You already know that you should eat a rainbow of fruits and veggies every day. But what about your pets? Dogs and cats experience many of the same benefits of the vitamins, fiber, and hydration found in fresh fruits and vegetables. Try sharing these fruits and veggies with your pet next time you make yourself a healthy snack.

What To Know Before Sharing Produce With Pets

As with any new food ingredient, fruits and vegetables can trigger an adverse reaction in pets prone to allergies or gastric upset. Introduce new foods gradually, one at a time, in very small amounts.

Most fruits and vegetables are high in fibre. While fiber can help support a balanced gut microbiome, promote healthy digestion, and even relieve hairballs, it can also be hard on your pet's digestive system, which is designed primarily to break down animal protein. Serve dogs and cats no more than a few bites of produce at a time. Also consider steaming fruits and vegetables, which can make them easier to digest.

Fruits and vegetables can also be high in natural sugars. Cats cannot taste sweetness, so they may be less likely to sample these new foods, but dogs are likely to overindulge in sweet tasting foods. Even natural sugars can contribute to weight gain and diabetes, so make sure to control your pet's portions.

Note, not all fruits and vegetables are safe for pets. Grapes, raisins, and tamarinds all contain an ingredient known to cause kidney failure in dogs and cats.

Consult your veterinarian or schedule a telehealth vet appointment online before making any significant changes to your pet's diet, especially those that take medication or have a chronic health condition.

10 Fruits and Veggies to Share with Pets

1. Carrot

Fruits and veggies can be chopped, steamed, or shredded to make them easier to chew and digest.

These sweet, orange root veggies are a crunchy snack that dogs love. And while some foodie felines will crunch on these veggies right off the chopping board, you can also steam and mash carrots for your more finicy pets. Plus, steaming vegetables makes them easier for pets to digest. Raw carrots may help reduce plaque and freshen your pet's breath. Both steamed and raw carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, the plant compound that gives the root its orange colour. Vitamin A is an antioxidant that supports vision, bone growth, skin and coat health, and immunity in dogs.

2. Kale (And Other Leafy Greens)

Dark green leafy veggies like kale are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with calcium, iron, and fiber. Research also suggests that adding leafy greens may reduce your dog's risk of certain cancers by up to 90%. While cats may experience the same benefits, the oxalates and calcium found in leafy greens can contribute to urinary tract issues in our feline family members . Some dogs may chomp on fresh, bitter-tasting greens, but lightly steamed veggies are more likely to be well received. As for cats, ask your veterinarian before feeding, especially for cats with a history of urinary stones.

3. Avocado

It's a common misconception that avocados are not safe for pets. Only the skin, stem, and pit of the fruit contain persin, a mild toxin, while the delicious, creamy flesh is perfectly safe for pets to enjoy. Avocado is an excellent source of healthy monounsaturated fats that support heart, brain, skin and coat health, plus fiber and an array of immunity-boosting vitamins and minerals. Soft fruits like avocado, as well as any fruit or veggie puree, can be scooped into a Kong toy and frozen for a chilly treat on hot days.

4. Strawberries

Strawberries are packed with immunity-boosting vitamin C, cancer-fighting antioxidants, and gut-healthy prebiotic fiber. What's more, your pet can enjoy both the fruit and the leaves, which are also packed with nutrients, so there's no need to trim before serving. As an added bonus, strawberries contain malic acid, an ingredient that can help remove surface stains on teeth.

5. Blueberries

Did you know that the ingredients that give fruits and veggies their vibrant colors are also antioxidants that help fight disease? That's why it's so important to feed a rainbow of foods. Purple foods like purple yams, blueberries, acai berries, and eggplants are all rich in anthocyanins, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress, reduces inflammation, and protects heart and brain health. Purple superfoods like blueberries may even help prevent cancer in pets.

6. Green beans

Many pets love snapping up crunchy, slightly sweet green beans. For pets that don't like the taste, try freezing, steaming, or marinating in low sodium bone broth. Green beans are another great veggie source of antioxidants, though they're not as nutrient dense as leafy greens like kale. However, they're also packed with fiber, making them a popular choice for pets that need to lose weight. Veterinarians often recommend replacing a small portion of your pet's food or treats with green beans to help them feel satisfied with fewer calories. When it comes to reducing your pet's caloric intake, though, make sure they're still getting all of the nutrients they need by switching to a lower calorie weight management pet food and using low cal foods like green beans as a treat or topper.

7. Watermelon

Sweet, fresh watermelon is a hit with many pets. The fruit lives up to its name with a water content of 92%, making it a great way to keep your pet hydrated in the summer. It's rich in vitamin C, as well as the antioxidant lycopene, which gives it its red color. Lycopene may help fight cancer, support heart health, and help lower inflammation. What's more, its high water and fiber content are great for your pet's digestion.

8. Apples

Try adding fruits and veggie purees to your pet's Kong or other puzzle toys for a healthy treat.

Can an apple a day keep the vet away? Maybe. While your pet should still see their veterinarian for a wellness checkup at least once a year, occasionally adding fruit to their diet can be a great way to boost their immunity, digestion, and even their dental health. The skin can be tough for pets to digest, so be sure to peel your pet's portion before you let them chow down. Apples can also be steamed, mashed, and sprinkled with cinnamon to make a healthy apple pie inspired treat.

9. Pumpkin

A little pumpkin goes a long way, especially when it comes to digestive troubles. Pumpkin is rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber, making it a highly recommended home remedy for vets when pets have diarrhea or constipation. Too much can cause adverse effects, though, so it's important to limit your pet's portion to just a lick or two. Only use 100% pure canned pumpkin puree or pumpkin puree that you have prepared yourself. While many herbs and spices are safe for pets, canned pumpkin pie mix is ​​often high in sugar and other added ingredients that may not be safe to feed.

10. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes, like pumpkins, are high in fiber, as well as beta-carotene, the orange pigmented antioxidant that boasts disease-fighting and inflammation-fighting properties. Sweet potatoes are best boiled or steamed, then mashed before serving to your pet. Dogs also love dehydrated sweet potato slices, a chewy treat that may help fight dental plaque.

VISION

Every pet deserves to live a long, happy, healthy life.