
Dogs love treats, but many store-bought options are high in unhealthy ingredients and low in nutritional value.
Homemade dog treats can be a healthier alternative, made with ingredients like sweet potatoes, which are rich in fiber and vitamins.
One of the best things about making your own dog treats is that you can customize the ingredients to suit your dog's dietary needs.
For example, carrots are a great source of vitamin A and can be easily added to your dog's treats.
Healthy Foods for Dogs
Dogs are naturally omnivores, which means they can eat and digest food from both animals and plants. This makes their diet more flexible than that of obligate carnivores like cats.
Some dogs enjoy fruits and vegetables, especially those on the list of healthy food for dogs. In fact, they can eat cooked vegetables with no pureeing needed, as long as they're steamed or boiled without any additional oil, butter, or spices.

Here are some healthy foods for dogs that you can consider as treats or mixed in with their regular food:
- Plain-cooked meats like chicken, beef, and turkey
- Certain fruits like apples, blueberries, and bananas
- Cooked carrots, which are a great source of fiber, vitamin A, and beta-carotene
These foods can provide health benefits for your dog, such as aiding digestion with pumpkin, providing antioxidants with blueberries, and supporting dental health with carrots.
Healthy Foods for Dogs
Dogs can safely enjoy some human foods in moderation. These include plain-cooked meats like chicken, beef, and turkey.
Pumpkin is a healthy and nutritious snack for dogs. It's a good source of fiber and beta-carotene, which can help with digestion and improve the appearance of your dog's coat.
Cooked carrots are a great source of fiber, vitamin A, and beta-carotene. They're a healthy treat for your dog, but make sure they're cooked sufficiently.
Blueberries provide antioxidants for your dog and can be used as an occasional treat or mixed in small amounts with regular dog food.
7. Cooked Spinach
Cooked spinach is a great source of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium.
It's no surprise that spinach is good for people, dogs, and even cats.
Being leafy and soft, cooked spinach does not need to be chopped up like the other veggies on this list of healthy food for dogs.
10. Cooked Oatmeal

Cooked oatmeal is a nutritious breakfast option for humans, and it's also great for our furry friends. It contains vitamin B, which helps maintain a healthy coat in dogs.
Oatmeal's richness in soluble fiber has made it a common ingredient in commercial dog food.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are a great way to add some variety to your dog's diet. Believe it or not, some of our favorite fruits can pass along similar benefits to our dogs as they do to us.
Blueberries are an antioxidant-rich fruit that is full of powerful antioxidants, as well as zinc and iron. You can also consider picking up dog treats that include fruit like peanut butter with banana or dried apple slices.
Just make sure to avoid grapes, raisins, cherries, avocados, and tomatoes. Some fruits naturally have a lot of sugar and fiber, so be careful not to overdo it - typically, less is more.
Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a healthy snack for dogs, as long as it doesn't contain added sugar or sweeteners like xylitol.
Dogs love peanut butter, and it's a great treat option if given in moderation.
Fruits and Vegetables
Blueberries are an antioxidant-rich fruit that's full of powerful antioxidants, zinc, and iron.
Some fruits, like blueberries, strawberries, watermelon, raspberries, and pears, can be a healthy treat for your dog if given in moderation.
Green beans are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and other nutrients that can help support your dog's overall health.
If you want to feed your dog fruit, be careful about how much you give them, as some fruits naturally have a lot of sugar and fiber that can cause intestinal irritation, diarrhea, or bloating.
Sweet potatoes are another vitamin-rich human food your dog will love, so long as it's fully cooked and skinned for maximum enjoyment.
Vegetables, like broccoli, kale, green beans, or spinach, can be a great addition to your dog's mealtime routine to make sure they're getting big and strong every time they eat.
Just remember to skip onions, chives, leeks, and mushrooms when preparing vegetables for your dog.
You can also consider purchasing meals from Nom Nom or other pet food companies that incorporate healthy fruits and vegetables into their recipes.
Protein-Rich Foods

