Dog owners see their pooches as a parent would see their child. Once adopted, they become part of the family for about a decade, give or take a few years. When it comes to feeding them, however, it greatly depends on the owner. Sometimes they provide dog food and sometimes they share their human food. Feeding dogs human food is perfectly fine, as long as the research is done and the dogs are fed human foods that are good for them, not toxic.
 
It is wise to stray away from feeding the dog nuts in general. Not all of them are toxic, like almonds, but they could still get lodged in the esophagus due to not being chewed properly. Definitely stay away from Macadamia nuts, as they are one of the most poisonous foods for dogs. They cause vomiting and even the inability to walk. Other nuts to avoid are pecans and walnuts.
 
On the contrary, an excellent food for dogs is quinoa (pronounced keen-wah). It is a very healthy alternative to corn, wheat, and soy. Quinoa is actually an ingredient in high-quality dry dog foods due to its strong nutritional profile.
 
Besides fruits, sweet foods are a little risky to feed dogs. Chocolate, especially dark, contains methylxanthines, which is a very toxic substance for dogs. It’s a stimulant that can stop a dog’s metabolic process, cause diarrhea and vomiting. On the other hand, cinnamon isn’t toxic, however that and its oils can irritate the inside of dogs’ mouths, making them sick and can lower their blood sugar, cause increased or decreased heart rate and even stir up problems in the liver. So, feeding a dog these two foods is not recommended.
 
Despite all that, coconuts are very healthy for dogs! Coconuts are classified as a fruit, nut and seed and contains a saturated fatty acid called lauric, which strengthens the immune system by fighting off viruses. Coconut milk and oil are also good, because the oil can help with bad breath and can heal skin conditions. Try to avoid giving the dog the furry outer shell of the coconut, however, because it can get lodged in the throat.
 
Another food that contains good fats is fish. They also have amino acids that give dogs a beneficial health boost. Salmon is definitely a go-to fish for dogs to eat because it’s loaded with vitamins and protein. Sardines are also a good fish because with their soft and digestible bones, they provide an extra boost of calcium. Just be sure to pick out the small bones in the fish before feeding it to the dog (with the exception of sardines).
 
When it comes to fruits, they’re a tasty dessert-like treat for dogs, especially if it’s frozen fruit. However, one fruit to avoid completely is grapes and raisins. Even a small amount can be toxic to dogs, however the substance that causes negative reactions after consumption is currently unknown.
 
What dog doesn’t love peanut butter? Not only is it an excellent source of protein, but it contains vitamins B, E, and niacin (which is vitamin B3). Besides being tasty and a favorite food for dogs, it also has heart-healthy fats. Raw, unsalted peanut butter is the healthiest option. However, due to its fat, don’t feed the dog too much peanut butter.
 
With this information, pet owners can keep their dogs happy and healthy! Be sure to give them lots of love, toys and be sure to keep them well fed!