Good food provides all the necessary vitamins, minerals and proteins your dog needs. Dog owners sometimes have a stigma of offering their dogs human food, thinking that it isn’t good for them. The fact is, there are some very nutritional and wholesome foods that are great for your dog and you shouldn’t be afraid to share.
1. Bananas
Most families have bananas on hand in their house for a healthy and quick snack. Your dog can benefit from the same high potassium levels, fiber, magnesium, B6, and C vitamins as well as all the good antioxidants in bananas. In a pinch, bananas can help remedy a troubled dog’s stomach and you can easily mix banana in with your dog’s dry food to make it more appealing. However, some dogs don’t like bananas because of the smell.
Bananas should only be fed to dogs in moderation because they contain a lot of sugar. Dog owners should also be wary of peels, as they are hard for dogs to digest and may cause internal blockage.
2. Cantaloupe
This great summer melon is cool and refreshing and contains vitamin C, potassium, antioxidants and fiber. Make sure you remove all seeds when serving to your dog. You can serve fresh or even mix it with other fruit, freeze, and serve as a doggy popsicle.
3. Apricots
Apricots provide beta-carotene, vitamin C and E, calcium, potassium, iron and fiber to your dog. Fresh apricots are great for your dog but have the potential to be sour. You can try a dried apricot for a sweeter taste, but keep in mind that pre-packaged dried fruits can be deceptively high in calories and fiber because dehydrating creates a more concentrated food. Try home drying your own apricots or check packaged dried apricots for added sugars or sulfites. Never let your dog ingest the pit of an apricot, because they can be toxic.
4. Blueberries
Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants. In fact, the deep blue color of this berry comes from the fruit’s high levels of antioxidants called anthocyanidins. Blueberries are also packed with vitamin C and E, manganese and fiber. To serve, rinse well to remove any pesticides and serve whole or slightly mashed.
5. Apples
A good way to add crunch to your dog’s diet, apples are full of vitamin A and C and fiber. Apple’s skin contains plant chemicals called phytonutrients, which are thought to guard against cancer in humans. Apple skin is also great for your dog’s skin. However never give your dog the core of an apple. The seeds contain amygdalin, which is a form of cyanide and is toxic to your dog. A few seeds aren’t potent enough to affect your dog, but the toxin can accumulate. If your dog does somehow swallow a seed whole, the seed will pass through your dog intact.
6. Pineapple
Ripe, raw pineapple contains nutrients such as calcium, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, and potassium. You can try freezing it and watch your dog enjoy a treat while cooling down.
Fruits and berries like watermelon, honeydew, strawberries and peaches are other good foods for your dog. All fruit is loaded with natural sugar and is good for you, but you can have too much of a good thing. Make sure you’re moderating the amount of fruits and berries your dog is eating and check with your vet before giving them something you’re not sure about.
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