Exploring Nutritious Human Foods Suitable for Dogs

1. Introduction

There is a growing interest among dog owners in providing their pets with nutritious and healthy food. With the increase of health and wellness consciousness, people are seeking nutritious human foods that are also suitable for dogs. This research aims to explore nutritious human foods that are safe and healthy for dogs. The importance of this research lies in the need for dog owners to have access to this information, given that unhealthy foods, such as chocolate and onions, can cause serious harm to dogs. The additional benefit of this research is that it may lead to the creation of dog food formulations made from raw materials that are affordable for dog owners and healthy for their pets.

Dogs are considered the best friends of humanity. They have become guardians, companions, and a source of love and comfort for people of all ages, genders, races, and religions. With the growing population of dogs, there is an increasing demand for dog food that is safe and healthy. Dog owners are seeking dog food that is devoid of chemicals and artificial ingredients while being nutritious and healthy at an affordable price.

Dog food can be formulated from a variety of raw materials, including animal by-products, fish by-products, edible plants, edible mushrooms, and edible algae. This research focuses on exploring human foods that are nutritious and healthy for dogs. The additional advantage of this research is that it may lead to the development of dog food formulations made from raw materials that are affordable for dog owners and safe and healthy for their pets.

2. Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Dogs

Before delving into the most suitable human foods, it is important to understand the nutritional needs of dogs. This preparation can ensure that any human food fed to dogs can safely meet their nutritional needs. Dogs, formerly pack hunters and scavengers, have evolved from wolves. In 2016, it was reported that dogs have 228 genes related to starch digestion, whereas wolves have only 41. This suggests that dogs are better suited than wolves to digest plant-based food. As a general rule, a balanced dog food should contain the following:

- 5% Carbohydrates: This can include starch, sugar, and fiber. Rice, wheat, barley, potato, corn, and oats are commonly fed grains in commercial dog food. These carbohydrates are metabolized into glucose and provide energy. Fiber, an indigestible carbohydrate, aids in digestion, reducing constipation and diarrhea. Canned pumpkin, not the spiced variety, is a source of soluble fiber that can benefit many dogs.

3. Benefits and Risks of Feeding Human Foods to Dogs

In recent years, the trend of sharing human food with dogs has gained popularity, with many owners believing it strengthens their bond and that dogs enjoy it. However, experts urge caution, as not all human foods are healthy or safe for dogs. While some can provide beneficial nutrients when mixed with their regular diet, others may be toxic or harmful. There are two sides to the debate—on one side, it’s viewed as a wonderful gesture of love, but on the other side, it can be seen as dangerous and reckless. So, should dogs be fed human food? The answer is not straightforward, as various factors must be considered. This article explores some safe human foods to feed dogs and those to avoid.

The notion of feeding human foods to dogs, also referred to as "people food,” encompasses a range of nutritional value. However, there are acquired tastes as well, and dogs typically prefer bland options. Unseasoned meats and vegetables are often favored over spicy options. Canines may even enjoy foods like bananas, watermelon, cooked green beans, and carrots. The list can even include certain fish varieties, eggs, rice, and oats, but cooked without additives and oils.

Consideration of the environment proves crucial, as dogs should not be fed bone-in fish due to choking hazards and poisoned fish bones. Some vegetables can allow dogs to expel gas, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli should be avoided. Although corn has scant nutritional value, most dogs simply pass it whole. Dangerous human foods include chocolate, grapes, and nuts like macadamia that are toxic to them. Additionally, various foods rich in fibrous content pose issues, including potatoes or tomatoes. Instead, there are plenty of non-human sweet options available for dogs, such as sweet potatoes or carrots.

Nevertheless, determining whether sharing human food is well-intentioned yet damaging requires asking questions that consider the dog’s food preferences, dietary plans, socialization, and any exhibited health issues. Overall, it is important to see what tends to be each dog’s favorite treat, medium sharing human food with dogs, and a wider variety of experiences. In the event of serious health issues, take note of the listed dangerous foods, and food addition must be confirmed with a veterinarian.

