A healthy canine means a happy canine. Not only is it so important for dogs to get exercise but getting the proper nutrition is of the utmost importance as well. In the following article we focus on fruits to feed your dog. All dog owners have been in the situation of, while enjoying a favorite meal or snack, your dog will suddenly look at you with those eyes that say “Hey friend, can I have some of that too?”
It can be hard, almost impossible, to say no and almost every dog owner loves to share their meal with their canine companions. After all, if it is ok for you to eat, it must be ok for them as well, right? Actually, it is important to remember that dogs have a very different digestive system than humans do and some of our favorite treats can be detrimental to the health of your canine companion. Let’s discuss what human foods, specifically fruits, are ok to share with your canine companions and which can affect them adversely.
The first thing to note is that dogs are carnivores. This means that they really don’t need to eat fruits and veggies to stay in good health. But, this doesn’t mean they can’t partake of a few choice fruits and veggies from the master’s table. In the following article, we will take a look at some of the fruits that would be okay to share with your dog.
Top Fruits to Feed Your Dog
Bananas
Bananas are another especially healthy treat for your canine companion. Bananas are low in calories, cholesterol, and sodium and especially high in vitamins, potassium, copper, fiber, and biotin, making them an excellent treat. However, bananas should be provided in moderation. Bananas are also especially high in sugar, which means they should not be a consistent part of your dog’s diet.
Apples
Fruits to feed your dog include apples. Dogs can eat apples and will benefit from the high content of Vitamins A and C. Apples are also a source of fiber that can help your dog’s digestive tract. Because they are low in fat and protein, apples are actually highly beneficial for older dogs. It is very important to remove the core and seeds from the apple before you give your dog apples. One great tip for dogs that live in warm climates is to freeze the apples first. Dogs appreciate this refreshing treat on hot summer days.
Blueberries
Blueberries are a superfood with a very high quantity of antioxidants. Antioxidants can reduce the effects of oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Blueberries are also very high in phytochemicals and fiber which can improve canine health. Another thing we love about blueberries is how easy they are to catch in the air. Blueberries are a great alternative to store-bought treats. The best part of blueberries is that they are an excellent choice for diabetic dogs.
Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe is another doggy-safe fruit. Cantaloupes are low in calories and packed with high-quality nutrients and an excellent source of water and fiber. But, like bananas, cantaloupes are full of sugar so should only be given to the dog in moderation. If your dog is overweight or has a condition like diabetes, they should not be shared with your dog.
Cranberries
Cranberries and dried cranberries are other tasty treats your dog may love. The truth is that many dogs are not interested in the tart flavor of the cranberry. But this is another treat that should only be given to your dog in moderation. Overfeeding your dog cranberries can cause them an upset stomach.
Oranges
Dogs can eat oranges too. According to most veterinarians, most dogs are not attracted to the tangy, strong-smelling flesh of the orange. Oranges have a high quantity of potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. In small quantities, your dog will greatly enjoy the fruit. Similar to other fruits, you will want to peel the orange and remove all the seeds before you present this treat to your dog.
Cucumbers
Many dogs love the crunchy texture of a good cucumber. Cucumbers are a great treat for overweight dogs because they have very low sugar, oil, fat, and carbohydrate content. Cucumbers are also great for boosting energy levels. The best thing about cucumbers is the high vitamin and mineral content. Cucumbers are loaded with Vitamin K, B1, and C and have a variety of minerals including copper, magnesium, potassium, and biotin. This is a tasty treat that can be fed to the dog regularly with healthy results.
Mango
There is hardly a dog out there that doesn’t appreciate the tasty deliciousness of this summer fruit. Mangoes have four special vitamins that benefit humans and dogs alike; vitamins include A, C, B6, and E. Mangoes also have a valuable mineral content including alpha- and beta-carotene. But, it is important to prepare your dog’s mango snack. Remove the peel and cut chunks away from the hard seed which should NOT be given to your dog as they contain trace amounts of cyanide. Furthermore, mangoes are high in sugar and should not be given to your dog regularly.
Pears
Pears are a good canine snack and are especially high in copper, as well as Vitamin C and K. They also have a good amount of fiber. The experts also remind us that pears can help reduce the chances of stroke. Pears should also be prepared properly and the core and seeds removed. Just like peaches, be sure you avoid the canned variety as this has way too much sugar.
Watermelon
Next on our list of the top fruits to feed your dog is watermelon. Watermelon is a good treat for your dog because of its high vitamin content. Watermelons have vitamins A, B6, and C, and they are composed mostly of water. Just be sure to remove the seeds and rind before you give them to the dog as these parts of the watermelon can cause intestinal blockage.
Peaches
Peaches are another especially popular treat for dogs. These can be sliced up and fed to your friend frozen or fresh and your dog will relish every bite. Peaches are a good source of Vitamin A and fiber and can even help your dog ward off infections. Beware of the seeds. Peach seeds contain quantities of cyanide so make sure they are not left where your dog will find them. Of course, you should stay away from canned peaches as these contain unhealthy amounts of sugar.
So, next time you’re asking yourself, can my dog eat blueberries? What about watermelon? We recommend that you refer back to our list of the top fruits to feed your dog. In addition to a nutritious diet, exercise is a big part of your dog’s healthy lifestyle. Latchkey Pets provides daytime dog walking services and more! Learn about what we can do for you and your canine here.