Dog Friendly Foods

You know how you've always been told that you can't give human food to dogs because it's bad for them? Well, for the most part, it's true, but here's some human foods that we can share with our furry friends!

1. Herring. Cooked herring is a wonderful source of essential fatty acids (EFA). EFAs can be beneficial in skin and coat condition and they are thought to be beneficial for arthritic pets.

2. Squash. Cooked or raw, spaghetti squash is a fun vegetable that is very high in beta carotene, which is beneficial for eyesight.

3. Pasta. Plain, cooked noodles like penne or tortellini make a great treat. Cook a bit extra next time you’re making pasta for yourself and freeze it. Your dog will probably love it straight from the freezer. If your dog does not have a wheat allergy, pasta can be a great special treat.

4. Peppermint. Peppermint extract or plant leaves can be included in dog cookies. It is a strong-smelling herb so a little bit can go a long way. Peppermint has long been thought to be beneficial in treating stomach problems.

5. Chicken broth. Low-sodium, home-made chicken broth can be a great treat to add to your dog’s regular meal, or can be mixed with kibble and frozen in a Kong to provide a long-lasting treat.

6. Cinnamon. Initial studies have indicated that cinnamon may have anti-cancer and anti-bacterial benefits. Cinnamon can be included in dog cookies.

7. Pomegranate. High in antioxidants and vitamin C, pomegranate can be fed as a juice or as the whole fruit.

8. Cheese. A favourite of most dogs, cheese is an excellent source of calcium and protein.

9. Tuna. Next time you make a tuna sandwich, save a little for your dog, add the water (not oil) to his regular meal, or add the tuna juice to your next batch of dog cookies and make tuna snaps.

10. Barley grass. Barley grass is high in antioxidants and can be a treat for dogs when lawns are covered by snow. Barley grass is marketed as “cat grass” in many pet stores.

Thanks to Modern Dog Magazine for this article!