Healthy Food That Can Double Up As Dog Snacks: Yes, It Is Possible!

The incredulous look as you read the title of this article is almost visible! You must be thinking (and with good reason!) as to how on earth it is possible for healthy human food to double up as dog snacks and you could be totally forgiven for thinking that this is bogus. However, read this article in its entirety and you will find out just how true the title is. Yes, you can totally give your dog the food items mentioned in this list.

However, just a word of caution before we proceed: every dog is unique. Some dogs are allergic to certain substances and with that being the case, you should proceed with utmost caution if you have an inkling that your dog might be allergic to something on this list. In compiling this list, we have made a few basic assumptions: your dog is healthy, your dog does not suffer from any allergies, your dog is well taken care of and gets regular exercise and your dog gets to see the vet regularly.

Sure, commercial dog treats can be healthy and and a daily staple, but what if dogs could be given healthy food that you consume on a regular basis. Not only will this make work easier for you, it will also add some much-needed variety for your dog. Just like you wouldn't like to eat the same food day in and day out, your dog too will want to have something different every now and then. With summer still continuing on in the northern hemisphere, keep in mind that several of these snacks can be served chilled or frozen for a hot day. The following is a list of healthy snacks that can double up as dog snacks:

Carrots

Carrots are among the healthiest things we could eat as human beings. It turns out that they make for excellent snacks for your dog as well. Just give them half a tablespoon to one tablespoon of carrot on a regular basis and your dog will love you for it. Carrots can be served grated, cuts into coins or in sticks - the latter will greatly enhance the dog’s dental health by preventing the buildup of plaque. Moreover, the Vitamin A which is present in abundance in carrots will help with your dog’s skin health and its overall immune function.

Chicken

Chicken is full of protein which is essential to a dog’s overall well-being just like it is to a human’s well-being. It is loaded with a plethora of B vitamins which are absolutely imperative for metabolism. Care must be taken to ensure that no cooked bones are fed to your dog (raw chicken bones are not a problem). Cooked chicken makes for a reasonable addition to dog food from time to time. Occasionally it can also be an entire meal for your dog. Just ensure that this is not given to your dog too frequently.

Eggs

It turns out that eggs, whether scrambled or boiled, are just as beneficial to dogs as they are to humans. It helps with repairing tissue and the high protein content means that they are extremely beneficial.

Pumpkin

Pumpkins are one of the best and healthiest snacks that you can give your dog. It is very rich in nutrients – potassium, zinc, copper and iron to name a few – which are imperative for the overall health and well being of your dog. Pumpkin can also help with bowel issues in our furry friends.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is the guilty pleasure that most of us indulge in. However, it need not really be a guilty pleasure given its extremely high nutrition content including but not limited to healthy fats and protein. Peanut butter that is unsalted is better than peanut butter which is salted for your dog. A word of caution here – please ensure that the peanut butter does not contain any substitutes for sugar. These tend to be detrimental to dog health and can cause harm to your dog.

Cheese

Calcium is extremely important for bone health and cheese is an excellent source of calcium. Cheese makes for an excellent snack for man’s best friend in more ways than one. In line with the caveats mentioned in the opening paragraph, please make sure that your dog is not intolerant to milk products before you give him cheese. Lactose intolerance is not very common in dogs so chances are your dog should be fine; but do make absolutely sure all the same.

Yogurt

Just like cheese, yogurt is abundant in calcium and protein; and, just like cheese, the same lactose intolerance caveat applies. Yogurt has the added benefit of helping your dog digest food more easily. The only thing you need to be make sure of is that the yogurt is natural and contains no artificial substances.

Coconut

The Lauric in coconuts is extremely beneficial for your dog. It has the ability to ward off viruses and it has the added benefit of strengthening your immunity. It is also extremely good for your dog’s skin. Coconut oil is also alright to give your dog. Do not go overboard with it.

Fish

Fish is one of the best forms of non-vegetarian food for humans in terms of nutritive value and health benefits. It turns out that it is great for dogs too. The healthy fats coupled with the rich amino acids are incredible for dog health. Salmon is probably your best bet when it comes to what fish to feed your dog because it is full of vitamins. Make sure there are no bones and that the fish is properly cooked before you give it to your dog. If either of this is not done, it could wreak havoc with your dog’s digestive system and overall health.

Honey

Honey is full of essential vitamins and minerals, therefore it will really help your dog’s overall health. Honey is particularly useful in warding off allergies and it bolsters the immunity of your dog.

So there you have it – 9 healthy human food items that are just as good for man’s best friend. However, to reiterate the caveats throughout the article, please be mindful of any conditions your dog might have and do not go overboard with any of these items. Happy snacking with your dog!