As pet owners, we all want to give our hairy children a healthy and nutritious diet. The fruit is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and looks like a great supplement. However, not all fruits are suitable for dogs. Some fruits are toxic to...
As pet owners, we all want to give our hairy children a healthy and nutritious diet. The fruit is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and looks like a great supplement. However, not all fruits are suitable for dogs. Some fruits are toxic to dogs, while others can cause diarrhea or other indigestion. So, do dogs really need to eat fruits? If necessary, which fruits should they eat? This article will answer these questions comprehensively and develop a safe fruit list for your furry children.
Dogs need to eat fruit?
Dogs are eagle-eating animals, and their ancestors mainly feed on meat. Therefore, the dog's digestive system is more suitable for digesting protein and fat than plant-based foods rich in fiber.
However, a moderate amount of fruit is also beneficial to dogs. Fruits contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, which help dogs grow and develop and immunity. In addition, fruits are rich in antioxidants that can help dogs resist free radical damage.
However, dogs do not need a lot of fruit like humans. In fact, if dogs consume too much fruit, especially sugar-rich fruits, it will have a negative impact on their health. Therefore, fruit should only be used as a supplement to the dog's daily diet, not a staple food.
Fruits that dogs can eat
The following are some fruits that dogs can eat safely, as well as their benefits and precautions:
Blueberries and strawberries
• Rich in antioxidants, helping fight free radicals
• Good source of vitamin C and cellulose
• Note: Do not overdose, otherwise it will cause diarrhea
Banana
• Rich in potassium and vitamin B, which can aid intestinal peristalsis
• Eating moderate amounts of good constipation dogs
• Note: High sugar content, obese dogs should eat less
Apples
• Rich in vitamin C, calcium, cellulose
• Pectin aids digestion and absorption
• Note: Remove seeds, seeds contain arsenic
Hami melon
• Rich in vitamin A and β-carotene, good for vision
• Good source of potassium
• Note: Remove the skin and remove the seeds and then eat watermelon
• Sufficient juicy and well-hydrated, a good product for summer cooling. Note: Individual dogs may have diarrhea
• Good source of vitamin C
• Help digestion and defecation
• Note: Remove the white shredded leaves to prevent dogs from choking
These fruits are not only nutritious, but most dogs also like to eat them. However, remember to stop at the right time. Excessive consumption of any food can have a negative impact on the health of your dog.
Fruits that dogs cannot eat
Although some fruits are good for dogs, some fruits are poisonous to dogs. The following are some fruits that dogs must not eat:
Grapes and raisins
• Contains substances that dogs cannot metabolize, which can damage the kidneys
• Inspects of vomiting and diarrhea, and in severe cases, renal failure is life-threatening
Cherry
• Contains alkaloids, which can cause abnormal breathing and heartbeats
• It also increases the burden on dogs with kidneys
Raw pears
• Contains alkaloids and proteases, which may cause allergic reactions
Avocados
• The flesh, seeds, and skin are toxic
• It can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, dyspnea, etc. These fruits contain substances that are harmful to dogs, such as alkaloids, cyanide, etc. Even eating only a small portion can cause serious harm to the dog's health. Therefore, be sure to stay away from these fruits.
How to Feed Dogs Fruits Safely
If you decide to feed your dog fruit, please follow the steps below to be safe:
1. Select fresh fruit. Avoid canned fruits or processed fruits, as they may contain additives that dogs cannot digest.
2. Wash the fruit thoroughly. Thoroughly wash the surface of the fruit with clean water to remove any residual pesticides or pesticides.
3. Peel and seeds. Most fruits have skins and seeds that are not suitable for dogs to eat. Be sure to remove them completely.
4. Cut into small pieces. Cut the fruit into small pieces so that the dog is easier to chew and swallow. Avoid feeding dogs whole fruit to prevent them from choking.
5. Control component. Fruits should only be used as a small supplement to your dog's daily diet. Generally speaking, the daily fruit portion should not exceed 10% of the dog's weight.
6. Observe the dog's reaction. When feeding new fruits to your dogs for the first time, please closely observe their reactions. If any discomfort occurs, stop feeding immediately and consult a veterinarian.
By following these steps, you can make sure your dog enjoys the fruit safely.
Precautions for feeding fruits
In addition to the above safety measures, when feeding fruits to dogs, the following points should be paid attention to:
1. De-seeding is the top priority. Many fruit seeds contain substances that are toxic to dogs, such as cyanide. Be sure to remove all seeds thoroughly to avoid dogs ingesting them by accident.
2. White-haired dogs eat less colored fruits. Colored fruits may dye the hair of white-haired dogs and affect their appearance.
3. Moderate amount is the key. Excessive consumption of fruit can cause diarrhea or indigestion to the dog.
4. Consult your veterinary advice before any new food. Each dog has different physical conditions, so it is best to discuss with the veterinarian whether it is suitable for feeding a certain fruit.
5. Pay attention to the properties of the fruit. Some fruits are cold and some are hot. Eating conflicting fruits at the same time may affect dog digestion.
6. It is best to feed fruit between meals and meals. Fruits should not be used as staple food, and it is best to be used as snacks before and after a main meal.
7. Observe the dog's reaction. If your dog experiences discomfort after eating a certain fruit, stop feeding immediately and consult a veterinarian.
By following these precautions, you can maximize your dog's safe and healthy enjoyment of fruit.
Generally speaking, dogs can eat fruits such as blueberries, strawberries, bananas, apples, cantaloupe, watermelons and citrus in moderation, but avoid toxic fruits such as grapes, cherries, raw pears, and avocados. At the same time, pay attention to seed removal and control portions, and consult the veterinarian’s opinion first. The correct choice and consumption of fruits can bring extra nutritional supplements to the dog.