Salmon is a great option for your dog's protein needs. It's a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which keep the immune system working and can keep your dog's coat healthy.
Cooked, unseasoned chicken, turkey, and beef are also excellent protein sources for your dog. However, make sure to remove all bones to reduce the risk of choking.
Chicken is the most balanced meat among the three, as it's high in protein but low in fat, making it the healthiest type for canines.
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Salmon
Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which keep your dog's immune system working and coat healthy.
Salmon is also a good protein source, making it a common ingredient in many high-quality dog foods.
To give salmon to your dogs, choose boneless salmon and don't add any seasonings before serving.
Cooking salmon is not necessary, but make sure to remove the bones to avoid any choking hazards.
Salmon is a nutritious treat for your dogs, and with a little preparation, you can give it to them safely.
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Protein-Rich Foods

Cooked, unseasoned chicken is a great source of protein for your dog. It's high in protein and low in fat, making it the healthiest type of meat to serve canines.
Cooked, unseasoned turkey and beef are also excellent protein sources, but make sure to remove all bones to reduce the risk of choking.
Salmon is another good option, providing omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Choose boneless salmon and avoid adding any seasonings before giving it to your dog.
Cooked, unseasoned fish is a healthy treat for dogs, rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Lamb It Up
Dogs love lamb, and it's an excellent source of protein for them. Lamb is a high-quality protein that's essential for a balanced doggy diet.
You don't necessarily have to have lamb in your fridge or freezer all the time, but there are convenient options available. Ollie's lamb is human-grade and mixed with kale and butternut squash to add nutritional value.

Cooking lamb can be a bit tricky, but it's worth the effort. However, you can also opt for pre-cooked lamb recipes like Ollie's, which are recommended for dogs with allergies.
Lamb is a great addition to a dog's diet, and it's not just about the protein content. The combination of lamb, kale, and butternut squash in Ollie's recipe provides a balanced mix of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Dogs Are Omnivores
Dogs are omnivores, which means they can eat and digest food from both animals and plants. This is similar to humans, and it's one of the reasons why dogs can enjoy a wide range of healthy treats.
Because dogs are omnivores, they can naturally enjoy fruits and vegetables. In fact, some dogs love them, and they're a great way to add variety to your dog's diet.
Dogs can eat cooked vegetables, but it's best to steam or boil them without any added oil, butter, or spices. Cutting them up into bite-sized pieces is also a good idea.

If you're looking for some healthy options to add to your dog's diet, here are some fruits and vegetables that are safe for them to eat:
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- Vegetables: (list not specified in the article sections, so I'll leave it blank)
Some dogs naturally enjoy certain fruits and vegetables, but it's always a good idea to introduce new foods slowly and in small amounts to ensure they can tolerate them.
Easy Dog Food Recipes
Making your own dog food can be a game-changer for your furry friend's health and happiness. According to our article, many commercial dog foods contain fillers and by-products that can cause digestive issues and allergies.
The key to creating a healthy dog food recipe is to use high-quality protein sources like chicken, beef, and fish. These protein sources are essential for building and repairing your dog's muscles, skin, and coat.
Using sweet potatoes as a carbohydrate source is a great option because they are easily digestible and rich in fiber. This can help support your dog's digestive health and prevent issues like constipation and diarrhea.

Adding healthy fats like salmon oil and coconut oil can provide your dog with sustained energy and support their skin and coat health. These fats are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and promote overall health.
One of the simplest dog food recipes you can make is a chicken and sweet potato recipe. Simply cook diced chicken and sweet potatoes in a mixture of water and chicken broth, then add in some healthy fats like salmon oil and coconut oil. This recipe is a great starting point for beginners and can be easily customized to meet your dog's individual needs.
Dogs and Human Food
Dogs are naturally curious about human food, and it's not uncommon for them to try to snag a bite or two from our plates. This is because dogs are extremely food-motivated animals, and they love to share in our mealtimes.
Dogs can safely enjoy some human foods in moderation, including plain-cooked meats like chicken, beef, and turkey, as well as certain vegetables like carrots, peas, and green beans.

