30 healthy fruit and vegetables varieties for dogs
- Veterinarian Mag.med.vet. Emin Jasarevic
- Updated: 2023-04-12
For you, your dog is not just any animal, but a member of the family? Then you should be very familiar with the proper diet of your favorite. It is important that you do not feed everything and know exactly what you can give. That's exactly why you should read this guide very carefully.
Not every fruit and vegetable is suitable for your dog.
Why are fruits and vegetables so healthy?
This question addresses a statement that we have long internalized.
Everyone knows that fruits and vegetables are very healthy. Even kindergarten guidelines teach us at an early age that you should eat fresh fruits and vegetables every day.
But why this is so remains unclear to many. You may be aware that these foods have many healthy ingredients. But what exactly fruits and vegetables do to our bodies is unknown to many.
Fruits and vegetables contain vital minerals and vitamins. Without these nutrients, the organism can no longer function properly. Thanks to them, our cells regenerate, the immune system is strengthened, bones as well as blood cells are built.
But they do even more:
Various vitamins and minerals also perform important metabolic tasks. Likewise, they ensure a smooth linkage of muscles and nerves.
People should eat about 250 g of fruit and just under 400 g of vegetables every day. This daily amount is recommended by the DGE (German Nutrition Society). But what is the sufficient amount for your four-legged friend?
In the diet of your protégé, it is important that he regularly eats fruits and vegetables. As a rule, 150 g of fruit and 250 g of vegetables should be provided daily. Of course, the ideal amount depends on breed, body weight or acute or chronic diseases. In case of gastrointestinal complaints, the vegetables are also suitable as a Gentle diet.
Smaller furry noses usually eat less than larger breeds - that's why here is to give less vegetables and fruits.
What fruits & vegetables are allowed for dogs?
After we have clarified why fruits and vegetables are important for quadrupeds, we can turn to the actual list. Here we will clarify what fruits and vegetables there are that your darling can access at his meal.
Our list of healthy fruits and vegetables for dogs includes ingredients that you should feed only in small quantities or cooked. How you should feed the individual varieties or what you should pay attention to, we have indicated in the column "Remarks".
In general, nutrition experts recommend: Vegetables boiled - steamed and mashed to feed.
A
| Variety | Ingredients | Active ingredient | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | Vitamin A, potassium, calcium, pectin, iron, phosphorus, sodium | Lowering cholesterol, reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, promoting digestion, strengthening the heart. | Remove cores before feeding |
| Pineapple | Calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, iodine and iron. Besides pineapple provides important vitamins such as vitamin C, biotin, pro-vitamin A, vitamin E, niacin, riboflavin and thiamine, serotonin and tryptophan. | Stimulates protein and fat digestion, supports healthy metabolism and digestion. |
Administer little, because of high acidity. Especially for dogs with stomach problems Feed only very ripe fruit |
| Apricot | Potassium, iron, niacin, panthothenic and folic acid, beta-carotene, lycopene | Strengthening the immune system, antibacterial effect, healthier gastrointestinal tract. | Remove seeds before feeding. |
B
| Variety | Ingredients | Active ingredient | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banana | Vitamin B 6, potassium, magnesium, zinc, calcium | Strengthening muscles, strengthening the immune system, first aid for diarrhea, strengthening the heart. |
Bananas can cause constipation if fed in increased quantities.
Not suitable for low purine feeding.
|
| Pear | carotene, vitamin C, 4 vitamins B, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, iron, iodine | Help with digestion, strengthening the heart, draining effect, strengthening the nerves and joints. | Administer only in small quantities in the feed. Feed only when ripe, otherwise stomach problems and diarrhea may occur. Remove seeds before feeding. |
| Cauliflower | Vitamin C, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and folic acid | Cancer preventive effect, promotion for digestion, strengthening the heart, promoting heart health. | Administer little, as it may cause flatulence. Feed boiled or steamed and mashed. |
| Broccoli | Flavones, sulforaphane, carotene, calcium, vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium, sodium, iron | Anticancer effect, help with digestive problems, strengthening the heart. | Give little, as it may cause flatulence. Feed boiled or steamed and mashed. |
C - E
| Variety | Ingredients | Active ingredient | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicory | Vitamin C, potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus | Strengthening blood vessels, strengthening the immune system, building muscles, nerves and connective tissue. | |
| Chinese cabbage | Protein, carbohydrates, amino acids, mustard oil, minerals, provitamin A, vitamin C | Strengthening of muscles, strengthening of the immune system, energy-giving, better function of nerves. | Feed pureed. |
| Strawberry | Vitamin B, sodium, vitamin C, pectin, flavones, potassium, calcium, phosphorus iron, sodium, flavones | Strengthening of the immune system, more beautiful and healthier coat, increase in concentration, strengthening of bones. |
F - I
| Variety | Ingredients | Active ingredient | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fig | Vitamin A, vitamin B, folic acid, biotin, magnesium | Muscle strengthening, strengthening of the immune system, promotion for digestion, strengthening of muscles | Feed in small quantities due to laxative effect. |
| Fennel | Iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium, carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, folic acid | Stimulation of digestion, positive effect against abdominal cramps, strengthening of muscles. | Some dogs do not like fennel. Here you can puree it raw or cooked. |
| Kale | Vitamin A, calcium, B vitamins, biotin, minerals | Protection against cancer, strengthening of body cells, support of iron absorption, lowering of cholesterol level. |
Administer little, as it may cause flatulence. Feed boiled or steamed and mashed. |
| Ginger | Iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium. Phosphorus, vitamin B3 and B6, choline, inositol | Help against stomach problems, help for digestion, lowering joint diseases. | Administer only in small amounts, otherwise digestive problems may occur. |
