When you are enjoying some delicious and healthy fruit, it’s probably common that your dog wants to partake in the snacking as well.
But what fruits are safe and healthy for dogs?
In this article, we are going to talk about 7 safe and healthy fruits that you can enjoy with your dog:
Pineapple
All in all, pineapple is one of the assortments of organic products that are ok for dogs to devour. In any case, pineapple is one organic product that ought not to turn into a staple in your dog’s eating regimen, nor should it be nourished frequently or in overabundance.
Canned pineapple, as most canned organic products, in general, have unnecessarily high sugar levels because of the natural product syrup contained in the can. Dogs’ stomach-related frameworks are not intended to deal with large amounts of sugar, even normally happening sugar from natural products, for example, pineapple.
Since pineapple contains a ton of dietary fiber, expending excessively pineapple can make your dog wind up clogged up. This may sound nonsensical since pet proprietors have been informed that it is imperative for dogs to have an eating regimen high in fiber. In any case, fiber requires a lot of water with the goal for it to be legitimately processed, and your dog may not drink enough water to help in the absorption of the large amounts of fiber found in pineapple. Also, the sugar and acridity in pineapple can cause tooth rot, weight gain, and even diabetes.
Blueberries
Next time you’re in the pet aisle, browse a few holistic and natural dry dog food brands. You’ll most likely find blueberries and other fruits on the ingredient labels because they do offer nutritional benefits while supporting your pet’s immune system with antioxidants. Blueberry-derived antioxidants can support and improve numerous canine systems, including stronger bones and cognitive health decline in senior dogs.
Stick to feeding your dog fresh or frozen blueberries without added sugar and no artificial sweeteners of any kind. Dried blueberries without sugar can be an option, but they introduce a choking hazard and can stick to your dog’s teeth.
Frozen blueberries make a great teething snack for puppies too, but keep servings sizes small. Another option is to add them to your homemade dog treat recipes. You can also mix whole blueberries or make a puree to add to their food at mealtime.
However, you do need to feed your dog blueberries in moderation. Treats should make up about 10% of your pet’s diet, according to the American Kennel Club. Less is more with blueberries and other high fiber morsels.
How many are too many? This depends largely on your dog’s size and whether they are constipated. Blueberries contain a high amount of fiber, and if they eat too many, their stools can be loose and watery. However, if your dog is constipated, a few blueberries might help matters move along without complications.
Strawberries
Strawberries are packed with antioxidants that protect the heart. These same antioxidants may also help to protect against cancer, as well as the polyphenols that give the berry that lovely red color! Studies also show that these same antioxidants help protect dogs’ brains.
There are so many other delicious and healthy ways to incorporate strawberries into your puppy’s diet. Mash them and mix them into dog biscuits before baking. Dice them up into pieces for small dogs and mix them with their regular food for a sweet and crunchy treat.
Your dog’s waistline, pancreas, and heart definitely don’t need those decadent human treats, even if his huge brown eyes try to convince your heart otherwise. So avoid the jams, jellies, preserves, and any sugary strawberry treats.
Watermelon
On a sweltering summer day, a cool slice of watermelon can really hit the spot. That juicy, sweet burst of flavor is incredibly refreshing. A glance down at your four-legged friend panting and gazing at your treat with eyes full of hope and longing may leave you wishing you could share a bite or two with your buddy. Can dogs eat watermelon? Well, the good news is that yes, they can!
Giving a bit of that sweet treat to your dog is fine as long as the seeds and rind are removed first.
Watermelons are actually quite healthy for both you and your dog. Naturally low in calories with no fat or cholesterol, watermelons can be a guilt-free snack.
That delicious juice running down your chin can be credited to watermelon’s high water content – 92% to be exact. So it is not only guilt-free but very hydrating as well. Watermelons also contain:
- Vitamin A helps maintain skin, hair, and eye health.
- Vitamin B5 helps the body create red blood cells, maintain digestive tract health, and synthesize cholesterol.
