Fruits and Vegetables That You Can Give Your Pets
Our cats and dogs enjoy the occasional treat, but it’s our responsibility to assure they stay healthy. If you are looking for a nutritious treat to give your pets, there are a variety of vegetables and fruits that are safe. Dogs and cats can eat most vegetables raw (except for pumpkin) or cooked, just avoid any seasoning. When giving these treats to your pets, we suggest cutting them into small pieces so it is easier for them to chew and swallow. Here are a few we recommend!
Asparagus
This is a great treat to give cats and dogs because it’s loaded with fiber! Adding fiber to your pet's diet improves their gut health by keeping their stomach pH balanced. A balanced stomach pH makes it harder for bad bacteria to grow in their gut. If your pet struggles with hairballs, adding more fiber to their diet could help. Asparagus also contains vitamin B6 which assists in breaking down proteins and fats to give your pets energy!
Carrots
This crunchy and delicious vegetable has many health benefits for your pet. It can help your pet’s eye health and boost their immune system. Carrots also improve their coat and skin health. Giving your pets carrots is also a great way to add some extra vitamin A to their diet! A great way to give your pets carrots is to boil and then mash them into their dry or wet food!
Celery
If you are looking for a treat that is low in cholesterol and sugar, try celery! This crunchy vegetable is packed with fiber, folate, potassium, and manganese. Celery is also a great source of vitamins A, C, and K. Potassium helps many important bodily functions such as muscle contractions and heart function.
Fruit
Some fruits are bad for your pets like grapes and avocados. Any fruit with large seeds or pits should be avoided because they could be a choking hazard. You can give your pets fruits like seedless watermelons, small pieces of apples, bananas, or blueberries. These fruits are safe for both dogs and cats, but cats lack a sweet taste receptor, so vegetables might be a better option as a treat for them! Just like vegetables, it is important to only give fruit to your pets in moderation.
Vegetables like garlic and onions are toxic to pets, but the vegetables we suggested above are great low-calorie and vitamin-packed treats! If you have any questions or concerns, check with your veterinarian before adding anything new to your pet's daily diet.
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