During the hot summer months, you're constantly worrying about your dog's health and hydration.
In times like these, vegetables and fruits are a great help. Fruits in particular are rich in water and naturally sweet, so you can safely give them to your dog.
In this column, we will introduce a wide range of information, from fruits that dogs can eat, ideas for homemade treats using fruits, things to be careful about when giving them to dogs, to fruits that should not be given to dogs.
Incorporate fruit into your dog's daily meals and help him survive the hot summer in a delicious way!
12 Fruits You Should Feed Your Dog
Fruits are not only hydrated but also contain a variety of nutrients. Enrich your dog's diet with fruits that are beneficial to your dog's health.
strawberry
Rich in vitamin C, strawberries are effective against oxidative stress caused by strenuous exercise and aging. They also promote collagen production, which helps maintain healthy skin and joints. They also contain a pigment called anthocyanin, which helps maintain eye health.
It contains xylitol, which is toxic to dogs, but only in large amounts will it have any adverse health effects, so give it to your dog in small treats and in moderate amounts.
apple
Apples contain citric acid and malic acid, which are effective in relieving fatigue. They are also great for preventing kidney stones.
Furthermore, apples contain apple polyphenols, which have strong antioxidant properties and are expected to help prevent disease and aging.
This fruit is a great help for dog lovers as it helps keep your dog's body in good condition.
kiwi
Kiwi contains a digestive enzyme called actinidin, which is good at breaking down proteins and aids in digestion and absorption, making it a reliable assistant for the stomach and intestines.
It is also rich in vitamins that help strengthen the skin and immune system, prevent aging, and promote healthy eyes.
banana
Bananas are rich in carbohydrates and sugars, making them an excellent source of energy.
It contains a balanced amount of various nutrients, including vitamins, polyphenols, and minerals, so it is recommended for puppies who consume a lot of energy and older dogs who need to replenish their calories.
On the other hand, it is high in carbohydrates, so be careful not to give too much as it can lead to excess calories.
pineapple
Pineapple is rich in citric acid and vitamins, which help relieve fatigue and prevent aging. It also contains the digestive enzyme bromelain, which helps support digestion.
In the world of herbal medicine, it is highly valued as a fruit that is effective in preventing summer fatigue, making it perfect for the upcoming season.
Mandarins and oranges
Tangerines and oranges are rich in vitamin C, which has various benefits, such as strengthening mucous membranes, reducing stress, boosting immunity, and promoting collagen production. They also contain pectin, a dietary fiber that regulates the intestinal environment, making them great for dogs who tend to be constipated.
In addition, mandarins are a fruit with many noteworthy points, such as the fact that they contain beta-cryptoxanthin, which is effective in preventing osteoporosis and cancer.
watermelon
The most notable thing about watermelon is its water content! It is made up of around 90% water, making it the perfect way to stay hydrated in the summer.
Another feature is that it actually contains a variety of nutrients, including beta-carotene and potassium, as well as citrulline, which improves blood flow and aids heart function, and lycopene, which has excellent antioxidant properties and is 1.5 times more abundant than tomatoes, making it a great source of nutrients for dogs.
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Like watermelon, pears are mostly composed of water and are recommended as a snack to prevent summer fatigue and dehydration.
Aspartic acid promotes liver metabolism and has a diuretic effect, helping to relieve fatigue. It also contains protease, which breaks down proteins, so it can also be expected to regulate the intestines.
Cherries
Cherries are rich in antioxidants such as anthocyanins and beta-carotene, which are expected to have anti-aging and arteriosclerosis prevention effects, as well as boosting the immune system.
Too much can cause diarrhea and obesity, so give small amounts as a snack. Also, the stems and seeds contain a toxic substance called amygdalin, which has the same components as potassium cyanide, so be careful never to give them to your dog.
peach
Peaches are rich in catechins, vitamin C, vitamin E, and other ingredients with strong antioxidant properties, which are useful for anti-aging, disease prevention, and improving immunity.
Like cherries, it is a fruit of the rose family, and its seeds contain amygdalin, so be careful not to let your dog eat them. In rare cases, allergic reactions may occur, so it is best to give it to your dog in small amounts and monitor its condition.
berries
Berries are gaining attention as superfoods, and many of them are also beneficial to the health of dogs.
Blueberries are good for eye health and maintaining youthfulness, while cranberries are effective in boosting immunity and preventing kidney stones. Different types of fruit have different effects, such as raspberries that increase stress resistance, blackberries that thin the blood, and acerola that is effective in anti-aging and preventing arteriosclerosis, so it's best to give your dog the one that's right for him.
Loquat
Loquats have many medicinal properties and are often used in traditional Chinese medicine. They are also rich in nutrients, making them a good choice for your dog.
It contains ingredients such as iron and beta-carotene that are effective in maintaining immunity and health, as well as beta-cryptoxanthin, which may help prevent cancer, and chlorogenic acid, which is useful for preventing obesity and recovering from fatigue.
