It's important to observe your dog with any change in diet,
if your pet shows digestive or behavioral changes always stop feeding the new
food item. Also if the problem doesn't go away after you stop feeding the added
food consult with your veterinarian.
We all know that some plant foods are toxic to dogs, so it's
important to be familiar with what you should avoid and which ones are safe. If
you are ever unsure ask your vet before you start feeding your dog a new
healthy treat. Another thing to remember is that dogs are omnivorous which
means that they are able to digest some different kind of foods, where cats are
carnivorous and are incapable of digesting some types of foods. So be cautious
when handing out treats to your pet family.
Let's take a look some healthy treats that a lot of dogs
seem to enjoy.
· Blueberries are good either fresh or frozen in hot
weather.
· Bananas are another good treat that can be frozen in hot
weather.
· Strawberries are yummy goodies for your pooch to enjoy.
· Watermelon and Cantaloupe are a great treat for extra
hydration but no seeds. Be sure to remove the seeds before giving to your pet,
as they can cause intestinal blockage.
· Apples are my dog's favorite snack especially with a
little peanut butter. Again be sure to remove the seeds and core because apple
seeds contain chemical compounds that are poisonous to dogs.
Those are some delicious fruits for your dog, but for a complete
diet they also need some vegetable treats too. Here are few of our favorites:
· Zucchini or Squash especially pumpkin are a great source
of fiber. If your dog is prone to diarrhea add some puree pumpkin with their
food for the needed fiber.
· Lettuce and Spinach are healthy iron rich foods to keep
your dog smiling.
· Asparagus cooked and cut into bite sizes piece are a great
source of Vitamin K.
· Broccoli Florets are a great treat and contain Vitamins C,
K and A plus fiber.
· Brussels Sprout are another healthy snack but make sure to
cook them and cut into treat size bites to avoid choking hazards.
· Carrots are a good treat that contain a great source of
Vitamin A for good eyesight.
· Cauliflower grilled with a little olive oil will keep Fido
begging for more.
· Edamame are a convenient treat available as a frozen
vegetable, but again be sure to take them out of the shell.
· Green beans are another of my dog favorites and are good
for upset tummies if cooked with brown rice and chicken in chicken broth.
· Snow or Sugar Snap Peas can be given in the shell and all
but English Peas must be shelled. They are both a great source of a multitude
of vitamins and minerals.
· Sweet Potatoes are a versatile vegetable treat because
they can be dehydrated for a healthy chew for your dog. You can also cook and
mash them to add to your dog's dry food for added nutrition.
These are all great treats to keep your pet in tiptop
health, but remember there are some vegetables you should not feed to your dog.
Never offer your dog these following treats:
Do Not Give These, NO Never!
1. Grapes and Raisins contain chemical compounds toxic to
dogs.
2. Onions and Fresh Garlic both can be toxic and even life
threatening to dogs and cats.
3. Tomatoes
4. Avocado
5. Mushrooms especially wild mushrooms
6. Fruits with pits, like peaches, plums and cherries the
pits can be toxic and present a choking hazard.
7. Last, but not least are nuts, especially macadamia nuts,
which are toxic for your dog.
The best way to feed your dog these great healthy treats is
to bake or steam the vegetables and cut them into small pieces. Only give your
dog small amounts of a new treat at a time to prevent choking and make sure
your pet is able to comfortably digest these new foods. Let your pet enjoy
these new treats and live a healthier life. And check out the comfy beds for
your healthy friend at http://www.petfooddirect.com to make sure they are
napping healthy too.
Credit: Linda Goquen
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