Why Dogs Love Our Food So Much
It should come as no surprise that dogs enjoy our varied diets so much as they are incredibly food-motivated animals. We actually use this to our benefit in many cases! It’s much easier to use food as a reward when training a dog. It’s also easy to put food into things like puzzle toys to keep dogs occupied.
Just like in people, dogs prefer certain tastes. Some dogs prefer cheese, while other dogs prefer peanut butter. Dogs like human food for the same reason that people do, because they like the taste!
Dogs also naturally tend to share their interest in whatever we are interested in. Chances are that when you’re enjoying a snack with your dog nearby, they’ll want a piece of that too.
Since dogs love food, they will often appear hungry no matter how recently they just ate. There are many human foods that are safe for dogs, and it’s important to only feed those foods. Some human foods are toxic and even fatal for dogs.
Common Human Foods That Dogs Enjoy
While dogs will generally try to eat anything that we offer them, below are some of the food types that they are happy to eat and which a generally very safe for them.
Plain Meats
It should go without saying that any kind of plain, boneless meat will be a good treat for our carnivorous furry friends! If your dog doesn’t have allergies requiring special proteins, chicken and beef are easily available in your local grocery store and are a great option. Bones can be hazardous for dogs, so make sure to always choose boneless cuts or remove the meat from the bone.
When preparing chicken or beef for your dog, you can simmer them in plain water until they’re thoroughly cooked through. You can also cook it on a skillet as you would for yourself, but be sure to rinse off any extra fat.
Fruits
Fruits are actually one of the best options for a safe treat for your dog! Fruits are rich in antioxidants, iron, and zinc. These are all healthy additions that are good for your dog. Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and apples are just a few fruits that are good for your dog. Most dogs also find these incredibly tasty!
When you’re feeding fruits, make sure to remove any parts that could be dangerous, like the stem, pit, core, or seeds. It’s also best to stay away from citrus. Most dogs naturally steer clear of citrus, but citrus is so potent that it can actually cause stomach upset. Finally, never feed grapes or raisins to your dog, as they are incredibly poisonous to them.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are packed full of vitamins and fibre. Many dog foods even include sweet potatoes because they’re such a healthy addition for your dog! Sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile when it comes to preparing them for your dog. You can bake them into bite-sized chunks or cut them thin and lengthwise and dehydrate them for more of a jerky texture.
Green Vegetables
“Eat your vegetables” is a popular saying for a reason, and this goes for our dogs too! Green vegetables are powerhouses of nutrition. They offer a variety of vitamins and antioxidants.
When cooking vegetables, it’s best to steam them and then puree them. This breaks down the cellulose and makes them easier for dogs to digest. You can add them onto your dog’s meal. If your dog likes green vegetables, you can blend them into a green smoothie and offer that to your dog!
Unsafe Foods
If you find yourself wondering what human foods dogs can have, you should always research first. Some foods can cause mild stomach upset, while other foods can be fatal. If you’re not sure whether the food your dog has eaten is toxic or not, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Hotline.
This is a list of common household foods that are toxic to dogs:
- Chocolate and coffee
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions
- Xylitol (commonly found in gum and some peanut butter)
There are many other foods that can cause stomach upset, and each dog will tolerate foods differently. It’s also best to stay away from offering large amounts of fatty foods, such as bacon or fatty cuts of beef. Fatty foods are known to cause pancreatitis in dogs.
Can Feeding Human Food to Your Dog Become a Problem?
While it may be tempting to share your food with your furry friend, feeding dogs human food can become a problem if it is done excessively or without consideration for their nutritional needs. Here are some situations where feeding dogs human food can become a problem:
Obesity
Dogs can become overweight or obese if they consume too much human food, especially foods that are high in fat and sugar. This can lead to a range of health problems, including joint pain, diabetes, and heart disease.
Digestive Issues
Some human foods, such as chocolate, grapes, and onions, can be toxic to dogs and cause digestive problems such as vomiting and diarrhoea. Feeding dogs human food that is high in spices or artificial additives can also cause digestive discomfort.
Nutritional Imbalance
Feeding dogs human food on a regular basis can disrupt their nutrient balance and cause deficiencies or imbalances in essential nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins. This can lead to a range of health problems and make it difficult for your dog to maintain optimal health.
Behavioural Issues
Feeding dogs human food as a reward or to calm them down can create behavioural issues, such as begging at the table or stealing food. This can also reinforce negative behaviour patterns and make it difficult to correct them in the future.
Conclusion
It’s no surprise that our dogs want to share human foods with us. They love partaking in the same activities that we do, and we know that they like tasty foods as well. When you want to prepare a special treat of human food for your dog, make sure that it is a safe food. If you’re worried that your dog ate something that could potentially be toxic, contact your veterinarian immediately.