However, be careful as the leaves and seeds contain amygdalin.
Be careful! What fruits are dangerous for dogs?
While fruits and vegetables can help your dog maintain a healthy diet, some can be toxic and cause serious symptoms if your dog accidentally eats them.
Let's check out some of the most common fruits that dogs are not allowed to eat.
grapes
Grapes are one of the foods that dogs should never eat.
Any amount ingested can cause acute kidney failure and, in the worst case, death.
If you accidentally ingest it, consult a doctor immediately.
fig
Figs contain compounds called psoralens and ficin, which can cause poisoning.
If poisoned, inflammation will occur in the stomach, intestines, and mouth, and common symptoms include stomatitis, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.
prune
Prunes are known for their high nutritional value, but be careful not to feed them to your dog.
Prunes, which are high in potassium, have a high risk of causing hyperkalemia, and their leaves, seeds, and stems contain the toxic substance amygdalin.
In particular, dried fruits, which have been dried to concentrate their components, are not recommended as they are more toxic.
citrus peel
While many types of citrus fruits are edible to dogs, you should be careful with the peels. They contain psoralens, which can cause toxic reactions, so be sure to peel them before giving them to your dog.
Incidentally, fruits such as grapefruit and sweetie pie can slow down the breakdown of medication and potentially intensify its effectiveness, so dogs taking emergency medication should be especially careful not to ingest them.
dried fruits
Many dried fruits sold for human consumption contain sugar and additives, so avoid giving them to dogs.
Mixed types, in particular, can contain fruits such as raisins that are dangerous to dogs. When fruits are dried, their components become concentrated, making them more toxic, so please be careful not to let your dog eat them by mistake.
Homemade fruit treat ideas that your dog will love
It's nice to eat fruit as is, but you can easily make homemade snacks by taking advantage of the fruit's natural sweetness and flavor.
Here are some easy homemade fruit snack ideas.
Additive-free, homemade dried fruits
Dried fruits, which I mentioned earlier as fruits that should not be eaten, are a different story when it comes to homemade dried fruits.
If your dog can eat fruit, you can easily make additive-free, safe dried fruit in the microwave or oven. Just cut it into uniform slices, heat it up and cool it down while keeping an eye on it, and you'll have a little homemade snack ready.
If you want to efficiently consume the enzymes contained in fruits and vegetables, we also recommend a dry food machine, which allows for low-temperature drying without destroying the enzymes.
Recommended for those who are tired from the summer heat. Refreshing fruit yogurt ice cream
Mix unsweetened plain yogurt with your favorite fruit and freeze it to make yogurt ice cream, perfect for summer. If you mash the fruit a little and add the juice when mixing it with the yogurt, the natural sweetness of the fruit will be distributed throughout the ice cream, making it a sure hit with your dog.
This is a healthy treat that is great for your dog to enjoy during the hot season.
Fruit jelly that's easy to eat
During the summer when appetite tends to decrease, we also recommend fruit jelly, which has a smooth texture.
Finely chop your favorite fruit, mix it with water and dissolve agar in it, pour it into a mold, and let it cool. Then pour in goat's milk, agar, and warm water that has been boiled, and let it cool completely to harden, resulting in a two-layered jelly that is both visually appealing and nutritious.
Check out the precautions to take when giving fruit to your dog.
Many fruits are beneficial to your dog's health, but there are some things you should be careful about when giving them to them.
Be sure to keep these precautions in mind so you can enjoy fruit safely.
Start with a small amount
While there are many fruits that are beneficial to dogs' health, some may not be suitable for some dogs.
For example, many fruits contain potassium, which helps flush excess salt out of the body, but they are not suitable for dogs with kidney problems. Too much beta-carotene can lead to vitamin D hypervitaminosis, and some dogs may develop allergies after eating certain fruits.
When introducing fruit to your dog for the first time, it is safe to start with a small amount and observe your dog's reaction.
If you feed your pet fruits and vegetables, pay attention to the skin, core, and seeds.
As mentioned several times in this column, the peels, cores, and seeds of vegetables and fruits often contain toxic substances, so you should generally avoid giving them to your pet.
Additionally, if the seeds are accidentally swallowed, they can cause intestinal blockages and lead to serious symptoms.
There may be a time lag before intestinal obstruction or poisoning reactions occur, so if you swallow something, it is important to go to the hospital immediately without waiting for the initial symptoms.
Just as a snack or rice topping
No matter how healthy it may be, it's important not to give too much.
In the first place, fruits are generally high in sugar, which can cause obesity and lead to irregular eating habits with dog food, which is their staple food. Even if fruit nutrients are good for your dog's health, excessive intake can often be toxic.
Fruit should only be given as a special snack, not as a topping for regular meals, so be sure to give it in appropriate amounts.
Conclusion
There are probably many dogs who enjoy sweet, juicy fruit.
Be sure to incorporate delicious, healthy fruits and vegetables into your dog's daily meals and aim for a more fulfilling diet for both you and your dog.