1. Apple, carrot, banana & strawberry

Fruits and vegetables can make up 10-30% of a dog’s diet. Below are some safe and healthy ones that can be given as treats:

• Raw carrots: contain beta carotene and antioxidants

• Strawberries: rinse them thoroughly to remove any pesticide residue.

• Apples: be sure to remove the seeds because they contain a type of compound that is toxic to dogs

• Bananas: a slice or two only, not the whole banana

 

Be sure to cut these fruits into slices or small pieces before giving them to your dogs. Do not give the whole chunk to them as you may risk choking your dog.

 

If your dog has never eaten any of these fruits before, give only small pieces at first to prevent digestive upset. Similar to human beings, some dogs may not be able to tolerate certain fruits in their diet.

 

2. Yogurt

• Yogurt contains beneficial bacteria (probiotics) that helps in regulating the digestive system and strengthening the immune system.

• It also provides essential vitamins and calcium.

• Depending on your dog’s size or weight, one teaspoon to one tablespoon can be given to your dog.

 

However, if your dog is currently experiencing diarrhea, do not give your dog yogurt to eat.

 

There is only one type of yogurt you can feed your dog or puppy. Feed your dog plain, unflavored yogurt if you choose to add this dairy product into his diet. Flavored yogurt has too much sugar, which is not safe or healthy for dogs.

 

3. Eggs

Cooked eggs or hardboiled eggs are easy to digest and an excellent source of protein, containing all of the essential amino acids. Protein should equal 30-60% of your dog’s total diet.

 

Unless your dogs have high cholesterol problems (which most dogs don’t), feeding the egg yolks is ok too. An overweight dog can just have the egg white.

 

However, raw eggs should never be given to dogs because of the possible bacterial contamination. It also contains a chemical that interferes with the absorption and use of the B vitamin biotin. Biotin deficiency will affect a dog’s skin and coat health.

 

4. Fish oil

Fish oil contains a lot of omega-3 fatty acids which have been known to reduce inflammation. They can be fed as a form of supplement to fend off cancer, diabetes or heart and kidney diseases.

 

However, too much fish oil can also lead to increased calories and weight gain. So it is good to consult with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any supplements.

 

Fish oils can also cause deficiencies in other nutrients and decreased blood clotting function, and so should not be used if dog has heart disease or a bleeding disorder.

 

5. Flaxseed oil (not flax seed)

Flaxseed oil is good for skin and coat health and also to build a strong immunity system. Veterinarians have been recommending flaxseed oil for dogs for quite some time.

The essential fatty acids contained in flaxseed oil ensure basic cellular health in all animals.  Research shows that essential fatty acids (EFA) are as important to the health of our pets as vitamins and minerals.  Without EFAs, the cells will not form or function correctly.  These essential acids are responsible for helping the body perform biological functions and they are the building blocks for prostaglandins.  These are the things that regulate the hormones and the nervous and immune systems.  They also play a part in cardiovascular functioning.

Flaxseed oil has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. It has the ability to help regulate other important body functions in your dog, including blood pressure, kidney and artery function, as well as calcium and energy metabolism. 

6. Garlic
Garlic must be given with care and with close observation in the reaction of your dog to its consumption. Garlic, in small amounts and over short period of time, is widely used as a natural flea and tick repellent.

However, it is important to note that dogs lack the enzyme needed to break down the chemical thiosulphate in garlic, which can cause gas, vomiting, diarrhea or severe gastrointestinal distress.

Large amounts of garlic or garlic given over a prolonged period can result in severe hemolytic anemia (destruction of red blood cells) and an increased risk of blood clotting abnormalities. Therefore, please consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog any garlic supplements.

 

7. Ginger

Ginger is a well-known tropical herb whose root is used in both traditional Chinese Medicine and western Herbal Medicine. The most famous medical use of ginger is as an anti-emetic (prevention of nausea and vomiting). Small quantities of ginger can actually ease a dog's motion sickness.

 

But too much ginger is not good too. The chief adverse effect of ginger is mild gastrointestinal irritation.

 

Don’t use ginger within 10 days of surgery, as it may have mild blood thinning effect. Avoid it if your dog is on aspirin, insulin or any anti inflammatory medication. Ginger may have blood sugar lowering effects and reduce the insulin requirement. Do not give ginger to dogs with gallstones, gastric ulcers or on heart or blood pressure medication or pregnancy as it may lower blood pressure slightly & cause miscarriage.

 

8. Glucosamine

Glucosamine is produced naturally in the body, and is necessary for the normal production of cartilage, joint lubrication and is needed to repair joint damage. Glucosamine supplements are mainly derived from shellfish. Glucosamine has been proven to reduce pain and increase joint mobility, so it has become a nutritional supplement prescribed by veterinarians to treat arthritis in dogs.