Fruits and Veggies Good For Your Dog!

Samira Abraham
Waggle Blog
Published in
5 min readMay 18, 2013

--

Fruits and vegetables are a rich source of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, and the same way we benefit from them, so do our dogs.

Dogs don’t have the enzymes to break down the cellulose walls .You have to break those walls down for them by steaming vegetables or pureeing them.

Not all fruits and vegetables are healthy for your dog. Here is a list of some healthy options:

1: Pumpkin

Bulldog-and-Pumpkins

If your dog is prone to tummy trouble and experiences diarrhea or constipation, a diet that includes puréed pumpkin might improve his intestinal health. Pumpkin softens stool, which aids dogs who suffer from digestion problems. The fiber contained in pumpkin also absorbs water which helps alleviate diarrhea.

Pumpkin is such a rich source of fiber that you only need to add a few teaspoons to your dog’s daily diet to improve his intestinal health. Pumpkin also is loaded with vitamin A and anti-oxidants, provides anti-inflammatory benefits, helps to regulate blood sugar levels and promotes cardiovascular health.

2: Green Beans

images

Green beans contain omega-3 fatty acids, which also contribute to the cardiovascular benefits of this vegetable.

Green beans are a great source of vitamins A, C and K, as well as calcium, copper, fiber, folic acid, iron, niacin, manganese, potassium, riboflavin, and thiamin. Green beans also contain high concentrations of beta carotene.

These legumes promote bone health because they contain silicon, vitamin K, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous, all essential nutrients in maintaining strong bones. Vitamin K helps maintain bone health because it triggers osteocalcin, a non-collagen protein in bones.

3: Carrots

cute-golden-retriever-puppy-eating-carrot-21532163

Carrots are well known for promoting good vision both in humans and dogs. Carrots are also a rich source of pro vitamin beta carotene, which is a source of vitamin A. Carrots are sources of Vitamin A, C, D, E, K, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium and iron. These nutrients support the immune system and digestion.

4: Broccoli

broccoli_2

Broccoli is one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables that dogs can eat. In addition to vitamins A, C, D and beta carotene, broccoli contains folic acid, fiber, chromium and calcium. Broccoli is an excellent food for dogs because it is a low glycemic vegetable, meaning that it does not raise blood glucose levels. Aside from broccoli’s nutrient-rich and cancer-fighting properties, it also has sulforphane, a compound that helps boost the immune system.

Although broccoli can be fed to a dog safely, give this vegetable to him in moderation, as it can reduce thyroid function when given in large quantities.

5: Spinach

spinach

You can have your very own canine Popeye if you feed him spinach. This nutrient-dense green contains twice as much iron than many other greens .This leafy green vegetable is also a good source of fiber, calcium, potassium, and vitamins A, B6 and K.

Spinach is particularly good for dogs who need to ward off inflammatory and cardiovascular problems as well as cancer. The flavonoids and carotenoids contained in spinach work as anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer forces. Studies on animals have shown that spinach extract can reduce rates of skin cancer.

6: Cantaloupe and Watermelon

getty_rm_photo_of_puppy_eating_watermelon

Cantaloupe is rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Cantaloupes are an excellent source of vitamin A because they contain lots of beta carotene.

Watermelon is a rich source of vitamins and minerals. The dog would get vitamin A, vitamin B6 and vitamin C from this cold and refreshing summer treat. The fruit is also a good source of fiber that maintains the proper functioning is the dog’s digestive system. Watermelon has the necessary nutrients that boost the dog’s immune system.

7: Pears

canine-nutrition-dog-with-pear

If you’re looking for a fruit to strengthen your dog’s the intestinal tract and heart, the pear is the perfect piece of produce for your pooch. Pears contain pectin to help strengthen intestines. They are also sources of potassium, a nutrient that aids in maintaining heart and muscle strength as well as nerve transmission and carbohydrate metabolism. Pears have antioxidants benefits. They are rich in vitamin C, a nutrient that works against oxygen damage from free radical damage. Just make sure you don’t feed your dog the seeds!

8: Orange

dog eating orange

When you think of oranges and health, the first thing that comes to mind is probably vitamin C; however, oranges offer many more nutrients that make them a healthy fruit for dogs. Oranges are rich sources of folate, thiamin, potassium, calcium and magnesium. They also contain flavonoids, an important component to strengthen a dog’s immune system and c. Some dogs find citrus causes diarrhea or is hard to digest. You lessen the chance by removing the seeds and the rind before serving.

DANGEROUS FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

While most fruits and vegetables are very healthy for your dog, some can cause serious damage. Onions and garlic should never be given to your dog.. They can cause the development of Heinz body anemia. Don’t serve your dog grapes and raisins; they can cause renal failure. Also, limit vegetables from the nightshade family, such as eggplant, peppers and tomatoes. They can cause inflammatory problems such as arthritis.

--

--