15 Healthy Human Foods that are Also Beneficial to Dogs

14. Sweet potatoes and Potatoes Both of these are safe and healthy for your dog to eat. As with every other human food on this list,… Simi - February 15, 2018

14. Sweet potatoes and Potatoes

Both of these are safe and healthy for your dog to eat. As with every other human food on this list, they should not have any seasoning or additives. Potatoes belong to the nightshade family, and therefore should NEVER be fed to your dog raw. Sweet potatoes and potatoes can be boiled or baked to provide your dog with the following vitamins and minerals.

Manganese is specifically found in sweet potatoes. It is essential in the energy production and usage processes. It aids in the utilization of proteins and carbohydrates and contributes to the enzymes which are responsible for energy production. Even good pet food has small amounts of manganese in them. Sweet potatoes are an easy, tasty way to get this mineral into your dog’s body.

Potassium is synonymous with bananas. But the yellow fruit is not the only one that can boast high potassium levels. There are sufficient amounts of potassium in potatoes. The ion is a vital intracellular component, this means that is it found in abundance inside the cell. It is necessary for the regulation of muscle cells and neurons, and it ensures the correct balance of fluids in your pet’s body. Vitamin A, C, and B6 are all vitamins found in potatoes, which will protect the eyesight, immune system, fur and skin of your dog.

Potatoes may be good for dogs, but only if they are given to them in moderation. Dogs are not built the same way as humans. They are more suited to deriving energy from animal sources as opposed to plant sources. But that doesn’t mean to say that canines don’t benefit from a veggie every now and again. Sweet potatoes are the healthier option, so attempt to include it sparingly in their diet.

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15. Rice

Rice is known to alleviate the symptoms of an upset stomach in dogs, but that is not its only use. Rice is actually one of the human foods which can be given to dogs on a daily basis. It is a good source of carbohydrates, and it is not encumbered by fats, cholesterol or sodium. Rice can offer your dog the following benefits.

The digestion of starch only begins once it has reached the stomach. This is a complex carbohydrate present in rice, and thus will leave your dog feeling fuller due to the increased absorption time. This is particularly attractive to dog owners with pups who are overweight. Insoluble fiber is found in brown rice and can actually help protect your doggie from cancer. Neurotransmitter nutrients are also naturally occurring in brown rice and can help prevent Alzheimer’s.

Iron is a vital component in red blood cells and is therefore required in adequate amounts in order to prevent anemia. Iron is abundant in meat, but most meat comes with fat. Rice does not. Niacin is Vitamin B3 and is present in all rice. It is central in enzymatic and hormonal control. Niacin is used in the production of estrogen and testosterone and it regulates nervous system activity and digestion. While a vitamin D deficiency in dogs has not been documented much, it is vital for correct bone growth and formation.

Rice protect your doggie from cancer. FreePik

Giving your dog rice will provide them with stores of this vitamin, in case of an emergency. Due to the low amounts of sodium in rice, it is a very beneficial food for dogs who suffer from high blood pressure. Cooked rice can be fed to your dog every day but not in excessively large quantities. With this diet, a dog must also be given adequate amounts of water to prevent constipation.

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