As tempting as it may be, it’s dangerous to feed your pets scraps from the kitchen table. Feeding table scraps to your dogs and cats may lead to pet obesity, allergies that make them particularly vulnerable, or pet toxicity. Onion and garlic are toxic to cats and dogs, for instance. So whether you make a habit of it or it’s just a one-time thing, it’s never a good idea to share your human food with the non-humans—as cute and persistent as they may be.
However, luckily there are some tasty treat options that you can be certain are safe for your cats and dogs:
1. Skinless chicken
You can get creative with the preparation: boiled, baked, or even grilled will all taste great to your little buddies, as long as it’s unseasoned. This is a delicious treat for both canines and felines that’s a good source of protein and a highly effective reward for significantly good behavior.
2. Eggs
Cats and dogs are still susceptible to salmonella just like their humans are, but cooked eggs are safe for both, and they’re packed with protein and nutrients. Just make sure not to add any extra ingredients or spices. These are easy to boil and store so you always have them handy.
3. Fish
This is an ingredient used in many nutritional pet foods. It doesn’t have as many saturated fats as other meats, while still providing all the protein your pets need to play hard and grow big. It’s easy to digest when cooked. Any cat owner will be able to tell you already that fish is a highly coveted thing, and dogs can just as easily develop a taste for it.
4. Cucumber
Most dogs and cats love this food, and it doesn’t take much preparation. As long as you’ve chopped it up into pieces that are small enough for them to easily chew, there’s no risk of them choking. It’s a good idea to leave the skin on since that’s where the majority of the nutrients are.
If you have a puppy who is still teething, a frozen stick of cucumber can be just the thing to chew on and get a nice snack out of it at the same time. Viral videos notwithstanding, even cats can enjoy this food in moderation. When they come in sliced form, your feline friend is much less likely to mistake them for snakes.
5. Broccoli
Your dogs and cats are free to enjoy this antioxidant-rich vegetable cooked or they can just munch on it raw if preferred. It’s important to carefully limit this food because of the isothiocyanates in the florets—which can cause gastric irritation. Since this is such an irregularly shaped vegetable, you’ll want to monitor your pets to make sure they don’t choke in their excitement from enjoying this healthy snack. Rather than letting them gnaw on the entire stalk, it’s safer to chop the broccoli up into easily nibbled chunks first.
