Dogs are carnivores, which means they need meat to survive. This is why it can be confusing when you hear people say that dogs should eat vegetables. But the truth is that you can give your dogs fruits and vegetables from time to time, it's healthy for them! Although there are some fruits and vegetables that are perfectly safe for your pup to eat, there are also others that can make their stomachs upset or even cause serious illnesses like pancreatitis or kidney failure if not consumed in moderation. The following list will help you know what types of fruits and vegetables are good for your dog.
Clementines
Clementines are not only known for their high levels of Vitamin C but also because they're a great source of fiber and antioxidants. They can help with your dog's digestion and the clementine oil that is found in the fruit has been used for aromatherapy purposes. So if you were asking yourself " can dogs eat clementines?", the answer is yes! Dogs love these little fruits, and it's completely safe for them to eat. You can give your dog a clementine whole or just squeeze the oil into their food. Just make sure you don't give them too many clementines because they can cause stomach issues for your pup if they eat too many. If you want to avoid problems, make sure you don't give them more than ONE or TWO clementines per day at most.
Apples are some of the best fruits you can give your dog. They're packed with both fiber and Vitamin C but most importantly, they come with skin which is great for your puppy's teeth! All you have to do is cut up an apple into slices or chunks and serve them on their own or mixed with other fruits in order to reduce the risk of stomach issues. However, your dog shouldn't eat more than one or two small slices of apple per day. Also, make sure you don't give your dog apples with seeds because those can be poisonous for them.
Apple Seeds: If you're wondering if dogs eat apple seeds, well, the answer is yes and no. Dogs can eat apple seeds but they shouldn't because most of these seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that are poisonous to them. If your dog accidentally ingests some apple seeds, you can expect vomiting and weakness.
Carrots are one of the healthiest vegetables for dogs. They're packed with nutrients and Vitamin A, which helps their vision stay strong. Carrots have a lot of fiber so they can help your dog deal with constipation or other digestive issues. You can grate carrots and give them to your pup on top of their regular food so they can slowly consume the carrot fiber throughout the day. Keep in mind that some dogs won't eat it because of the texture so you might have to crush it up for them.
Although carrots are generally safe for dogs, there are some side effects that can occur if your dog consumes too many of them. These include diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting.
Cucumbers are another healthy vegetable for dogs. They're mainly made up of water which makes them great if your dog is having issues with dehydration. Because of this, they are also great for dogs who are overweight. Dogs that eat cucumbers can also benefit from the vitamins and minerals found in them like Vitamin A, C, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and more.
Not only are cucumbers healthy for dogs, but they're also super easy to give them. All you have to do is cut the cucumber into slices and give it to your pups like any other treat or snack.
Watermelon
Watermelons are perfectly safe for your pet to eat! The good news about this fruit is that it's great for your dog since it contains Vitamin A, C, and fiber. In addition, it's also a great source of lycopene which has been known to have antioxidant properties as well as regulate your dog's reproductive cycle.
As for the texture of watermelon, some dogs absolutely love it while others can't stand it because they find the texture too weird. However, if you mix this fruit with something else, it's much easier for your dog to eat. For example, if you mix it with some yogurt or put some watermelon chunks into their regular food, your dog probably won't mind eating them at all.
Broccoli is packed with Vitamin C which helps your dog fight off infections from viruses and bacteria. If your pup is having problems with their immune system, then broccoli can be a great way to help them improve it.
All you have to do when giving your dog broccoli is steam it and serve it like any other vegetable. This will make it easier for them to consume it. Also, you can give your dog broccoli leaves which are just as healthy for them because they contain the same nutrients.
What Food Is Poisonous To Dogs?
Besides the previously mentioned fruits and vegetables, there are some other common foods for humans which you should not give to your dog. Unfortunately, these foods can be poisonous when they're ingested by dogs which can lead to sickness or even death in severe cases. These fruits and vegetables include onions, garlic, avocado, cherry, tomatoes, mushrooms, and potatoes. These foods are also not safe for dogs to eat even if they were cooked or baked.
Another common food that is poisonous to dogs is raisins, grapes, and currants which can lead to kidney failure in dogs.
Don't take any risks and consult your veterinarian if you're not sure about the toxicity level of specific foods for dogs.
Now that you know which fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs, feel free to add them to their diet! Just remember that too much of anything isn't good so give only small portions every day. And if you do give your pets fruits and vegetables, make sure you always check the ingredients on the packaging to see if they contain any of these dangerous things. We hope you found this article to be helpful!
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