Safe Fruits And Veggies For Pets

Does your furry friend perk up when he notices that you’re eating something? While you shouldn’t spoil Fido, you can certainly offer him special treats from time to time. However, it’s important to know what is and isn’t safe. Many of the foods we love most are toxic to Man’s Best Friend. A local Brantford, ON vet offers some information on this below.

Safe Fruits

A is for Apple, and in this case, apples get an A. They contain vitamins A and C, and also have a satisfying crunch many pups enjoy. You can even freeze them! Bananas are another good option: they contain potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. Some other safe fruits include blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, cantaloupe, honeydew, kiwi, melons, mangos, oranges, strawberries, peaches, pears, pineapples, raspberries, pumpkin, and watermelon. There are a few caveats, however. Never give Fido any pips or seeds. For fruits with thick skin, such as oranges or pineapples, you’ll need to remove that first.

Unsafe Fruits

Grapes and raisins are extremely dangerous for dogs. Even eating just one can cause organ failure in some pets. The reason why has only recently come to light. Though more studies are needed, the culprit seems to be tartaric acid, which is also present in tamarinds and cream of tartar. Avocado is also unsafe: it contains persin, which is toxic to pups. Whole cherries make the no-no list too, due to the arsenic in their pits. You’ll also need to be cautious with tomatoes: the ripe ones should be fine, but green tomatoes and tomato leaves should be avoided.

Safe Veggies

Fido can have many vegetables, including carrots, celery, green beans, and peas. However, some should only be fed occasionally. That list includes broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage, all of which may cause tummy upsets and flatulence.

Unsafe Veggies

Garlic and onions are at the top of this list, along with their cousins, leeks, scallions, and chives. (Note: in general, any type of bulbed plant is unsafe for pets.) You should also be careful with mushrooms. Ones you’ve bought in a store are likely okay, but never let Fido eat wild ones.

Tips

This is only a partial list. Always research foods before offering them to your pooch! Ask your vet for more information.

To learn more about your dog’s dietary needs, contact us, your Brantford, ON pet hospital, today!