4. Top Nutritious Human Foods for Dogs

Choosing the right food for your dog can be a daunting task, especially with all the options today. Dogs are omnivores, meaning they eat both animal and plant foods. You may find it surprising that many human foods are not only safe for dogs but can also offer a wealth of nutritional benefits. This section explores three categories of highly nutritious human foods suitable for your beloved furry friends.

1. Lean Proteins: Lean meats make excellent protein sources for dogs, helping to build muscle, sustain energy, and support a healthy immune system. Proteins should make up at least 40% of a dog's diet, meaning it should be avoided as much as possible. Whole eggs are another great option for providing protein and healthy fats. They can help benefit a dog’s skin and coat. The egg whites contain avidin, which can limit the absorption of biotin, thus should be fed cooked rather than raw. Plain Greek yogurt is an excellent source of calcium and protein. It can also benefit a dog’s digestive chances. However, older dogs may have a limited ability to digest lactose, thus should avoid dairy altogether. For any of these protein options, care should always be taken with seasoning and cooking method before sharing with dogs.

2. Fruits and Vegetables: If you’ve ever had a little furry friend hang around while eating fruit, it’s likely because they know it’s delicious! Though dogs generally require protein as their primary source of fuel, they also require some fat and carbohydrate, the latter being provided mainly through veggies or fruits. Many can offer dogs nutritional benefits. Carrots and green beans are excellent low-calorie snacks for dogs, crunchy and dense with vitamins. Apples are an excellent choice for wholesome natural sweetness; they are low in protein and fat, while also being a source of vitamins A and C. Pumpkin is a very good source of fiber; whether it’s cooked or not, canned or pureed, it helps increase stool bulkiness to alleviate diarrhea or help soften stool in case of constipation. Strawberries and blueberries are also packed in antioxidants, vitamin C, manganese, and fiber. Avocado is somewhat controversial and should be given sparingly since it contains persin that can cause vomiting in some animals, though most dogs are resistant to it.

3. Whole Grains: Whole grains are a great source of digestible carbohydrates for dogs, great for dogs with diarrhea or eating a low-fat diet. Brown rice is full of vitamins B and E, calcium, magnesium, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. Just like brown rice, oatmeal is another excellent whole grain option that is a soluble fiber source, beneficial for older dogs or those with bowel irregularities. Quinoa is another excellent choice for dogs; it holds a gluten-free quality when cooked. While wheat, corn, or soy should be avoided since these are commonly used in many suspicious commercial dog foods that use byproducts or fillers.

4.1. 1. Lean Proteins

Dogs are omnivores, which means they can eat both meat and plant-based food. However, it's essential to choose the right human food to ensure a dog's diet remains nutritious. This article explores healthy human food options that are safe and beneficial for dogs, including lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Lean proteins should be the top nutritious human food option for dogs. Dogs need protein for various body functions, such as healthy skin and fur, strong muscles and bones, and energy to be active. Proteins are composed of amino acids molecules, and when broken down, can help produce more than ten thousand types of protein in a dog’s body. Apart from amino acids, proteins also contain other nutrients like folate, zinc, selenium, and vitamins D and B. Since dogs can consume both meat and plant-based food, some protein options include unseasoned turkey, chicken, fish, and lean beef. Before serving meat to dogs, it needs to be properly prepared. The meat should be raw or cooked without any spices and additives. When feeding a dog with fish, it's essential to remove any sharp bones. As for plant-based food, lentils, kidney beans, and chickpeas can be beneficial.

