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Can dogs eat fruits and vegetables? We already know how important these products are for human diet, but what we didn’t know is that this also applies to our four-legged friends.
As we said before, fruits and vegetables are also essential for dogs. They are thirst quenching foods. Besides being rich in vitamins and minerals, they are also useful to eliminate toxic build up and to cleanse the intestine.
These foods can often be found among the ingredients of dogs’ croquettes and snacks. This does not mean that we find the whole pieces of fruits and vegetables in dog food, but only their elements. So, we could prepare the food for our furry friends ourselves. Of course, there are a few precautions we should be aware of. For example, the total of fruits and vegetables should not exceed 10-15% per day.
Now let’s see what fruits and vegetables dogs can or cannot eat.
What Are the Best Vegetables for Dogs to Eat?
Zucchinis, cucumbers, beans, and carrots cleanse the intestine, so they are excellent. Potatoes are also always a good option, but remember that they are very high in carbohydrates, so you should give them to your dog in small amounts.
But what are the foods that we must prevent our dog from eating? To begin with, spinach, chard, chicory, lettuce as they contain oxalic acid. These vegetables bind calcium in the intestine, hindering its absorption and favoring the development of kidney stones.
Garlic, onions, and cabbage are also harmful to our four-legged friends as they contain n-propyl disulfide which causes the destruction of red blood cells and leads to anemia.
They should not eat mushrooms either as they are toxic to the liver. Peppers, tomatoes, and eggplants are difficult to digest, so it is not recommended to feed them to your pet.
To sum up, the vegetables that your dog can and cannot eat
- Your pup CAN EAT: Zucchinis, cucumbers, beans, carrots, and potatoes.
- Your pup CANNOT EAT: Spinach, chard, chicory, lettuce, garlic, onion, cabbage, avocado, mushrooms, peppers, eggplants, and tomatoes.
What Are the Best Fruits for Dogs to Eat?
Fruit is a thirst-quenching food, rich in mineral salts that are important for the body and tissues. Given its high percentage of fiber, it has the task of cleansing the body and the intestine.
Fruits that should be avoided in the diet of our friends are grapes, as they contain a toxin that damages the kidneys, avocado which is toxic to the heart and lungs, peaches, pears, cherries, and apricots because their peels contain a minimal amount of cyanide. In addition, peels can cause intestinal obstructions.
There is nothing to worry about if our dog accidentally eats a cherry or an apricot. The important thing is that these foods are not part of its regular diet.
Figs are fine, but dogs should not eat large amounts due to the large quantity of sugar they contain.
Bananas, oranges, and watermelons are also a food option for your dog, as long as the seeds are removed. Again, quantities should be moderate.
One fruit that is good for both humans and dogs is the apple, which helps clean the intestines and teeth.
As far as nuts are concerned, walnuts, which are highly toxic to our pets, should be avoided.
To sum up, the fruits that your dog can and cannot eat are:
- Your dog CAN EAT figs, oranges, watermelon, bananas, and apples.
- Your dog CANNOT EAT grapes, avocado, peaches, pears, cherries, apricots, and walnuts.
In conclusion, our four-legged friend can also eat fruits and vegetables. It will love the flavors that these products offer. The important thing is not to exaggerate in terms of proportions and remember that our dog cannot eat everything we eat.
If in doubt, consult a professional who will give you good assistance and answer all your questions.
