogs, though, because they can splinter. Raw bones are perfectly fine, as they are chewy and soft.

 

3. Carrots
Most dogs love to munch on carrots. High in fiber and vitamin A but low in calories, they are a great snack for overweight dogs, too. Carrots are also good for canine teeth.

 

5. Green beans
Many dogs enjoy the satisfying crunch of green beans, and they are a low-calorie treat that veterinarians recommend for overweight dogs.

6. Salmon
Full of healthy omega-3 oils, salmon is often the oil used as an additive to dogs’ diets. Always be sure it is thoroughly cooked before offering salmon to your dog.

7. Apples
Every part of the apple is enjoyed by dogs, but be sure to remove seeds before letting a dog eat the skin and flesh of the apple, which are full of phytonutrients and vitamins A and C. The seeds contain cyanide and should not be eaten.

8. Pumpkin
A great source of fiber and vitamin A, pumpkin can also be helpful—either raw or canned—if your dog is having stomach upsets.

9. Yogurt
High in protein and calcium and loaded with probiotics, this occasional treat for your dog can help if digestion issues are a problem. Just be sure he isn’t lactose intolerant.

10. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a great source of fiber, especially in dogs with irregular bowels. Be sure you cook it first, and don’t add sugar.

11. Cheese
As long as your dog does not have dairy issues (lactose intolerant), small bits of cheese make a much appreciated snack. Cottage cheese is also a good additive to his kibble.