Our dogs love fruits just as much as they love vegetables. Again, it’s not essential for dogs to eat fruits but many of them provide some healthy nutrients to add to your dog’s routine food regiment.
Here are the top choices in our household, and why they are beneficial to your dog’s health.
Our dog’s favorites:
- Apples
Apples contain lots of fibers which improves your dog’s digestion. They also contain Vitamin C (boosts the immune system, provides energy and also relieves from arthritis pain).
The Vitamin A contained in apples will on the other hand work its magic on your dog’s vision, skin and hair.
Some say that the above also slow down cellular aging.
An apple is mostly composed of water which makes it a great refreshing treat during high temperatures
Finally, you can supplement your dog’s food with apples in case of :
- Intestinal disease
- Renal disease
- Bad breath or bad oral health
Make sure the portion is adjusted to your dog’s size and to select some low sugar varieties.
Always remove the core and the seeds, they are toxic!
- Pears
Dogs love pears thanks to their sugary flavor. It’s a great refreshing snack.
Pears contain lots of fibers and are high in copper, vitamins C and K.
Some say pears will reduce the risk of heart disease by 50%.
Make sure to remove the pit and seeds as they also are toxic. Always use fresh pears as canned ones are full of sugary syrups.
- Watermelon
The go-to snack during high temperatures. Watermelon is composed of 92% water, it will definitely keep your dogs hydrated and they love it !
Watermelon also contains fibers and some vitamins. It is very low in calories and therefore can be given to any type of dog (with moderation, of course!).
It is known to help with inflammation.
Make sure to remove the rind and seeds to avoid intestinal blockage.
- Strawberries
As most fruits, strawberries contain fibers and vitamin C to boost your dog’s immune system and improve digestion.
They area also known to contain an enzyme that whitens your dog’s teeth!
Feed them with moderation as they are high on sugar.
- Blueberries
They are low in calories and high in fiber. Blueberries are made of 85% water which makes them a perfect snack for hot summer weather.
Blueberries are high on antioxidants that will help prevent heart disease. They are also known to fight cancerous cells.
Studies have shown blueberries can improve night vision. Urinary tract infections can be prevented with this tasty snack, too!
- Cranberries
Similar to human’s benefits, cranberries are used to prevent and fight against renal diseases and UTIs.
Fresh or dried, cranberries are safe to feed in small quantities, as long as your dog handles the tartness.
Feeding too much cranberries to your dog will lead to an upset stomach.
- Bananas
Bananas are mostly composed of fibers, potassium and vitamins. They are known to support heart and kidney functions.
It is a great source of prebiotics and will improve your dog’s hair quality.
Bananas are naturally sweet and high in sugar, it’s best not to feed your dog with bananas if they are overweight or tend to gain weight easily.
A small portion here and there as a treat will be greatly appreciated by your dog !
Do not feed the banana peel as it may cause intestinal blockage.
Other dog-friendly fruits:
- Cantaloupe
- Mango
- Blackberries
- Oranges
- Kiwis
- Peaches
Remember, always remove the pits, the peels and the seeds – most of them contain cyanide that is absolutely toxic to pets.
Prefer fresh fruits over canned fruits that contain sugary syrups that are not beneficial to your dog’s health.
Always adjust the portion to your dog’s size, and preferences!
Watch this space for more updates on the Pets Ark!
The Pets Ark family
