At Nala Fresh Dog Food, we encourage pet parents to spend quality time with their fur babies by serving nutritious, fresh meals made from human grade ingredients. In this guide, you'll find our top 12 safe and healthy foods for your dog—each carefully selected to boost energy, support immunity, and enhance overall well-being.
1. Cooked, Unseasoned Chicken, Beef or Pork
💚 Why It’s Great:
Lean meats deliver high-quality protein essential for building strong muscles and boosting energy. Nala’s recipes feature different proteins such as chicken, beef, and pork.
💡 Tips:
- Always cook thoroughly, remove all bones, and serve plain.
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Ideal for active pups in need of high-protein dog food.
2. Cooked Fish
💚 Why It’s Great:
Fish such as salmon and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, promoting a shiny coat and healthy joints.
💡 Tips:
- Fully cook and debone before serving.
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Perfect for those seeking all-natural dog food options.
3. Cooked Eggs
💚 Why It’s Great:
Eggs provide a nutrient-packed protein boost with vitamin D and selenium.
💡 Tips:
- Serve hard-boiled or scrambled without any added seasoning.
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Avoid feeding raw eggs as these may contain salmonella, which is harmful for dogs.
4. Pumpkin
💚 Why It’s Great:
Pumpkin is loaded with fiber and beta-carotene to support digestion and enhance coat health. It’s a key ingredient in Nala recipes for its proven benefits.
💡 Tips:
- Use plain, cooked pumpkin or pure pumpkin puree without additives.
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Mix into meals for extra nutrition
5. Carrots
💚 Why It’s Great:
Crunchy carrots help clean teeth and supply vitamin A for vision and immune support.
💡 Tips:
- Serve raw (cut into bite-sized pieces) or lightly cooked.
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Serve frozen if your dog likes it cold!
6. Green Beans
💚 Why It’s Great:
Green beans are low in calories but high in fiber and essential vitamins, making them great for weight management.
💡 Tips:
- Steam or boil and chop into small pieces.
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A smart choice for healthy dog treats.
7. Apples (Seedless)
💚 Why It’s Great:
Apples provide vitamins A and C plus fiber to support healthy digestion, adding a crisp, refreshing touch to meals. Our Picky Peppa Recipe has loads of refreshing apples!
💡 Tips:
- Always remove the seeds and the core before serving.
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A crunchy treat that underlines the benefits of fresh dog food.
8. Bananas
💚 Why It’s Great:
Bananas offer a soft, naturally sweet treat loaded with potassium and fiber.
💡 Tips:
- Feed in moderation to manage natural sugar intake.
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A favorite for those exploring human food as dog treats.
9. Blueberries
💚 Why It’s Great:
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants that help fight free radicals and support overall health.
💡 Tips:
- Serve fresh or mix into meals for an antioxidant boost.
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Ideal for owners wanting to introduce fruits to their dogs.
10. Plain Yogurt
💚 Why It’s Great:
Plain yogurt is rich in probiotics that support a healthy digestive system and immune function.
💡 Tips:
- Choose unsweetened versions without artificial additives.
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Freeze in ice cubes for a refreshing treat!
11. Sweet Potato
💚 Why It’s Great:
Sweet potatoes are nutrient-dense, offering fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. They’re a star ingredient in Nala recipes!
💡 Tips:
- Cook and mash without salt or seasoning.
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Ideal to be used for Filipino style dog treats or desserts.
12. Waterspinach
💚 Why It’s Great:
Waterspinach is a leafy green rich in vitamins and minerals that support overall vitality.
💡 Tips:
- Lightly steam or chop before adding to your dog’s meal.
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A unique ingredient that sets our fresh dog food recipes apart.
Are Human Grade Foods the Same as Table Food?
Human grade dog food is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dogs. It uses carefully selected, preservative-free ingredients that ensure a balanced diet, optimized for your pet's health. In contrast, table food or table scraps are designed for human tastes and often include excess salt, harmful condiments, and spices (like garlic and onions) that can be dangerous to dogs. Here are the main differences and drawbacks of feeding table food:
- Excess Salt: Table scraps typically contain high levels of salt, which can overload a dog’s system and strain their kidneys.
- Harmful Condiments: Ingredients such as garlic, onions, and other seasonings may be toxic, even in small amounts.
- Unbalanced Nutrition: Table scraps lack the balanced nutrients that dogs need for optimal health.
- Weight Gain: The additional calories and fats from table food can contribute to obesity and related health issues.
Choosing food specifically formulated for dogs—like Nala Fresh Dog Food—ensures your pet receives complete and balanced nutrition tailored to their needs.
Unsafe Foods to Feed Your Dog
While many human foods can be safe when prepared properly, some foods should never be given to dogs:
❌ Chocolate, Coffee, and Caffeine: These can cause serious health issues.
❌ Grapes and Raisins: Known to cause kidney failure.
❌ Onions, Garlic, and Chives: Can result in anemia and other health problems.
❌ Avocado (in large amounts): Contains persin, which may be harmful.
❌ Raw or Undercooked Meat/Eggs: Pose risks of bacterial infections such as Salmonella.
❌ Xylitol: A sugar substitute that is highly toxic to dogs.
Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods, particularly if your dog has food allergies or special dietary requirements.
Final Thoughts
Switching to fresh, human grade dog food is a proven way to enhance your pet’s health and happiness. With a balanced mix of nutrients from ingredients like chicken, beef, pork, liver, carrots, apples, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and waterspinach, our carefully formulated recipes support energy, immunity, and overall well-being. Whether you’re exploring fresh dog food, grain-free dog food, or searching for the healthiest and best dog food, choosing meals designed specifically for dogs makes all the difference.
Always transition slowly to new foods and consult your vet if you have any concerns. Enjoy feeding your dog with quality, safe meals, and watch them thrive with every bite!
Happy feeding, and here’s to a healthier, happier pup!