We know high-protein diet is essential for dogs but when it comes to promote your beloved pooch’s health and well-being, fruits and vegetables play a great role. Like meat, your pup needs fruits and vegetables to have a complete balanced diet as both are highly packed with healthy vitamins and minerals. There is no doubt that vegetables and fruits perform wonders for our bodies but it is quite interesting that they offer same benefits to dogs as well. Depending upon your dog’s age, weight and life stage, your pet needs nutritionally balanced diet that should be low in fat and appropriate for your pet’s health. When you adding fruits and vegetables to your pets’ diet, you are actually giving them plenty of essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, which are important to make them stay strong and healthy as well as to boost their immune system.
Being a pet parent, if you want to rev up your pup’s diet with new and fun way, fruits and veggies can be a really healthy way to do that. There are certain vegetables and fruits better for your dog while some are toxic and can cause several health issues. Though, fruits and veggies are healthy treats for your pet but too much of any treat can cause stomach issues for your dog, so use these treats in moderation. Fruits have an abundance of natural sugar, so give only small pieces at a time of day. Similarly, many veggies and fruits are high in fibre which can cause digestive problems in dogs.
Benefits of Fruits & Veggies
Fruits and veggies give many health benefits to your pup. For example, fruits and veggies are rich in fibre, mineral, antioxidants, enzymes and phyto-nutrients not found in meat and dog treats. When you feed your dog different vegetables and fruits, you are actually providing best supplements to your dog’s diet and all have their own respective nutritional benefits. Adding fruits and veggies to your pup’s meal is the best way in which you can control the portion size by knowing what your dog is actually consuming without have to worry about ingredients. Before feeding veggies and fruits to your pet, wash them thoroughly and also remove seeds. Below is a list of different fruits and veggies that are really beneficial for the health and well-being of your dog.
– Apples: Apples are healthy treats for dogs as they contain vitamin A and C as well as high fibre. Before serving to your pet, remove the stem, core and seeds of apples.
– Blueberries: Blueberries are high in fibre and vitamin C plus low in fat. Adding blueberries in your pet’s diet can increase the amount of antioxidants in its body.
– Strawberries: Strawberries are best for dogs as they contain vitamins B1, B6, C and K, omega 3 fatty acids, fibre, magnesium, potassium, iodine, and folic acid.
– Carrots: Carrots are safe for dogs as they are low in calories, high in fibre as well as contain beta carotene and vitamin A.
– Green Beans: Green beans are rich in fibre, manganese, and vitamins A, C and K. Many pet-owners use them as training treats.
– Bananas: Bananas are healthy treats for dogs. They are good source of vitamin B6 and C. They contain potassium, fibre, and magnesium.
– Cantaloupe: Dogs can eat cantaloupe as it contains vitamins A, B and C as well as high amounts of beta carotene and potassium. Remove its seeds and rind before feeding your pup.
-Sugar Snap Peas: Sugar snap peas are good for dogs as they are rich in nutrients. They provide a good source of vitamin C & K, fibre, protein, phosphorus, folate, zinc, manganese, and potassium.
– Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are healthy treats for dogs as they contain vitamins A, B5, B6 and C. They are also good source of fibre, manganese, and potassium. Boil and chop them before serving to your pet.
– Celery: Dogs like crunchy things and celery is one of them. It contains vitamins A, B, and C as well as calcium, potassium, iron, sodium, and phosphorus.
– Cucumber: Cucumbers are healthy option because they are low in calories and provide excellent source of vitamin K.
– Broccoli: It is rich in vitamin C and fibre, so it is safe for dogs when you use it in small quantities.
– Brussell Sprouts: Being rich in dietary fibre and nutrients, brussel sprouts are healthy food option for dogs. Use them in moderation as they can cause gas problem to your dog.
– Watermelon: Seedless watermelon is great for your dog especially in summertime because it is a good source of water (92%), potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A & C.
– Pears: Being high in fibre, pears are a healthy treat for dogs. They also contain vitamins C & K.
– Spinach: Spinach is rich in iron, antioxidants and vitamin K, so it is safe and good for dogs.
– Pumpkin: Pumpkin is a healthy food for dogs as it is a low calorie fruit that is rich in vitamins A & C, beta carotene, potassium, calcium, zinc, fibre, and magnesium.
– Zucchini: Zucchini is safe for dogs as it is low in calories, rich in dietary fibre and contains vitamins B & C.
– Pineapple: Being rich in fibre, pineapple is a healthy treat for dogs. It contains high amount of vitamin C.
