6 Types Of Foods That Are Safe For Your Dog To Eat

There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to what dogs can and cannot eat. A lot of people think that dogs can only eat dog food, but this is not the case. Dogs are actually able to eat a variety of different types of foods, as long as they are safe for them to eat. There are six types of foods that dogs generally want to eat, which are perfectly safe for them to eat if approached the right way.

1. Fruits and Vegetables: 

While fresh fruit and veggies provide a healthy, natural treat for your dog, certain types of fruits and vegetables can be lethal. Some human foods that are not safe for dogs to eat include avocados, grapes, raisins, mushrooms, onions, garlic, and raw potato. When it comes to fruit and vegetables, it’s important to be mindful of the type of food you’re giving your dog, as well as how much.

Remember that every dog is different and not every single fruit or vegetable will affect your dog in the same way. For example, apples can provide a great treat for many dogs, while others might get an upset stomach from them. Most importantly, remember to keep an eye on how much of any type of food you give your dog and pay attention to any changes in behavior that may indicate an adverse reaction.

For individual vegetables that your dog breed can or can not eat, do further research online. If you are asking yourself  “can dogs eat Brussel sprouts”  or “can dogs eat cabbage,” refer to credible online websites or ask a veterinarian that you trust. This is more of an individual breed question rather than a group or category.

2. Grains: 

There are many different grains out there that your dog can eat, some of which include rice, oats, barley, and wheat among others. A lot of pet owners use bread as a treat for their dogs since it’s something that poses little to no threat if consumed in small amounts. There are even some types of pet food that use grains as their main ingredient. Keep in mind that if you give your dog too much bread, it can cause an upset stomach.

Furthermore, if you’re going to give your dog bread, make sure that it’s whole grain bread. White bread lacks many nutrients and can actually cause health problems if given in excess.

3. Cooked Meat: 

It’s generally safe for your dog to consume cooked meat, although not every type of meat is good for them. While dogs are able to eat fish and even chicken in small amounts, certain types of meat can be dangerous. For example, it’s not safe to give your dog pork products since pigs are scavengers and can eat things that a dog normally wouldn’t be able to. This can cause issues within your dog’s system and lead to health problems down the road.

If you’re going to give your dog cooked meat, it’s important to be mindful of the type of meat you’re giving them. For example, cooked beef is generally safe for your dog, while cooked lamb often causes an upset stomach. Also, make sure that you’re using a healthy cooking method when preparing the meat. Baking is generally safe, as well as boiling and steaming.

4. Raw Meat: 

Raw meat is one of the safest types of food you can feed your dog, as long as it’s made with quality proteins and doesn’t contain any harmful bacteria that might make them sick. However, remember that raw meat can be dangerous for humans to eat since there’s a chance of bacteria being present. For this reason, it’s important to use precautions when handling raw meat so you don’t get sick from it.

For example, dogs can eat raw beef, chicken, or fish. You can even give your dog raw turkey, as long as it’s lean meat. Keep in mind that there are certain types of fish that should not be given to dogs at all unless they’re raw salmon, bluefish, and trout.

5. Dairy: 

Many dogs love dairy products, but they aren’t safe for your dog to consume in large amounts or on a regular basis. A small amount of cheese here and there is fine, but it shouldn’t become a staple in your dog’s diet. Also, make sure you choose the right type of dairy product for your dog. For example, milk can cause stomach issues if given to a dog that doesn’t normally drink it. 

Eggs can also be dangerous for your dog to eat, so avoid making them a part of your dog’s everyday diet. Yogurt, ice cream, and cheese are all safe for your dog to eat in small amounts. It’s not safe to give your dog ice cream since many brands contain high amounts of sugar and fat that can make your dog sick.

As long as you play it safe and give your dog small amounts of dairy products on occasion, they should be fine.

6. Fish: 

Dogs can eat fish, but make sure you choose the right type of fish. Canned tuna is a great treat for dogs on occasion, but it shouldn’t be given to them regularly since it lacks nutrients and has a lot of mercury in it. For this reason, stick to fresh or frozen fish if you want your dog to have fish. Salmon is a great type of fish, but once again it’s something that should be given in moderation. Fish is also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your dog’s skin and fur.

Feeding your dog a healthy and balanced diet is important for their overall health. While there are some foods that you should avoid giving them, there are also plenty of safe and nutritious options to choose from. Make sure you consult with your veterinarian to get advice on what’s best for your specific dog. Also, keep in mind that the food you give your dog should be age-appropriate. Puppies need different nutrients than adult dogs do, so it’s important to tailor their diet accordingly. As long as you’re conscientious about what you feed your furry friend, they’ll live a long and happy life!