If you are anything like me I like to share my fresh summer fruits with my dogs. But which ones are safe and which ones could cause health issues for my furry friends. Is that old wives tale about grapes being harmful true? Are blue berries safe? How about mangoes? A factor in keeping your dog healthy is feeding them foods that are not only safe but also good for them.
Blueberries
Blueberries area a super food; they are sweet succulent and safe for your dog to eat. They are full of antioxidants, they improve the health of animals and are an easy addition to your dogs diet. You can freeze some for refreshing treats, add them to their food or use as a training treat. Moderation is key however as too many can cause your dog to get diarrhea.
Strawberries
Yes, strawberries are perfectly safe for your dog. Most dogs love the sweetness of a ripe fresh strawberry. Fresh is the key word; frozen or canned strawberries have a lot of added sugars and that is not healthy for your dog. Strawberries are chock full of antioxidants, nutrients, fiber have teeth whitening enzymes and folic acid. They can build your dog’s digestive system and give their coat and skin a boost.
Watermelon
This was a surprise for me- watermelon is a healthy refreshing snack for your dog. It is full of vitamins and potassium which helps your dog maintain healthy muscles and nerve function. It is important to remove any seeds and the rind as both can cause an obstruction in the intestines. For a teething puppy cube the watermelon, freeze it and you have a healthy teething chew.
Here are some more dog friendly fruit:
Apples, Apricots, Bananas, Cranberries, Blackberries, Mango, Orange, Pear, Pineapple and Raspberries (Make sure to remove any seeds)
Never ever give your dogs grapes or raisins! Yes, that old wives tale is true. Other fruits they should never snack on are: cherries, lemons, limes, grapefruit or persimmons.
