Fruit as Treats
Be sure to wash all fruit and remove seeds and pits before feeding to pets. The seeds and pits of all fruit are poisonous to dogs. Too much fruit can cause diarrhea, please feed in moderation and only as a treat to your dog.
Apple
Wonderful crunchy treats for your dog. Great source of Vitamins A, C and fibre. Betty loves apples.
Banana
In small amounts for dogs with colitis and other bowel issues, bananas will help soothe irritated and slow spasms of the colon. In addition, they contain enough sugars to perk up a dog who needs a boost due to digestive issues. A little bit every day or a slightly bigger piece once in a while is fine. It is not recommended that dogs eat whole bananas. Betty gets a few slices every so often.
Cranberries
Cranberries offer dogs the same benefits that they offer humans and can improve urinary tract health. They are beneficial to dogs experiencing kidney issues. They are high in vitamin C, can help lower the pH of a dog's urine, making the urinary tract inhospitable for bacteria. Just 2 berries a day and not more will do.
Watermelon
An ideal treat for dogs, no fat or cholesterol! Watermelon is 90% water, high in fiber and vitamins A and C and is a good source of potassium, which is a powerful natural anti-oxidant. It is essential for vision and immunity, good for skin and maintaining healthy mucus membranes as well as controlling heart rate. I freeze watermelon cubes and offer them to Betty during hot days, she goes wild for them.
Mango
Generous amounts of vitamins A and C to keep your dog's immune system healthy and strong. Mango slices contain enzymes for breaking down protein, the fibres help digestion. Mangos are yummy too!
Pear
High in vitamin C and K, as well as nutrients, all of which act as antioxidants to protect against free radicals. An excellent source of dietary fibre and great for the heart. I suspect Betty prefers this to apples. Aww... like mother like fur daughter.
Avoid grapes and raisins as these can cause kidney damage for cats and dogs. Citrus fruit like lemons, limes, grapefruit and persimmons can cause an upset stomach. Steer clear of Avocados, these can cause numerous complications such as vomiting, diarrhea, breathing problems, nasal congestion and fluid accumulation in the heart and chest.
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Vegetables for Health
Steaming or boiling cruciferous veggies such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage make them easier to digest. Cruciferous vegetables are high in Vitamin C and soluble fiber. They contain multiple nutrients and bear anticancer properties.
Broccoli Florets
Great source of Vitamins C and K. Good source of Vitamin A, folate, manganese and fiber. I add 3 to 4 boiled florets to Betty's main dry diet meal on alternate days. I buy the Australian broccoli as they are fresher and more fragrant than the ones from China.
Carrots
Great source of vitamin A and antioxidants, which work to protect the dog's coat and keep it shiny. Vitamin A in carrots assists the liver in flushing out the toxins from the dog's body and reduces bile and fat in the liver. The fibers present in carrots help clean out the colon and hasten waste movement. Carrots clean your dog's teeth and mouth, thus keeping tooth decay at bay. Carrots are also high in vitamins K and C. Given out raw as treats to Betty.
Cauliflower
Celery
A good source of fiber, and potassium. Celery is a diuretic that richly stimulates the production of urine and can aide in the elimination of excess fluid from the system. The import of this is that kidney and urinary tract infections in canines become none existent. Celery juice aides to ease the discomfort of arthritic infections among canines. I string them (to prevent intestinal blockage) before cutting them up into small sticks for Betty to chew on.
Potatoes
Good source of vitamins C and B6, potassium, manganese and fiber. Cut into cubes and boil.
Sweet Potatoes
Great source of dietary fibre, contains vitamin A, B6 and C and manganese. Cut into cubes and boil.
Avoid onions, garlic and chives as they are toxic in all forms: cooked, raw, and even onion powder. These cause damage to the red blood cells, ultimately causing them to burst. Rhubarb and wild mushrooms also contain toxins. Corn is to be avoided as well, as it is a common allergen among pets. Tomatoes are toxic and can cause serious problems such as tremors, seizures, lethargy, drooling, muscle weakness, coma and death.