There are many types of foods that humans eat that are good for dogs. WE spend a lot of time talking about what not to feed them and to be careful. What about the foods that they can eat? Exploring some of the goodies that your dog will enjoy that are actually good for him is the topic of the day.
Dried Mango – Really?
Yes, really. Mango is not harmful to your dog at all. In fact, it’s high in fiber and has a bit of sweetness so they’ll likely enjoy it as a treat. Don’t over do the mango though, or anything outside of their normal diet for that matter.
They can easily have diarrhea from a change in diet. Adding a bit to their food or a piece or two at a time will likely be fine and a way to introduce them to foods that are new. You don’t want to overwhelm their system. If you do, you may also have flatulence to deal with. If that happens, be sure and check out our information on using activated charcoal for gas in dogs.
Mangoes are full of vitamins but be sure to remove the pit! Pits in all fruits are choking hazards and some of them are full of toxins that can cause harm too. Properly cut the mango and remove the pit and everything is fine.
Make sure that you are disposing of the pit in a trash can that your dog can’t access. If he smells something he has been given to eat, he may try to get to it and eat the pit.
Other Foods that Are Great for Dogs
Dogs love many garden vegetables and people often neglect giving their dogs some fresh produce, even fruit, from time to time. Dogs tolerate beans well, especially green beans. Black beans, lentils, and garbanzo beans are good sources of protein as well. If you are using canned beans, buy the low or no sodium options as salt is bad for dogs.
If you choose to use dried beans and cook them yourself, without salt, make sure that you soak them for a good amount of time. At least overnight for most beans. Lentils are the easier beans to cook, not being as large. Dogs usually love any type of bean and you can cook them some beans with rice if you live. Rice is also a favored food of dogs. Rice is especially good for them if they’ve had recent loose stools.
Pumpkin is also good for loose stools and upset stomach. Pumpkin is loaded with vitamins and is full of fiber as well. Most squash is loved by dogs. Again, try mixing just a little into their food dish. Chop the pieces relatively small and mix it into their food at meal time. They may look at you like you are crazy at first. “Mom, what is this in my bowl?”
It may take some coaxing to get them to try new things. It really depends on your dog and his or her personality. Some dogs eat first and ask questions later. These dogs are the ones you have to worry about the most because they grab things that aren’t good for them and swallow them fast. A dog that you have to coax is a little better, in all honesty.
Vegetables to Try
- Pumpkin
- Yellow squash
- Eggplant
- Zucchini
- Green beans
- Snow peas
- Carrots
- Cabbage
- Rutabaga
- Cucumber
- Okra
- Yams/sweet potatoes
- White potatoes (only if they are cooked, raw are bad for dogs)
- Green pepper
- Red Pepper
- Yellow pepper
- (stay away from hot peppers)
- Radishes
- Watermelon – not the rind!
- Brussel sprouts
- Celery
- Peas
- Spinach
Fruits to Try
**with fruits, always remove pits or seeds as they can be very toxic to animals
- Tomatoes
- Oranges
- Peaches
- Cranberries
- Apricots
- Apples
- Pears
- Plums
- Mango
- Papaya
- Strawberries
- Cantaloupe
- Pineapple
Fresh Fruits and Veggies Never to Feed Your Dog
- Grapes and Raisins – extremely toxic
- Avocado – contains Persin which is toxic to dogs
- Bananas – very high in natural sugars. Only a bite on rare occasions.
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Garlic
- Raw cauliflower
As you can see, the list of veggies or fruit that your dog shouldn’t have is quite short. This is not an all-inclusive list as there are regional fruits and vegetables from all over the world not included here. If there is something not listed here, check it out for yourself before giving it to them. It only takes a few moments to check online to see if something is good or bad for dogs.
Many people enjoy sharing their food with their dogs and there is nothing wrong with it if you are so inclined. Dogs sometimes prefer to stick to their dry kibble. It depends on your dog. Some dogs can make your frustrated because they won’t try new things at all. Don’t force it. Just offer them things from time to time and see how it goes.
Some dogs love things like broccoli but you do want to be careful not to give them too much because it can cause gas pains, just like it does for some humans.
The Take-Away
Most fruits and vegetables are good for dogs. You can get creative with fruit, freezing it in ice over the summer months, and drop a chunk of frozen ice into a dish for them. This will keep them occupied and help them stay cool this summer.
Greek yogurt can be frozen with strawberries or peaches mixed into it. Try freezing some watermelon and see what your dog does. Veggies can be frozen and given as cold treats or you can cook them and add a spoonful or two to their nightly meal.
You don’t have to do these things. Most dog foods are nutritious, but if they aren’t opposed to trying new things and you want to give them treats that are healthier for them than many store bought treats are, trying fresh fruits and veggies might be the best way for you to go.
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