Being a pet owner is a big responsibility, whether you’ve grown up with pets your whole life or are a first-time pet owner. You want to make sure you’re doing right by your pet and are keeping him or her well-nourished, getting enough exercise, and pest-free.

One great thing to do is to make sure that you’re bringing your pet to regularly to see a veterinarian. Veterinarians can recommend whether your pet needs to be eating more fruits and vegetables (or be getting other necessary nutrients). As always, you should be conscious of what kind of food you are feeding your pet, but we’ve made it simple. Here is a guide the safe fruits and vegetables you can feed your dog.

Which Fruits and Vegetables Can I Feed My Dog?

One of the more unpleasant reasons to visit an animal hospital is because your pet dog enthusiastically devoured something he or she shouldn’t have. Foods that we might commonly eat, like avocados or grapes, can actually be toxic to your dog. However, the right fruits can help support your dog’s immune system, cut down on inflammation, serve as digestion aids, and even improve their skin. Here are a couple of options:

  • Blueberries — Blueberries are a nutritional powerhouse full of fiber, phytochemicals, and antioxidants that provide all kinds of health benefits for your pup!
  • Kiwi — You should probably remove the skin before feeding kiwi to your dog, but don’t worry if they consume a little skin, it’s still safe to eat.
  • Watermelon — Don’t let your dog chew on the rind, and beware of too many seeds since they can cause intestinal blockage. But some nice, cut-up pieces of watermelon are great treats for dogs!

Apples are also a good treat, but make sure you slice the apples and give them to your dog — don’t give them a whole apple. The seeds have traces of cyanide and dogs can choke on apple cores.

What About Vegetables?

When it comes to vegetables, there are plenty of foods that might be tasty and nutritious, but can actually lead to pet-related issues. Carrots, for instance, are yummy and often found in dog food, but they’re high in carbs, so watch how much you feed your dog. Here are some great vegetable options that you can feed your dog:

  • Zucchini — Zucchini is a safe and healthy treat for dogs to enjoy. Plus, if you’re planting them yourself, it’ll be nice to get rid of all that surplus summer squash!
  • Sugar snap peas — Sugar snap peas are easy for dogs to digest and are high in vitamin A, vitamin B, and vitamin K. Additionally, these veggies provide a great source of fiber, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.
  • Sweet potatoes — Sweet potatoes, in addition to being delicious, can provide a wide range of health benefits to dogs. Since sweet potatoes are high in dietary fiber, they are great for your dog’s digestive health.

When in doubt, consult your vet at your local animal hospital to see what safe fruits and vegetables they recommend for your dog’s breed, size, and age. Keeping your pet happy and healthy does require some work, but starting your dog off on the right foot when it comes to fruits and vegetables can provide a good baseline, managing their weight and nutrients properly.

You don’t need to wait for an emergency to become familiar with our veterinary services. Get the best care you can find for all of your pet’s health needs. We are more than just an animal hospital. Contact us today or directly call us at 520-888-3177 for more information about our specialty and 24-hour emergency services.