Fruits and veggies for pets

Adding new foods to pet diets

We all know that smaller pets, such as rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs, love fruit and vegetables. But did you know that fruits such as bananas, oranges, and mangoes all make great additions to your dog or cat's diet?

Whether you're looking to slim down your pet's waistline, or are just looking for healthy alternatives to commercial pet treats, we've got a great list for you! Many of the fruits and vegetables we eat can also be given to our pets, however some can be dangerous and should be avoided entirely. Find out which fruits and vegetables are safe to feed your pet:

Fruit

Steer clear of: Cherries are toxic to cats and dogs, and grapes and raisins can cause kidney damage. Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and grapefruit as well as persimmons can cause an upset stomach. All the following fruits are safe for your dog or cat to eat. In general fruits are higher in sugar than vegetables, and thus should be limited in overweight pets. However, be sure to wash all fruits and remove rinds, inedible skins, seeds, and pits before feeding to pets.

Apple:

Apples are high in fiber and low in fat, making them an ideal snack for overweight or senior pets who may have a lower metabolism. They're also packed with vitamins A and C which are essential for maintaining healthy bones and tissue. Feed your pet apples in moderation and remove the core and seeds first, as they contain cyanide.

Apricot:

The fleshy fruit of apricots can make a good treat for cats and dogs. They are full of potassium and beta-carotene which can help fight against cancer. Just be sure your pet doesn’t eat the poisonous pit, stem, or leaves.

Banana:

Bananas are a great source of potassium which can support heart and kidney functions. Bananas are high in carbohydrates and the high sugar content in bananas mean that they should be given to dogs sparingly. When sliced into reasonable sizes this can make a good occasional treat.

Blueberries:

Similar to their benefits in humans, blueberries can help prevent cell and tissue damage because of their antioxidant properties. In addition to being a good source of fiber and Vitamin C, blueberries may lessen the chances of your pet developing urinary tract infections and have been shown to improve night vision.

Cantaloupe:

It’s important to remove the skin and seeds and cut the cantaloupe into manageable sized wedges before feeding to cats and dogs. Also, don’t let them lick the outside skin, which may carry harmful bacteria. With a host of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B, and C, cantaloupe may help alleviate inflammatory issues in pets.

Cranberries:

If you’re looking to help fight urinary tract infections in cats and dogs, cranberries may be an option. Vitamin C, fiber, and manganese make cranberries an attractive snack for cats and dogs, provided they can handle the tartness. Raw, cooked, or dried cranberries are acceptable treats, but avoid cranberry sauce and cranberry juice, which are too high in sugar and will upset your pets’ stomach.

Mango: