Eat Healthy! 10 Best Fruits And Vegetable For Dogs

Vegetables and fruits are a healthy addition to your dog’s diet. They contain beneficial vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants to keep your dog healthy and reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases. Talk about healthy treats!

Here are the top 10 healthy fruits and veggies your dogs can eat. Always remember to carefully remove all the seeds before feeding to your dog. Some (like those in apples) can be harmful if eaten.

And be sure to check with your veterinarian if you have any questions about your dog's diet.

Ranking The 10 Best Fruits And Vegetable For Dogs

Ranking the best fruits and vegetables for dogs isn’t easy, considering how much good stuff is in the market, but we’ve done it for all loving fur parents out there. Certain factors have helped us decide on the list, the foremost of which is the nutritional value of the food itself.

Another factor to consider is their price point and availability since some fruits and vegetables could be seasonal or expensive. Lastly, we also considered their taste since, just like us, dogs care for the taste of their food, too!

1. Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes are very good for dogs due to their nutrient richness, which includes vitamins A, C, and B6. It also has dietary fiber, which we all know to aid in digestion. They are also spectacularly low in fat, which makes them an option for pups taking a bit of a diet.

This amazing staple also has anti-inflammatory properties, perfect for pets suffering from arthritis or other inflammation problems. Moreover, it’s very easily prepared. You could boil, bake, or mash, mix it into dog food, or serve it as a treat.

2. Carrot

The richness of carrots cannot be understated, even amongst our furry friends. It’s jam-packed with Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and dietary fiber, strengthening their bodies. It’s also low on calories, making it a good stuffing for pets needing weight control.

Chewing on carrots is also a good way to improve their dental health, as it can help clean up tartar and plaque from their teeth. Think of it as a cheaper, organic alternative to dog treats!

3. Blueberry

Blueberries are not only delicious, they’re quite healthy, too! They are an efficient source of vitamin C, K, and fiber, which helps build up your fur friend’s immune system. They’re also filled with antioxidants, which is something that helps with reducing aging and fighting diseases.

These fruits are also high in water content, making them the quintessential summer treat. There’s also been some studies that point to the benefit of this fruit in improving cognition. If you want your pup to learn more tricks or improve their mental health, try this!

4. Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is very good for dogs because they contain nutrients and water. This is refreshing and a good way to add nutrients to their diet. Their natural sweetness is also sure to entice even the pickiest of eaters.

However, remove the seeds like other seedy fruits as they could choke on them. You must also remove the rind as it’s not easy to digest for their stomachs.

5. Green Beans

Green beans are well-known for having a high fiber content, which can improve satiety among our furry friends (aside from its help with their bowel movements). Satiety refers to the feeling of being full, which is very helpful for pets in need of weight control.

It also has some extra nutrients you can’t easily find in other veggies, like vitamin K, calcium, and folate. It’s also low in both fat and calorie content.

They are also easy to serve and can be cooked or served as a raw diet. Just cut them into tiny pieces for an even easier consumption.

6. Spinach

Spinach is a leafy vegetable that’s not only healthy but is also easy to find in markets. They are filled with vitamins A, C, and K, iron, calcium, and folate. It also has antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which can protect cells from harm.

However, be reminded that spinach has oxalates, which may cause kidney stone formation in the kidneys. For this reason, you have to cook it first before serving it. Also, too much spinach can give your pup digestive problems due to its fiber content.

7. Watermelon

If you want an even better source of water for your pups, you should go try this fruit for your little darlings. Over ninety percent of a watermelon is made of water, which makes for a very cool bite for those warmer days.

This is also quite a nutritious snack, containing a healthy dose of vitamins A, B6, and C and some additional lycopene. It’s texture is also sure to be enjoyable for your pup to chew on.

However, you should ensure that the seeds are removed and cut into bite-sized pieces before serving. This is to remove the possibility of any choking.

8. Bananas

If there’s one thing you’re sure to get from bananas, it’s their copious amount of dietary fiber. If you want digestion to be a breeze for your pup, adding this to their diet might be a nice idea. It also comes with easily digestible carbohydrates, so your pet can have a more energetic day.

This also has vitamin C, B6, and potassium, which are especially helpful for proper muscle and nerve function among our friends. It’s also very easy to serve, and its natural sweetness will make it a popular snack among our canine residents.

9. Apples

Apples are some of the best and tastiest fruits you could get for your pets. Like others on the list, it’s rich in vitamins A, C, and fiber, which they could benefit greatly from. It’s also low in sodium while being high in water content, which makes it amazing for consumption.

Still, some precautions should be taken when serving this, including removing its core, stem, and seeds. These contain cyanide, which is very harmful to your dogs. It's also high in sugar, so you must serve it in moderation.

10. Pumpkin

Pumpkin is another good source of fiber, which is very helpful for those suffering from diarrhea or constipation. Soluble fiber can help firm up loose stools, whereas insoluble fiber can add some bulk to their poop, both of which help with their bowel movements.

However, it is important to note that this is not a treatment and that carrying your pet to a vet is still necessary when they suffer from such complications.

You can easily get a canned pumpkin from stores and serve it like that. Another option is to cook a fresh one and mash it.

Making A Fruit And Veggies Dog Treat

Making a fruit and veggie dog treat is as easy as pie, and it's certainly helpful if you want to add some excitement to their diet. Prepare a cup of pureed fruits and vegetables to make a simple cookie. Choosing easily digestible and tasty ones like carrots, sweet potatoes, or apples is better.

After which, preheat your oven to 350 Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with some paper. Mix the puree of fruits and vegetables, one and a half cups of whole wheat flour, one egg, and one cup of water in a single bowl. Stir until it forms a dough, and add water or flour as necessary.

Roll the dough and shape it to what you desire. Put it on the sheet and bake for around twenty-five minutes, until it's lightly brown. Make sure to cool them before serving!

Why Should I Give Fruits And Vegetables For Dogs?

Veggies are great for dogs due to the fiber, enzymes, antioxidants, minerals, and phytonutrients not found in meat. These things are great for your dog's digestion and health. Green leafy vegetables are great for giving your dog's healthy skin and coat, 

Still, you should check with your vet before drastically changing your diet. It's important to keep track of allergies and potential imbalances in their body.

There you have it, the top veggies and fruits that are great healthy treat options for your dogs. If you want to learn about common harmful things for dogs, check here.

FAQ

How often can I feed my dogs fruits and veggies?

This may vary depending on your dog. Ask your veterinarian if you have concerns for their health.

Is it safe to give your dog fruits and veggies?

Again, it depends. Some foods could be harmful to your pets.

How do I know if food is safe for dogs?

Here is a list of foods that could be potentially toxic to your pets.