A Healthy Dog’s Diet: 5 Nutritious Human Foods

by Scott Kerry,

A dog’s diet is just as important to their health and longevity as it is for humans. A lack of vitamins and nutrients in a dog’s food can lead to poor performance, decreased energy levels, and illnesses. When shopping for the best foods to feed your pet, be sure that you’re picking items from all five options on this list. 5 Nutritious Human Foods

Cheerios

Cheerios are packed with fiber, which helps keep your dog’s digestive system moving properly. They’re also a great source of B vitamins, thiamin, and niacin, all of which help promote healthy skin and fur. Since they’re low in sugar, they won’t cause weight gain or diabetes.

The best cheerios for dogs are plain, whole grain, and unsweetened. Avoid buying the flavored or sweetened versions, as these contain too much sugar for a dog’s diet.

A Healthy Dog’s Diet–Green Beans

Another great human food to give your pup is green beans. They’re packed with essential nutrients like vitamin A, C, K, and B vitamins, all of which are important for keeping your dog healthy and happy. Green beans are also a great source of fiber, which can help keep your pup’s digestion on track. Like cheerios, they’re low in sugar and won’t cause weight gain or diabetes.

Pumpkin

Another human food that is great for your furry friend is pumpkin. It’s high in fiber, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. In addition, pumpkin can help regulate digestion, support the immune system, and improve skin health. Pumpkin is also a natural anti-inflammatory, which can be helpful for dogs with arthritis.

Give your dog pumpkin in moderation, as it is high in calories and may cause weight gain if given in excess. You can mix it into their food or serve them some on its own, but make sure they don’t eat the skin (which contains insoluble fiber).

Chicken

Chicken is a great source of lean protein, as well as vitamins B and D. Plus, it’s low in fat and calories, making it a healthy option for dogs on a diet.

You can either give your dog cooked chicken or raw chicken necks or wings (be sure to remove the bones and skin). Like other meals, the chicken should also be served in moderation. However, if you’re keeping a Chihuahua, a chicken meal should undoubtedly make a significant portion of its diet.

A Healthy Dog’s Diet–Beef

While beef might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of healthy dog food, it’s a great source of protein, zinc, and vitamin B12. It also contains iron, essential for dogs who suffer from anemia. Just like chicken, beef should be served in moderation. However, it also contains a lot of cholesterol, so your dog will need to eat lean cuts.

These are just a few of the many dog food options available to you. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian to get specific dietary recommendations for your pet. And remember, variety is vital to ensure your dog is getting all of the nutrients they need to stay healthy throughout their lifetime.