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Dogs, just like human require balanced diets to keep fit and healthy. Nutrition is vital for their bodies and all of their systems to function properly. Good nutrition will help them maintain healthy weights, reduce body fats, provide body with energy, provide good sleep and generally make them better.
You however, don’t have to hustle your way into the expensive places shopping joints looking for the expensive dog feeds when you have simple diets that are only thought to be best for human beings. Anyway, human food for a dog can be a challenge. A diet that's high in fat, sugar, and fillers is bad for dogs and us, so what should we feed them? Luckily Pet Gear Lab has produced a super handy chart which you can download, print out and stick on your fridge. It lists all the common foods which you can freely feed your pup and those which you should feed moderately, or avoid altogether. It's handy for kids or elderly parents to refer to when they feel like giving your pets tit bits. They are cheap in the market and easy to prepare. So, from apples to oatmeal and lobster, can our dogs eat these foods?
1.Apples
Apples are super health treats for dogs because they contain calcium which helps to keep their bones and teeth stronger, thereby supporting the skeletal structure and function. The rest of the calcium in their bodies plays key roles in cell signaling, muscle contraction and nerve function. Besides, apples are full of vitamins K and C. But take into account, that the seeds of apples also contain cyanogenic glycoside, which is also called cyanide. This cyanide can hurt the stomach of your dog. So, before giving an apple to your fury friend, try to remove all the seeds and the core. If your dog swallows one or two seeds, there isn't a reason to get in panic as they won't hurt your pup.
2. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is especially helpful to those dogs which are older. The reason is that they may have irregular bowels and oatmeal is just a great source of soluble fiber, iron, magnesium and phosphorus. If your dog has an allergy towards wheat, then oatmeal can serve as wonderful alternative source of grain. If you also include probiotics with oatmeal, then the result will be better. But never forget to cook the oatmeal before feeding your dog. You can also add no sugar or many other flavorings to it, however, peanut butter will be a great asset, if you include it while cooking. It is very useful to dogs, so don't worry at all to serve it, as well. You can also check everything with the vet, before reducing or adding anything to your dog's diet.
3. Avocado
Though avocados can be useful to humans, they can harm animals and affect their health. However, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) ensures people avocados won't harm animals unless they eat much amount of peel and flesh. It can only cause a little stomachache and nothing more. Once you notice that your dog has eaten a whole avocado with the pit, then you should immediately contact your vet to avoid the digestive tract as fast as possible. To put it briefly, it is not advised to give avocado to your pup in general. But even if you want to give him such a treat, then do it with small portions. And remember, there are other useful options of fruits you can use.
4. Dates
If you remove the pit of dates, then they will be a wonderful treat for your beloved fury friend. A pit can be dangerous for your pup's health as it may harm him by causing a blockage in his throat. There have been many cases when the owner of the dog hasn't been so careful and his dog ended up dying. A pit can kill your dog, so never forget about this. You can give him dates anytime you want. Just remember to treat him in small amounts. Many portions will cause a diarrhea and lead to issues like gas. They contain much sugar and it will also cause a toothache. It can also increase or bring the diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure.
5. Spinach
Spinach is very useful to humans, but are they really good to dogs as well? Yes, mostly spinach is a very important and useful vegetable for your dog. If your dog wants to eat a leaf of it, don't reject it and treat him with your dinner as well. Adding new vegetables to your dogs diet will be a great way to treat him properly. Varieties in their diet are very important and your dog will feel himself better seeing your devotion. You should only introduce those new vegetables step by step starting from small amounts and then making them larger. Spinach is a great source of vitamins A, B, C, K. It is also rich in fiber, so it can also stimulate the digestive tract.
6. Figs
Figs are excellent fruits for your pup as it can gain many benefits from them. Figs are a rich source of useful nutrients including fiber and potassium. While eating, your dog will become happier and healthier. This fruit is good for its digestive tract as well as for its immune system. As the other fruits and vegetables, figs also should be eaten with small portions. If your pup has an allergy, then you should keep it out of reach of your dog. You can give a small part to see how it reacts. Too many figs can cause a stomachache and discomfort. And never forget to be careful to fig leaves as they can harm your dog. For example, Ficus Benjamina can be poisonous to many animals, including dogs, horses and cats as it can cause irritation and vomiting.
7. Walnuts
Dogs are not recommended to eat any nuts, but they can eat one walnut a day. They can be harmful to your dog, so that is why you shouldn't break the rule and give him more than one walnut. The toxicity of them is the fact that you should always take into account. Black walnuts, for example, are harmful for dogs and horses, but they don't cause any problem to cats. The hulls of walnuts are dangerous as they contain poison. The toxin is called Penitrem A, which can lead to seizures and tremors. All in all, you should try to avoid giving nuts to your dog, as you can't say exactly what kind of problems they can bring and how they can harm to your pup's health in just some minutes.
8.Cranberries
Cranberries are one of the favorite fruits among people and they think that it is good when they give them to their pets. Unfortunately, it is not so. Cranberries are rich in vitamins and minerals, and they don't contain so much sugar. They are also high in antioxidants. Cranberries are useful for human urinary tract and for treating many infections, but anyway, dogs shouldn't eat cranberries as they will have a hard time to digest them. Besides, they can have an acute ache in their stomach. Sure, you can use cranberries in your cake or eat them when you wish, but never forget that they can be harmful for your fury friend. Even if you give him a little portion, you will see how it affects his health.
9. Mint
Mint is known for its amazing flavor. Almost everybody gets much pleasure of its aroma including dogs and many other animals. But there are many types of mint plants which should be avoided as they are not safe for your dog and are very toxic. The mint species that can be healthy for your dog are peppermint, spearmint and wild mint based on the research of the Continental Kennel Club. According to ASPCA, the English pennyroyal is the only species that is toxic for dogs and can lead to diarrhea and vomiting. So, there are many versions about the mint types, but you shouldn't worry so much. You can just limit the amount of it giving your dog only a few leaves each day in order to prevent him from some gastrointestinal issues.
10.Peach
Peaches are rich in vitamins. They are a great source of vitamins A and fiber and if you give them to your pup in small portions, he can get many benefits from this fruit. Like apples, the pit of peaches is also harmful for dogs as it contains cyanide that can be very poisonous. Peaches can help to maintain your pup's immune system but you should also take into account the fact that you should never give him large amounts. Before treating your dog, make sure you have cut out the pit. There is nothing to worry about if you have done this important step. Moreover, you should also try to avoid canned peaches as they contain a lot of sugar and the higher level of sugary supplements can be dangerous.
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