Dogs are only concerned with the present moment. When they think, they’re only concerned with the short-term, like what’s going to happen next. To be as carefree and joyous as a happy dog surely is desirable, but if humans were like this, we’d probably experience some bad consequences as a result.
Because your dog only cares about immediate gratification (and they eat the same type of food every single day of their lives), they’re naturally going to beg for anything that you’re eating. Whether it’s a massive cut of Christmas dinner prime rib or a light salad, your canine garbage disposal wants to indulge in whatever it is that you’re enjoying. If anything, it would be strange if your dog didn’t act this way.
To Feed Or Not To Feed? Our Gaithersburg Animal Hospital Weighs In
As a responsible dog owner, you don’t want to feed your pet anything that they shouldn’t eat. Though it’s always safe to err on the side of caution, it’s also good to know that there are a number of commonly consumed foods that are generally safe to consume for most dogs. In today’s blog post from your Gaithersburg veterinarians here at Goshen Animal Clinic, we’d like to identify nine common foods that your dog can safely enjoy.
Remember that, before you give into their adorable display of begging, you should always check in with our animal hospital doctors about your pet’s diet and their stomach’s sensitivity to other foods. Additionally, feeding Fido regular “human” food shouldn’t be a regular practice — all things in moderation!
With the holidays in full swing at this point, let’s take a close look at what you and your family can safely sneak under the table. Contact us if you have any questions!
9 Foods That Are Safe For Most Dogs
Apples (No Seeds)
Though you can’t (or definitely shouldn’t) feed your dog any apple pie, raw apples without any seeds in them are perfectly fine to eat. They’ll get their daily fill of fiber in addition to the same nutrients that benefit humans. Even better, apples can help clean your dog’s teeth and freshen their breath. Everyone wins!
Carrots
Carrots aren’t just for humans and cartoon bunny rabbits; your dog can enjoy chewing on a raw carrot as a dog treat alternative or devour cooked carrots as part of a special holiday meal. While most dogs can digest carrots perfectly fine, make sure to feed them sparingly because they’re fairly high in sugar.
Peanut Butter
Most people know that peanut butter is completely safe for dogs to eat, and they also know that it’s really entertaining to watch a dog lick their chops for about thirty minutes after they’ve finished the peanut butter. Put a dollop of peanut butter in a rubber chew toy and watch them lose their minds, but don’t make it a daily habit. Again, all things in moderation are what’s best for you and your dog.
Eggs
Looking for some additional protein gains for your dog? Though their traditional food should provide plenty of daily protein (and we doubt that your dog is lifting weights at home while you’re at work), it doesn’t hurt to share some of your cooked eggs every now and then. So long as the yolk isn’t raw and the egg is cooked through, your dog can munch on one of the most digestible sources of protein.
Blueberries
Again, skip the pie, but the next time you’re snacking on a handful of blueberries, consider tossing a few of them down to your dog (after you’ve made them do some cool tricks, of course). Blueberries are refreshing, easy to eat, and contain many antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, so they serve as a good, healthy substitute for other fatty dog treats.
Kelp
Yes, land-dwelling animals like your dog can actually gain a lot of health benefits by eating kelp in the form of a vitamin and mineral supplement. Kelp is a fantastic source of sodium, calcium, folic acid, iodine, and Vitamin A. It’s also said to improve your dog’s energy levels, enhance their immune system, and even assist with weight loss.
Raw Honey
If your dog is experiencing any allergy problems during the springtime, consider feeding them a little bit of honey. They’ll love how sweet and delicious it tastes, and you’ll appreciate the fact that it helps mitigate allergic reactions down the line. By ingesting very small amounts of local pollen, your dog’s tolerance to pollen will increase.
Broccoli
This green tree vegetable is as healthy for canines as it is for humans, even if your dog is a little bit picky about eating it (it’s well-known that a lot of dogs simply refuse to eat broccoli or other green vegetables). If your dog likes broccoli, they’ll enjoy a great source of potassium, fiber, and calcium, in addition to lutein.
Popcorn (Plain)
You can safely share your movie-time popcorn with your pup, but skip the salt and the butter. So long as you’re eating plain, air-popped popcorn, your dog can safely join you.
Our Veterinarians In Gaithersburg Wish You A Safe And Happy Holiday Season!
The holidays are often a time of feasting and celebrating, and it’s important to include your canine family member when appropriate. Treat your dog to some of these food items that we covered in today’s blog post, and if you have any questions about your dog’s diet or would like to know more about our veterinary services, feel free to get in touch with Goshen Animal Clinic today.
