Fruit and veg contain useful vitamins, antioxidants and fibre, while also being low in fat. They are a lower protein snack, which makes them particularly good for older dogs or dogs with health conditions like pancreatitis.
But they’ve got to be the right fruit & veg. Some are OK in small amounts, and some are downright toxic.
So what’s good for Spot? And what’s not?
The NEVER! list
x Avocado x Grapes x Garlic x Chives x Onions x Sultanas x Raisins x Rhubarb x
The Good Stuff
We’ll keep the list down to the healthy foods your little carnivore is most likely to eat.
Blueberries – yes, yes, yes! A superfood. Lots of dogs will eat them as is, but if your dog won’t, initially blitz some into a little yoghurt.
Watermelon – big yes! It’s mainly water so it’s refreshing and rehydrating, and many dogs like the taste. Remove the rind though.
Also refreshing is cucumber, but fewer dogs seem to like it. Definitely worth a try though.
Bananas, strawberries, pineapple and mango are best in small quantities, as they have a higher sugar content.
Peach, pear and mango flesh are all healthy, but not the seeds or pits. Cherries are OK in very small amounts if pitted, but frankly there are safer options, so why risk it.
Pumpkin – big yes! Lots of antioxidants and vitamins. It’s gentle on the gut and helps with constipation.
For green vegetables, the more popular would be green beans, broccoli, peas, sugar snaps and snowpeas.
Carrots are a really safe bet. Many dogs like them raw and crunchy, which is good for the teeth. Cooked, they don’t have a strong taste so they’re easy to hide.
Celery – it freshens the breath, but we’ve found most dogs aren’t fans. Perhaps with a smear of peanut butter?
Mushrooms from the supermarket. Not wild ones. Cooked, they don’t have a strong taste and they’re easy to hide in with liver treats or meal topper.
Cabbage, cauliflower and brussel sprouts – all healthy and good for dogs. Be prepared for gas leaks! Although some dogs tolerate quite a bit without flatulence.
Only use fresh not canned produce. Canned fruits are too high in sugars, and canned vegetables have added salt.
Younger dogs will accept fruit and veg snacks quite readily. For older dogs, normalise fruit and veg as food: mix with meaty treats at first and gradually reduce the meat; as you eat a carrot, offer a piece; share some blueberries. There’s a variety of flavours to try, and finding just one as a snack will do Spot good. The rest can be hidden in dinner.