Can I Feed My Dog Human Food Instead Of Dog Food

There are lots of healthy human foods that are safe for dogs and provide them with the adequate nutrients needed. Nevertheless, it is important that you maintain caution and moderation when feeding human foods to your dog since consuming human foods in excess can trigger several health issues in your dog.

Wondering what human foods are safe for your dog and which ones aren’t, this article will help guide you through choosing a healthy human food for your lovely dog.

Can I Feed My Dog Human Food Instead Of Dog Food

Although some human foods are safe for your dog, it is important that you keep toxic or harmful food substances out of your dog’s reach.

More so, if your dog is suffering from obesity, liver failure, kidney disease or diabetes, it is highly advised that you do not give them any human food at all, as majority of human foods contain high amounts of salt, carbohydrates, fats, seasonings and artificial flavors,  which are not healthy for dogs.

These substances contained in many human foods can worsen already existing health conditions.

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Harmful Human Foods For Dogs

Not all human foods are safe for your dog. Although they might be safe and even be nutritious for you, these foods could be dangerous for your dog. Some of these foods that are harmful to dogs are:

• Raw Meat: Contains bacteria like salmonella that are harmful to you and your dog.
• Caffeine, Chocolate and Coffee: Contain toxic chemicals which can result in nausea, seizure or death.
• Salty foods: Consuming excess salt can lead to sodium poisoning in your dog, symptoms of which are dehydration, muscle tremors, diarrhea, seizures and excessive urination.
• Grapes, Currants and Raisins: The littlest amoun of thus consumed by your dog can lead to kidney failure and death.
• Avocado: Contains a  toxic substance known as Persin which can cause diarrhea in dogs.
• Citrus fruits: Fruits like lemons and oranges contain citric acid and can lead to stomach upset and depression.
• Bread dough: Ethanol is produced by the yeast and this can lead to alcohol poisoning and bloating from the swelling of the yeast inside your dog.
• Cinnamon: Consuming it in large quantity can result in diarrhea, liver disease and vomiting in dogs.
• Cherries: A poisonous substance known as cyanide is contained in cheery kernels. It can cause intestine blockage.
• Coconut: Its water has very high potassium content and excess intake of coconut oil can cause diarrhea.
• Xylitol: An artificial sweetener that is highly toxic and can result in failure of the liver.
• Nuts: Some nuts can cause weakness, drowsiness and vomiting while others can cause choking in dogs.
• Ice cream: Contains high amount of sugar and is not advisable for dogs with lactose intolerance.
• Alcohol: Consuming alcohol itself or products containing alcohol can result in issues as severe as coma or death for your dog.
• Onions and Garlic: Toxic ingredients that can cause diarrhea, stomach upset and hemolytic anemia.

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Healthy Human Foods For Dogs

All of the foods mentioned below, though safe for your dog’s consumption, should only be eaten in moderation, not in excess, in order to get the best of them for your dog. Some of these healthy human foods are:

• Carrots: Provides your dog with vitamin A, boosts your dog’s immunity and enhances his skin health.
• Apples: Also provides your dog with vitamins A and C, and fiber to aid bowel movement in your dog.
• Bananas: Contains a good amount of magnesium which ensures healthy bones in your dog.
• Boiled White or Brown Rice: Helps with stomach upset and loose stool. Beware of its sugar content!
• Plain, Cooked or Uncooked Green beans: Also contain vitamin K, iron, protein and calcium.
• Dairy products: Dogs should only take dairy products in small amounts to prevent digestion issues.
• Cucumbers: Low in calories level, rich in vitamin K and in minerals.
• Fish: Excellent source of vitamin B, protein and fatty acids which boosts your dog’s immunity.
• Blueberries: Rich in fiber and antioxidants which improve health issues related with old age in dogs.
• Xylitol-free Peanut butter: Contains vitamins B and E, protein, niacin and healthy fats.
• Watermelon: Aids hydration due to its water content, also rich in vitamins A, B6 and C.
• Plain popcorn: Provides your dog with minerals like zinc, phosphorus and magnesium
• Boiled Turkey: When served plain, without seasonings is an excellent source of protein.
• Cooked Chicken: Helps with stomach upset in dogs, when served plain, without seasonings.
• Other healthy human foods for your dog include:
• Cooked sweet potatoes or regular potatoes
• Plain Greek Yogurt
• Mild Cheese
• Strawberries
• Cooked Eggs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Can I Feed My Dog Instead Of Dog Food?

There are a list of human foods that you can feed your dog instead of his regular dog food. A few of the foods on this list are boiled white rice, plain cooked chicken, plain Greek yogurts and frits like apples, blueberries, bananas and watermelon.

Can I Feed My Dog Human Food Only?

No! you should not feed your dog only human food. Feeding your dog will certainly not give him all the right nutrients he needs in the right amounts. Rather, it can even trigger health issues in your dog, which could have been avoided from the start.

What Happens If You Feed Your Dog Human Food Every day?

Feeding your dog human foods everyday and making it an integral part of his daily meals will inevitably result in health issues like weight gain, diabetes, arthritis and severe heart conditions.

Also, your dog could get so accustomed to human foods that he begins to refuse dog food when he is served. He could also develop a nasty begging behavior, where he begs until you share some human food with him.

Conclusion

It is very possible to go overboard with feeding your dog human foods. You must therefore ensure to practice moderation on any human food you are feeding your dog. Also, before feeding your dog any human food, be sure that he is not allergic to that food or not and if he is, avoid giving it to him, however safe it is for his consumption.