Fruits form an important part of human’s diet. They are low in calories but high in nutritional value, providing abundant minerals and fibers exceptionally good for the gastrointestinal tract. However, the physiology of pets is not essentially the same as humans. Most pet owners offer food to their cats and dogs without knowing its effects on their health.
If you are tempted to feed fruits as a tasty treat to your furry friend, you will be glad to know that you can include fruits in your pet’s snack routine as long as you stick to fruits that are safe and in limited amount each time.
Dogs are omnivores by nature, which means they can eat fruits and vegetables. Most kibbles available in the market use plant sources in additional to meat protein for a balanced diet. Fruits that are low in calories are ideal for overweight dogs, fulfilling the nutritional requirements while helping to lose weight at the same time.
Meanwhile, cats are strictly carnivores. The basic diet of your companion must be rich in protein (i.e. meat), though fruits can be used as an alternative of treats to replace commercially available treats which are usually high in calories with low nutritional value.
A list of fruits safe for pets is given below:
1. Apple: Apple is a rich source of vitamins A and C. It also has a considerable amount of fiber which is good for the intestine. Don’t offer a whole apple to your pet as it may get stuck in the throat and lead to choking. Peel it and cut it into small slices for easy chewing. Do not offer the core and the seeds as seeds are toxic as they contain cyanide.
2. Banana: Banana is a very good source of potassium. It plays a key role in the proper functioning of the heart and the kidney. Moreover, it contains a handsome amount of vitamins, biotin, fiber and copper. As you know, the sugar content is high in bananas, so avoid using it in regular diet plans. It should only be offered as a treat once or twice a week.
3. Blueberry: Blueberries are very good for the health of pets. It contains antioxidant compounds that help fight free radicals and prevent cellular damage in dogs and humans.
Some fruits can be toxic to your pet so it’s very important to consult your family veterinarian first before starting. Moderation is the key to incorporating fruits into your dog’s meals. Excessive ingestion of fruits (even safe ones) may cause intestinal irritation, diarrhoea or bloating. It is recommended that any food outside your dog’s core nutrition should be less than 10% of his overall calorie intake. All foods listed above should be discussed with your family veterinarian first before it is given to your pet. Additionally, be sure to remove any choking hazards such as ball-shaped pieces of fruits, seeds, pits and stems, some of which can be toxic.
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