Fruits
For pups under 6 months, avoid all fruits except blueberries to prevent potential future health issues. Always opt for organic produce when possible, and consider a general health supplement if your dog dislikes fruits and vegetables.
While fruits have amazing benefits, they can be too sugary for dogs, leading to yeast overgrowth or weight gain. Here’s a guide on fruits to include or avoid:
Apples: Rich in vitamins A & C, antioxidants, and pectin (a good prebiotic). Avoid seeds as they contain cyanide. Green apples are lower in sugar.
Berries: Packed with antioxidants and vitamins. Dark berries contain quercetin, which is anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory. Benefits outweigh the natural sugar content.
Banana: Full of vitamins and minerals, helps muscles, bones, immune system, brain function, and digestion. High in sugar, so feed occasionally.
Cantaloupe: Hydrates and increases fibre intake. Rich in beta-carotene, transforming into vitamin A for vision, immunity, skin, and cognitive function. Remove rind to avoid choking.
Cucumber: is a fabulous snack that is low calories, high hydration and full of antioxidants. It is full of anti-inflammatory polyphenols that may help to prevent cancer. The peel contains the most nutrients.
Cranberries: offer several health benefits, including vitamins C, E, and K, as well as fibre, which can aid in digestion, antioxidants that support immune and brain health, quercetin which helps with allergies and joint pain, polyphenols that assist in urinary and gut health, heart disease, and cancer prevention However, it's crucial to avoid cranberry sauce, juice, or dishes with added sugars as these can be harmful. Start with 1 and slowly build up assessing your dog as you go to a few, although a good food, moderation is key!
Pear: High in copper, fibre, and antioxidants, aids digestion, fights cancer, reduces inflammation. Avoid seeds.
Citrus Fruits: Including but not limited to tangerines, satsumas, oranges, lemon, lime. High in vitamin C, boosts immune system, reduces inflammation, aids weight management. Remove peel to avoid obstructions.
Pineapple: Rich in vitamin C, B vitamins, minerals, and bromelain, which aids digestion and immune support. Avoid the crown and core.
Tomatoes: Although often found in vegetable sections of shops, the tomato is officially a fruit. Full of antioxidants and fibre. Feed only ripe tomatoes; avoid green tomatoes and tomato-based sauces. Cherry tomatoes are rich in naringenin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Watermelon: Contains vitamins A & C, great for hydration. Remove rind and seeds to prevent choking.
Pomegranate Seeds: Rich in punicalagin, an antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory.
Feeding guidelines: Freeze the seeds on a tray separated for storage once frozen, feed 1 a day and slowly build to a couple a day if all is ok.
Coconut Flesh: High in manganese, vital for enzyme activation and collagen production. Feed sparingly to avoid weight gain or tummy upset.
Redcurrants: There are mixed reports about redcurrants so we asked the experts The Raw Pet Medics who advised "generally they are ok however some dogs will react adversely and they are high in sugars. Should you choose to feed them ensure they definitely are redcurrants and use caution. "
Blackcurrants: As with blackcurrants, we reached out to RPM who advised "Blackcurrants contain anthocyanins which are rich in antioxidants. Be aware "currents" or "zante currants" are sold as Black Currants but they are actually dried grapes which are toxic to dogs whereas Blackcurrants are not, so purchase carefully to ensure you get the correct product"
Vegetables
Vegetables will need to be blitzed or lightly steamed to allow dogs to absorb all the nutrients (known as making them more bioavailable) however please note the information below for BROCOLLI)
Raw vegetables are rich in fibre which can help your dog to express their own anal glands naturally, reduce the risks of cancers and help your dog with additional vitamins and minerals:
B vitamins assist in energy, enzyme function, nervous system health, immunity, and metabolism. While vegetables offer many B vitamins, B12 and B1 are limited. Hence, foods like liver and eggs are essential for your dog.
Vitamin C, necessary for dogs' self-production, requires co-factors for optimal use. Aging or stress might require additional vitamin C support.
Vitamin A strengthens immunity, safeguards eyes, prevents skin issues, and promotes robust teeth and bones.
Vitamin E, an antioxidant, defends against diseases, including cancer, while nurturing skin and hair.
Vitamin K aids in bone formation, repair, and enhances liver function.
