The food your dog CAN eat isn't a terribly long list! We don't cook for our dogs but we use tons of the human food on this list as a supplement and add these as toppers. On some occasions, we use these as treats or as a 'tool' to help our guys drop some pounds.
Human food should always be given in moderation of course. If for any reason you think your dog has a dairy allergy or issues with eggs then don't give them any amount of these foods!
Pumpkin
I use organic pumpkin with my dogs and they love it. In addition to fiber, plain pumpkin is chock full of carbohydrates, protein, vitamins A and C, beta-carotene (and other antioxidants), zinc, and more. Eye, skin, and fur health can also be improved by adding just a little fresh pumpkin a day to your pet's food. Urinary complications can be improved, too. The added fiber in your dog's diet will also promote weight loss if your furry friends need to lose some pounds.
Yogurt
Plain yogurt is always the best answer and some dogs can be allergic to dairy products so you must be a little cautious. Yogurt also falls into the probiotic category so it's best to talk to your vet about adding yogurt or perhaps adding in a probiotic supplement designed for dogs.
Sweet potatoes
As a dehydrated snack, sweet potatoes are a wonderful addition to your dog's meals but in moderation. Sweet potatoes contain A, B, and C vitamins, which are beneficial to both dogs. However, like normal potatoes, sweet potatoes are rich in carbohydrates.
Eggs
The American Kennel Club tells us that yes, dogs can eat eggs. Eggs are safe for dogs as long as they are fully cooked. Cooked eggs are a great source of protein. Some say it can help a sick stomach but I've never seen that 'in action' with my two.
Apples
Yes! Keep the slices small and of course, feed this in moderation when you're training or simply want to supplement their daily meals. These can also be a choking hazard if you don't discard the core.
Green beans
Green beans are a great addition when your dog needs to lose weight. You can add these as a treat to make them feel full and eliminate some of their kibble.
Green beans can be fed whole to your dog after sautéing them lightly or baking in the oven, which softens their texture. Incorporate cooked beans into a dog's meal, or put them into the blender for a delicious addition to a dog's meal.
Staff tip: Have your dogs eat slower with interactive food toys or a 'slow' feeder. Also, corncobs are the #1 obstruction vets say they deal with when it comes to foreign body surgery. Stay away from these!
Also, stay away from anything with Xylitol as this sugar substitute is often found in products like peanut butter. Dogs can have sensitive digestive tracts so make sure the food you add as a topper is unsalted to avoid an upset stomach.
Veggies are great! There are many health benefits to adding some of the above in small quantities. You do want to stick with low-calories food and make sure if you have any questions you shoot a note over to your vet. We've added blueberries, cottage cheese, and watermelon during the summer when we're eating these foods ourselves.
Weight gain is the number one reason to remove some kibble and add perhaps some green beans as suggested or a few tablespoons of pumpkin. Be careful with table scraps though! Don't just add anything!
What do you think about adding some of these for your senior dog? Please let us know in the comments.
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