We humans say that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. But what keeps the vet away? When it comes to our pet’s food, we restrict our pet’s diet to kibbles, canned meat and other forms of packaged dog food. But, did you know that the fruits and veggies we eat can be good for the health of our furry friends as well?
While most branded dog foods claim to be organic and all-natural, most of these contain synthetic nutrients and processed-grain based particles which lack vital minerals and vitamins required to promote good health of our pets. Also, grains are difficult for our pets to digest, and it is the primary ingredient of most dog foods available in the market.
Here are some fruits and vegetables we eat which are suitable for man’s best friend.
From a young age, almost all of us are taught that carrots are good for our eye-sights. No wonder we have never seen Bugs Bunny wearing glasses. This applies to our dogs as well. Carrots are known to promote good health and good vision for both humans and dogs as they develop good visual health by nourishing the optic nerves.
Also, carrots are a great source of provitamin beta carotene, which is known to convert into Vitamin A. These are potent antioxidants which help in the prevention of cancer. Carrot is also known to be a good source of Vitamin C which is known to promote the production of collagen in blood vessels, bones, cartilage, and muscles, enabling better absorption of iron.
Carrots are a good source of other nutrients also such as Vitamin D, E, K, calcium, riboflavin, sodium, iron, magnesium, potassium and phosphorous. These vital nutrients are known to promote healthy digestion and immune system.
Broccoli is known to be one of the healthiest and nutrition-dense vegetables, which are suitable for dogs as well. Broccoli contains Vitamin A, C, D, fiber calcium, chromium, folic acid, and beta carotene.
Broccoli releases indole, a cancer-fighting enzyme when it is cooked. This enzyme is known to contain 33 different forms of cancer-preventing compounds. This includes many types of phytochemicals which prevent formation carcinogens and prevents it from attacking healthy cells and develop enzymes which breakdown carcinogens.
Broccoli is a good for dogs as it is low glycaemic veggie and it does not raise the blood glucose levels. It processes glucose at a slow pace, preventing the release of insulin which can cause weight gain. Broccoli is know known to contain sulforaphane, which helps in enhancing the immune system
Cantaloupe is known to contain vitamins which promote good eyesight and also contains vital antioxidants. Cantaloupe riches in Vitamin A, and it is loaded with beta carotene. Consumption of cantaloupe is linked to a reduction of growth of cataract.
Cantaloupe is known to promote good eyesight in dogs, and the beta carotene is also known to reduce the risk of different forms of cancer and also prevents oxidation of cells. Furthermore, the fruit also contains Vitamin B-6 and Vitamin C, along with niacin, potassium, fiber, and folate.
Cantaloupe is suitable for consumption of dogs as the fruit is not allergenic, allowing dogs to consume the fruit without any risk of allergic reaction.
Consumption of celery is known to reduce cancer and enhance good health of the heart. This is primarily due to celery being rich in Vitamins A, B and C, calcium, sodium, phosphorous, iron and potassium. The phytochemical known as 3-n-butyl found in celery is known to have tumor-fighting agents and consumption of celery is known to prevent and reduce tumors, reduction in blood pressure and act as an acid neutralizer.
Celery also contains phthalides and coumarin. While phthalides are known to be a cholesterol-reducing agent, coumarin is known to prevent cancer. Phthalides is also aid in relaxing muscles around the blood arteries and lead to blood vessels to dilate, as a result of this reducing blood pressure. Phthalides also helps in reducing stress hormones which are known to constrict blood vessels.
According to research and studies, consumption of green beans by humans and animals is known to protect against oxygen damage and improve levels of blood fat. Green beans are known to contain omega-3 fatty acids, which is known to offer a wide array of cardiovascular benefits.
Green beans are a good source of other nutrients also such as Vitamins A, C, and K along with copper, calcium, fiber, iron, niacin, manganese, folic acid, riboflavin, thiamine and potassium along with high levels of beta carotene. These nutrients found in green beans are known to promote bone health and maintain healthy bones and triggers a non-collagen protein in bones known as osteocalcin.
Popeye got his strength from eating spinach, allowing him to beat up Brutus who is twice Popeye’s size. Feeding spinach to your dog can lead to a stronger and healthier dog. Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy vegetable which contains twice the amount of iron found in other leafy greens. Spinach is also rich in calcium, fiber, potassium, Vitamin A, B6, and K.
Consumption of spinach by dogs helps in keeping inflammatory and cardiovascular problems and cancer at bay. Also, the carotenoids and flavonoids found in spinach were known to have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Consumption of apples is suitable for human and our best friend as well. Apples contain a diverse form of nutrients and vitamins. Many breeds and variants of apples, such as Northern Spy, Ida Red, and Red Delicious as they offer 33 percent more antioxidants compared to other options of apples.
Apple is a good source of Vitamin C for humans and dogs, and each apple is known to contain approximately 1500 mg of Vitamin C. It is advised not to peel off the skin of the apple as it contains large quantities of Vitamin and a fiber known as pectin. It helps in improving digestion and strengthen abdominal muscles and extract toxins found in the intestinal tract and promotes the creation of short-chain fatty acids which prevents accumulation of harmful bacteria in the colon.
Consumption of pears by humans and dogs is known to strengthen our heart and intestinal tract. Pears are known to contain pectin which helps in increasing colon health. Pears also include ample source of potassium which helps in maintaining muscle and heart health along with improving carbohydrate metabolism and nerve transmission.
Pears can good for dogs which suffer from irregular motions or constipation as the fiber found in the fruit promotes good intestinal health along with binding of bile salts and carry them out of the intestinal tract. As bile salts consist of cholesterol, consumption of pears also aid in lowering cholesterol levels in human and our cuddly pooches.
Oranges are associated being a good source of Vitamin C, but the citrus fruit is also rich in thiamine, folate, calcium, potassium, and magnesium making it a healthy fruit of human and canine consumption. Oranges also contain flavonoids, which aid in strengthening the connective tissues and the immune system of our furry friends. The citrus fruit is also known to protect from viral infections and cancer.
Other health benefits of eating oranges include a reduction in levels of cholesterol, prevention of cardiovascular diseases and rheumatoid arthritis, lowers risk of stomach cancer and promotes of respiratory health.
Pumpkin is a healthy food for humans and dogs. Consumption of pumpkin is beneficial for dogs who experience digestive issues, diarrhea, constipation, and problems related to the colon. Consumption of pumpkins is also known to promote colon health.
Pumpkins help soften the stool which helps in relieving constipation, and a large amount of fiber found in pumpkin absorbs water which helps in the alleviation of diarrhea. Merely adding a few spoons of pumpkin in the daily diet of your dog can aid in improving their intestinal health.
Pumpkins are also useful for weight-loss for our over-weight canine friends as pumpkin is low in calorie and loaded with antioxidants, vitamin A and help in the regulation of blood sugar along with promoting cardiovascular health.
Years of marketing and conditioning by the pet-care industry has developed the perception in the minds of pet-owners that human food is not good for the consumption of pets. This is done to boost the sale of dog food and other pet food.
After all, dogs and other pets have been consuming human food for centuries, long before the invention of pet food. However, pet-owners should avoid feeding dogs fruits and vegetables such as onion, cherries, asparagus, avocado, grapes, mushrooms, and tomatoes. It is advised to consult the veterinarian before including fruits and vegetables in the daily diet of your canine friends.
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Great article I was almost so skeptical with my new pooch. I'm a first timer and have little knowledge as to what to feed my Pomchi. Thanks for the guidance. The other day I gave some Pistachios to my pooch and realised should have checked before treating him whether it's safe or not!