12 foods that are safe for your dog to eat

It is a general rule of thumb amongst dog owners that you should not feed your dog human food. In many cases, that is true; dogs and humans metabolize their foods differently. The result in some cases are foods that prove toxic to canines.

However, some people foods are safe and even healthy for your dog to eat at least occasionally. Check out this list of 12 foods your dog can generally eat without issue. Give them a try, but introduce new foods slowly to avoid stomach upset. By trying new foods, you might provide some needed variety in your dog's diet.

1. Baby carrots

Crunchy vegetables such as baby carrots make for a perfect and healthy snack for your dog. They are low-calorie and chock full of vitamins and nutrients such as fiber, and they keep your dog's teeth nice and clean.

2. Salmon

This particular fish contains essential fatty acids like omega 3s. Cook some bits of fully cooked salmon and add them to your dog's usual food for a shinier, brighter coat and healthier skin.

3. Berries

Berries of any kind – blueberries, strawberries, blackberries – are healthy treat options for your dog. With lots of antioxidant power, these small fruits pack a powerful, healthy punch. Feed berries as treats in small amounts at first to avoid sudden stomach upset. Frozen berries make for sweet, refreshing snacks for your dog in the summertime.

4. Watermelon

This fruit is the definition of a superfood: It has vitamins A, B6 and C, as well as potassium and plenty of water. Just be sure to remove the rind and seeds before you feed this treat to your dog.

5. Pumpkin

Raw or canned pumpkin is a premium source of vitamin A and fiber. It is a perfect topper for your dog's food, especially if he is having gastrointestinal issues.

6. Green beans 

Freshly cooked or canned green beans, as long as they do not contain salt, are a filling, low-calorie snack for your dog. This delicious treat provides plenty of vitamins and iron.

7. Oatmeal

An excellent source of fiber, oatmeal can be an added help for dogs with bowel irregularity issues. Cook the oatmeal thoroughly before serving it to your dog, and do not add any sugar.

8. Apple slices

Take a seedless apple and slice it up to provide a sweet or tart snack for your dog. Apple seeds naturally contain cyanide, so use only seedless apples as treats.

9. Broccoli

Nutrient-rich, broccoli – raw or cooked – is an ideal vegetable to serve as a snack as long as there are no oils or seasonings added. Feed it sparingly though as too much too soon can cause your dog to develop an upset stomach.

10. Rice

Plain white, cooked rice is easy for dogs to digest and can help to settle an upset stomach. It also provides an energy boost through its carbohydrate and lactic acid sources.

11. Peas

Add peas to your dog's food for the perfect little snack. They are full of potassium and phosphorus, nutrients that keep your dog happy and healthy. Offer frozen peas during the warmer weather as a cold, crispy snack.

12. Cheese

In general, cheese is a safe snack for dogs – provided it is given in moderation. Try to use lower or reduced-fat options if you choose to feed your dog this food.

Always view the people food listed here as a treat for your dog and not food to be given in large quantities regularly. Although these are healthy foods, too much of any food will cause stomach upset, so feed in moderation. Check with your veterinarian to make sure you are spicing up your dog's life with the foods that will keep him healthy and happy.

Source: Erin Conley Cain http://pawpulous.com 

Do You & Your Dog Follow The 10% Rule?

Like humans, dogs love treats and they can add on the pounds if you don't keep track or watch what they are eating. To avoid overdoing it, stick to the 10% rule - only 10% of your dog's diet should consist of treats and snacks. The other 90% should be the foods that keep their body working well, basically their dry kibble or wet food.

While it's a great bonding moment for you and your dog, avoid giving more than one treat at any given moment. If you just can't help yourself, measure out the amount of treats you can give your dog each day. This way, you stay strong and your dog doesn't get too many.

Greatly limit giving your dog those table scraps. They will only add up, especially if you are already giving them their allotted treats. I know it's difficult, especially if you don't want to waste food. Always a good excuse, right? Don't use it, my fellow dog parents.

Dogs can quickly become used to being fed your leftovers, which can start an issue with begging - or the belief that they eat whenever you do. No one enjoys having a dog starting them down, or worse whining loudly when trying to enjoy a meal.

There is an abundance of treats available in stores. While convenient, they often contain unnecessary fat, sugar, calories and preservatives. See if your dog approved by my own dog are dates and popcorn, air popped without salt or butter. He will drool whenever we have it, so I know it's a winner!

If they aren't "falling" for the healthy treats, smear a tiny bit of pure peanut butter on it. I haven't met a dog yet that doesn't like peanut butter. Have you?

Soft Treats

Treats from a store can be chosen, but take a look at the ingredients. Are they natural or loaded with preservatives? Choose those with easy-to-read ingredients that don't fill up the back of the package. Once you start doing this, you'll become a pro at spotting the good from the bad. It will only take moments to determine what's will enjoy fruits and vegetables instead. Carrots, dried strips of sweet potato and apples make excellent, healthy snacks.

Tried and a healthy option for your pet.

You want snacks to be easy on their teeth as well. Choose those that are soft or flexible. Hard bones, antlers and hooves can chip or crack teeth, which can lead to dental issues.

Overall, be mindful of your dog's diet as you would your own. Your dog will be thankful and share a long, healthy life with you.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Do-You-and-Your-Dog-Follow-The-10%-Rule?&id=9344811

Pros And Cons of Feeding My Dog Table Scraps

We can't really sugar coat this: everyone feeds their dog table scraps at some point or another. Quite frankly, it can be difficult to resist the temptation when you see those two cute little eyes staring at you from under the table during thanksgiving dinner. In fact, after guests leave, your dog may have eaten far better than you. Still, you have to wonder whether or not this is a good idea, or something that should be avoided altogether.

The Professional Opinion

All veterinarians will have their own opinion on feeding a dog table scraps, and most say that you should avoid doing it simply because it is not ideal for their diet.

When you purchase dog food, you are buying a food that is properly adjusted for their digestive system, and will keep them in good health. Human food is not adjusted for them and it will not give them the proper vitamins or nutrients.

The Other Side of the Argument

Okay, as we said, it is impossible to resist giving your animal a treat once in a while, and if you think about it, many of the treats you buy at the store aren't really 'good' for your dog either. If you think about how you feed yourself, you will come to realize that we all break the dietary rules once in a while. Was that piece of chocolate cake good for your diet? Probably not. What about that bag of chips you tore into earlier? We aren't telling you how to eat, but you can plainly see that everyone breaks the rules, even your dog.

The Key is Moderation

Just as you moderate yourself (hopefully) you should moderate your dog. The general consensus is that 'people food' should make up less than ten percent of your dog's diet, and that you should always vary it when you do give in.

Fruits and vegetables, along with grains and pasta are considered to be healthy dog treats. In addition to that, it is recommended that you use human meats as a training tool to teach your dog the most basic of commands. Any dog will be motivated to sit when a piece of steak is on the line!What to Avoid

There are certain foods you will want to avoid giving your dog at all costs. These include:

-Chocolate

-Onions

-Macadamia Nuts

-Grapes

-Raisins

While a very, very small amount will not hurt your dog, large amounts could be potentially fatal and you should take them to the vet immediately. As always, try to avoid greasy or fatty foods for the same reason that you would do so.

Your dog can be an outstanding companion, just remember to resist the urge to share everything! It can be difficult, but certainly doable.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Pros-And-Cons-of-Feeding-My-Dog-Table-Scraps&id=8617749