15 Healthy Human Foods that are Also Beneficial to Dogs

8. Peanut Butter

This tasty spread should not only be included in your diet, but also in your dogs. If a healthy and organic product is bought it could prove to be an incredible new addition to your dog’s meals. Peanut butter contains a whole host of vitamins.

Vitamin E boosts the immune system, ensuring that your dog does not get sick. Vitamin B, is already known to be essential for a healthy coat and skin. The specific proteins and fats found in peanut butter are desirable because they do not negatively impact your canines heart. This treat will give them the nutrients needed for energy and growth, without the added unhealthy fats which accompany other protein sources.

Niacin is the name of a vitamin which forms part of the Vitamin B family. This vitamin family as a whole contributes to skin and coat health. In particular, this vitamin also promotes proper circulation.  Giving your dog a tablespoon of peanut butter every now and again can be very beneficial, but there are a few things that need to be considered. Firstly, too much peanut butter can not only contribute to obesity, but it could lead to pancreatitis.

If you are unsure how much peanut butter to give your dog, your first call of port should be your vet. Another option is to simply follow the 10% rule. Here you limit your dog’s treats to only 10% of the total amount of food they eat. Peanut butter brands that are suitable for dogs are ones that have no sugar, no sodium, are low in fats and have absolutely no Xylitol. This replacement for sugar may not impact people much, but it is incredibly dangerous to dogs.

9. Coconut

These days coconut and its various extracts are all the rage. People are cooking with it, eating it and even cleaning their teeth with it. This food may not traditionally be a western staple, but it sure has been wholeheartedly accepted as one now. While it is the biggest trend amongst human folk, it should be noted that it can offer the canine species with some spectacular benefits too.

Lauric acid is an easily digestible fatty acid that is found in large quantities in coconut meat itself. Because the whole molecule can be absorbed and does not need to be broken down, it is a very efficient source of energy.  Lauric acid can also fight infections and viruses. These include influenza, Giardia, and ringworms, to name but a few. Lastly, this acid is an anti-inflammatory. Therefore, it can help speed up the healing process and can even relieve some of the discomforts of dogs who suffer from arthritis.

Anti-oxidants found in the coconut’s meat and oil which will boost your dog’s immune system. Oils present in coconuts can either be ingested or rubbed onto your dog’s skin, the results are basically the same. Coconut oil will improve the overall health of your dog’s skin and will improve the texture and quality of his fur coat.

Coconut is completely non-toxic to dogs. The meat or oils can be added to their food or served as a separate treat. It will improve their health and even the water will aid in hydration, as it has high levels of electrolytes. For every 10 pounds that your dog weighs, it is allowed 1 tablespoon of coconut oil daily.

10. Oatmeal

This cereal is actually abundant in store-bought dog food. It is, therefore, a healthy option for all dogs, even ones that are sensitive to grain, and can be very easily prepared at home. Oatmeal can be beneficial in the following ways.

It is a good source of carbohydrates. Not only is oatmeal not a highly processed carbohydrate but it is not robust. Certain dogs can be quite sensitive to other grains due too their high gluten content, this is not the case here. Oats serve as a perfect substitute for dogs who otherwise cannot eat other grains. Linoleic acid is an Omega 6 fatty acid found in coconuts and, as mentioned previously, is key in the maintenance of healthy skin.

It has already been clarified that fiber aids in the regulation of your pup’s digestive processes, but the soluble fiber in oatmeal has other beneficial qualities. This being that soluble fiber is able to regulate the level of glucose in your dog’s blood. This is a vital step in preventing diabetes.

Pantothenic acid is another type of vitamin B which may prove essential for dogs with a nervous disposition. Commonly known as vitamin B5, it is useful in the metabolism of vitamins and is vital in the processes which convert protein, carbohydrates, and fats into energy. It can also help to decreases the incidents of anxiety and depression in dogs.

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Oatmeal should be prepared and served in the simplest way possible. There should be no added sugar, butter or artificial sweeteners. Oats can act as a healthy addition to your dog’s diet, but it should not replace it. You can either add a spoonful to your dog’s food or serve them a cup for breakfast once a week.

