Most people who have pets are tempted to feed their friends the odd bit of human food from the table. While some human foods are quite nutritious for pets—many are dangerous and can actually lead to pet toxicity. For example, garlic and onions can damage red blood cells in cats; while grapes can cause kidney issues in both cats and dogs. Furthermore, our pet’s digestive systems aren’t equipped to handle many human foods, which means overfeeding human foods can lead to pet obesity, allergies, and digestive upset. That said, here are five safe human foods for cats and dogs:
1. Cucumbers
These water-rich vegetables are a good source of hydration and vitamins for dogs and cats. For cats, feeding them fresh cucumbers helps digestion. Likewise, cucumbers are vegetables low in calories and contain vitamin C, K, B1, B5, and B6, potassium, manganese, molybdenum, calcium, zinc, and iron. Therefore, they reduce bloating, increase energy, promote healthy cell function, and improve immune system and heart function.
2. Broccoli
This green veggie is safe and nutritious for both cats and dogs because it contains fiber, vitamin K, Vitamin C, minerals, and folic acid. Raw, cooked or frozen florets and stalks are safe for cats and dogs. However, avoid feeding pets too much broccoli as it can cause gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea, bloating and nausea. Also, be sure to cut broccoli into smaller pieces to prevent choking hazards.
3. Skinless chicken
Plain skinless, boneless, unseasoned chicken is a nutritious source of protein for cats and dogs. Chicken contains omega 6 fatty acids, amino acids and glucosamine. Therefore, feeding a bit of chicken to your pets ensures they have energy, a shiny coat, and healthy bones. However, it’s important to only feed your cats and dogs skinless chicken because the skin contains a lot of unnecessary fats their digestive systems can’t handle. Too much chicken fat can increase a cat or dog’s cholesterol levels and cause high blood pressure and heart problems. In dogs, the fat can trigger stomach problems and pancreatic inflammation. These are chronic diseases that can contribute to a shortened lifespan cat or dog over time. In addition, avoid feeding your pets raw chicken to prevent bacterial infections.
4. Eggs
Free-range eggs are safe to feed your cats and dogs. They have lots of benefits to cat and dog health. Again, they are a good source of protein, containing plenty of essential fatty acids, such as omega 3 and omega 6. Eggs are also a great source of vitamin A, D and E. Thus, they boost vision and a healthy nervous system. In addition, they contain lecithin, which reduces cholesterol levels in the pets’ blood. Just be sure to always feed pets, fully cooked, unseasoned eggs.
5. Fish
Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids for high nutritional value for both cats and dogs. Thus nutritional benefits include lowering blood pressure and reducing the chances of heart diseases. They also prevent kidney diseases in cats and dogs. Eggs are also a good source of vitamin D, which prevents arthritis and keeps bones strong and healthy. Low sodium cooked or canned fish is safe for cats and dogs. However, avoid feeding raw fish to pets to prevent bacterial infections and food poisoning.
