Who doesn’t LOVE food? I bet your little one is always ready for a delicious snack! With that being said, giving your fur baby quality and logical options for their diet is genuinely one of the best things you can do for the longevity and quality of their life. Many pet owners get into bad habits of feeding their animals human food that simply isn’t meant to be given to animals. I’m taking french fries, bread, general “scraps” from your plate. I have even seen people give their dog an entire McDon**d’s hamburger… and folks, let’s just be reallll that’s not even human food! So here is a guide and proof that dogs love to eat quality and healthy food. They only know what they know. So show them, and create good habits that you and they will be thankful for. | note: monitor how your dog responds to these foods by observing behavior, upset stomachs like vomiting, hardening or softening of the stool. These should be given in snack portions, not as a meal replacement. I am not a veterinarian, just a dog mom with her own experiences. 

First let’s start off with a cute video of the boys chomping on some raw spinach! (volume up)

| Snacks and food additive options

These can be used as snacks for rewards or mixed in with kibble to encourage eating while giving them the nutritional value they deserve!

• Spinach- if you notice your pup chomping grass they may need some fiber! • Apples- Great for softening stool so don’t go overboard • Carrots- great for supporting teeth cleaning (you may see this in their #2) • Watermelon- good for rehydrating after day at the park • Banana- not all dogs favor this but some love! (Theo’s favorite) • Bone Broth- great to mix in with kibble to create a gravy or as is for a warm “soup” snack

| Foods to never give your pups

Some are more obvious then others but still worth mentioning: • Chocolate- theobromine is in chocolate and dogs cant metabolize this= toxic experience • Grapes/raisins- dogs do not digest the skin and an unknown component in them is toxic • Macadamia/ Nuts- can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs •Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones- can contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli that can be harmful to pets and humans (ASPCA.org, 2019)

| Why does it matter what they eat?

Like humans, dogs respond to certain foods. Usually, when our diets are balanced, full of super greens and nutrition, we feel great! More energized, alert, and able to get through our day without feeling like naps are life. Despite your pup not working a 9-5 and being able to nap for life. They should be up, alert, playful, and active. Providing them with a balanced diet- not just relying on kibbles, and staying away from human processed foods, is truly going to cut back on your vet bills for reasons concerning digestion, kidney, liver, and general issues that arise from bad diets. Try to avoid feelings of guilt or think that they are missing out when you don’t give them human food. If you have an urge to offer them a snack or reward, provide them with something that will actually benefit them. Don’t reward them with something toxic! Sticking to healthy treats and diet, you’re going to see them thrive, be excited to eat healthily, and not beg for the things they shouldn’t have. There are a lot of great recipes out there for homemade dog food. If you’re interested in any, please let me know in the comments section below. If you have specific questions on what to feed your dog to particular concerns or goals, of course, contact your vet, but don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I would love to talk it out with you and find a good food group to add to your baby’s diet! Happy & Healthy eating to you all!