Dog-Friendly Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and veggies are a mainstay in the human diet because of their nutritional value – vitamins, fiber and minerals. These tasty and nutritious foods can also be beneficial to your dog’s health – strengthening their immune system, aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, and helping them fend off obesity. Plus, giving your dog fresh food allows you to control ingredients and portion sizes compared to store bought treats. Before you add some freshness to your furry family member’s menu, check out this list of fruits and veggies that are safe for your dog to enjoy:
Fruits
- Apples: A source of vitamins A and C and fiber, apples are a light and refreshing snack. Just be sure to remove the stem, core and seeds as they are not safe for dogs.
- Bananas: Full of potassium, fiber and magnesium, bananas are high in sugar making them sweet to the taste. These should be considered a special treat.
- Blueberries: Rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients, blueberries are commonly referred to as a superfood that can help fight against cancer and repair cell damage.
- Mango: Perfect as a summer treat, mangoes contain vitamins A, B6, C and E and are full of beta-carotene and alpha carotene. Also high in sugar, mango should be saved for a special occasion.
- Pineapple: Full of vitamins, folate and zinc, pineapple can aide your dog’s digestion and support their immune system. Plus, it has bromelain, a natural enzyme that breaks down meat, making it great for dog’s with weak digestive systems.
- Watermelon: At 92% water and full of vitamins A,B6 and 6 along with potassium, watermelon is a great treat to keep your dog hydrated, especially on hot days.
Vegetables
- Green Beans: As long as they are plain, you can feed raw, steamed or canned green beans to your dog as a source of fiber, vitamins A, C and K. Try to keep them low-salt or no-salt.
- Carrots: Low in calories and high in fiber, carrots are a good source of vitamin A and beta carotene. Plus, the extra crunch makes them good for your dog’s teeth.
- Celery: Chalk full of nutrients like calcium, iron, potassium and vitamins A, B and C, celery promotes heart health and helps fight cancer. It’s is also known to freshen up you pup’s bad breath.
- Sweet Potatoes: Rich in vitamins A, B5, B6 and C they are high in fiber, potassium and manganese, a trace mineral.
- Cucumbers: Loaded with vitamins K, C and B1 along with potassium, magnesium, and biotin, cucumbers are a healthy snack for overweight dogs. Crisp and fresh on hot weather days, they’re good for boosting energy levels.
Don’t forget, moderation is key as too much of a good thing can lead to an upset tummy. While your dog might be loving these new additions to their dinner or their new snacks and beg for more, it’s important to limit the amount you are giving them. When introducing a new food to your pup, be sure to keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t have a reaction or get sick.
Above are just a few of the fruits and veggies that safe for your dog to consume, there are many that are not. Click here to see a list of fruits and vegetables that are and are not safe for your dog to consume. It’s always a good idea to check with your vet before you make any changes to your pup’s diet.