K - L
| Variety | Ingredients | Active ingredient | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrot | Dietary fiber, minerals, vitamin A, beta-carotene | Positive effect for blood clotting, prevention of cancer, help with diarrhea, strengthen the immune system, healthier coat. | |
| Potato | protein, fiber, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamins A, B, C | Energizing, positive effect for the immune system, strengthening of muscles, strengthening of body cells. | Cut off green parts and sprouts. Feed only cooked. |
| Cherry | Potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, silicic acid, vitamin C, carotene and vitamins of the B group. | Strengthening bones, lowering inflammatory diseases, promoting digestion, controlling blood sugar. | Remove seeds before feeding (contains prussic acid). |
| Kohlrabi | Minerals, vitamin C, folic acid, potassium, calcium, magnesium | Strengthening muscles and nerves, strengthening the immune system, regulation of blood pressure, protection against cancer. | |
| Dandelion | Vitamin C, flavonoids, potassium | Purification of blood, diuretic, stimulation for digestion |
M - O
| Variety | Ingredients | Active ingredient | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tangerine | Provitamin A, vitamin C, minerals, fructose | Healthier and beautiful coat, strengthening of the defense/immune system, strengthening for the bones, lowering liver disease. |
Administer little, because of high acidity. Especially for dogs with stomach problems Feed only very ripe fruit |
| Almonds (sweet almonds only) | Vitamin B and E, calcium, magnesium, potassium, folic acid, healthy oils (almond oil). | Energizing, positive effect for the immune system, strengthening of muscles, strengthening of body cells. | Do not feed bitter almonds |
| Melon | Magnesium, vitamin C, beta-carotene, calcium, potassium | Thirst holes (in summer), reduction of cardiovascular diseases, strengthening the immune system. | Feed only in small quantities and very mature. Otherwise diarrhea will occur |
| Orange | Vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, beta-carotene | Purification of blood, reduction in case of blood pressure increase, strengthening of the immune system, strengthening of bones. | Administer little, because of high acidity. Especially for dogs with stomach problems Feed only very ripe fruit. |
P - R
| Variety | Ingredients | Active ingredient | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peach | Vitamin A, B, C, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, zinc, beta-carotene, flavones | Purification of the kidneys, purification of the blood, regulation of metabolism, strengthening of the eyes, more beautiful and healthy coat. |
Feed overripe. Remove cores. |
| Plum | carotene, vitamin B1 and B2, iron, copper, zinc, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, calcium | Strengthening of the circulation, cleansing of the kidneys, promotion for digestion |
Peel before feeding. Especially for dogs with stomach problems Remove cores. If you have cats in the household, beware. Plums are deadly for cats! |
| Cranberry | Potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin C | Strengthening the immune system, stronger bones, strengthening muscles, healthy for the urinary tract. |
Feed in very small quantities, as laxativeIf you have cats in the household, watch out. Cranberries are deadly for cats! |
| Orange | Vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, beta-carotene | Purification of blood, reduction in case of blood pressure increase, strengthening of the immune system, strengthening of bones. |
Administer little, because of high acidity. Especially for dogs with stomach problems Feed only very ripe fruit |
| Beet | Folic acid, potassium, high water content, calcium, phosphorus | Antibacterial effect, strengthening the bones, cleaning the kidneys and urinary tract. |
S - Z
| Variety | Ingredients | Active ingredient | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salad | Protein, vitamin C, folic acid, calcium, potassium, copper, iodine, zinc, manganese | Support for digestion, increase of physical defense, risk reduction of anemia, help in blood formation. | |
| Asparagus | Vitamin B9, provitamin A, vitamin C, purines | Diuretic, cleansing the kidneys, detoxifying effect, strengthening the immune system. | |
| Spinach | Protein, beta-carotene, secretin, iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium | Strengthening the muscles and strengthening the bones, energizing | Stems and leaf veins must be removed, as they contain nitrates and are harmful to dogs. |
| Zucchini | Potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, C | Stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract, strengthening of the optic nerve, cancer prevention, protection against cardiovascular diseases. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Fruits and vegetables contain many vitamins and minerals. These ingredients are very healthy for your dog and can prevent or alleviate diseases and thus ensure a long, healthy life.
Not every fruit and vegetable that you eat yourself is also digestible for your dog. To get an exact overview, you can print out the list from our article.
The recommended daily intake is 150 g of fruit and 250 g of vegetables for medium-sized dogs. This means for dogs that weigh about 20 kg. If your dog is smaller or larger, you will also need to match, reduce or increase the amount of fruit and vegetables.
No, your dog can get all the nutrients he needs to survive from his dog food. But if you want to do something good for him and feed him even healthier, you should prepare fruits and vegetables for him.
Stone fruit (not pitted), grapes, onions, and raw potatoes are approximately toxic to your dog. If you want to read a detailed list of poisons for your dog, then read the above section carefully.
Conclusion
At first, it looks like you have a lot of material to memorize. Which might scare you off at first.
Feel free to print out the list and hang it on your refrigerator.
So you can take a look at it every time. In time, you will notice that the list is not only hanging on your fridge, but also in your memory.
I wish you a lot of fun with the preparation and your faithful friend good appetite!
I am a veterinarian and writer on animal health topics. Animals are my passion, and it is my personal goal to create medically accurate articles and videos to educate pet owners as much as possible.
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