Wet, kibble or raw? Tins, pouches, bags or fresh?

Too confusing? How about trying your canine on human food, within reason? Many foods that we eat are also safe for your pooch, as outlined below.

1. Meat

Dogs need meat for energy, B vitamins and proteins. They do not adapt well to a vegetarian diet, but will appreciate tucking into a lean piece of chicken, pork or beef alongside you.

2. Fish

A love of cooked fish is something which dogs share with some humans and many cats. The cats’ favourite fish, tuna, is also good for dogs as it has high omega-3 which helps to maintain a shiny coat and strong immune system. If they don’t take to it, add fish oil to their normal meals.

3. Offal

The thought of eating liver turns some human stomachs. But dogs love this vitamin and iron rich food. Less than an ounce will give them plenty of nutrients without inducing a dangerous vitamin A overdose.

4. Oatmeal

Just as for humans, cooked oatmeal helps a dog’s digestion. This fiber-rich grain is recommended for older dogs especially, as its gentle effect helps digestion. It also works for dogs with special digestive needs or wheat intolerance.

5. Herbs

Herbs are a vast natural resource. Feed parsley to your dog and they will have instantly fresher breath. No more doggie halitosis; what could be better? Plus it will give them a mineral boost to go with all those vitamins from the meat you’re feeding them.

6. Vegetables

Dogs can eat vegetables, although it is recommended that they are combined with meat and other foods. Peas in particular are popular as part of kibble, being a valuable source of potassium. Sugar snap peas can be served raw, complete with the pod. They are just as crunchy for dogs as humans.

Carrots are another doggie favorite which help promote dental hygiene and strong teeth, so nothing wrong with asking your pooch ‘eh, what’s up Doc?’ from time to time.

Dried seaweed is also good for dogs (plus some humans find it’s yummy too). It gives dog – and human – metabolism a boost.

7. Dairy (so long as your dog is not lactose intolerant)

Cats are known to go for cream, evaporated milk and even some yogurt based desserts. But plain yogurt and cottage cheese with no added sweeteners are also good for dogs, because of their calcium content. Much as humans with bone issues are recommended to eat a diet containing sufficient dairy, so dogs will enjoy better bone and tooth health from slurping a kefir, cottage cheese or yogurt.

Cheese is also a good bet for dairy tolerant dogs. Low or reduced fat brands are good in small doses, or else buy a proprietary food mix with added cheese for flavor.

8. Oil

Fish oil has already been mentioned as a potential source of goodness for dogs. Coconut oil is protein rich and helps your dog’s skin with a blend of antibacterial and antiviral properties. Unsweetened coconut flakes are as good for your pet as they are for you.

9. Peanut butter

This staple of the utterly indispensable PB&J sandwich is also much beloved of dogs. Raw, unsalted, unsweetened, no artificial sweetener peanut butter provides protein and vitamins among many other benefits. Plus, it apparently makes a great filling for toys with suitable holes.

10. Eggs

Scrambled egg on toast is a human food staple. Your pup can likewise benefit from added protein in their diet from a fresh egg from a local smallholding too.

While buying proprietary dog food is quick and easy, there are plenty of alternatives available. Switching up your dog’s diet is a chance to find out what they like before they thieve it from your own plate.