Top Fruits and Vegetables for Dogs
When people consider the diet they feed their dog they often only consider feeding them high protein foods like meat. Some pet parents may wonder if adding fruits and vegetables to their dog’s diet is necessary. Our dogs are our fur babies and we want to be sure that the food we feed our best pal is the right food to help them live their best life.
Can dogs eat vegetables? Is fruit good for dogs?
As omnivores, the nutrition in a dog’s diet can come from both plants and animals. In fact, some pet food companies have begun adding fruits and vegetables to dog food as a way to incorporate added vitamins and minerals. Giving your dog small amounts of safe fruits and vegetables is also a way to supplement the diet of dogs that are overweight and need dietary restrictions. Plus, as long as your dog doesn’t experience food allergies, a little bit of fruits and vegetables in your dog’s diet is just a healthy and smart choice to ensure they’re eating the very best and getting all of the nutrients they need.
What are the best fruits and vegetables for dogs?
Pumpkin - Raw or canned pumpkin is safe for dogs in small amounts and is a great source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. If you give your dog canned pumpkin, be sure to only get pure pumpkin, not the kind meant for pumpkin pie which has sweeteners and spices. Pumpkin is high in fiber and is often recommended as a supplement for dogs that are experiencing loose stools and digestive problems. Because of the high amount of fiber in pumpkin, giving your dog too much pumpkin may actually cause constipation. Pet foods that contain pumpkin are formulated with the right amount for your pet.
Blueberries - Blueberries are a low-calorie fruit that is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Fresh or dried blueberries are a safe treat or supplement for dogs. Since blueberries don’t affect blood sugar, they are frequently recommended as a treat for dogs that are diabetic.
Sweet Potato - Sweet potatoes are another vegetable that is high in fiber that can be used as an aide for dogs experiencing digestion issues. Vitamins found in sweet potatoes, including Vitamin B6 and Vitamin A, help regulate dogs’ nervous system and metabolism. Sweet potatoes should be cooked, and you should remove the skin before feeding, to make it easier for your dog to digest. Baking sweet potatoes removes much of the nutritional value so boiling or steaming the potatoes is recommended. Some dogs experience potato allergies, in which case, sweet potatoes would not be a good choice for them.
Broccoli - Raw or cooked broccoli is safe to give to your dog in small amounts. Broccoli is a low-fat vegetable that is high in fiber and Vitamin C. As with any fruit or vegetable you feed your dog, make sure to only give small amounts of plain vegetables with no added salt or seasonings.
Strawberries - A small amount of strawberries, chopped up into small pieces, is safe for dogs. You can even freeze the small chunks of strawberry for an ice-cube-like treat for your dog. Strawberries contain antioxidants and Vitamin C, but they are also high in sugar, so feed sparingly, only as an occasional treat.
Carrots - Either raw or cooked, carrots are a safe and healthy vegetable for dogs; they’re loaded with Vitamin A and beta-carotene. Carrots are low in calories, making them a crunchy low-fat snack for dogs. Crunching on raw carrot also helps clean your dog’s teeth.
Apples - If you enjoy eating apples yourself you may wonder, are apples good for dogs? In small amounts, apples are perfectly safe for dogs. Remove the seeds and core, chop the apple into small pieces, and use it as a sweet snack for your dog. Apples are high in vitamins and minerals including Vitamin C, which is a beneficial antioxidant for dogs.
Beets - Beets are a safe vegetable for dogs with beneficial vitamins and minerals like manganese and potassium. To help aid in digestion and prevent choking, make sure to cut up and cook beets before feeding them to your dog.
Banana - Bananas are high in potassium, Vitamin B, and more. Fresh, freeze-dried and frozen bananas are safe to be fed to dogs in small amounts. Bananas are high in sugar, so they should only be fed in moderation.
Dogs like fruits and vegetables, too
Most dogs, (especially dogs like Sparky), jump at the chance to try small amounts of tasty fruits and vegetables. If you’re wanting to entice your dog to try fruits and veggies, and they just aren’t digging it, you may want to consider a dog food with clean ingredients that already has all of the meat and plant matter your dog needs to be healthy and happy. Nature’s Advantage incorporates the health benefits of fruits and vegetables into several of their dog foods including Tasty Turkey Dinner, Beef Burger Dinner, Craving Chicken Dinner and Butcher’s Beef Dinner. These varieties contain dog-safe fruits and vegetables like pumpkin, beets, blueberries, broccoli and carrots, and in the perfect amounts so there’s no guesswork for you when it comes to feeding your dog.
A word to the wise, though, not all pet foods are created equally. When the ingredients in traditional kibble are preserved, using an extrusion or dehydration process, much of their nutritional value is also removed. If you want healthy gluten free food for your dog with the right amount of nutrients, consider a food like Nature’s Advantage, which is preserved using a freeze-drying process that maintains quality and freshness without losing the important vitamins and minerals found in the ingredients.
To find out more about Nature’s Advantage, check out our blog and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Don’t forget to stop by our online store to check for exciting savings on the food and treats your pet loves best.
