HUMAN FOOD FOR DOGS 
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You know you're not supposed to feed your dog chocolate, onions, grapes/raisins, macadamia nuts and
avocados. And you monitor for sensitivity to common food allergens such as meat, corn, wheat and soy.
The following is a list of fresh, frozen and canned foods that people typically eat that are safe for dogs to
consume too.
1. Melons: Watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew are all healthy options for your beloved dog.
Consult animal poison control before feeding your dogs any of the more exotic melons.
2. Sunflower seeds (shelled): Skip the salt if possible, or serve in moderation. Remember, treats
should not comprise more than 10 percent of your dog's daily calorie intake. If your dog gets 500 calories a day,
50 calories could come from treats.
3. Peanut butter: Peanuts don't appear to cause allergies in dogs like they do in people. Some
highly food-sensitive dogs for whom peanut butter is a large part of their diet.
4. Berries (fresh and frozen): Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, huckleberries or
raspberries -- all are good for your furry friend for the same reason they're good for humans:
free-radical-fighting antioxidants. A lot of dogs like them frozen.
5. Cooked chicken: Ran out of your dog's regular food? Whether boiled, baked, served rotisserie-style or
grilled, this food is a healthy substitute. Dogs will eat a freshly cooked chicken any way they can get it.
Healthy dogs can handle cooking oils and seasonings. Just be sure to avoid adding onion or too much garlic. If
you're concerned, non-salt seasonings can be used, but that matters more for the human eater than the dog.
Scrambled eggs, hamburger, rice, pasta and/or oatmeal can serve as meal replacements in a pinch.
6. Cheese: This is a safe snack for dogs, but just like humans, they can experience lactose
intolerance, so monitor your dog's reaction. Many families use a dollop of cottage cheese with every meal. To avoid
overfeeding, consider giving your dog low- or reduced-fat dairy products.
7. Bananas: All fruits have phytonutrients and other required nutrients. They are good for all of
us. If the foods are healthy for humans, they are more apt to be healthy for the dog.
8. Apple slices: Always try to serve your pup seedless, organic apple slices, because apple seeds
naturally contain cyanide. Citrus fruits such as oranges are good too, but leave off the rinds; they contain many
oils and could be too strong for a dog's digestive system.
9. Baby carrots: Fresh, crunchy vegetables are good for your dog's teeth. Plus, it's a bit easier
not to overfeed with veggies. If you're giving your dog vegetables, you can give a lot more in volume because these
are low-calorie foods.
10. Green beans: Because this veggie fills dogs up, weight-management programs often include green
beans, usually canned with no salt added. An entire can of green beans contains 70 calories. What a bargain, and
filling too!
Of course every dog is different and you and your vet know best if he or she has any food sensitivities, weight
issues or other health concerns that should guide your dog's diet. It is always a good idea to check with your
pet's doctor if you are planning on changing what your dog eats. Also keep in mind that it is best to introduce new
foods to your dog slowly. You don't want your pooch to get gas, bloating, soft stools or other digestive
problems.
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