Most people are not aware that they can spoil their dog with their favourite people’s food snacks instead of a dog treat. In fact, giving your dog fruits or vegetables is not just safe for your dog, but also a great way to boost their health since most fruits or vegetables contain much-needed vitamins and minerals.
So, if it is safe for you to eat, it must be safe for your dog, right? Not quite. Even though most people’s foods are perfectly safe for your dog, some might have negative effects on their health, and possibly lead to a dangerous and unwanted health situation.
It is important to understand that dogs’ digestion system is very different from humans. This means that eating the wrong food can lead to long-term health problems, in extreme cases, even death. Even though dogs don’t have a real need for fruits or vegetables in their diet, swapping their dog threats with fruits or vegetables occasionally can bring many health benefits.
But first, let’s look at which fruits are safe for dogs to eat, and learn more about the advantages they bring to the table.
Apples
Apples are safe for dogs to eat. In fact, they are an excellent source of vitamins C and A, as well as fibre for your dog. Since apples are low in protein and fat, it makes them a perfect snack for older dogs.
It is important to remove the seeds and core first since they don’t bring any benefit and can cause digestion problems. You can give your dog frozen apples as an icy cold threat when the temperatures are high, and they will love it.
Bananas
Bananas are the world’s most consumed fruit, and they are also safe for dogs to eat, but in moderation. Bananas are great just because they are a low-calorie treat that will keep their tummy full, but not exceed their daily calorie limit.
Since they contain a lot of sugar, bananas should only be given as a treat occasionally, not included in their main diet.
Cranberries
Cranberries are not only safe for your dog but also contain many vitamins and minerals that will bring many healthy befits to the table. Cranberries are superfoods rich in antioxidants and they support your dog’s immune system and decrease inflammation.
On top of that, cranberries are low in calories and high in vitamin C, fibre, and potassium. In other words, they can improve your dog’s bladder health, fight bacteria, help prevent cancer, and reduce tartar and plaque buildup.
Since cranberries are very strong, moderation is important when feeding your dog. Too many cranberries can upset their stomach.
Find out more about why cranberries are good for dogs here: whatthepup.spotandtango.com/can-dogs-eat-cranberries/
Blueberries
Here we have another forest superfruit packed with many helpful vitamins, fibre and minerals that support your dog’s immune system and contribute to their overall health.
Blueberries are low in calories which makes them great for a dog snack. On top of that, they are rich in vitamin C and K and the health benefits cannot go unnoticed.
However, since blueberries are small, they present a choking hazard for some dogs. Make sure you are there when you give your dog some blueberries.
Mango
Yes, the sweet summer tropical fruit is safe for dogs to eat. In fact, it is packed with vitamins A, B6, E, and C as well as potassium and both alpha-carotene and beta-carotene. However, since mango is high in sugar and has a lot of calories, it should be consumed in moderation and only as a small treat occasionally.
Oranges
Since we are in the orange season, every household has a couple of them on the table that can be a perfect treat for dogs. Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C, fibre, and potassium, and the flesh of an orange can be a tasty treat for your dogs.
Vegetarians recommend peeling the orange and removing the seeds before giving it to your dog as a treat, as the peel is rough and can upset their digestive systems.
Oranges provide many health benefits for dogs, but their strong citrusy smell might not sound attractive for most dogs. Since dogs have very sensitive noses, most of them have trouble eating oranges.
Peaches
Peaches are loaded with vitamins and minerals that will boost your dog’s health. They contain large quantities of vitamin A and C, and they are low in calories and high in fibre. Since they are antioxidants, they can help ward off cancer and boost their immune system.
On top of that, they improve the function of the liver and kidneys. Despite all the healthy benefits of peaches, they should be given in moderation since they are high in sugar. They could be served as a refreshing reward that you’ll dog would love.
Pineapple
Here we have another tropical fruit full of vitamins, minerals, and fibre and perfect for your dog as a treat. But what makes pineapple different from other fruits is that it contains bromelain, which is an enzyme that makes it easier for dogs to absorb proteins.
Just make sure you remove every part of the prickly outside peel and chop it up in small chunks. Your dog will definitely love it. Read more about it here.
Pears
Pears are a great snack for dogs and they are high in copper, vitamin C, and vitamin K. On top of that, they are rich in fibre, and giving your dog pears can reduce the risk of having a stroke by 50 percent.
It is important to cut the pears into bite-size chunks just to help them chew it easier, and remove the pit and seeds which contain traces of cyanide. Also, try to stay on the fresh or frozen pears since most canned pears have sugary syrups.
Watermelon
Watermelon is the perfect summer snack not just for humans but also for dogs. However, humans don’t have a problem digesting the seeds of the watermelon, but on the other hand, it is safer to remove the seeds and rind since it can cause intestinal blockage.
Watermelon is 92 percent water and it is rich in vitamin A, C, B-6, and potassium. It is the ultimate snack that will keep them hydrated during hot summer days.
