Best Fruits & Vegetables Your Pets Should Be Eating

Dogs are omnivores. This means that they thrive on a combination of both plant-based and meat-based food as seen in most dog dry food. Adding fresh fruits and vegetables on top of your dog’s daily meals will not only help with the palatability but also provides them with extra health and nutritional benefits! On the other hand, cats are obligate carnivores, which means that their diet should be primarily protein-based. Your feline friend doesn’t actually need fruits or vegetables in her diet to remain healthy, but they do make a good alternative to high-calorie treats. Here are some of the safest fruits and vegetables that you can share with your kitty.

What fruits and vegetables are good for dogs?

There isn’t a one size fits all answer, but there are multiple fruits and vegetables such as pumpkin, blueberries, and spinach that are great for dogs. Remember to feed in moderation!

Can cats eat vegetables?

The simple answer is yes, but do take note that not all vegetables are suitable for cats. In addition, cats should never have a vegetarian diet as they are obligate carnivores. Always feed in moderation!

Can cats and dogs eat apples?

Apples are excellent sources of vitamin A and C and fiber. Dogs love the fruit’s crunchy taste, making apples a low-calorie tasty treat. Apples are also safe for your cats. Be sure to remove the leaves, stem, core, and seeds before offering one to your pets.

Can dogs eat broccoli?

Broccoli can be offered to dogs raw or cooked, as long as oil and/or seasonings have not been added. However, broccoli should be offered in moderation because its florets have the chemical isothiocyanates that can cause gastric irritation in dogs.

Can cats eat broccoli?

Broccoli is one of the several vegetables that cats can eat!

Can cats and dogs eat bananas?

Do not offer banana peels to both dogs and cats as they are difficult to digest. The flesh of the bananas is great for dogs as bananas are high in potassium, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. It is a great alternative to fatty, salty treats. However, do remember to feed in moderation as bananas contain lots of sugar. Bananas are not toxic to cats and a small amount would not hurt, but they are not very healthy for a cat as too much would cause GI issues.

Can cats eat blueberries? Can dogs eat blueberries?

Yes! Blueberries are low in fat and high in fiber and water content which is great as a natural treat. Blueberries also contain antioxidants that can help fight cancer, slow aging and help your pets live a longer, healthier life.

Can cats and dogs eat celery?

Celery is a tasty crunchy treat for dogs that are on a weight loss regimen. It’s a low-fat, low-calorie treat that’s rich in fiber, minerals (potassium, folate, and manganese), vitamins (A,C, and K). Munching on celery also keeps your pet’s breath smelling fresh.

Can cats and dogs eat carrots?

Carrots are a popular source of vitamin A, potassium, and fiber. It’s a nutritious treat and excellent addition to your pet’s meal. Chewing on carrots are great for the dental health of dogs. Vets recommend frozen carrots to chew on for puppies that are teething to help relieve teething discomfort. While carrots are safe for cats to consume and an excellent vegetable to provide healthy beta-carotene, it’s best to avoid raw carrots as they may be a choking hazard.

Did you know? Hill’s Science Diet food for dogs and cats contains apples, broccoli, carrots, cranberries and green peas.

Can cats and dogs eat cucumber?

Another tasty and crunchy low-calorie treat for dogs is cucumber. A half-cup of sliced calories contains about 8 calories. It’s also low in sodium and fat. However, there are 2 potential risks associated with giving cucumber to dogs — choking and gastrointestinal upsets. Slicing cucumber into smaller pieces and giving it in moderation can prevent these problems. The same applies to cats!

Can cats and dogs eat strawberry?

Strawberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. Before giving strawberries to your pet, be sure to wash them thoroughly and cut them up into small pieces to prevent choking and make the fruit easier to digest. Do not give the stems and leaves! Strawberries are great as treats but are high in sugar content, so do feed in moderation!

Also, check out this video on how to make strawberry pup-sicles for your little ones! It’s simple! Just chop up some strawberries, mix it with Delamere goat’s milk for dogs and cats and freeze it!

Can cats and dogs eat turmeric?

Yes! Turmeric is an incredibly powerful natural anti-inflammatory and can help with preventing cancer, arthritis, allergies, heart disease, kidney disease, dental disease, and digestive disease. While this isn’t something you’d feed as a treat, adding turmeric to a part of your dog’s and cat’s diet would prove to be beneficial.

Can cats and dogs eat parsley?

When eaten in small amounts, parsley is safe for both cats and dogs. Never feed your pets large quantities of parsley as it will become toxic. Parsley is often added to pet treats as a breath freshener or to soothe the stomach.

Did you know? Nurture Pro Nourish Life dry food for cats and dogs actually provides 12 types of herbs, including turmeric and parsley.