Safe Fruits and Veggies for Your Pet
It can be hard to resist giving the sad-eyed pup at your heels or the purring kitty rubbing against your leg a tasty human treat. Luckily, not all human foods need to be banned from our pets’ diets. Fruits and veggies can have many benefits for your pets’ health. The key is to know what fruits and veggies are safe for your pet and which can be dangerous. Always ask your veterinarian before adding new items to your dog’s diet. Keep in mind that every dog is different and one may thrive on apples, for example, while another one may have trouble digesting them. It’s always important to add new food items gradually.
Safe fruits and veggies for your pets
- Green Beans are great for your dogs! They are high in fiber and full of important vitamins and minerals. They’re an excellent low-calorie alternative to high calorie treats. Just make sure you chop them up to avoid choking hazards. They should also be plain- no salt, no spices or oils.
- Sweet potatoes contain beta carotene, and vitamins B-6 and C. Only feed them peeled, washed, and boiled sweet potatoes.
- Blueberries have a lot of heart disease and cancer fighting qualities that make them a tasty snack. They are even better frozen!
- Pumpkin can help regulate a pet’s irregular bowel movements and help with overall cardiovascular health.
- As the saying goes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. So, keep your pet’s immune system in check with the occasional apple. The fiber and vitamins A and C are great for them. Just make sure to core the apples and omit the seeds as they contain cyanide, and to give size-appropriate portions. Because they contain sugar, you should ask your veterinarian
Other safe fruits and veggies for your pet include carrots, brussels sprouts, celery, zucchini, green bell peppers, cucumber, peaches, and strawberries. Keep the brussels sprouts to a minimum as they can cause gas, and make sure you remove the peach pit to keep your dogs safe from choking hazards and cyanide. Cut up carrots and celery to make sure your smaller pups can eat them without choking.
Fruits and Veggies Your Pets Can’t Eat:
Although most fruits and veggies can be beneficial to your pets’ health, it is important to know what their likes and dislikes are and what foods are extremely harmful. Cats dislike fruits (they have no receptors for sweet on their tongue), while dogs don’t have strong preferences. And some of the common fruits and vegetables we bring into our homes can be extremely dangerous. The following foods are an extreme NO!
- Avocado
- Onions
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Garlic
- Of course…..Chocolate
Even though fruits and veggies are vet approved, they should only make up 10% of your pet’s diet. A well-balanced diet should consist of a lean protein diet with a small portion of grains and veggies mixed in. Always add new foods to your dog’s diet gradually and with your veterinarian’s blessing, especially if you have a puppy, an older pet, or a sickly pet. It is important to give your pets the food they deserve! So next time, resist slipping your dog a french fry or pizza crust and pull out the frozen berries and brilliant greens!
A founding member of the Equipaws family, Frankie can mostly be found working behind the scenes, helping co-create online branding, managing several social media accounts, designing brand collateral, writing copy, and managing events. She also fills in for pet sitters and dog walkers when needed in Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, and South Miami. Her own small pack consists of Boots the Shih Tzu mix and Nutmeg the Chiweenie.
