Just like most of us humans, pets like to snack between meals. And, just like humans, the snacks our dogs and cats munch on can seriously wreak havoc with their diets. It is so easy to grab for cookies, or chips, which are the equivalent to those packaged “treats” we purchase for our pets. Maybe instead of those fast fixes, we should try fresh fruits and vegetables, for our pets and ourselves. It is unhealthy for pets to be overweight, just as it is for humans. That round little puppy belly is not a good thing-add lots of exercise to your pet’s routine also. If you need help getting your dogs’ daily walk in, check out our dog walking services to see how we can help you. In South Orange County we have lots of fresh fruit and vegetable markets available to us, plus both Laguna Hills and Laguna Niguel have weekly Farmers Markets with a great variety of fresh foods to choose from.
Just as you change your pet’s food from one brand or formula to another, you need to ease into adding these healthful snacks. Don’t overload your pet with a bunch of different kinds of fruits or vegetables. Try just one fruit or vegetable to see how your pet’s system reacts. Too much of a good thing could lead to diarrhea or vomiting.
Here is a quick list of vegetables and fruits that your pets may love. Those packaged snacks are a good treat from time to time but try to give your pet more whole and natural foods and see how they like it. Be sure to wash all fruits and vegetables and remove rinds, inedible skins, seeds and pits before feeding to your pet. Make small chunks or slices appropriate to your pet’s size.
Fruits:
*Apple – cored
*Apricot – pitted
*Banana (I have a client who takes small bites from the whole banana, just like a human)
*Blueberries (a favorite of my pup Makena)
*Cantaloupe
*Mango
*Orange
*Pear
*Pineapple
*Raspberries
*Strawberries
*Watermelon (without seeds)
DO NOT FEED-I think we all know Grapes and Raisins can cause kidney damage in dogs and cats and lemons, limes, grapefruit and persimmon can lead to stomach upset.
Vegetables:
*Asparagus
*Bell Peppers – green, red or yellow
*Broccoli
*Cabbage
*Carrots (another Makena favorite)
*Cauliflower
*Celery
*Cucumber
*Green beans
*Lettuce (My mom’s Vizsla loves any type of lettuce)
*Pumpkin
*Spinach
*Sweet Potato (in limited amount as they are high in sugar)
*Zucchini
Steaming the broccoli, cauliflower or cabbage make them easier to eat and digest. You can also bake or steam many of the other vegetables and cube or mash them up to add to their meals. Again, go easy on the portion size.
DO NOT FEED-Avocado, garlic, onion, tomato, chocolate or any variety of nut.
As we all know, cats are much pickier about what they eat, and being carnivores, they might not really be interested in munching on any of these items. It may be worth a try if you happen to be making dinner and have some steamed broccoli left over, why not mash it up and add it to their dinner. Could become their new favorite thing. Cats do not like sweet things so fruits are out.
If you have any questions about whether your dog or cat would benefit from adding these new treats to their diet, I’m sure your veterinarian would be happy to discuss it with you further. In general, treats should not make up more than 10% of their diet.
I would love to hear your comments about your pet’s favs.
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