Pawrents, do you want to feed your dog something other than kibble? Well, this list is definitely for you! Even though feeding dogs kibble can be a good choice and a convenient way of providing complete nutrition for your dog, we cannot deny that it is a pawrent’s natural instinct to always want to try and make dry dog food taste better for their furkids. 😝
So, how do you make kibble even more nutritious than it already is? Well, there are a lot of human foods (We also call them the kibble boosters! 🐶) that you can incorporate into your dog’s dry food. However, please make sure to limit the amount of human foods and double-check to ensure that it is safe for your dog to eat on a regular basis!
For dogs, feeding time can be a communal event that reinforces the love bond which the two of you share. Therefore, you should use this time to pour more of your heart and soul into your dog’s food to make sure that they can feel your love! 💕
Here is a list of 8 healthy, nutritious human foods that you can feed your dog and make your dog’s food more appealing and tasteful! 👅
(Photo credits to Nom Nom)
1. Peanut butter 🥜
Peanut butter is generally safe for dogs to consume and a moderate amount of peanut butter (A spoonful is just fine! 🤩) can be a great source of protein and healthy fats.
However, peanut butter is not recommended for dogs prone to kidney stones due to oxalate content. You can always replace peanut butter with pumpkin puree but remember to thicken it up first with heat! You should also avoid peanut butter with toxic ingredients such as xylitol (Peanut butter with chocolate 🍫 contains xylitol). But pawrents 🚨, do take note that regular peanut butter can also contain xylitol and extra sugars so please check the list of ingredients to ensure it is 100% made of peanuts only!
2. Carrots 🥕
It is always good to include carrots in your dog’s diet because they are rich in Vitamin A which can help with night vision. 🕶 Besides, carrots are also rich in insoluble fibre which plays a huge role in removing toxins from the colon and keeping bowel movements more regular. Yaaas, healthy poop that is!
But pawrents 🚨, please remember that carrots can be unhealthy when fed in a large amount. Otherwise, in moderation, they are a healthy snack option for your dog! For instance, a small dog should only have half a carrot per day while a big dog can have a whole carrot to themselves.❗️It is also better for any vegetables or fruits to be cooked or mashed prior to being fed as it helps dogs to absorb the nutrients! Otherwise, most of them just come out in the same form they go in. 🫢
3. Blueberries 🫐
Oooooh, you wanna get fancy? Well, blueberries are another great snack choice for your dog because they are rich in a variety of trace vitamins and minerals. 😉 Just when you think it cannot get better, blueberries also carry the highest amount of antioxidants out of all fruits! 👏🏻
However, blueberries are not recommended for dogs with diabetes and food sensitivities as they should not be fed high-sugar fruits such as blueberries. If you have a small dog, blueberries can also be a potential choking hazard, so please be careful and monitor your dog while it is eating! 🥺
4. Quail eggs 🥚
Have you ever seen people feeding their dogs with unshelled quail eggs? Yes! They are safe for dogs to eat because their tummies are strong enough to digest the shells with no issues. Even though quail eggs are 5 times smaller than chicken eggs, they are packed with more nutrients than you can ever imagine — they contain a variety of vitamins and minerals and they are rich in amino acids as well. 😱 These quail eggs have got your dog’s back!
Quail eggs are definitely pawsome BUT❗️you do not want to overfeed your dogs with them. The appropriate serving size depends on your body’s weight and body size. If you are not sure about the amount of quail eggs you should feed your dog, do contact your veterinarian!
5. Canned pumpkin 🎃
Dogs LOVE to eat pumpkin and that is a fact! 🧡 It is a superfood that contains all the micronutrients and fibre that a dog needs. As a natural source of fibre, pumpkin can help with an upset stomach by improving digestion and reducing instances of diarrhoea. Well, it means no more loose, watery poop! We all know kibble can be a little dry, therefore adding canned pumpkin to your dog’s food can add extra moisture! 💦
However, if your furkid experiences consistent watery poop, please see a vet immediately. Unfortunately, not everything can be cured by feeding your dog pumpkin. 😔
6. Bananas 🍌
Besides blueberries, bananas can also be a healthy, low-calorie treat for your dog when fed in moderation (Moderation is key! 🔑). It contains potassium, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, fibre, magnesium and manganese which are essential for your dog’s health. If your dog is not particularly fond of bananas, you can try coating it with peanut butter. 🥳 A little mix and match does not hurt, right?
When it comes to feeding your dog bananas, please remember NO peels! 🚫 If humans do not eat banana peels, then your dog should not eat them too! Feeding your dog too many bananas can cause an upset stomach. The serving amount also very much depends on the size of your dog, so please only feed small dogs with thin slices.
7. Watermelon 🍉
Just like humans, dogs also enjoy a good slice of watermelon! It is an excellent source of fibre and water which can help your dog with digestion. 🤪 Well, yes, we love hydration! (Dogs too!)💧Watermelon is refreshing to eat during a hot day and since it is naturally sweet, it makes a yummy snack for your dog!
However, not all parts of a watermelon can be fed to your dog! Please remember NO green rind and no seeds! ‼️ They are hard to digest and they can potentially block your dog’s digestive tract. If a seedless watermelon is easier for humans to eat, then it is also the same case for our dogs!
8. Cheese 🧀
We always see dog trainers using cheese as a training tool because they indeed make a great high-value treat. Cheese is not necessarily toxic for dogs but it can cause discomfort, diarrhoea and nausea if your dog is lactose intolerant. 😥 You can feed your dog cottage cheese as a high-reward treat 🐾 because it has low-fat and low-calorie content and it also contains a lower lactose content compared to many other cheeses.
🚨 You should only feed your dog small bites of cheese once in a while because it is high in fat and sodium and feeding too much to your dog can lead to weight gain and obesity. Certain cheeses can contain a very high salt content and it can lead to sodium poisoning if dogs consume too much. Dogs with kidney or liver disease should only be fed cottage cheese due to its protein content that benefits their diet.
Just like it has been mentioned several times throughout the article, moderation is really THE key! 🔑 Dogs should not be fed an excessive amount of human foods just because they are not toxic in nature. I mean, they are called human foods and not dog foods for a reason. 🫣
Nonetheless, always contact a veterinarian or a canine nutritionist if you are not sure of the human foods your dog can or cannot eat. In the end, it is better to be safe than sorry! 🫰🏻
This story is checked by Cert CN/FN (@shortnswitch).
We hope this list is helpful to dog owners who wish to be more involved in the making of their furkids’ diet. Like and share this article with other pawrents so everyone knows the drill! You can also read our other food-related article called Bone Appetit: 10 Things Not to Feed Your Dog if you want to gain more info on this topic!
As usual, don’t be hesitant to send us a message on our Instagram or at our email myforeverdoggo@gmail.com if you have something to add on to this list!
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