Best Fruits and Vegetables for Dogs

An article to share with dog lovers from Vet Street

If your New Year's resolution is to eat healthier, we've got some good news:  Your dog can do it too!  Fruits and vegetables make great treats for dogs, and we've got the skinny on which ones are OK to feed your dog.

If your pooch already eats a quality commercial diet that's been approved by your veterinarian, he doesn't necessarily need fruits and vegetables to balance his nutrition - not like we humans do,  anyway  Still, fruits and vegetables (offered in moderation, of course) can be tasty, low-calorie and inexpensive snacks for dogs.  So toss those fattening cookies and hit the produce section.  It's time to get healthy!

Broccoli makes a great snack for pups.  Just remember to serve human food sparingly - even the best fruits and vegetables, if eaten by your pet in huge amounts, can cause stomach problems.  Some canines love sweet potatoes.  Be sure to serve them to your dog in small bites and make sure that they're cooked, never raw.

Zucchini and other squash are healthy treats for your canine.  Before you change anything about your dog's diet, though, consult with your veterinarian, because some foods may be incompatible with certain medical conditions or prescribed diets.

If you want to give your canine a few banana slices but don't want to deal with a squishy mess on the floor, here's an easy solution.  Freeze the banana slices before you offer them to your dog.  Giving your dog peas instead of cookies can make you feel better about his calorie intake.  But keep in mind that treats, even healthy vegetables, should be less than 10% of your pet's diet.

Many dogs love juicy apples.  Just be sure your dog doesn't get hold of seeds or the core, which can be harmful to him.

Good news for all you green bean fans out there.  It's safe to share them with your dogs.  Plenty of dogs enjoy carrots, but if yours is hesitant about eating raw vegetables for the first time, you can steam or boil the vegetables for an easier transition.

How about some fresh cucumber slices?  Be sure to wash all fruits and vegetables and remove rinds, skin, seeds or pits before feeding them to your pet.

http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/best-fruits-and-vegetables-for-dogs