As more people are looking for natural and healthy foods for pets, we thought it would be good idea to feature 10 fruits or vegetables that can help with your pets overall nutrition. Here are just a few items that will keep them happy, healthy and young at heart! However, prior to changing your pet’s diet, we recommend you speak to your vet first to see which of the below fruits or vegetables would be most beneficial for your pet’s overall health.
Apples
If you are looking for a great Vitamin C source, look to apples. Apples such as the Red Delicious, Northern Spy or Ida Red contain powerful antioxidants for your pets. In addition, the skin of the apple is full of Vitamin A, pectin and fiber, which can help improve digestion.
Broccoli
If you are looking for a veggie that packs a punch consider broccoli. This nutrient-dense food not only contains Vitamins A, C and D, but it is also full of beta carotene, folic acid, fiber, chromium and calcium. In addition, this is such a great source of food for your dogs because it is a low glycemic vegetable, which means it won’t raise your pet’s blood sugar levels. Overall, this vegetable can help prevent cancer and boost your pet’s immune system – an overall great veggie for your dogs.
Cantaloupe
Cantaloupes are an excellent source of Vitamin A. Like carrots, cantaloupe contains beta carotene, which promotes good eye health in your pet. It also lowers the risk of cancer. This is also such a great food for dogs because it is usually not allergenic, so most pets will be able to eat it without any allergy issues.
Carrots
You’ve always heard that carrots help promote good vision in humans, but they are also very helpful to your pets. They help nourish the optic nerve, which can improve your pet’s visual health. In addition, carrots are rich in beta carotene, a nutrient that converts into Vitamin A and can help prevent cancer.
Celery
Celery is a great source of calcium, potassium, phosphorous, sodium, iron and Vitamins A, B and C. This not only will help improve your pet’s heart health, but will also lower the risk of cancer. Studies have found that components of celery act as powerful tumor-fighting agents as well as help regulate blood pressure in your pet. Phtalides, a cholesterol-lowering agent found in celery, helps to keep your pet’s muscles and arteries relaxed, too.
Green Beans
This vegetable is a wonderful source of nutrition for your pets. They help promote good bone and heart health. Eating green beans can improve the blood fat levels in your pet and the omega-3 fatty acids provide heart benefits as well. In addition, these beans contain silicone, Vitamin K, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous, which are all essential in keeping your pet’s bones strong and healthy.
Oranges
Typically when you think of oranges, the first benefit you think of is Vitamin C. These benefits will help strengthen your pet’s immune system as well as their connective tissues. They can help keep viral infections away as well as prevent cancers. Many dogs, may find oranges difficult to eat though. They may cause diarrhea in your pets. You can lower the chance of these side effects by removing the rind and seeds before giving it to your pet.
Pear
Containing pectin, pears are a great food to help strengthen your pet’s intestinal tract and heart. They also contain potassium, which helps with heart and muscle strength. If your pet is constipated or irregular, pears are a great way to naturally help with this problem. In addition, the Vitamin C found in pears can help improve your pet’s immune system and combat infection.
Pumpkin
With fall upon us, we are seeing more and more pumpkins around. Did you know these aren’t just great for carving? They are also very beneficial to your pets. If you have a dog that has stomach issues or has diarrhea or constipation, then adding pumpkin to the diet may be a good thing. Pumpkin helps to improve intestinal health. It can soften stool for dogs with constipation, but the fiber in pumpkin can also absorb water helping to alleviate diarrhea. Simply add a few teaspoons of pureed pumpkin to your dog’s daily diet to improve their overall intestinal health.
Spinach
This leafy green vegetable can pack the punch for your pup. With twice as much iron than many other greens, spinach is good for dogs with inflammatory or heart problems. It also helps prevent cancers. This vegetable is a great source of fiber, calcium, potassium and Vitamins A, B6 and K.
