The benefits of fruit and veg don’t just apply to humans. And now that summer has arrived, there's no better time to start introducing them into his diet.
5-a-day might be a stretch too far, but giving your dog a bit of fruit and veg contributes wonderfully to a healthy, balanced diet. They are low in calories, low in fat and packed full of important vitamin and minerals, making a great alternative to manufactured dog biscuits.
Here are 9 types of fruit and veg that will promote your dog’s health and happiness this summer!
1. Cantaloupe melon
You can find cantaloupe melon all over the place now that summer's in full swing, and what better treat to give to your pet? This juicy fruit has anti-inflammatory qualities, as well as being a great source of vitamins, potassium, magnesium and folic acid. The perfect snack to share with your pooch!
2. Frozen banana
Full of fibre and minerals, they are the perfect treat. Frozen banana is even better for cooling your dog down on a balmy summer day! Be careful not to give your dog too much though, as this could cause constipation.
3. Radishes
If your dog is a fan of radishes, it is good news for their health. Radishes are full of vitamins and potassium. Without going overboard, they make a good snack every now and then.
4. Cucumber
Cucumber is a great fresh summer snack for your pup. The crunchy vegetable contains lots of vitamins, as well as potassium, copper and magnesium. Cucumber is especially good for overweight dogs, since it contains no carbohydrate, fat or oils.
5. Strawberries
Strawberries are packed with fibre and vitamin C, as well as a particular enzyme which whitens your dog's teeth! Careful not to give him too many though, since strawberries have a high sugar content.
6. Green beans
Rich in fibre, green beans are low in calories and contain numerous vitamins. Another brilliant snack!
7. Watermelon
Watermelon is 92% water, so we love eating it to keep hydrated on a hot day. We're sure your dog will too! Watermelon also contains lots of important antioxidants and potassium. Make sure you take out the pips and remove the rind though, as they are dangerous for dogs.
8. Blueberries
As an occasional treat, blueberries help fill in the gaps left by an unvaried diet. They are particularly full of antioxidants. You can even practice his skills by throwing these treats in the air! But don’t give your dog too many as they can be a little difficult to digest.
9. Mango
Finally, this deliciously juicy summer fruit is loved by humans and dogs alike! Mango is a great source of vitamins, potassium, fibre and antioxidants. What's more, it has been proven to lower levels of cholesterol and boost immune systems! Feeding your dog mango guarantees a happy and healthy pup.
Beware, not all fruit and veg is good for your dog, and some can be poisonous. Be particularly careful with grapes, tomatoes, avocado, cherries and onion, as these can really upset your pup's stomach.
It's important to exercise caution all the same: introduce these new fruit and vegetables gradually to check for any negative responses to the change in diet. Always make sure that the pieces are small enough that they can be easily digested, and remember to remove the pits, seeds and rinds.
As with everything, feed fruit and veg to your dog in moderation! With a balanced diet, you will have one happy pup this summer.
