Nourish your dog (and yourself!) with healthy, delicious ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. We know what you’re thinking: Wait…did my dog write this? While your pup might always be begging for table scraps they definitely shouldn’t have, there are plenty of superfoods for you to share. Read on to find the very best foods for your dog’s health and happiness, plus all the details on how to serve them safely.
Please note that these are some of our pack’s favorite foods, and not nutritional recommendations. If you have any nutritional or food concerns about ingredients for your dog, be sure to check with your vet first.
The Very Best Human Food For Dogs
1. Spinach
You don’t even have to chop spinach to serve it to your dog! Just cook it, drain the excess liquid, and serve once it’s cool. While some pups might turn up their nose at plain spinach, they’ll love it paired with chopped apple, chicken broth, or coconut oil. This superfood has potassium, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K, so every bite is full of nutrients to power up your pup.
2. Chicken, Turkey or Beef
Cooked, unseasoned low-fat meat is one of the best foods for your pup! These high-protein powerhouses give your dog long-lasting energy (and, let’s be honest, dogs will do just about anything for chicken.) Make sure to serve without bones for safety, and mix into a recipe with fruit or veggies to create a balanced snack.
3. Bananas
Packed with magnesium, fiber, and potassium, bananas are beloved by both dogs and the humans who peel their fruits for them. Pair with plain yogurt for a dose of probiotics and a dollop of all-natural, single ingredient peanut butter for a pup-approved Pop that’ll keep them busy. Be sure to serve in moderation to limit your dog’s sugar intake!
4. Apples
Can your dog hear an apple being crunched from a mile away? Yeah, ours, too. Chop fresh, raw apples finely (including the nutrient-packed skin!) and take out the seeds and core for safety. We love them served with veggies to further the vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber factor. Just don’t serve too much at a time, since apples are high in natural sugar.
5. Carrots
When you serve your dog carrots, be sure that they’re cooked. Roast them without seasoning or boil them, then chop once they’re super-soft to keep your dog’s tummy feeling good. This veggie’s high in vitamin A, vitamin C, and beta-carotene, and yes—they really do help improve eyesight!
6. Pumpkin
If your pup has an upset tummy, reach for canned or fresh pumpkin (as long as it’s cooked and chopped). The high soluble fiber content makes it a fave for helping with dog digestion, and the vitamins A, C, and E make it an overall nutritious choice. Save the rest of the can for a pie for yourself—if you add yogurt and a squeeze of honey to plain pumpkin, you can serve your pup a slice, too!
7. Eggs
Chances are, your dog doesn’t have a favorite egg order at your local greasy spoon. (Whether they’re hard boiled or scrambled, your pup will gobble them up.) Make sure the eggs are unseasoned and cooked all the way through so your dog can safely enjoy the vitamin D, selenium, and riboflavin packed into these totally perfect proteins.
8. Oatmeal
We already know that oats are a healthy choice for human breakfast, but they’re a great choice for your dog, too! Their soluble fiber and omega-6 fatty acids soothe tummies and make coats shine. Make sure the oats are cooked and free of sugar, but feel free to stir in a little peanut butter or coconut milk to make ‘em extra creamy.
Ready to make your dog a Pop out of these superfoods? We want to see your nourishing recipes! Tag us @mywoof so we can see you and your pup’s delicious treats.