- Vitamin B6 helps with the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and fats. In other words, it helps convert food into energy. B6 also aids in the growth of the brain’s neurotransmitters and the production of serotonin.
- Vitamin C, an antioxidant, helps to rid the body of disease-causing free radicals. Vitamin C is an integral part of tissue repair and gives the immune system a boost too.
Oranges
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for us dog parents, so it’s easy to imagine why your pet would benefit from a few orange slices and vitamin C as well.
Oranges are low in sodium and high in Vitamin C, potassium, thiamine, folate, and many other vitamins and minerals. In addition to their refreshing taste, this makes them a healthy treat for you and your dog.
Oranges can also be beneficial for dogs suffering from vitamin C deficiency. According to Christine Keyserling, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at New York City’s Animal Medical Center, stress and extreme exercise can “overwhelm the liver’s capacity to make vitamin C” in some dogs.
Sugars are loaded with vitamins and nutrients, but they’re also packed with natural sugars. It’s one of the reasons most people and dogs like eating them.
Unfortunately, sugar and calories go hand-in-hand, so oranges aren’t recommended for overweight dogs. Just like us, if a dog is overweight, eating extra calories should be avoided.
The same rings true for diabetic dogs. If your dog is diabetic, he or she should absolutely avoid eating oranges as the natural sugars can affect blood values and result in insulin spikes.
Pet parents should recognize the added sugars and calories found in oranges and only allow their dogs to eat two or three slices at most. According to Stephanie Liff, DVM, and partner at New York City’s Pure Paws Veterinary Care, larger dogs can eat an entire orange and be perfectly fine, but smaller dogs should only have 1/4 to 1/3 of a standard-sized orange per day.
Cranberries
Cranberries are safe for dogs in moderation. Dogs can eat them in raw, cooked or dried forms. The next time you are preparing a dish with cranberries, you can feed one to your dog without worrying.
Some brands of dog food use cranberries as one of their ingredients as they provide several health benefits. Check the pet food labels the next time you are at the grocery store or look at the label of the kibble in your home to see if your dog is already getting some cranberries in her diet.
Cranberries may be given to your dog raw, cooked or dried. Because cranberries are rich in fiber, you should limit the number of cranberries you give your dog to avoid causing loose or watery stools. Your dog may also experience an upset stomach if fed too many.
Try to avoid giving cranberries that are mixed in with other dried fruits. Cranberries are often found in snacks with raisins, which are toxic to dogs. Avoid cranberries prepared in dishes with high sugar content as sugar can cause an upset stomach and other issues in dogs.
Cranberries are a highly nutritious food that can provide your dog with several health benefits.
For starters, they are rich in fiber. Eating a healthy amount of fiber can lower the risk for several health problems such as certain gastrointestinal diseases, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.
Apples
are a great source of crunchy and sweet treats for your dog. Apple skins contain phytonutrients that are known to fight against certain types of cancer. They’re also a great source of fiber and vitamin A and C; however, it’s not safe for your dog to eat the core. Apple seeds contain cyanide, but a few seeds eaten by accident will not harm your dog. It would take a lot of seeds, and they would have to be eaten on a regular basis.
The best way to safely give your dog apples is to slice the apple into small slices without any seeds. Just like anything new that’s being introduced into your dog’s diet, it’s always best to start feeding them apples in smaller quantities. Once they’re accustomed to having apples on a regular basis, you can increase the amount and size of the slices.
Apples in general, for all dogs, without seeds and the core are high in fiber, low in protein, have antioxidant properties, and are tasty snacks for our furry little friends. For senior or older dogs, they’re prone to muscle and joint ailments as well as certain illnesses; therefore, they must stick to a low-fat diet and lower their intake of red meats due to protein restrictions. Apples are a great substitute for these dogs.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, there are a lot of great fruits that can be yummy and nutritious for your furry friend. As long as you stick to the guidelines above, your dog will enjoy a long healthy life and love you for giving them delicious fruits.
