10 Healthiest Human Foods for Dogs
By: Cheryl Lock | Pet360.com
Dogs Like Veggies, Too
If you're on the lookout for new and fun ways to rev up your furry best friend's diet, adding vegetables and fruits can be a really healthy way to do that. Of course certain veggies and fruits will be better for your dog than others. Take a look at the following 10 healthiest human foods for dogs and consider adding them to your own dog's meal routine.
Cantaloupe
Believe it or not, the same fruit salad staple that humans have come to know and love is just as good for dogs. They're full of vitamins that will help with your canine's eyesight, as well as lots of vitamin A and lots of beta carotene, which helps reduce the risk of cancer and prevents cell damage. It's also a good source of vitamins B-6 and C, fiber, folate, niacin and potassium.
Green Beans
Getting your dog to eat his green beans will probably be easier than getting your kids to do the same. Green beans are good for your pooch because of their omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, C, and K. They're also a good source of calcium, copper, fiber, folic acid, iron, niacin, manganese, potassium, riboflavin and thiamin, as well as beta carotene. Essentially, they're the superpower of vegetables for your pooch.
Spinach
We certainly understand the value of spinach in our own diets, but luckily this green, leafy vegetable can be just as powerful for your dog. Although it's high in iron (with almost twice as much of it as most other sources), spinach is a particularly good option for your dog since it helps fend off inflammatory and cardiovascular issues, along with cancer.
Apples
Besides the fact that it's super fun to watch a dog eat an apple, the powerful antioxidants and loads of vitamin C will do wonders for your dog's diet, as well.
Pumpkin
Feed your dog pumpkin to load him up on fiber, vitamin A and anti-oxidants to help alleviate diarrhea and constipation and to promote his overall cardiovascular health.
Sweet Potatoes
A great source of vitamins E, A, B-6 and C, as well as calcium, iron, folate, potassium, copper, thiamine and iron, sweet potatoes are a wonderful (and super tasty!) addition to any pooch's dinner bowl.
Blueberries
Blueberries, with their high levels of resveratrol and their anti-cancer and heart disease fighting qualities, make a great option for your dog's diet. As an added bonus, the tannins found in blueberries also help prevent urinary tract infections.
Watermelon
If it's lycopene that you're looking to add to your dog's diet, watermelon is your best source for that. The health benefits don't stop there, though. Give your pooch a piece of this delicious summer treat and you'll be loading him with up with tons of healthy vitamin A, B-6 and C, as well as thiamin.
Asparagus
When cut into bite size pieces, Asparagus makes a healthy veggie option for your dog because of its vitamin K, A, B1, B2, C and E, along with the folate, iron, copper, fiber, manganese and potassium that's found in them.
Brussels Sprouts
Maybe if your kid sees your dog eating her Brussels sprouts, she'll hop on board and eat them, too. And your dog should be eating Brussels sprouts for their vitamins K and G, manganese, folate, fiber, potassium and vitamins A, B1 and B6.
Explore More at Pet360.com:
8 Questions to Ask Before Giving Your Pet Treats
