Human Food Diet for Dogs

Commercial pet food has only become a major industry within the last few decades. Canned food and dry kibble were not widely available until the 1950s. Recently, some concerned pet owners are moving toward pet diets of homemade food rather than dog food. Commercial pet food has been linked to a number of disorders in dogs, especially allergies. Consult your veterinarian to find out whether a homemade diet is right for your dog.

  1. Diet Transition

    • Sudden changes to your dog's diet can cause digestive problems, including diarrhea and vomiting. You should transition to a whole food diet over a period of several weeks. Start by introducing small amounts of a new food with each meal. Gradually increase the amount of new food as you decrease the amount of its previous food.

    Proportions and Supplements

    • According to the Pet Synergy website, a dog's diet should consist of 50 percent grains, 25 percent proteins and 25 percent fruits and vegetables.

      A homemade diet should include dietary supplements, such as calcium, brewer's yeast or a multi-vitamin. These vitamins and minerals are usually included in commercial dog food.

      The amount of food and supplements depends on your dog's size and daily energy expenditure. Consult your veterinarian for more detailed information.

    Meats and Protein

    • Meat is important in a dog's diet, but be conscious of calorie count. Cooked salmon is leaner than most other meats, but contains important fatty acids that promote healthy skin and coat. Cooked chicken or turkey is also a healthy choice, and lean cuts of beef, venison or lamb are fine in moderation.

      Plain, unsweetened yogurt provides calcium and protein. Cooked eggs are another source of protein.

    Fruits, Vegetables and Grains

    • Vegetables provide fiber, an important part of a dog's diet. They can be served steamed, boiled or raw and chopped into bite-sized pieces. Healthy vegetables for dogs include pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots and green beans.

      Unpeeled apple slices are a healthy fruit for dogs. Avoid giving apple seeds or letting your dog eat the core. Bananas make a healthy snack as well.

      Cooked, plain oatmeal is another source of fiber. Plain brown rice is also a healthy grain source for dogs. Avoid corn, as this is a common allergen for dogs.

    Foods to Avoid

    • Chocolate is highly toxic to dogs, affecting the heart and nervous system. Other forms of caffeine, including coffee and tea, have a similar negative effect. Onions and any product containing onion powder should be avoided. Garlic is controversial; some claim it is a natural flea repellent and has beneficial properties, but it is a known toxin to dogs in large doses. Grapes, raisins and macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs, as are many types of mushrooms.

      Other types of food are not toxic, but can cause intestinal obstructions. These include bones and persimmons. Other foods posing health risks include alcohol, excessive fat trimmings, liver, dairy products, potatoes leaves and stems, raw eggs and raw fish, yeast dough and excessive salt and sugar.