Good people food for dogs

Many of your favorite foods are safe for dogs and are actually beneficial to their health. Remember—people food shouldn’t make up more than 25 percent of your dog’s diet, and you should always consult with your veterinarian before introducing something new to your dog's diet   (iStock)

Berries are a quintessential part of snacking, and dogs agree. Dogs can enjoy fresh blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, huckleberries or raspberries, but they really love them frozen. Dogs enjoy the same benefits from berries that we do—those free-radical-fighting antioxidants, which help fight cancers and degenerative diseases. (iStock)

Cheese is a safe, protein-rich snack for Fido. Start off by adding a small amount of cottage cheese to your dog’s dinner to see how his stomach reacts. Some dogs can experience lactose intolerance just like humans. Try using low or reduced-fat dairy products to minimize your pup’s fat intake. (iStock)

Salmon has a handful of benefits for your K-9. It’s a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support the immune system and can benefit skin and coat health. Salmon may help dogs with allergies as well. Dogs can eat salmon or salmon oil, but make sure to cook it first. Uncooked salmon could carry a parasite that will make Fido sick. (iStock)

Next time you grab an apple for yourself, slice one up for your furry friend too. Leave the skin on—it’s full of plant chemicals, called phytonutrients, which are said to be protective against some cancers in humans. Apples are also full of vitamins A, C and fiber. Just be sure to get rid of the pits. They contain cyanide, which is poisonous. (iStock)

For those dogs that are susceptible to an upset stomach, eggs can be a great protein boost. They’re a good source of easily-digestible protein, riboflavin and selenium. Just be sure to use cooked whole eggs, because raw egg whites may cause biotin deficiency, which can negatively affect a dog’s skin and coat health. Consider bringing cooked eggs to your next training class to encourage good behavior. (iStock)

To get a good calcium and protein fix, feed your dog yogurt with live active bacteria and no sugars or artificial sweeteners. The active bacteria could act as probiotics, which help with digestion and protect against harmful bacteria. If your pup is overweight, pick a fat-free yogurt without fat substitutes. Try out frozen yogurt too. (iStock)

Simply head to your local grocery store to find a perfect chew treat for your dog. Slice up some sweet potatoes and dehydrate them for a healthy chew toy. Sweet potatoes are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, beta carotene and manganese. (iStock)

Your favorite movie snack can be shared with your favorite companion. Air-popped popcorn is an excellent low-calorie treat for your dog— the potassium, phosphorous, magnesium and calcium in popcorn can be very beneficial. Just be sure to hold the salt and butter. (iStock)

Oatmeal is a good source of fiber, especially for some older dogs who may have difficulty maintaining a regular bowel movement. It’s also an ideal grain alternative for dogs who are allergic to wheat. Feed your friend oatmeal that’s cooked with no sugar or flavoring. (iStock)

Green beans—rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, plant fiber and manganese— are great for dogs that are prone to weight gain. Replacing some of your pup’s food with green beans will help her maintain a healthy weight while still filling her up. A can of unsalted green beans or a bag of frozen beans is inexpensive, too. (Associated Press)