Here we are again, dog lovers, in the middle of summer. Hot and humid days aren’t just troublesome for humans, they affect our animals as well. A simple, easy way to keep your dog hydrated and get them essential nutrients is by eating fruit, in moderation of course! Here are five in season, nutritious fruits that your furry friend will love:
- Watermelon. Besides containing a high quantity of water to keep them hydrated, there is an abundance of vitamin A, B-6, and C. However, be cautious with the seeds in this fruit. They can cause intestinal blockage, so make sure to remove them before feeding your dog.
- Strawberry. Another delicious fruit that everyone loves. Strawberries are high in antioxidants, and also have fiber and vitamin C. Furthermore, they don’t have much sugar, so if your dog is diabetic this could be a helpful tidbit of info!
- Cantaloupe. This juicy fruit has lots of vitamin A. Besides that, it has beta carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A that can help with eye and skin health.
- Apple. This is my dog’s personal favorite. In particular when topped off with a dollop of peanut butter! It’s another fruit high in antioxidants and vitamin C. Again, be sure not to feed them the core or the seeds as they contain cyanide and if frequently consumed, accumulation over time can pose a health hazard for your dog.
- Blueberry. Blueberries contain fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. They are also low in sugar just like strawberries.
All of these fruits contain many of the same vitamins and other health promoting nutrients, though some more than others. You can feed any of the listed fruits to your dog and be certain they will be getting plenty of vitamins and minerals. There are still some fruits that are toxic to your dog that you want to avoid at all costs. Those will be listed here:
- Cherries are best to be avoided as they can cause stomach upset. In addition, cyanide can be found in cherry pits, stems, and leaves. Although small amounts may not cause your dog harm, it’s best to play it safe and eliminate this fruit all together.
- Grapes and raisins can cause kidney damage.
- Various citrus fruits such as lemons and limes can cause an upset stomach.
When you stick to the tried and true fruits, your pup will be thanking you tenfold, and you will be keeping them healthy all summer long! Watermelons, strawberries, cantaloupe, apples, and blueberries are five fruits your dog is sure to love. Just make sure to keep away from those bad ones!
