What gets your dog drooling? Expectedly, our canine companions want to eat the most scrumptious human food they could find on the table — spaghetti Bolognese, roasted beef with gravy, and seasoned lamb chops. Tiny bits of vanilla cake will be enthusiastically received for dessert, too.
Although dogs eat the usual fare, you will be surprised to know what other foods they are also willing to eat.
Grass
In 2006, a research team led by Dr. Benjamin L. Hart conducted local and Internet surveys to get to the bottom of this canine mystery. Seventy-nine percent of the small-scale study admitted that their dogs had eaten grass, while sixty-eight percent of the 3, 000 participants in the online-based poll reported that their dogs eat grass weekly.
Typically, grass is not part of a canine’s diet — unless, of course, your pooch is part-cow. So, why do dogs eat grass? Are canines smart enough to decide on eating herbs to add fiber to their diet or remedy an ailing stomach?
Nevertheless, there are health benefits to the occasional foliage feast. Aside from fiber, it is rich chlorophyll that does the following:
- Absorbs bad breath
- Aids in elimination
- Cleanses the liver and digestive tract
- Detoxifies the bloodstream
- Enhances nutrient-absorption
- Promotes faster wound healing
Oatmeal
Oatmeal, as with whole grains, provides energy-boosting complex carbohydrates. Likewise, it is an excellent source of dietary fiber that promotes the peristaltic movement of the intestines, resulting in proper elimination. A bowl of oatmeal should help fix constipation and irregular bowels.
Flavored ones may contain a list of additives or derivatives that could be harmful to your pet. Also, feed your dog in moderation to prevent it from gaining excess weight.
Popcorn
Popcorn is a healthy snack that we can safely share with our canine companions. As a whole grain food, it is one of the best sources of dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates. While corn is low in fat, it provides high amounts of the following essential nutrients:
- Vitamins B1 (Thiamin), B3 (Niacin), B6 (Pyridoxine)
- Calcium
- Iron
- Copper
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Zinc
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, excessive salt intake burdens the kidneys and increases the risk for salt poisoning and water dehydration, especially if your dog already has renal issues.
For these reasons, it is best to feed your pooch plain air-popped popcorn without extra ingredients. You should also be wary of the kernels, as they are choking hazards to small canines. If your pooch likes popcorn, he will likely enjoy munching on a spinning corn cob. But before you give Doggo any of these treats, be sure he isn’t allergic to corn.
Eggs
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter isn’t toxic to our canine companions, unlike chocolate. This gooey goodness is an excellent source of protein, and because of its texture, eating it is amusing for our furry pals.
However, you should be careful about the type of peanut butter you are giving your pet. The salted kind contains more sodium than your pooch needs. There are certain risks if your dog eats it often or in large quantities. Sweetened peanut butter is just as harmful.
Likewise, don’t tolerate your canine’s peanut butter craze. Too much fat in the diet can upset the stomach. If your dog’s pancreas is always inflamed due to high-fat concentration, he might develop a painful condition called pancreatitis.
Pumpkin
There is a good reason why there are pumpkin-flavored goodies in pet stores. Aside from the pumpkin’s irresistible crunch, it is chock-full of vitamins and minerals, such as:
- Calcium
- Fiber
- Iron
- Lutein
- Vitamins A, C, and E
However, don’t let your pooch freely eat any pumpkin, particularly that beautifully carved pumpkin sitting on your front porch for many weeks! While it is best to introduce fresh and organic pumpkin, you might want to consider serving canned or pureed pumpkin to ensure it is free of bacteria.
Avocado
Avocados are excellent sources of monounsaturated fats — the good fats that help regulate cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Likewise, this luscious fruit contains potassium to assist the proper conduction of electrical charges of the heart, nerves, and muscles.
More impressively, this tasty treat contains 18 amino acids to strengthen and maintain lean muscles, as well as reduce fatigue and muscle pain. Rich in vitamin E, it also adds luster and shine to your dog’s skin and coat.
Yogurt
Many dogs love to slurp on yogurt, especially if you add tiny bits of fruits like mango, strawberry, and cherry. Probiotics in yogurt are good for your pooch’s digestive system. Rich in calcium and protein, it also strengthens your dog’s bones and muscles.
Watermelon
Sweet and juicy, it should come as no surprise why our canine companions love to eat watermelon as much as we do. Take note: watermelon is a good kind of sweet! While it contains fructose, its high fiber content insulates and prevents the sugar from releasing into the bloodstream too quickly. Therefore, even diabetic doggies can enjoy it!
Watermelon is a low-calorie food containing 92% water. As a matter of fact, a cup of watermelon only provides 50 kcal only. This thirst-quenching treat is also a treasure trove of antioxidants that help boost your dog’s immune system. Watermelon also contains beta-carotene that can help sharpen your dog’s eyesight.
Bananas
Bananas, regardless of variety, are a good source of potassium, which is a mineral essential for heart health. This tasty fruit is also an excellent source of fiber, biotin, manganese, and vitamins B6 and C.
Give your pooch unpeeled banana slices only. Although the skin is not toxic, your dog might find it hard to digest.
Takeaway
Simply put, our furry pals will gobble anything delicious if they are unsupervised! So, don’t think your dog is being strange when you see him digging a bowl of oatmeal or trying to peel a banana.
While many human foods are perfectly safe and nutritious to our canine companions, it is best to monitor how much of the food goes into their bellies. Dogs don’t metabolize food the same way we do.