Considering what to feed your pet or anybody in your care isn’t something to take lightly. Besides mental health and exercise, diet is among the main contributors to well-being. Feeding your pet healthy foods is vital. The eating practices we incorporate into our loved ones’ diets, including our pets, can mean the difference between a healthy life and programming them for failure.
So if you’re considering healthy food options for your dog apart from their suggested canine food, this article isn’t something you should miss. So let’s discuss the human foods that are healthy and safe for your furry companion.
Healthy Pet-Friendly Foods
If you’re planning to start feeding your pet human food, start with small amounts, then gradually add as their tolerance increases. Keep in mind that human foods supplements should just be 25% percent of your pet’s diet to keep everything balanced. Below are five human foods you can start feeding your pet as treats or snacks.
1. Sweet potatoes
These tuberous root veggies rich in beta-carotene have 150% more antioxidants than blueberries. Furthermore, sweet potatoes are high in vitamin C to reinforce your pet’s immune system and high in vitamin A to keep their heart healthy. However, remember that nutritious foods aren’t meant to replace preventative care.
It’s still important to be up-to-date on their kitten vaccinations and preventative care to prevent widespread pet diseases and give them the best shot for a healthier life.
2. Yogurt
Yogurt has active cultures called probiotics, which keep bad bacteria away. It helps improve gut function and contains nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, iodine, zinc, protein, and calcium. Additionally, it’s a great source of pantothenic acid and riboflavin, which is responsible for energy production, cellular functions, and enzyme action.
Yogurt is an excellent calcium source and can help dogs with arthritis symptoms. Although they may benefit more from vet acupuncture as it’s often used for alleviating pain and enhancing joint range of motion. You may visit websites like www.fineanimalhospital.com to see the benefits of vet acupuncture.
3. Sardines
Taurine, a naturally occurring amino acid containing sulfur, has recently become popular. This explains why many fur parents are searching for ways to include taurine in their pet’s diet, and sardines are an excellent and readily available choice. Sardines contain omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for good health.
Since they are short-lived fish, they do not have enough time to accumulate toxins in their body and don’t eat larger, older fishes that have time to do so. This makes sardines a relatively clean and better option.
4. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is among the healthiest human food for canines. It’s an excellent source of vitamin A, fiber, and beta-carotene. Additionally, it also promotes a healthy digestive tract. Canned and fresh pumpkins are perfect dog treats as long as they’re plain without added sweeteners or seasonings. Even with healthy food like pumpkin, sometimes it’s still inevitable for dogs to show signs of health issues.
So when that happens, be proactive in taking them to a nearby vet facility to identify their condition and start their treatment immediately. You may search the web for “animal pharmacy near me” if you’re looking for a vet laboratory to examine your pet’s condition.
5. Eggs
Feeding scrambled eggs to your furry companion is a great way to boost their diet’s protein. Additionally, eggs are high in protein and a great source of easily digestible selenium and riboflavin. Avoid feeding raw eggs to your pet to prevent salmonella. You may also consider poached or boiled eggs, but remember not to put any seasoning.