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Can Dogs Eat Human Foods? Knowing What's Safe and Harmful
Can Dogs Eat Human Foods? Knowing What's Safe and Harmful

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Can Dogs Eat Human Foods? Knowing What's Safe and Harmful

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Feeding your dog the right nutrients and a complete, balanced diet doesn’t have to be a head-scratcher. Find out how to choose the right dog food, how often to feed your dog, how to handle treats and supplements, and much more.

We often find ourselves wanting to share our meals with our furry companions. While it's natural to want to share every aspect of our lives with them, should we really include dogs in our gastronomic adventures? Let’s find out!
 

Can dogs eat human foods?

The answer is both yes and no. While dogs are omnivores and can eat a variety of foods, their digestive systems differ significantly from ours. This means that some human foods that are perfectly safe for us can actually be harmful or even toxic to our canine companions.
 

Human foods: What can dogs eat

Here are some safe and healthy human foods dogs can eat:

  • Carrots: Crunchy and delicious, carrots are excellent for dental health and packed with essential nutrients like beta-carotene and vitamin A.
  • Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon promotes healthy skin and coat, and is a good source of protein. Remember to cook it without harmful seasonings or oils.
  • Blueberries: These tiny berries are bursting with antioxidants and fiber, making them a healthy and delicious treat for your dog.
  • Eggs: Scrambled or hard-boiled, cooked eggs are a safe and nutritious protein source for dogs.
  • Peanut butter: Unsweetened and unsalted peanut butter is a tasty and healthy source of fat for your dog. You can even use it to fill puzzle toys for extra mental stimulation.

Human foods: What can dogs not eat

Beware of these common human foods that are toxic to dogs:

  • Chocolate: Contains theobromine, a stimulant that can cause heart problems, vomiting, seizures, and even death in dogs.
  • Grapes and raisins: These pose a risk of kidney failure in dogs, even in small quantities.
  • Onions and garlic: Toxic even in small quantities, these can cause anemia and damage red blood cells in dogs.
  • Avocado: The flesh and pit of avocados contain persin, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis in dogs.
  • Macadamia nuts: These nuts can cause weakness, tremors, hyperthermia, and even death in dogs.

Additional tips:

  • Always introduce new foods slowly to avoid digestive upset.
  • Moderation is key. Even safe foods should be given in moderation to avoid weight gain and other health problems.
  • Consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about specific foods or your dog's health.

Choosing the right food for your dog

While it's certainly tempting to share our meals with our beloved furry companions, it's crucial to remember that their dietary needs are distinct from ours. Human foods, even those seemingly harmless, can be detrimental to a dog's health.
 

Why? Unlike human food, dog food is specially formulated to meet their specific nutritional requirements. It's a carefully balanced diet packed with proteins, essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients vital for their overall well-being.
 

Why specialised dog food matters

  • Balanced nutrition: Dog food is carefully formulated to provide all the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your dog needs for optimal growth and development. It ensures they receive the right amount of protein, carbohydrates, fats, and fiber, promoting a healthy immune system, strong bones and muscles, and a shiny coat.
  • Digestive health: Human food can be difficult for dogs to digest, leading to gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. Dog food is designed to be easily digestible by their sensitive systems, promoting optimal nutrient absorption and gut health.
  • Specific needs: Different breeds and life stages have varying nutritional requirements. Puppies need additional energy and nutrients for growth, while older dogs may require a diet lower in calories and fat. Specialised dog food caters to these specific needs, ensuring your furry friend receives the right nutrition for their age and breed.

For instance, IAMS dog food is crafted with your dog's health in mind. It provides a range of benefits such as:

  • Strong and healthy bones and muscles: IAMS dog food is rich in protein, which is crucial for supporting healthy growth and development.
  • Shiny coat and healthy skin: The food contains essential fatty acids that contribute to a radiant coat and healthy skin.
  • Enhanced immunity: IAMS provides vital nutrients that help boost your dog's immune system, protecting them from illnesses.
  • Improved digestive health: The food contains prebiotics and probiotics that promote healthy digestion and gut health.

Our ultimate goal is to take the best care of our dogs. This means feeding them with nutrient-rich foods that cater to their specific dietary needs. By choosing the right food, like IAMS products, you ensure that your dog stays healthy, energetic, and happy.

Frequently asked questions

  1. Can I feed my dog healthy human food?
  2. Yes, you can feed your dog certain healthy human foods. Carrots, cooked salmon, blueberries, cooked eggs, and unsweetened, unsalted peanut butter are safe options. However, always introduce new foods gradually and in moderation to avoid digestive issues and ensure your dog's health.

  3. Can you cook human foods for dogs?
  4. Cooking human foods for dogs is possible, provided you choose safe ingredients and avoid harmful seasonings or oils. Foods like scrambled eggs, plain cooked salmon, and carrots are nutritious for dogs. Remember, cooked meals should complement, not replace, a diet primarily made of dog-specific food.

  5. What is the best food to feed my dog?
  6. The best food for your dog is a balanced diet formulated specifically for their nutritional needs. Brands like IAMS offer [dog food] that provides balanced nutrition, including proteins, essential vitamins, and minerals. These cater to specific life stages and breeds, ensuring your dog's overall well-being.

  • Medium-Breed Mature or Senior Dog’s Nutritional Needs
    Medium-Breed Mature or Senior Dog’s Nutritional Needs

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    Medium-Breed Mature or Senior Dog’s Nutritional Needs

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    Unlike larger-breed dogs that are considered mature at age 5, medium-breed dogs are usually called mature or senior at age 7. By this time, their nutritional requirements are changing. You can help keep your medium-breed dog active, happy and healthy with a specially formulated mature or senior diet that delivers highly digestible, enhanced nutrition.

     

     

    The Signs of Aging in Medium-breed Dogs

    Your dog might be aging in a number of ways. He may have a dull, dry coat and flaky skin, declining activity or weight gain, decreased immune system response, more frequent intestinal problems, joint stiffness and a loss of lean muscle mass. It’s true that a mature or senior dog generally needs fewer calories, but to address special mature or senior concerns, your dog still needs high-quality protein and carefully balanced nutrients.

     

     

    What to Look for in a Mature or Senior Diet

    What your medium-breed dog needs is a high-quality, balanced maintenance food formulated for his changing metabolism. Look for options with these age-essential dietary components:

    • Vitamin-rich fish oils for healthy skin, a shiny coat and overall health
    • Antioxidants such as vitamin E and beta-carotene to help boost the immune system
    • High-quality animal-based protein sources to help maintain muscle mass
    • A special fiber source, such as beet pulp, to help maintain intestinal health and enhance your dog’s ability to absorb age-essential nutrients
    • A special carbohydrate blend of healthy grains for sustained energy

    These ingredients are the keys to mature or senior nutrition whether you feed dry or wet dog food or give your dog treats.

     

     

    Special Needs in Medium-breed Mature or Senior Dogs

    Older, less active dogs are prone to weight gain. Controlling your dog’s weight can help minimize health complications such as diabetes or joint stress. Your dog can benefit from a weight-control diet with these key characteristics:

    • A reduced fat level that still offers essential nutrients for skin and coat health
    • L-carnitine, a key nutrient that helps burn fat and maintain muscle mass during weight loss
    • Special carbohydrate blends that help maintain energy while managing weight
    • Vitamin-rich fish oils for overall health

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