Protein also benefits dogs by improving coat health. A dog's coat may become coarse and dry when the protein intake is low. Feeding a dog with protein-rich food will help restore its natural coat. In addition, the dog will have a shiny and soft coat. Protein can improve a dog’s immune system. Proteins circulate in the bloodstream known as antibodies are essential for supporting a dog’s immune system. Antibodies protect the body against harmful bacteria and viruses. Hence, a diet deficient in protein could lead to a higher risk of illness. It's important to note that dogs need proteins to remain healthy, just as humans do. Too much protein intake could lead to negative effects. When too much protein is ingested, it could cause dogs to be excessively thirsty. This is because to eliminate excess protein in the body, it needs to excrete nitrogen as urea through urine. The urine produced will contain more water than usual, causing dehydration.

4.2. 2. Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are great sources of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. Feed your dog only small amounts of fruits and vegetables as some could cause gastrointestinal upset or other problems. Never offer them anything moldy, rotten or otherwise spoiled. Keep these foods out of your dog’s reach, as they might consume too much at once. Before feeding your dog something new, consult your veterinarian, especially if it is on medication or has an underlying health condition. Choose only safe fruits and vegetables and wash them thoroughly. Use only ripe produce, and never offer them peels, seeds or pits.

Fruits that are safe for dogs to eat include apple (must remove core and seeds), apricot (remove pit), banana, blueberries, cantaloupe, cranberry, mango (remove pit), orange, peach (remove pit), pear (must remove core and seeds), pineapple, raspberry, strawberry, watermelon (remove seeds and rind), and pumpkin (cooked only). Vegetables that are safe for dogs to eat include artichoke, asparagus, carrot, celery, cucumber, green beans, sweet potato (cooked only), peas, potato (cooked only), pumpkin, squash, Brussels sprouts, turnip greens, and cooked beet.

Fruits that are dangerous for dogs include bird of paradise, chokecherry, cherry (remove pit), fig, grapefruit, onion, jalapeño, macadamia nut, nutmeg, potato (plant only), rhubarb leaves, tomato (plant only), garlic, avocado, and stone fruit (pit). Vegetables that are dangerous for dogs include shallot, scallion, and leeks. Fruits that are unsafe for dogs include essential oils, cherry blossom, cow apple (lifesaving seeds), elderberry (raw berries, flowers or leaves), hellebore, hydrangea, holly, horse chestnut, juniper, mistletoe, pomelo, yew, sago palm, and foxglove.

4.3. 3. Whole Grains

Grains have long been misunderstood in pet nutrition. While many commercial pet foods tout "grain-free" labels, whole grains are a source of energy, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. When choosing nutritious human foods for dogs, consider whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice, and oatmeal.

Whole grains come from cereal grains, including the outer bran layer, endosperm, and germ. Common cereal grains include wheat, rice, corn, oats, barley, rye, spelt, millet, and sorghum. Whole grains can be beneficial for dogs, including quinoa and brown rice. Quinoa is gluten-free, high in protein, vitamins E and B, fiber, and minerals like iron, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Brown rice is high in dietary fiber and can help dogs with a sensitive stomach or diarrhea. It is rich in vitamin B, iron, phosphorus, manganese, and selenium. Brown rice takes longer than white rice to digest, making it a better option for dogs.

Oatmeal is another nutritious human food for dogs. Oats are gluten-free whole grains that are high in soluble fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and improve intestinal health. They are also a good source of vitamin B, omega-6 fatty acids, and antioxidants. Like brown rice, oatmeal is great for dogs that are overweight, as it can help them feel full while still being low in calories. Whole grain bread (without nuts, onions, or xylitol) is safe for dogs in small amounts.

Uncooked whole grains can cause gastrointestinal distress. Whole grains should be cooked or prepared without toxic ingredients. Dogs may have difficulty digesting whole grains; consult a veterinarian about your dog’s diet. Whole grains can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet, providing protein and vitamins without toxic ingredients.

