Feeding Your Pup Fruits and Veggies: The Do's and Don'ts

It's hard to resist the sweet face of your dog when he or she is looking for a treat. The temptation is high to share just a quick bite of something off your plate or to pass the leftovers of a good meal to your pup. The truth is while your furry family member may love receiving tasty morsels of "people food", some items are much better to share with your dog than others. Not only is consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables healthy for you, but these brightly colored and natural tidbits are often the best choice if you choose to share a few bites here and there with your furry pal. There's even a large variety of dog treats featuring a plethora of fruit and veggie ingredients if you're looking to add some new healthy flavor to your pup's diet.

Even though many vegetables and fruits serve as excellent treats and can enhance your dog's diet in a healthful way, some are much better choices than others. In fact, some of them even pose a major threat to your beloved pooch's health and should be avoided completely. Read on to learn more about which varieties are appropriate for sharing and which should be kept out of reach of your dog.

Fruits Fit for Sharing

Incorporating fruits into your dog's diet provides a number of benefits, such as healthy fur and skin, a boost to the immune system, improved digestion, they provide a source of beneficial antioxidants and much more. Some of the best choices for dog-friendly fruit include:

• Blueberries

• Apples

• Bananas

• Cranberries

• Pumpkin

• Strawberries

• Blackberries

• Raspberries

• Watermelon

• Cantaloupe

While this isn't an exhaustive list of every harmless fruit option, these are some of the most popular and safe choices. These fruits are ripe with a variety of vitamins and antioxidants. If opting to share fresh fruit with your pup, keep in mind some precautions should still be taken. Ensure rinds and cores are removed from any fruits before serving. Avoid allowing your doggie to nosh on apple or watermelon seeds, as they can be harmful to your pet if digested.

Fresh isn't the only choice when it comes to adding fruits into your dog's diet. Enjoy the benefits of incorporating fruits into treat time with packaged pup treats that include fruit in the ingredient list. From watermelon-flavored morsels to blueberry and cranberry-infused snacks , there's a huge variety of fruity treats to choose from for your pup.

Shelve These Fruits

Not all fruits are created equal when it comes to feeding your favorite pup. Some threaten the health of your dog, or can even turn deadly. While you wouldn't often think of many fruits as being unhealthy or unfit for human consumption, even a tiny amount of some can be extremely troublesome for a pup. Some fruits that should always be avoided include:

• Raisins

• Grapes

• Avocados

• Rhubarb

• Cherries

• Unripe tomatoes

Luckily the list of safe fruits to feed your dog is longer than the list of toxic ones. Steer clear of feeding these fruits to your pet to avoid dangerous health issues resulting from consumption. These aren't the only fruits that can pose a threat so if you're uncertain about any food, please do your research before offering it to the family pet.

Veggies Perfect for Pups

Sneaking a veggie-powered snack into your dog's daily routine can provide your pooch with antioxidants and phytonutrients that are powerhouses when it comes to improving brain function, heightening eyesight and fighting diseases. Top healthy and safe vegetable options for dogs include:

• Carrots

• Sweet potatoes

• Green beans

• Cucumbers

• Brussels sprouts

• Peas

• Celery

When choosing appropriate veggies for treating your pup, sometimes the same rules apply as if you were feeding yourself. If opting for the real thing, fresh is often best. Beware canned vegetables, which can be packed with extra sodium that is not healthy for your dog.

Mix up your doggie treat selection and choose something new with a focus on colorful veggie ingredients. You'll find many dog treats featuring different vegetables, with additions offering new and unique ways to provide your pup with vegetables. Green bean treats and snacks made with sweet potatoes are just a couple of delicious options.

Veggies That Do More Damage Than Good

Just like some of the fruits already discussed, some vegetables are better than others when it comes to letting your dog veg out. Some vegetables can be downright harmful and cause unsuspecting pups to suffer upset stomachs, diarrhea, vomiting or even death from poisoning. Vegetables that should be avoided include:

• Onions

• Mushrooms

• Garlic

• Chives

• Corn on the cob

• Asparagus

Foods such as onions, garlic and chives should be avoided because of the adverse impacts they can have on your pup's red blood cells. Some mushroom varieties you purchase and cook for human consumption don't necessarily pose a threat to dogs, but their wild counterparts that can be foraged and sniffed-out by the canine nose definitely can be.

While some veggies should be left out of your dog's bowl because they turn toxic, others should be avoided for other reasons. For example, some corn kernels are unlikely to harm your dog, but it's another matter if you allow a pup to have corn on the cob. The real threat is posed when the dog tries to chew the cob, making it a real choking hazard.

The bottom line is, if you're going to share fresh fruits and vegetables with your four-legged pal, it's important to know which are okay and which are not. Serving dog treats made with veggies and fruits is a good way to ensure your pet indulges in healthful goodness in a safe way.