We all love to share snacks with our furry friends, but it’s important to know what snacks are safe for them.
Are you wondering if your Labrador can enjoy a bagel? The answer is no! I would not let my Lab have a Bagel.
Why? Because bagels are high in carbohydrates and gluten, which can be difficult for dogs to digest and may cause stomach upset and other gastrointestinal issues.
Additionally, many bagels are also made with ingredients that are not safe for dogs, such as raisins, sesame seeds, and garlic.
This guide will help you make the best choice when selecting healthy and safe snacks for your beloved pup.
Types of Snacks for Dogs
Dogs should be treated like family members and given a healthy, balanced diet.
Snacks are great for dogs, but it’s important to choose snacks that are not too high in fat and sodium. Those could have negative effects on their health. There are many tasty treats available specifically designed for dogs.
Healthy Treats for Your Puppy
| Snack | Suitable for | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Carrots | All dogs | Low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins and minerals |
| Green beans | All dogs | Low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals |
| Sweet potatoes | All dogs | High in fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants |
| Apple slices | All dogs | Low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals |
| Blueberries | All dogs | Low in calories and high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals |
| Cooked chicken breast | All dogs | Low in fat, high in protein, and easy to digest |
| Cooked fish (salmon, tilapia, cod) | All dogs | Low in fat, high in protein, and a good source of omega-3 fatty acids |
| Peanut butter (natural, unsweetened) | All dogs | High in protein and healthy fats, but should be given in small amounts |
| Yogurt (plain, low-fat) | All dogs | Good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, but should be given in small amounts |
| Pumpkin | All dogs | High in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins |
It’s important to note that not all dogs can tolerate certain types of snacks.
It’s always best to consult with a veterinarian before giving any new foods to your dog, especially if they have any health conditions or food allergies.
Chew Sticks and Other Treats
Including chew sticks, biscuits, special treats made with natural ingredients such as apples or carrots, and even freeze-dried meats.
Additionally, you can make your homemade dog snacks using recipes found online or in cookbooks.
When choosing any snack for your pup, always check the ingredient list to ensure that there are no unhealthy additives.
Human Food Safe for Dogs
When it comes to human food that is safe for dogs, there are many options.
Fruits and vegetables such as apples, bananas, carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach can be given as treats or in moderation.
Cooked lean meats like chicken, turkey, and fish are great protein sources for your pup.
Plain yogurt with no added sugar is a great snack for dogs too. When giving any human food to pets, please consult your veterinarian first to ensure it’s okay before feeding them any new foods!
Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Dog
When it comes to feeding your dog, there are certain foods you want to avoid. Chocolate, grapes, and raisins can be toxic for dogs, as well as garlic and onions.
Additionally, xylitol (a sugar substitute found in some human food) is very dangerous for pets.
Another thing to keep an eye out for is bones – while they may seem harmless enough, most types of bone can cause blockages or other problems if swallowed by a pet, especially if they are cooked.
It’s best to stick with nutritious dog-friendly treats when rewarding your pup!
Health Benefits of Certain Foods for Dogs
Regarding feeding your dog, certain food items can have health benefits. For example, apples are a great source of fiber and vitamins A & C for dogs.
Bananas contain potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6 and biotin – all of which help with joint and bone health in dogs.
Blueberries contain antioxidants that can aid the immune system in dogs.
Carrots are another nutritious food item for dogs as they provide vitamin A and beta carotene, which helps keep their eyes healthy.
Finally, salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which helps promote skin and coat health in addition to aiding with heart health issues that may arise from time to time in some breeds.
Nutritional Considerations when Feeding your Dog Treats
The table below lists the daily recommended allowances for various vitamins, their functions, and potential signs of deficiency or excess.
Each row in the table corresponds to a different vitamin, and the columns provide information about the vitamin’s name, functions, recommended daily allowance, and potential signs of deficiency or excess.
It’s worth noting that recommended allowances may vary depending on factors such as age, sex, and overall health.
Additionally, it’s always best to consult a veterinarian before making any changes to your or your pet’s dietary supplement regimen.
| Vitamin | Functions | Recommended Allowance* | Signs of Deficiency/Excess |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | Vision; growth; immune function; fetal development; cellular differentiation; transmembrane protein transfer | 379 µg | Anorexia; body weight loss; ataxia; conjunctivitis; corneal disorders; skin lesions; respiratory ailments; increased susceptibility to infection |
| Vitamin D | Maintenance of mineral status; phosphorous balance | 3.4 µg | Imbalance in bone remodeling processes; artery and vein degeneration; dehydration; central nervous system depression; joint pain |
| Vitamin E | Defense against oxidative damage | 8 mg | Anorexia; weakness; diarrhea; vomiting; calcification of soft tissue; excessive mineralization of long bones; dehydration; dry and brittle hair; muscle atrophy |
| Vitamin K | Activation of clotting factors, bone proteins, and other proteins | 0.41 mg | No reports of naturally occurring deficiencies in normal dogs |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | Energy and carbohydrate metabolism; activation of ion channels in neural tissue | 0.56 mg | Failure to grow, weight loss and neurological abnormalities in puppies; damage to the nervous system and to the heart in adult dogs |
| Riboflavin | Enzyme functions | 1.3 mg | Anorexia; weight loss; muscular weakness; flaking dermatitis; eye lesions |
| Vitamin B6 | Glucose generation; red blood cell function; niacin synthesis; nervous system function; immune response; hormone regulation; gene activation | 0.4 mg | Anorexia and weight loss in puppies; convulsions, muscle twitching, and anemia in adult dogs |
| Niacin | Enzyme functions | 4 mg | Impairment of motor control and balance; muscle weakness |
| Pantothenic Acid | Enzyme functions | 4 mg | Anorexia; weight loss; inflammation of the lips, cheeks, and throat; profuse salivation; bloody diarrhea |
| Vitamin B12 | Amino acid and nucleotide metabolism; mitochondrial protein synthesis | 9 µg | Bloody feces; convulsions |
| Folic Acid | Enzyme functions | 68 µg | Erratic food intake; sudden prostration or coma; rapid respiratory and heart rates; convulsions; gastrointestinal symptoms; reduced antibody production |
| Choline | Phospholipid cell membrane component | 425 mg | Appetite loss; lack of white blood cells; anemia; bone marrow changes |
Source: https://nap.nationalacademies.org/resource/10668/dog_nutrition_final_fix.pdf
As with any food, moderation is key when providing dog treats; too much of a healthy snack can cause problems such as weight gain in dogs.
It’s also important to consider if allergies could be an issue for your pup; certain ingredients may disagree more than others.
Always check labels before buying any treat: look for high-quality sources of protein like meat or eggs and low levels of preservatives, by-products, and fillers that offer no nutritional value but increase calories.
Common Questions about Human Food and Pets
It is important to be aware of the foods safe for humans and which can potentially harm your pets.
While many human foods are safe, some things – such as grapes, onions, and chocolate – should never be given to a pet because they can cause serious illness or even death.
When you doubt what you can feed your pet, it’s best to consult your veterinarian or do research online before trying something new.
How to Choose Healthy Treats for Your Dog
Choosing the right treats for your dog can be a challenging task.
After all, we want to give our furry friends something that tastes and is healthy.
The best way to start is by choosing treats made from natural ingredients with limited fillers or preservatives. Look for treats that are either low-calorie or grain-free; these options offer more nutritional benefits than more traditional options.
Additionally, you’ll want to check the label of any treat you plan on giving your pup – look at the list of ingredients and nutritional information to ensure it’s safe!
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