Feeding dogs fruit is a common practice in many pet households. Dog parents love to feed their fur child some fruity goodness in hopes of improving their baby’s health. But sometimes they might be doing more harm than good by giving their canine companion fruits.
We all know that fruits are edibles packed with nutrients, so how can they ever be harmful to dogs? While most fruits are perfectly safe for dogs, some can be unbelievably dangerous, and in some cases, even deadly for them. Canines process food differently than humans. What might be healthy and easy-to-digest fruits for humans might not be the same for dogs, and that is why it is critical to know which fruits are appropriate for dogs and which aren’t.
So, which fruits are suitable for your dog’s health and which aren’t? Let’s find out!
Here is a list of seven fruits that are beneficial for your dog.
Apples are charged with potassium, fiber, flavonoids, phytonutrients, vitamin A and C, which makes them the perfect treat for your four-legged buddy. They are also low in fat and protein, so senior dogs can enjoy them too.
Just make sure when you remove the seeds and core when you give apples to your dog. And if you want to get a little creative, then you can blend an apple with yogurt and freeze it as cubes. Then whenever you wish to treat your fluffy pal, feed them the frozen apple goodness.
Pears are great for dogs as they are high in copper, zinc, vitamins, and fiber. Studies have shown that eating pear reduces the risk of stroke by 50%. If your dog has a heart condition or is old, then you must include fresh pear in their diet. But always remember to cut it in small pieces and remove the pit before presenting it to your fur child. Don’t use canned pears as they are drenched in sugar syrup and can lead your dog to obesity.
Bananas are low-calorie, nutrient-dense fruit that is excellent for a dog’s digestive system. They are rich in potassium, fiber, vitamin A and C. Ripe bananas are also high in tannins, which is highly effective in treating diarrhea. However, if given in large quantities to a healthy dog, ripe bananas can lead to constipation.
While bananas are packed with nutrients that are beneficial for your dog, they are also high in sugar; therefore, they must be given in moderation. If you want to include the mushy goodness in your furry friend’s daily diet, give them half a banana as a treat after a meal.
Strawberries are loaded with antioxidants, so they are ideal for maintaining a dog’s skin health and preventing cellular oxidation. Moreover, they are highly beneficial for canine’s bones and digestive system due to their diuretic and digestive properties.
Like apples, you can blend strawberries with yogurt and make a delectable treat for your doggo. You can even add some other fruits in the blend to make it more flavorful.
Just like strawberries, blueberries are also full of healthy antioxidants, which are excellent for a dog’s heart health. They are also high in fiber and vitamin c, which makes them ideal for a canine’s digestive system and skin. Of course, like most other fruits, blueberries come with seeds, so don’t forget to deseed them before feeding them to your fluff buddy.
Watermelon is not just refreshing for us humans but is also equally energizing for dogs. It is rich in potassium, vitamins, magnesium, and water. Feeding watermelon to dogs will keep them healthy and hydrated. If your fur child doesn’t drink much water, then you can give them watermelon every now and then to make sure their body is getting sufficient water. With that said, watermelon cannot substitute water completely. You must ensure that your dog drink plenty of water in a day.
Don’t forget to remove the seeds and rind of watermelon before feeding it to your canine.
Oranges are a great source of vitamin c, potassium, and fiber for canines. But their tangy aroma might be off-putting for some dogs. But if your fur child is a fan of citrus fruits, you should give them the fleshy pulp of orange in controlled quantities. Orange peel can be hard for a dog’s gut, so always remove it and the seeds before putting an orange before your dog.
Other common fruits that are safe for dog consumption include mangoes, cantaloupes, raspberries, cranberries, and pineapples. Whichever fruit you feed your dog, always remember to give it in moderation. Fruits should only make 20% of a dog’s daily food intake, regardless of the choice of fruit.
Now that we have gone over the fruits that are safe for a dog let’s look at some fruits that are not.
Grapes are incredibly toxic for dogs regardless of their age, breed, and sex. They can lead to kidney failure and other acute medical conditions in dogs. So, always steer clear of grapes, fresh or dried, when feeding fruits to your fur baby.
Cherries contain cyanide, which is extremely toxic for dogs. Cyanide disrupts the flow of oxygen to the cells in dogs, which means your canine companion’s blood cells will not get enough oxygen if they eat cherries. If you ever mistakenly feed a cherry to your dog, consult your vet right away.
Tomatoes are not as harmful to dogs as grapes and cherries, but they can impact a dog’s health if given in large quantities. Some tomato plants contain solanine, which is a toxic substance and can damage a dog’s health. Knowing with utmost certainty which tomato contains solanine and which doesn’t is hard; therefore, it’s better not to give tomatoes to canines.
Next time you want to feed your four-legged buddy fruits, be sure not to give them grapes, cherries or tomatoes. Also, whenever you do give them fruit, be mindful of the quantity. Fruits are meant to be a part of your dog’s diet; they are not supposed to be the diet!
For another great article on Dangerous Human Foods That Your Dog Shouldn’t Eat, please read a great article by Peter Laskay, here www.petworshiper.com/foods-dogs-cant-eat
by Bobby J Davidson || You can’t buy love, but you can rescue it™ .
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