Like us humans, dogs are omnivores, which means they can eat both meat and vegetables. Not only can fruit and vegetables be a tasty, natural alternative to conventional dog treats you buy off the shelves, they also provide many important benefits for your dog’s health. Here are 15 fruits and vegetables that are safe to share with your pet as a tasty treat.
Fruits
1. Apples
Not only are apples Britain’s favourite fruit, they are also an excellent treat for your dog. They are full of vitamins A and C, and their high quantity of dietary fibre helps to look after the digestive system of your dog. And, as an added bonus, apples will work to clean your dog’s teeth and keep their breath fresh.
Just make sure that you cut the apple away from the core, and more importantly the seeds, before you give it to your dog as the apple pips contain a very small amount of cyanide. It is unlikely that swallowing only a couple will cause any problems for your dog, but it is important to be safe.
2. Strawberries
Strawberries are delicious to most dogs, and are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and manganese. These all help to support the immune system of your pet, so they are a great natural treat for your dog, although I’m not sure I could bring myself to share!
3. Oranges
Oranges provide a fantastic source of vitamin C for your dog which helps to fight off the toxic substances that can be found in a dog’s digestive system. They should, however, only be given to your dog in moderation as they contain particularly high amounts of sugar, and therefore calories.
Make sure to take off the peel before giving oranges as a dog treat as it can cause the stomach to become upset.
4. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are another great source of vitamin C for your dog, as well as vitamins A and K1, and potassium and manganese.
Do not give your dog tomato leaves or stems, or young, green tomatoes as these all contain a substance called solanine. This, although fine in low quantities, is particularly prevalent in these parts of the tomato, and green tomatoes, and can cause tomatine poisoning if ingested.
5. Bananas
Bananas can also be a sweet treat for your dog, although should only be given to them occasionally. They are rich in vitamins, potassium, and copper, but their high sugar content can be harmful to your dog’s health if too much is eaten.
6. Blueberries
Blueberries are as beneficial to dogs as they are to humans due to their antioxidants and fibre. Antioxidants help to reduce the chances of cancer and are good for the brain, so blueberries are a brilliant addition to your dog’s diet.
Vegetables
1. Peas
Peas are entirely safe for dogs and are often added to tinned dog foods to add nutrients. Peas are packed with vitamins A, B1, B6, C, and K, as well as minerals, protein, and dietary fibre. Not only can they be fed as a treat, frozen or cooked, they can also be added into your dog’s daily meals.
Peas are entirely safe for dogs and are often added to tinned dog foods to add nutrients. Peas are packed with vitamins A, B1, B6, C, and K, as well as minerals, protein, and dietary fibre. Not only can they be fed as a treat, frozen or cooked, they can also be added into your dog’s daily meals.
2. Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are one of the best sources of vitamin A, which supports a healthy immune system and promotes good eye health. It is also high in fibre, and rich in vitamins C and B6, potassium, calcium, and iron. Sweet potatoes should be given as a treat to your dog either boiled or steamed.
3. Beans
Fresh green beans are another great natural dog treat and can be fed raw or cooked. They are full of vitamins and iron but be aware that their high fibre content can cause flatulence!
4. Carrots and Celery
Carrots and celery are both low-calorie vegetables that double as an effective natural dental stick for your dog, due to their fibrous nature. They contain vitamins A, C, and K, beta carotene, and potassium. Carrots are great for keeping your dog’s eyes and skin healthy, and celery helps to reduce blood pressure for a healthy heart.
Make sure that you remove the celery leaves and chop the celery into bitesize pieces to avoid choking.
5. Cabbage
All varieties of cabbage are safe for your dog to eat and are very healthy too. Cabbage helps to maintain an effective digestive system and is beneficial for their skin. It should be added to their diet gradually however, as cabbage is known to cause flatulence in dogs. You have been warned!
6. Potatoes
Cooked potatoes are a great source of carbohydrates and potassium for your dog. A simple baked potato is the best way to feed potato to your dog, with no oil or seasoning added.
If you find green skin on a potato it should not be fed to your dog as it will contain solanine, a poisonous substance that can cause an upset stomach.
7. Asparagus
Another low-calorie vegetable treat for dogs is asparagus. Asparagus is full of things that are good for your dog’s health, including vitamins A, C, and E, folate, iron, potassium, and fibre.
Asparagus should be fed to your dog cooked, and it is best to cut off any woody part of thick stalks.
Make Sure to Avoid…
1. Grapes and raisins
As many dog owners know, grapes and raisins are highly toxic to dogs and can cause kidney damage if they are ingested.
2. Avocado
Avocados contain a toxin called persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs.
3. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are toxic to dogs, particularly wild ones. They can cause severe reactions in dogs that could even lead to death.
4. Alliums
Allium is the plant group that includes onions, garlic, leeks, and chives. If ingested they can cause stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea in dogs.
5. Nuts
Although many dogs love a spoon of peanut butter as a treat, you should avoid giving them whole nuts, especially macadamia nuts as these are toxic to dogs. The shells of nuts can cause irritation in the digestive tract and if whole nuts aren’t chewed properly, they could cause a blockage somewhere along the line.
Fruits and vegetables are a brilliant source vitamins, minerals, and fibre for your to support a healthy body and make great treats for your dog in-between meal times.
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