5. Precautions and Guidelines for Feeding Human Foods to Dogs

Although certain human foods can positively impact a dog’s health, care should always be taken when introducing anything new to their diet. Some foods may need to be prepared in a certain way or may need to be fed in moderation due to their high-fat content. The following are important precautions to take in regard to providing human foods to dogs, along with some guidelines for healthy feeding.

Both human foods and dog foods often contain seasoning, preservatives, and other ingredients that can be toxic to dogs. In addition, many common foods are nutritionally unsuitable for a dog. It is essential to research anything unfamiliar before assuming it is safe or healthy for a dog to consume. Furthermore, simply because a dog enjoys a food does not mean it should be part of their diet. Some foods may be delicious while being highly toxic and dangerous to their health. As a general guideline, it is best when feeding human foods to a dog to stick with whole, unprocessed foods, and to keep the feeding minimal. Dogs are highly adaptable but they do best when fed a balanced diet designed for their physiology.

Foods that are toxic or generally unsafe for dogs but that are commonly mistaken as safe include the following:

There are other guidelines to follow when introducing new foods to a dog. Any vegetables given should either be blended into a puree or chopped into small pieces, especially for the first time they are given. Cooked food should be cooled to room temperature before feeding, and steaming is the healthiest method of preparation. Grain should always be whole, minimally processed, and cooked; brown rice, oat groats, and quinoa are all good choices. Adding probiotics in the form of yogurt or kefir is beneficial. When feeding meat, it should be cooked and shredded, as they can obstruct a dog’s airway when given in larger chunks. Any meal that has not been prepared for the dog should be shared with caution and only in moderation at first, as dogs often react negatively to sudden changes in diet.

Exploring nutritious human foods suitable for dogs is fascinating and a good way to bond with them. These foods can add needed nutrients to a dog’s diet, and treating dogs to healthy human foods in moderation is one of the joys of having them as part of the family. However, these precautionary guidelines should always be kept in mind. Knowledge of what is being consumed is vital to maintaining the health and wellbeing of both people and their dogs.

References:

Zafalon, R.V.A., Risolia, L.W., Vendramini, T.H.A., Rodrigues, R.B.A., Pedrinelli, V., Teixeira, F.A., Rentas, M.F., Perini, M.P., Alvarenga, I.C. and Brunetto, M.A., 2020. Nutritional inadequacies in commercial vegan foods for dogs and cats. PLoS One, 15(1), p.e0227046. plos.org

Cline, M.G., Burns, K.M., Coe, J.B., Downing, R., Durzi, T., Murphy, M. and Parker, V., 2021. 2021 AAHA nutrition and weight management guidelines for dogs and cats. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 57(4), pp.153-178. canadianveterinarians.net

Wernimont, S.M., Radosevich, J., Jackson, M.I., Ephraim, E., Badri, D.V., MacLeay, J.M., Jewell, D.E. and Suchodolski, J.S., 2020. The effects of nutrition on the gastrointestinal microbiome of cats and dogs: impact on health and disease. Frontiers in Microbiology, 11, p.1266. frontiersin.org

Johnson, K.A., Lee, A.H. and Swanson, K.S., 2020. Nutrition and nutraceuticals in the changing management of osteoarthritis for dogs and cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 256(12), pp.1335-1341. [HTML]

Dodd, S., Cave, N., Abood, S., Shoveller, A.K., Adolphe, J. and Verbrugghe, A., 2020. An observational study of pet feeding practices and how these have changed between 2008 and 2018. Veterinary Record, 186(19), pp.643-643. researchgate.net

Ephraim, E., Cochrane, C. Y., & Jewell, D. E., 2020. Varying protein levels influence metabolomics and the gut microbiome in healthy adult dogs. Toxins. mdpi.com

Hu, R., Dunmire, K.M., Truelock, C.N., Paulk, C.B., Aldrich, G. and Li, Y., 2020. Antioxidant performances of corn gluten meal and DDGS protein hydrolysates in food, pet food, and feed systems. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 2, p.100030. sciencedirect.com