Safe Fruits and Vegetables for Your Pup!

Fun Fact: Dogs share about 98% of their DNA with wolves, but their diets have evolved quite differently! While wolves primarily feast on meat, our domesticated furry friends can enjoy a diverse range of fruits and vegetables as healthy treats.

That said, as a dog owner, it's natural to want to share some of your favorite fruits and vegetables with your furry friend. However, not all human foods are safe for dogs. Let's delve into which fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs and which ones should be avoided.

Safe Fruits for Dogs
You can treat your dog to tasty and nutritious snacks by offering safe fruits and avoiding harmful ones. It's important to note that while fruits are generally nutritious, they can be high in sugar, so it's advisable to offer them in moderation to your furry friend.

Here is a list of the safest options for your pup:

• Apples: Dogs can enjoy apples! They're packed with vitamins A and C, and fiber, making them an excellent snack option. Just remember to remove the seeds and core before offering them to your dog.
• Bananas: Another safe option, bananas are a low-calorie treat, rich in potassium and other essential nutrients. However, due to their high sugar content, they should be given in moderation.
• Blueberries: These tiny fruits are packed with antioxidants, fiber, and phytochemicals, making them a superfood for both humans and dogs. They're great as a healthy snack or training treat.
• Cantaloupe: Rich in nutrients and low in calories, cantaloupe is a safe fruit for dogs. However, it's important to share it in moderation due to its high sugar content.
• Cranberries: Safe in small quantities, cranberries offer antioxidants and are especially beneficial for urinary health. Just be cautious of added sugars in dried cranberries.
• Kiwi: a sweet and delicious fruit that offers an abundance of nutritional benefits: with more vitamin C than an orange and more potassium than a banana. Due to its small dimensions, larger breeds or enthusiastic eaters might attempt to consume it in a single bite, posing a potential hazard. To ensure safety, always cut the kiwi into small, manageable pieces or slices before offering it as a treat.
• Mangoes: Sweet and juicy, mangoes are safe for dogs as long as you remove the pit first. They're packed with vitamins and make for a delicious occasional treat.
• Oranges: While oranges are generally safe for dogs, it's important to note that orange peels contain potentially toxic compounds and can be difficult to digest. To ensure a safe and enjoyable treat for your dog, remove the peel and seeds before offering them as a snack.
• Peaches: Fresh peaches, minus the pit, can be a tasty and nutritious treat for dogs. Avoid canned peaches, which often contain sugary syrups.
• Pineapple: Full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, pineapple is a safe and refreshing treat for dogs. Just be sure to remove the tough outer peel before serving.
• Watermelon: Hydrating and nutritious, watermelon is safe for dogs when served without seeds or rind. It's a perfect snack to beat the summer heat.
   

Fruits Dogs Should Avoid

• Avocado: While avocado is healthy for humans, it contains a toxin called persin that can be harmful to dogs. It's best to avoid giving avocado to your furry friend.
• Cherries: The pits and leaves of cherry plants contain cyanide, making them toxic to dogs. Keep cherries out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Grapes: Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, so it's essential to keep them away from your furry friend.
• Tomatoes: While ripe tomatoes are generally safe for dogs, the green parts of the plant contain a toxin called solanine. It's best to avoid giving tomatoes to your dog altogether.

Vegetables Dogs Can and Can’t Eat
Just like fruits, some vegetables are safe for dogs, while others can be harmful. Let's explore which vegetables are suitable for your canine companion and which ones to avoid.

Safe Vegetables for Dogs

• Artichokes: A key ingredient in numerous Farmina N&D Quinoa recipes, artichokes boast a rich nutritional profile containing vitamin C, folic acid, potassium, niacin, and abundant antioxidants. Your pup can safely enjoy any part of the artichoke, whether raw or cooked. However, it's essential to cut the artichokes into bite-sized pieces to reduce the risk of choking.
• Broccoli: If your pup enjoys vegetables, broccoli is a nutritious option that is high in fiber and vitamin C while being low in fat. It's best served in small amounts as an occasional treat. Opt for cooked broccoli over raw for easier digestion.
• Carrots: Low in calories and high in fiber, carrots are an excellent snack option for dogs. They're also great for dental health and can be served raw or cooked.
• Celery: Rich in vitamins and nutrients, celery is safe for dogs and can even freshen their breath. Before offering it as a crunchy snack, be sure to remove the leaves and cut the stalks into small, edible pieces to avoid choking hazards. 
• Green Beans: Whether steamed, raw, or canned, green beans are safe for dogs and provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Opt for no-salt canned varieties for added health benefits.
• Peas: Green peas, snow peas, and sugar snap peas are all safe for dogs and offer protein, fiber, and vitamins. Serve them fresh or frozen but avoid canned peas with added sodium.

Vegetables Dogs Should Avoid

• Mushrooms: Wild mushrooms can be toxic to dogs, so it's best to avoid them altogether. 
• Onions: Onions contain compounds that can be toxic to dogs and should be avoided in all forms, including cooked, raw, and powdered
• Spinach: While spinach is safe for dogs in small quantities, it contains oxalic acid, which can inhibit calcium absorption and lead to kidney damage. Choose other leafy greens instead.

The importance of a balanced diet
Incorporating safe fruits and vegetables as occasional treats while avoiding harmful ones, can help enhance the nutritional value of your dog's diet. However, it's crucial to understand that these healthy treats should complement, not substitute a well-balanced diet for your furry friend. 
To ensure your dog's overall health and well-being, get in touch with your Farmina Nutrition Consultant to build a tailor-made nutritional plan according to his needs.

Does your pup love fruit? Ask your consultant to build a nutritional plan featuring N&D Tropical Selection, the new line of foods made with ancestral grains and a variety of tropical fruits for their well-being.