Some vegetables are better for dogs than others. Root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, squashes, and beetroots are high in natural sugars and should be avoided for dogs with itching, yeast issues, or weight concerns. For dogs without these issues, feed them sparingly.
Peas and green beans contain lectins, proteins that can bind to carbohydrates and disrupt your dog's body functions, making them "antinutrients." However, peas are rich in apigenin, a bioflavonoid that reduces anxiety, supports immune health, and regulates hormones. If you choose to feed peas or green beans, do so sparingly. Green beans are also a good source of folate.
Including vegetables in your dog's diet can offer numerous health benefits. Here are some great options:
Broccoli: Rich in sulforaphane. To maximize benefits, finely chop the freshest broccoli, let it sit in the fridge for 90 minutes or more, then serve. Can be frozen after preparation.
Cauliflower: High in isothiocyanates, which have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties.
Organic Garlic: (Refer to our Garlic blog for more details)
Celery: Apigenin rich, which is a plant compound, offers multiple benefits for dogs. It strengthens the immune system, particularly for dogs with cancer, regulates inflammation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators
Seaweed: Any variety is great as its rich in fucoidan, which has disease fighting properties, it also inhibits viruses, inflammation, arthritis, promotes cartilage health, liver health, and cardiovascular health. The alginates in fucoidan promote digestive health and elimination by working as an inner lubricant to the system.
Alfalfa Sprouts: Ensure they are organic.
Avocados: Use in moderation; never feed the skin or pit.
Ginger: Fresh and organic.
Lettuce: Any is fine
Brussels Sprouts: All cruciferous vegetables are packed with nutrients like vitamins C, E, K, folate, and minerals. They also have carotenoids, which boost the immune system.
Spinach: Organic is best
Kale: Contains indole-3-carbinol, which helps prevent cancer, supports individuals with SLE, has antiviral properties, supports liver health, and regulates hormones.
Bell Peppers: Rich in vitamin C and capsanthin, an antioxidant, anti-tumour, anti-inflammatory, and eye health supporter.
Beetroot & its Leaves: Beetroot is nutritious for dogs, offering vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, fibre, and potassium, but should be introduced gradually and always cooked or steamed to prevent digestion issues. Leaves provide essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, but should be introduced gradually to watch for any adverse reactions.
Always use organic produce to ensure the healthiest options for your dog. If your dog dislikes fruits and vegetables, consider adding a general health Supplements, as soil quality issues in the UK may affect the vitamins and minerals in animal products, making meat, bone, and offal alone insufficient.
Seeds
When feeding seeds to your dog, always use organic options to avoid pesticides and chemicals.
Organic Sunflower Seeds: Rich in vitamin E (antioxidant), B vitamins, and essential minerals (magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, iron, zinc). They boost heart and cognitive health. Make sure they are peeled and unsalted.
Feeding guidelines: Grind them, store in a sealed tub, and sprinkle on food.
Organic Chia Seeds: Superfood rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, fibre, and essential minerals. Supports joint health, immune system, coat quality, and digestion.
Feeding guidelines: 1/4 teaspoon daily per 5 kg of body weight.
Organic Pumpkin Seeds: Low-fat, high-protein treat, and natural remedy for intestinal worms. Use raw, unsalted seeds.
Feeding guidelines: Grind and add 1/2 teaspoon per 10 kg of body weight to food once or twice daily until worms or eggs are no longer visible in stool.
Washing produce
Even if its organic you should still gently wash produce, not scrub it as some soil is fine.
Use a solution in a bowl of 250mls water (filtered preferably) and 150g Pink Himalayan or Sea Salt
Once the salt is dissolved into the water soak produce for 20 mins then rinse clean and dry thoroughly.
Removing wax (rarely happens in the UK but some may still find a wax coating on produce)
150mls water (filtered preferably)
150mls white or apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons sea salt or pink Himalayan salt
Soak produce, a few minutes for lighter produce and as much as 30 minutes for sturdier produce. Trial & error may be needed to get this right.
Rince clean and dry thoroughly
References / Science
The effect of puppyhood and adolescent diet on the incidence of chronic enteropathy in dogs later in life | Scientific Reports
Early Life Modifiable Exposures and Their Association With Owner Reported Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptoms in Adult Dogs - PubMed
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