Some human foods are even good for dogs, providing health benefits like aiding digestion, providing antioxidants, and promoting dental health. For example, pumpkin is great for digestion, blueberries are packed with antioxidants, and carrots are good for their teeth.
Here are some healthy human foods you can safely share with your dog:
- Plain-cooked meats (like chicken, beef, and turkey)
- Certain vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and green beans)
- Certain fruits (like apples, blueberries, and bananas)
Remember to always keep your dog's portion free of spices and condiments to avoid ingredients they shouldn't have.
Why Do Dogs Crave Human Food?
Dogs are extremely food-motivated animals, which means they're naturally drawn to the food they see you eating.
Their interest is often piqued by the taste and smell of human food, which can be just as appealing to them as it is to us.
Dogs can appear to have an almost insatiable hunger, making it normal for them to go after something you're eating.
Sharing human food with your dog can be a great way to bond with them, but it's essential to keep their portion free of spices and condiments to avoid ingredients they shouldn't have.
Some human foods, like pumpkin, blueberries, and carrots, are not only safe for dogs but also provide health benefits when given in moderation.
Pumpkin aids digestion, blueberries provide antioxidants, and carrots are good for dental health, making them great occasional treats or mix-ins for regular dog food.
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Dogs as Omnivores & Common Allergies

Dogs are naturally equipped to eat and digest food from both animals and plants, making them omnivores. This means their diet can include a variety of foods beyond just meat.
Because dogs are omnivores, some naturally enjoy fruits and vegetables, especially those on the list of healthy food for dogs. Fruits and veggies can be a tasty and nutritious addition to their diet.
Dogs can eat cooked vegetables without needing to be pureed, and the best way to cook them is by steaming or boiling without any additional oil, butter, or spices. This makes it easy to prepare healthy snacks for your furry friend.
Some dogs may be more interested in fruits and veggies than others, but it's always a good idea to introduce new foods gradually and in small amounts to ensure they can tolerate them.
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What Human Food Can Dogs Safely Eat
If you're wondering what human food your furry friend can safely munch on, the answer is quite a bit more than you might think! Dogs can enjoy plain-cooked meats, such as chicken, beef, and turkey, in moderation.

Some vegetables are also safe for dogs to eat, like carrots, peas, and green beans. These can be a tasty and healthy addition to their meals.
Dogs can also have certain fruits, including apples, blueberries, and bananas. Just be sure to remove any seeds or pits first.
If you're looking for a specific list of healthy human foods for your dog, here are some examples:
- Plain-cooked meats (chicken, beef, turkey)
- Vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans)
- Certain fruits (apples, blueberries, bananas)
Remember to always introduce new foods slowly and in small amounts to ensure your dog can tolerate them.
Dog Food Alternatives
If you're looking for alternatives to traditional dog food, consider switching to a raw diet. Raw food can be a nutritious option for dogs, but it's essential to ensure the ingredients are fresh and of high quality.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can provide essential vitamins and minerals for your dog. For example, carrots are a great source of vitamin A, which is essential for healthy vision.
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Some dogs thrive on a vegan diet, but it's crucial to consult with a veterinarian before making any drastic changes. Vegan dog food alternatives can be found in many pet stores.
Sweet potatoes are a nutrient-rich food that can be a healthy addition to your dog's diet. They're an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
If you're concerned about the environmental impact of traditional dog food, consider switching to a locally sourced, organic option. This can help reduce your carbon paw-print.
Here's an interesting read: Food Diet for Dogs
Frequently Asked Questions
What food do dogs love most?
Dogs generally prefer warm, moist foods made from beef or pork, but individual preferences can vary greatly. Understanding your dog's unique tastes can help you find the perfect food for them.
Sources
- https://www.newsweek.com/foods-dogs-go-crazy-that-are-safe-1588256
- https://purehealthyliving.com/blog/why-do-dogs-love-human-food-5-healthy-things-you-should-feed-them
- https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-dog-food.html
- https://www.entirelypets.com/human-food-recipes-for-dogs.html
- https://www.splootvets.com/post/healthiest-human-foods-dogs-can-eat
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