Joanna Wilson
Dogs can eat both meat and plants, making them omnivores. Vegetables and fruits, as well as meat and grains, are used in many commercial dog diets. These foods are also developed to provide all of the nutrients that a dog requires to stay healthy.
So, while your dog may not require additional vegetables and fruits in their daily diet, they will not harm them. Fresh and canned produce can be included in a healthy dog’s diet. All you have to do now is figure out which ones to present.
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Fruit and Veggie Treats
Many pet owners offer their dogs fruit as a reward. Some may provide additional nutritional benefits:
- Apples are high in vitamins A and C, which help a dog’s skin and coat stay healthy. Apples are very low in fat and have a high fiber content. However, avoid feeding them the core or seeds.
- Carrots, peas, green beans, sweet potatoes, and bananas are high in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium, which is beneficial to a dog’s muscles, nerves, and kidneys. Their fiber can also assist dogs in maintaining their regularity.
- Vitamin C is high in oranges. A little dog can eat up to a third of an orange, whereas a large dog can consume the entire orange. Just make sure to peel it and remove the seeds before eating it.
While it’s good to provide these healthful foods to your dog, be careful how much you give them. Treats should account with no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
Help for Overweight Dogs
If your dog is overweight, low-salt, low-sugar vegetables and fruits can help them lose weight. You can, for example, replace green beans for some of their dog food. This reduces the number of calories consumed while also keeping them satisfied. However, before changing your dog’s diet, consult your veterinarian. Their stomach may be disrupted if they experience a sudden change.
Your veterinarian can advise you on how to integrate produce into your dog’s diet to make the transition smoother. A balanced diet is important no matter how much your dog weighs.
Veggies and Fruits Dogs Shouldn’t Have
- Grapes, raisins, and currants are toxic to dogs, and in some cases, they can induce kidney failure.
- In high quantities, onions, garlic, and chives can be harmful. If your dog consumes a large amount of them, they might cause blood issues, diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea. It’s best to stay away from them altogether.
- While store-bought mushrooms are harmless for dogs, wild mushrooms are poisonous to them. It’s difficult to distinguish between them. As a result, it is preferable to avoid the danger.
Never give your dog corn cobs or fruit pits (such as those found in peaches or avocados) since they can get stuck in their throat or intestines.
A Vegetarian Dog?
Because a dog’s primary dietary need is meat, it might be difficult to keep them on a strict vegetarian diet. It takes a lot of planning and preparation to give a dog or puppy the nutritional balance they require without meat. Many vegetarian meals prepared at home are deficient in nutrients. If you want your dog to avoid eating meat, the best thing you can do is chat to your veterinarian about how to get the correct balance for them.
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