Fruits and Veggies for Pets

Here is information worth chewing on…

Whether you’re looking to slim down your pet’s waistline, or are just looking for healthy alternatives to commercial pet treats, we’ve found that pets actually like, if not love, the taste of certain fruits and veggies.  Just cut small sized pieces for a healthy, low-calorie snack.  It is probably not a good idea to hand over an entire carrot – or at least not the first time they try it.   Remember, introducing new foods into your pet’s diet may cause upset stomach issues such as vomiting or diarrhea. Be cautious to introduce only one new fruit or vegetable at a time to help you spot any health changes.  Here are lists of fruits and vegetables safe for pets.

Fruits: (Be sure to wash all fruits and remove rinds, inedible skins, seeds, and pits before feeding to pets)

Apple
Apricot
Banana
Blueberries
Cantaloupe
Mango
Orange
Pear
Pineapple
Raspberries
Strawberries
Watermelon

*Grapes and raisins can cause kidney damage for cats and dogs, so avoid feeding these entirely. Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and grapefruit as well as persimmons can cause an upset stomach.

Vegetables: (Consider steaming or boiling cruciferous veggies such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, as they are much easier to digest when they are cooked.)

Asparagus
Bell peppers (red, green, yellow)
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Cucumber
Green beans
Lettuce
Pumpkin
Spinach
Sweet potato

*Onions and garlic are toxic to dogs and cats in all forms – cooked, raw, and even onion powder. These cause damage to the red blood cells.. Rhubarb and wild mushrooms also contain toxins. We suggest avoiding corn as it is a common allergen among some pets.