In Japan, we can enjoy a variety of fruits in each season, so why not enjoy some seasonal flavors with your beloved dog?
What's more, many fruits contain nutrients that are beneficial to your dog's health, making them the perfect healthy snack.
This time, we will introduce seasonal fruits that are beneficial for your dog's health, by season. We will also touch on precautions to take when giving seasonal fruits to your dog, as well as easy recipes using fruits, so be sure to read to the end.
Enjoy the arrival of spring with your dog. Fruits in season in spring
After the cold winter, spring comes and we can feel the warmth of new buds.
What are some fruits that are in season in spring that you can enjoy with your dog?
Loquat
Loquats are in season from March to June. They have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for their various medicinal properties, and are a nutritious fruit for dogs too.
It contains many ingredients that help improve immunity, such as iron and beta-carotene, and also contains ingredients that can help prevent cancer, obesity, and fatigue.
mango
Depending on the region, mangoes are in season from March to August. Mangoes are attractive because they are rich in water and vitamins. Not only are they useful for hydration, but they also have antioxidant properties and are expected to be effective in preventing arthritis.
Summer fruits are also recommended for preventing dehydration!
During the hot summer, there is a risk of heatstroke. Be sure to incorporate hydrating fruits into your daily routine and take proper precautions.
pineapple
Pineapples are in season from April to August, from spring to summer. They contain many ingredients, such as citric acid and vitamins, that are effective in relieving fatigue and preventing aging.
It also contains the digestive enzyme bromelain, which is great for aiding digestion.
Cherries
Cherries are in season from early June to early July. They contain a lot of antioxidants such as anthocyanins and beta-carotene, and are expected to have the effects of preventing arteriosclerosis, improving immunity, and having anti-aging properties.
watermelon
Watermelon is synonymous with summer. It is in season from mid-May to August, and since it is made up of over 90% water, it is a recommended fruit for staying hydrated in the summer.
Its high nutritional value is also appealing, as it is rich in citrulline, which helps cardiac function, and lycopene, which has excellent antioxidant properties.
peach
Peaches are in season from July to August. They contain many antioxidants, such as catechins and vitamins, making them a fruit that helps prevent aging and boosts immunity. Since they are mostly made up of water, they also help prevent dehydration.
Autumn fruits are in season and packed with nutrients that your dog will love.
Autumn is known as the season of appetite, as it is full of delicious food. There are many nutritious seasonal fruits, so you'll want to feed your dog at least once.
pear
Pears, which are in season from August to early October, are rich in water and are one of the recommended fruits for preventing dehydration in your dog.
The aspartic acid contained in pears aids in liver metabolism, has a diuretic effect, and helps relieve fatigue.It also contains an enzyme called protease, which breaks down protein, which helps regulate the gastrointestinal tract.
chestnut
Chestnuts are in season from September to October and are known as a representative autumn delicacy.
It contains a lot of carbohydrates and is recommended for improving physical strength. It is also rich in vitamins and is expected to have anti-aging effects.
However, it is high in calories and sugar, so be careful not to give too much. When giving it to your dog, be sure to remove the outer skin and astringent skin, which are difficult to digest, and make sure to cook it thoroughly.
persimmon
Persimmons are in season from September to November. What makes them stand out is their high vitamin C content!
Persimmons contain more vitamin C than the same amount of lemon juice, and are expected to have various health benefits for your dog, such as promoting iron absorption and activating hormone metabolism.
Another feature is that it contains tannin, a type of polyphenol, which is expected to be effective in preventing high blood pressure, protecting the stomach lining, and relieving diarrhea, and its antioxidant properties also help prevent lifestyle-related diseases.
Raw astringent persimmons and unripe persimmons contain harmful substances called alkaloids, so be careful not to accidentally eat them. Dried persimmons, which contain no additives, are fine to give to your pet, but they are high in sugar and calories, so be careful not to give too many.
A special snack to get through the cold days. Winter fruits
The cold winter can make it hard to even exercise. Eat some seasonal fruits and prepare your dog to survive the harsh season!
apple
Apples are in season from October to February. They contain ingredients such as citric acid and malic acid that help relieve fatigue, and are also great for preventing kidney stones.
In addition, apple polyphenols, a component unique to apples, have strong antioxidant properties and can help prevent illness and aging in your dog.
kiwi
Kiwifruit is in season from December to May for imported fruit and from May to December for domestically grown fruit. It is a precious fruit that allows you to enjoy delicious seasonal fruit even in winter.
Kiwi, a nutritious superfood, is known for its many beneficial ingredients for your dog's health. Its high vitamin content contributes to healthy skin and eyes, boosts immunity, and prevents aging. Green kiwi also contains a unique digestive enzyme called actinidin, which helps break down proteins and aids digestion and absorption.
strawberry
Strawberries are normally in season in early summer, from March to April, but in recent years, demand has been high for Christmas, and they tend to be more readily available from January to March.
Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, which is effective against oxidative stress caused by aging. They also contain anthocyanins, which promote collagen production and help maintain eye health, so you can safely give them to your dog.
However, it does contain small amounts of xylitol, which is toxic to dogs, so be sure to only give it to your dog in moderation.
What fruits should dogs not eat?
While many fruits have positive effects on your dog's health, there are also some fruits that your dog should never eat.
Be careful not to let your dog accidentally eat the following fruits:
grapes
Grapes are a highly dangerous food for dogs, as they can cause acute kidney failure regardless of the amount eaten, and in the worst cases, can cause serious symptoms that can be fatal.
If ingested, it is important to consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.
figs
Figs contain psoralen and ficin, which can cause toxic symptoms such as gastrointestinal and oral inflammation, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.
prune
Be careful with prunes, which are high in potassium and can cause hyperkalemia.
