Introducing “human” food into your dog’s diet can not only be a great way to provide supplemental nutrition to your dog, but some pet owners even prepare their dog’s food with ingredients that we often consider “for human consumption-only”. Considering so many dog food labels often issue recalls or contain ingredients with names we can’t even pronounce, it is especially important to know what your options are for providing your dog with a wholesome and nutritious diet. Not to mention, adding human food to your pet’s diet makes eating a whole lot more interesting for Fido. Would you want to eat the same thing every day? Of course not! So why would our pets want to?

Editor’s note: Please consult your veterinarian before supplementing or changing your dog’s diet.

Dogs have only been introduced to cooked and processed foods for the past 80 years. In fact, commercial dog food has been linked to chronic degenerative diseases, allergies, as well as disease of the kidney, pancreas, and liver. Commercial kibbles not only harbor harmful toxins, they are also stripped of much of their nutrient value, becoming a “dead” food product. Source: Knueven, Doug, DVM, CVA, CAC. The Holistic Health Guide, Natural Care for the Whole Dog. On a much lighter note, Belgian scientists Dr Gérard Lippert and Bruno Sapy, landmark 5 year study on the life expectancy of domestic dogs showed that: Dogs fed industrial food lived an average 10.4 years. Dogs fed home made food lived an average 13.1 years. That’s a difference of three years!

Let’s get to the bottom of this… here are five people foods you can feed your dog today to give him a boost in diet:

#1. Yogurt

Good, plain yogurt gives your dog probiotics. Probiotics help with digestion. They get rid of unhealthy bacteria in your pet’s tummy, replacing it with good bacteria. … Some medications can cause constipation or diarrhea, but the probiotics can definitely help restore the balance in your dog’s digestive system.

#2. Green Beans

Nutritious and low in calories, green beans are a good choice that will load dogs up with iron and vitamins. Make sure to feed your dog only fresh beans or canned ones with no added salt.

Yum!

#3. Oatmeal

Oats are a good choice of grain for pets as thy have anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties. Have an anxious dog? Oatmeal can aid in your dog’s anxiety as it also has a calming effect on the nervous system. Other benefits include: bone-strengthening properties, as well as spleen, pancreas and immune-boosting factors.

Heart healthy!

#4. Cheese

A great treat for a dog as long as she isn’t lactose intolerant, which a small percentage are. Make sure to monitor your dog’s reaction. Opt for low or reduced fat varieties and don’t overfeed, as many cheeses can be high in fat. Cottage cheese is typically a good choice.

#5. Peanut Butter

Raw, unsalted peanut butter is a nutritious and delicious treat for your dog! With heart-healthy fats, Niacin, vitamins B and E, as well as being a good source of protein, peanut butter is a win. A little PB stuffed Kong will keep your dog busy for hours, too.