As pet parents, we adore our furry companions and often want to share everything with them, including our meals. This desire reflects a broader trend where "human food trends are closely mirroring those in the pet food and treat world... as pet parents, we want the same thing for our precious fur babies".
Many, like ZEAL customer Jenny, 36, prioritize quality, stating:
"I research every ingredient that goes into Bella's food. If I wouldn't eat it myself, why would I feed it to her?"
However, sharing human food with dogs isn't always safe. A pet's nutritional needs and digestive system are unique.
Why Most Human Food Isn't Ideal (and Can Be Dangerous)
Many common human foods pose risks to pets:
-
Species-Inappropriate Nutrition:
Dogs are carnivores, naturally thriving on high-meat, low-carbohydrate diets. Cats, as obligate carnivores, have even stricter needs, requiring more protein, pre-formed vitamin A from liver, and essential taurine. -
Toxic Ingredients:
Many human foods contain ingredients harmful or toxic to dogs (e.g., onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes, xylitol). -
Digestive Upset:
Rich, fatty, or spicy foods can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or pancreatitis. -
Fillers & Obesity:
Processed human foods often contain fillers, artificial additives, and excessive salt/sugar, contributing to obesity (affecting approximately 60% of U.S. dogs).
What Human Foods Can Dogs Eat (in Moderation)?
Some plain, unseasoned human foods can be safe treats:
-
Lean, Cooked Meats: Small amounts of plain, cooked chicken, beef, or turkey (no bones, skin, or fat).
-
Certain Vegetables: Plain, steamed vegetables like pumpkin, green beans, or carrots. Pumpkin is a superfood rich in soluble fiber for digestion.
-
Certain Fruits: Small quantities of blueberries, cranberries, and apple slices (without seeds/core). Cranberries support urinary tract health.
-
Omega-3 Rich Fish: Small, cooked, deboned salmon provides beneficial omega-3s.
Essential Safety Tips for Sharing Food
If you share, follow these crucial guidelines:
-
Consult Your Veterinarian – Always seek vet advice, especially for pets with sensitivities or health conditions.
-
Keep it Plain – Absolutely no salt, spices, sugar, butter, oils, or sauces.
-
Portion Control – Human food should be no more than 10% of their daily calories.
-
Avoid Bones – Cooked bones can splinter and cause serious injury.
-
Introduce Gradually – Start small to observe any digestive reactions.
-
Know the "No-Go" List – Be aware of common toxic foods.
ZEAL's Philosophy: "Human-Grade" Quality, Pet-Appropriate Nutrition
For pet parents seeking human-grade quality in pet-appropriate nutrition, brands like ZEAL offer a solution.
ZEAL's core belief is to "Return the unconditional love" through real food preference with traceable meat, organ cuts, and minimal processing.
Their recipes feature 94–96% premium meat and organs, mimicking an ancestral diet with nose-to-tail nutrition. This includes:
-
Liver – rich in vitamin A, B12, and iron.
-
Heart – natural taurine and CoQ10.
-
Tripe – natural probiotics.
ZEAL also incorporates functional superfoods such as:
-
New Zealand green-lipped mussels – joint health & omega-3s.
-
Pumpkin – digestion support.
-
Ginger & Turmeric – natural anti-inflammatories.
-
Salmon oil – skin, coat, and cognitive function.
-
Blueberries & Cranberries – antioxidants for immune and urinary health.
