“People food” that’s safe for your dog, too!

For a full, in-depth tutorial and information about how I make my own dog food from scratch, check out my old post on homemade dog food.

In addition to those basics, here are some more healthy foods that are great for your dog. Just remember that you should be careful when drastically changing your beloved pet’s diet and it never hurts to consult with your veterinarian first, especially if your dog has health issues at all.

  • Yogurt – Great source of calcium, protein, and probiotics. Do NOT choose a yogurt that has sugar, artificial sweeteners, etc. Better yet, make a huge batch of your own and share with your pooch.
  • Flax seed – Good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help create a shiny coat, and fiber. Grind it first or choose a flax seed oil instead.
  • Pumpkin – Another fiber source and good for beta carotene (vitamin A) . Added bonus – they tops are fun to play with!
  • Sweet potatoes – Fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, beta carotene, and manganese are all in these spuds. Some dogs enjoy them when dehydrated and used as treats even.
  • Brewer’s yeast – Good for the skin, coat, and carbohydrate metabolism. Do NOT use regular baking yeast because it can make your pet sick. Beware – Brewer’s yeast can be quite addictive, despite its smelliness. Just ask my cat about her addiction.
  • Apples – Vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber are the main reasons to share your apple, but it’s also thought that the skin contains chemicals that may protect against certain types of cancer. Do NOT give your dog the whole apple, though. The seeds contain cyanide that in small quantities won’t hurt, but over time, in larger quantities, can be quite dangerous.
  • Pineapple – Good source of calcium and potassium. I’m wary of this one because of all the sugar, but in small quantities, it’s safe. Freeze it for a fun treat to cool off in the summer with.
  • Parsley – If your dog has smelly breath, this is a must. It works on humans, too, so grab a spring for yourself if you’re self-conscious about your breath.
  • Peas – Green veggies in general are good to add to your dog’s diet. In addition to adding to their food, try freezing them and then rolling them across the floor to be chased!

Do you know of any other foods that are safe and well-loved by dogs?

But sometimes different IS better…. (Wordless Wednesday)

Picture of a watermelon carved into the shape of a donkey with green onion and radish or tomato hair, and oranges and cherries as garnish

Cute as a bug BLT sandwich

Bacon Lettuce and Tomato BLT sandwich open-faced with tomatoes and olives cut to look like a ladybug on top of the leaf of lettuce

This is Jill’s creation and you can find the details of her open-faced ladybug BLT sandwich on Canadian Family.

The ladybug is certainly adorable and is easy to make. I immediately saved it away to share with you guys. Now that I’m posting about it, though, I can’t help but think….

But who eats a BLT as an open-faced sandwich?? Don’t get me wrong….I’d still eat the heck out of this and it doesn’t change its cuteness factor at all. But it seems like it’d be a pain to eat.

There’s no way a fork is going to easily tear through the chewy bacon or the leaf of lettuce on top. Adding another slice of bread would cover up the food art, but it’d make it more practical to eat.

Also, who eats olives on a BLT? I suppose Jill and her family does, but I’m betting those icing/candy eyes aren’t a normal topping for bacon, lettuce, and tomato, even in her family.

Unfortunately, the more I play with my own food, the more I hate when a food has to be changed right before eating in order to actually enjoy it, whether that’s eating the parts that don’t really mix well first (like the candy eyes on an olive) or pulling out toothpicks or having to take a knife to a sandwich that would otherwise be simple to eat in a different arrangement.

Then again, maybe I’m being a party pooper and should’ve just stuck with that “awww, isn’t it cute??” reaction I had first, hehe.