Prunes are often sold commercially as dried fruit, but the ingredients in dried fruit become more concentrated when they are dried, making them even more toxic, so be careful not to let your dog eat them under any circumstances.
Citrus peel
Most citrus fruits are safe for dogs to eat, but the outer skin contains psoralens, a toxic substance, so be sure to peel the skin before giving it to your dog.
Additionally, some citrus fruits, such as grapefruit, have the property of slowing down the breakdown of medications and intensifying their effects. While we humans are advised to avoid consuming them when administering emergency medications, the same is true for dogs. For dogs taking emergency medications, it's especially important to carefully consider the timing of when to give them.
What should you be careful of when giving fruit to your dog? 4 points to keep in mind
In this column, we have introduced various fruits that dogs can eat under the theme of "seasonal fruits that your dog can enjoy," but there are also some things you need to be careful about when your dog eats fruit.
Here are four things to keep in mind when giving your dog seasonal fruits:
Be careful of the seeds, skin, and stem! What parts of fruit should you not give to your pet?
Even if a fruit is edible for dogs, the seeds, skin, and stem often contain harmful toxic substances. Furthermore, if a dog accidentally swallows a fruit seed, it can often cause serious symptoms such as intestinal blockage. Be sure to remove the seeds before giving them to your dog.
If your dog ingests seeds, skin, or stems, it may take some time for symptoms of poisoning to appear. It is best to seek medical attention immediately, rather than waiting for the initial symptoms to appear.
When giving your dog fruit for the first time, start with a small amount.
When giving your dog seasonal fruits for the first time, it's best to start with a small amount.
The fruits recommended here are generally safe for dogs to consume, but there may be individual differences in whether they develop allergic reactions or not.
When introducing fruit to your dog for the first time, it is best to be careful and observe your dog's reaction before introducing it to you.
If your dog has a medical condition or is a senior, please consult a veterinarian.
This fruit contains many ingredients that are beneficial to dogs' health, but care should be taken when giving it to dogs with chronic illnesses or senior dogs.
For example, many fruits contain potassium, which helps to eliminate excess salt from the body, but it can also cause kidney stones and put strain on the heart and kidneys. Children with these conditions should avoid eating them.
As such, there are many components in fruits that can be toxic depending on your dog's age and medical history.
If you have any concerns, we recommend that you consult your veterinarian before giving your dog fruit.
Just eat it as a snack.
Fruits have a healthy sweetness that is different from pre-made snacks, but you should still be careful not to eat too much.
Fruits are generally high in sugar, so giving more than the recommended amount can lead to obesity. Also, if your dog gets used to eating fruit, it may lose interest in its usual dog food.
No matter how healthy it is, be sure to consume it in moderation as a snack.
Treat recipes for your dog using seasonal fruits
Many dog lovers would like to try making homemade treats for their beloved pups. If you use fruits that have a natural sweetness, you can make homemade treats for your dog relatively easily.
Here we will introduce some things to keep in mind when preparing dog treat recipes, as well as some easy and simple recipes.
Where can I find recipes for dogs?
Nowadays, with just a quick search online, you can find a multitude of recipes for dog treats. However, in the vast ocean of the internet, search results can display a wide variety of recipes, from those supervised by experts to those with little credibility. It's precisely because we live in a convenient age that it's important to carefully scrutinize information.
If you're a beginner at making homemade treats and are looking for recipes for your dog, we recommend that you first narrow your search to those that clearly state that they are supervised by experts, or prepare books published by reputable publishers.
Try out some easy recipe variations
I mentioned that you should prepare a reliable recipe, but you don't need to be overly enthusiastic. Homemade treats don't just involve making fancy dog cakes, so it's also a good idea to start with a simple variation that makes the most of the ingredients.
Finally, I'd like to suggest some very simple recipes using fruit that I actually make at home. If you're interested in making homemade treats for your dog, please feel free to use them as a reference.
A simple snack that only requires drying. Dried fruits that let you enjoy the flavor of the ingredients.
Dried fruits sold for humans contain a lot of sugar and additives, so dogs cannot eat them, but homemade dried fruits that make the most of the natural flavor of the ingredients make the perfect treat for your beloved dog.
You can easily make additive-free dried fruit by cutting the fruit into uniform slices and heating them in a microwave or oven. If you want to make it professionally, you might want to consider using a dry food machine, which can dry fruit at low temperatures without destroying the enzymes.
Refreshing fruit yogurt ice cream
Simply mix your dog's favorite seasonal fruit with plain unsweetened yogurt and freeze it to make a delicious snack. Refreshing and cold yogurt ice cream is also recommended for dogs who have lost their appetite due to summer fatigue.
If you squeeze out the fruit juice during the preparation stage and add it when mixing, the natural sweetness of the fruit will be added to the ice cream, which is sure to please your dog.
Easier and more delicious: Saesa's additive-free dry furikake
If you want to incorporate seasonal fruits into your dog's diet, we recommend Saesa's furikake for dogs. Simply sprinkle it on their regular food to easily provide them with the nutritional benefits of fruit.
Furthermore, it is fully supervised by a registered dietitian for dogs, uses only domestically produced fruits, and is additive-free for safety and security, making it a great choice for dog lovers.It is also attractive because it is individually packaged, making it easy to take on the go or when traveling.
If you're thinking about adding fruit to your dog's diet, give this a try.
Conclusion
Seasonal fruits are rich in flavor and nutrition. Since ancient times, Japanese people have eaten seasonal fruits that have been grown with the blessings of the seasons, helping to build a rich diet and healthy bodies.
Be sure to include seasonal fruits in your dog's diet and enjoy a healthy and delicious life.