11. Certain Berries

These include blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries. The three of these berries host tons of health benefits but they are the only ones which should be fed to your pooch. Others such as cherries, holly berries, juniper berries and mistletoes berries not only contain pits, which are a choking hazards, but they may also have chemicals which could prove disastrous to your pup’s health.

All three berries contain loads of antioxidants. Antioxidants have the incredible ability to combat free radicals. The action of free radicals is a natural process which slowly degrades membranes, proteins, and DNA. They are largely responsible for the aging process. While antioxidants cannot possibly stop this process, they will ensure that your pooch does not age rapidly or unhealthily.

Blueberries have phytochemicals. While these boast no nutritional value, their impact on certain processes gives them value. Phytochemicals have been known to prevent cancer in pets. Phenolic acid is a particular one which is found in blueberries and reduces the damaging effects of carcinogens. There is a special enzyme in strawberries. This enzyme will maintain the oral hygiene of your pet and can whiten their teeth.

Vitamin C is vital to human survival, but it has a surprising effect on dogs. Yes, it boosts the immune system, but it can also act as a calming agent. According to certain studies done, when a dog is stressed it runs through a large amount of vitamin C. Stocking your pet up on berries could help rebuild these stores. Berries contain a fair amount of naturally occurring sugar, and therefore should not be excessively fed to your dog. They do however make for a tasty treat.

12. Pineapple

This tropical fruit could be the perfect summer treat for your furry loved one. Like most fruit, it is stocked with all the essential vitamins and minerals, plus it is absolutely delicious. Pineapples most notable nutrients are the following.

Thiamine, otherwise known as Vitamin B1, is quite necessary for your dog’s bodily functions. It helps your dog break down and utilize carbohydrates, ensures regular and normal growth, and regulates the activity and conduction of nerve impulses. Riboflavin, which is also part of the Vitamin B family. This is vitamin B2. It, like other vitamin B’s, is sensitive to light. This means that even if it is in your local pet stores’ dog food, the chances of your pet actually digesting it is quite slim. Vitamin B2 is a coenzyme. This means that it is vital to the function of other enzymes. In this case, the processes which it affects are the metabolism of fat, carbohydrates, and proteins for energy.

It may seem odd to think of the fact that the body needs metals, but it does. The same is true for dogs. Consuming adequate amounts of copper will ensure that the correct amount of iron is absorbed, bone and connective tissue is formed, red blood cells mature, antioxidants function correctly and your dog’s hair will have the correct pigmentation.

Pineapples are wonderfully sweet. While this will make it a much-anticipated treat for your dog, it should be given in moderation. You should not feed them the outer skin or hard inner core. This is because these could result in choking. If you are keen to give the hairy hoppers a summer treat, limit it to a few soft cubes, maybe once or twice a week. 

13. Green Peas

These gluten-free legumes are a wondrous addition to dog food. They can be given to the pups in any way, as long as there are no additives, sugar or salt present. Here are a few reasons to add these little green delights to your pet’s food bowl.

Lutein belongs to the anti-oxidant group. It has been mentioned that anti-oxidants combat free radicals, but it was not mentioned where. Lutein is a carotenoid antioxidant found in green peas. This means, that it specifically aids in preventing the damage of retinas and lens’ by free radicals. The retinas and lens’ in your dog’s eyes are especially susceptible to this kind of damage. It is due to the fact that dog’s eyes are more exposed to light than your average human.

Green peas have a very high protein and carbohydrate content but do not come with the added gluten. This will be a welcomed bonus to pet owners who have dogs with sensitive stomachs. By giving them peas instead of other gluten ridden carbohydrates, you will have a pet who is active and has a healthy digestive system. Some of the vitamins which are found in peas include, Vitamin A, B1, B6, K, and C.

Overall, these will result in a pupper who has healthy bones, teeth, skin, fur, and blood. Green peas are also high in fiber. Food which has high fiber contents regulate digestion. This has the added benefits of keeping your dog’s cholesterol at a healthy level and it prevents excessive weight gain. This British staple is commonly found in commercial dog food. With the listed benefits above, it is very easy to see why. If you are going the homemade route, don’t forget to add this veggie.

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.

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.

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.