Fruits and Veggies that Aid in Dogs' Nutrition

Posted by Gloria Fox on Jul 22nd 2020

Vegetables and fruits contain an abundant amount of minerals, vitamins, fibers with low-calorie content. These are better for the health of pets, and they also enjoy the taste and high nutritious values. Dogs belong to a class of animals, known as omnivores, so they can feed on both animal's meat and plant-based foods. If you feed your dog with meat and processed food only, it may not fulfill the needs of some essential nutrients that are present in fruits and vegetables. Also, you can give their dogs grain-free foods. As ThePets notes, you need to do your research well on the health implications associated with some no grain diets, and only after that give these products will which greatly benefit your dog’s health and wellbeing. Sure, your canine friend can enjoy a large variety of fruits and vegetables that help in healthy growth and disease prevention. Here, we will discuss some of the vegetables and fruits that are recommended for dogs.

Pumpkin

@svetikova / Freepik

Pumpkin is essential for the dog's gut health because it contains high fiber that prevents constipation, diarrhea, and other kinds of gastrointestinal upset. It helps to soften the stool in case of constipation and absorb excess water from stool in case of diarrhea. Pumpkin is a rich source of fiber, so adding two or three teaspoons of pumpkin to your dog’s diet can help manage intestinal health. In the case of obese or overweight dogs, pumpkin can help lose weight by producing a full stomach feeling. Other contents, including vitamin A and antioxidants, provide better blood sugar regulation, decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and lessen inflammation.

Oranges

Oranges are rich sources of vitamin C, folate, magnesium, and calcium. They significantly boost the immune system and prevent connective tissue disorders in dogs due to a high number of flavonoids in them. Cancer and viral infections are significant issues in canines, and oranges can help in these conditions.

Consumption of oranges by dogs prevents bone weakness, promotes respiratory and heart health, controls cholesterol levels, and decrease the risk of stomach cancer. Oranges should be fed to dogs after the removal of seeds that will make it easy to digest for your canine friend.

Pears

Pear is a fruit that promotes the intestinal and cardiovascular health of the dogs. Intestinal benefits are due to pectin in peach that acts as antidiarrheal and absorbs water and bacteria from the intestine. The presence of an adequate amount of potassium in the pear helps to strengthen the muscles of the heart and limbs. It also aids in carbohydrate metabolism and impulse transmission through neurons.

Pears have fibers that are good for colon health and bind with bile salts, making them inactive, and throwing them out of the body. This can help in gastrointestinal diseases, such as constipation or any other irregularity. Bile salts are rich in cholesterol, so dog’s bodies get rid of high cholesterol levels by use of pear in the diet.

Apples

@freepik / Freepik

Apples are a rich source of antioxidants; especially organic apples are incredibly beneficial for canine's health because they contain the highest number of antioxidants than other apples. Apples also provide adequate amounts of vitamin C for dogs. Unpeeled apples contain pectin and vitamin A that improves digestion and make gut health of dog better. Pectin promotes the production of short-chain fatty acids that prevent the intestine from bacterial or toxin-induced damage.

Spinach

Spinach is essential for making dogs strong and healthy. It has a vast amount of iron, among other green vegetables that help in red cell production and vascular health. Spinach is a good source of potassium, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin K, and fibers. It helps decrease inflammatory reactions in the body of dogs, thus preventing cancer, cardiovascular problems, and other inflammatory disorders. Spinach has plant compounds, such as carotenoids and flavonoids that work as anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory agents. According to some studies, spinach can reduce skin disorders in dogs, and prevents external worms.

Green Beans

Green beans help to maintain levels of lipid in the blood and reduce oxidative damage in the canines. It contains omega 3 fatty acids that increase energy levels and helps to prevent cardiovascular disorders. Other essential nutrients present in green beans include calcium, niacin, iron, copper, manganese, phosphorous, vitamin A, and vitamin C. It also contains phytochemicals, such as carotenoids. The presence of these nutrients in green beans makes them suitable for promoting the bone health of dogs and aids in strengthening the bones. Vitamin C stimulates osteocalcin in dogs that maintain bones of canines.

Broccoli

@kirayan / Freepik

Broccoli is a calorie-dense vegetable with a mixture of nutrients such as vitamins (A, C, D), fiber, calcium, chromium, fiber, beta carotene, and calcium. Vast amounts of anticancer agents are present in broccoli that stop the formation and functions of carcinogens in the canine body. Phytochemicals present in broccoli also function to reduce the risk of cancer. They do this by forming enzymes that kill cancer cells.

Broccoli has effects on the blood glucose levels in dogs that prevent high glucose levels. It helps in the slow release of glucose in the blood, preventing high insulin levels and increasing its sensitivity. Broccoli boosts the immune system of dogs due to the presence of sulforaphane. Other health benefits of broccoli include better thyroid functioning if given in optimum quantities.

Carrots

Carrot benefits dogs' eyes by nourishing optic nerve that promotes better vision and lessens the risk of blindness in dogs. Carrots are a rich source of beta carotene that is converted to vitamin A in the dog’s body. It has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Carrots also contain vitamin C that aids in the production of collagen in muscles, blood vessels, bones, and cartilage so that iron can be absorbed by the canine’s body.

Welcome

Poop Bags proudly been saving the Earth since 2003. We're dedicated to serving your needs with award winning animal waste bags, high caliber customer service, and playing a role in making the world a better place for the generations to come.

Recent Posts