10 Fruits or Vegetables That Dogs Absolutely Love
Dogs eating fruit and vegetables? Doesn't seem like a match made in heaven does it! Well that might just be wrong. Dogs don’t need to be eating just meat, in fact throughout their history they have been omnivores, and as I am sure many of you will have noticed, your dog will eat anything! It is your job to make sure they eat the right thing. Dogs need vegetables because they contain many important health promoting nutrients, some of which can be missing from a dog’s standard diet. Such as omega 3 essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals. Fruits may not be something that dogs have traditionally eaten, but that doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t. The major nutrient of fruit is soluble carbohydrate, essentially sugars, which are great for providing your dog with the energy they need. The enzymes present in raw fruit are also great for a dog’s balanced diet, particularly if your dog is past middle age or is showing signs of a degenerative disease. However dogs are not humans, and not all fruit and veg is ideal for them. These are 10 of the best fruit and vegetables that should keep your canine happy and healthy:
The king of vegetables, and a royally good choice for your canine too. It’s good for our eyes and for your dog’s too. This orange stick is brimming with Beta carotenoids, powerful antioxidants that help prevent cancer, and just like its same coloured pall the orange, it is full of vitamin C to keep those bones strong and healthy. Carrots don’t fail on the mineral front either, iboflavin, niacin, iron, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and calcium are all found there. The last of which is so important, calcium not only helps bones, but helps heart function by supporting the contractions in the heart muscle, supports nerve transmission, and improves muscle building.
The daddy of fruits, apples have plenty of health benefits for your dog. Red apples are especially healthy, as they contain more powerful antioxidants. As well as being another great source of vitamin A and C they are especially high in the fibre, Pectin, which removes toxins in the intestines, strengthens muscles and fights off bacteria, and is great for all round digestive health. Apples would make a great occasional treat for your dog, maybe once or twice a week, anymore and all that sugar can cause an upset stomach. Also avoid letting them have the core as this contains small amounts of cyanide!
Virtuous Veggies
Broccoli
Children hate them, but you dog should love them! Broccoli is arguable the most nutrient rich vegetable for dogs, and it contains cancer fighting enzymes. So this little green veg protects and perfects! In sciency terms, Broccoli has many ‘phytochemicals’ that inhibit the build up of cancer cells, and contains high levels of fibre, beta carotene, folic acid, and vitamin C, all important for your furry friend. Everything in moderation though, too much Broccoli can cause some stomach irritation, a couple of servings of broccoli a week miked into your dog’s food should be ideal.Cooked Sweet Potato
Easy on your dog’s digestive system and great for a sensitive stomach, sweet potato can be a perfect choice for your dog. It contains far more nutrition than the regular potato and is packed full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients, all important for the immune system. Not content with just that, the sweet potato is stuffed full with vitamin A and C, vitamin B5 and B6 AND high levels of potassium and magnesium, both vital minerals for bone growth and the absorption of vitamins.Peas
The little green veg, packed full with nearly every vitamin in the alphabet, rich in vitamin A, B1, B3 and B6, C and K. They also contain a decent amount of fibre, which helps keep your dogs digestion smooth and regular. A little portion of peas can be given to your dog quite regularly, and can often be seen in canned food.Carrots

Spinach
Popeye’s favourite is great for dogs too! Spinach contains flavonoids and carotenoids which help fight cancer, but also help dogs suffering from muscle and heart problems. It is another great source of calcium too. Compared to most other leafy greens it has twice as much iron which is key for healthy red blood cells. Did you know? - Always consult your vet before changing the diet. We want to be certain what you are feeding your dog is good for them! It’s not just a new ingredient that might cause trouble, but you might be over or under feeding your dog, or worsening an individual medical complaint. So also ask advice from the experts first.Fruity Favourites
Cranberries
This little red berry is a great way to help keep your dog from getting an urinary tract infection and help fight it if they do have one. Cranberries do this by lowering the pH of the dog’s urine. They also have plenty of minerals and are rich in Vitamin A, B, and C. However dog’s can have particular trouble digesting cranberries, so mush them up first!. Or you can also try it in juice form too, but only in small amounts as the juice can be very sugary.Pumpkin
Filled full of fibre, pumpkin is perfect for a dog suffering from a stomach problem. The fibre contained in the pumpkin will absorb all the water in the dog’s stomach and help ease the pain. Pumpkin is also relatively low calorie, great for overweight dogs, and it helps to regulate blood sugar and boost heart health too. Pumpkin can be given to your dog on a regular basis and is great for keeping them full but also fit!Apples
