We have received many questions about human foods that are 'okay' for your dog to eat. Contrary to what the Commercial Pet food companies want you to believe many human foods are just fine for your dog to consume. Of course, just like with people many there may be certain foods that are fine for one dog but not okay for another. If you choose to feed your dog human foods you should keep an eye on any complications or issues they may have with a particular food and avoid feeding them at the table, unless you want them to get in the habit of begging while you eat your dinner.
Many of the foods listed below can be combined into wonderful home-prepared meals for your dog. Remember that organic foods are the healthiest for both you and your dog. Vegetables and grains should typically be cooked before giving them to your dog as this makes easier to digest. Certain types of meat can be fed to dogs raw but extreme care should be taken to prevent illness to both you and your dog. Freezing raw meats for 2 weeks prior to serving to your dog is recommended to kill any unwanted bacteria. Cooking the meat by baking, boiling or broiling is recommended. Be sure to trim the fat off the meat before cooking. Cooked fat turns to unhealthy grease and should not be fed to your dog.
This list is just a guideline and if you have any issues or questions you should consult your veterinarian. Remember processed food like chips, candy and other sweets especially chocolate are very bad for your dog and should always be avoided.
Vegetables
Okay: Asparagus, Brussels Sprouts, Beets (in small quantity), Beans, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Collards, Cucumbers, Kale, Kelp, Lentils, Green Beans, Parsnips, Parsley, Peas, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Sprouts, Squash, Tomatoes, Turnips and Yams
Not Okay: Onions
Fruits
Okay: Apples, Avocados, Bananas, Berries, Figs, Melons, Oranges, Peaches and Pears
Not Okay: Grapes or Raisins
Grains
Okay: Amaranth, Barley, Brown Rice, Buckwheat, Couscous, Millet, Oatmeal, Quinoa, Wheat
Dairy
Okay: Eggs (cooked or raw - egg shells are a great source of calcium if they are blended or finely crushed), Mild Cheeses, Cottage Cheese, Yogurt (plain), Kefir
Meat
Okay: Beef, Lamb, Chicken, Turkey, Duck, Rabbit
Not Okay: Cooked fat, Raw Pork, Raw Rabbit, Venison (some venison are found to have a disease similar to mad cow which is not killed during freezing or cooking), Non-organic livers
Fish
Okay: Flounder, Tilapia, Salmon (canned is fine also), Mackerel (canned is fine also), Trout and other white fish
Not Okay: Raw Fish, Tuna, Swordfish
Oils
Okay: Olive Oil, Flax Seed Oil (not cooked), Coconut Oil (not cooked)
Not Okay: Vegetable Oils
For more information about cooking for your dog check out "Natural Dog" by Deva Khalsa, VMD
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