The idea of making pet meals from scratch is an increasingly appealing idea to many pet owners these days, and for good reason. Many dog parents, in particular, have become much more critical of the quality of commercial dog food, and thus find making their own a viable alternative. Others own dogs with special health needs that are best addressed with food made especially for them. If you’ve found yourself considering switching over to homemade dog food for whatever reason, know that whipping up balanced meals for your dog and serving them up in customizable stainless steel dog bowls can be immensely rewarding for both you and your pup.
One thing to bear in mind about homemade dog food is that, though it might seem surprising to many, dogs are naturally omnivorous animals that benefit most from a diet rich in both meat and plant-based foods. Dogs often enjoy fruit just as much as their humans do, and many fruits also offer them a variety of health benefits, from aiding digestion to boosting their immune system.
However, on the flip side, certain fruits can be harmful and even toxic to dogs. Thus, before you feed your dog any fruit, it’s best to find out which kinds are dog-safe and which are best kept out of their bowl. Read through this handy guide by PrideBites to find out more.
Dog-Safe Fruits
Apples
An apple a day might not only keep the doctor away for you; it can also be beneficial for your dog. Besides being a fantastic source of vitamins A and C, apples are also high in fiber and thus help support healthy digestion. Their relatively low protein and fat content makes them an ideal snack for older dogs or those on a diet.
Just make sure that you cut out the seeds and core before giving any to your dog. Besides posing a choking hazard, apple seeds contain cyanide, which can be harmful in large quantities.
Bananas
Bananas are a sweet treat that many dogs enjoy. They're rich in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper, all of which are great for a dog's overall health.
Due to their high sugar intent, however, bananas are best off given in moderation rather than treated as a staple of your dog’s diet. You can use them to add a bit of natural sweetness to your dog’s meal rather than resorting to artificial additives.
Cantaloupe
This type of melon is another excellent choice for your dog's diet, particularly during those hot summer days. Cantaloupe is low in calories and also packed with vitamins A and C, beta-carotene, and water. That makes it a hydrating and healthy snack that’s perfect for the warm season.
Cantaloupe’s sweetness can be appealing to dogs, and its fiber content aids in digestion. Like bananas, though, you’ll want to use melon primarily as an occasional treat, especially if your dog is overweight.
Blueberries
Often termed a superfood for humans, blueberries hold the same esteemed status in the canine world. They are rich in antioxidants, which are crucial for your dog's overall health for their role in disease prevention and cell repair.
Blueberries are also a great source of fiber and vitamin C. Their small size makes them perfect training treats, and you can choose to serve them either fresh or frozen.
Fruits to Avoid
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins are a well-known danger to dogs, capable of causing acute kidney failure even in small quantities. The exact substance that causes this toxicity is unknown, but the impact can be severe.
Symptoms of grape or raisin poisoning include vomiting, lethargy, and, in severe cases, a sudden decline in kidney function. Avoid giving any product containing grapes or raisins to your dog and seek immediate veterinary attention if they accidentally consume any.
Cherries
While the flesh of cherries may not be harmful, cherry pits, stems, and leaves all contain cyanide. Cyanide poisoning can interfere with cellular oxygen transport, which may eventually lead to oxygen deprivation.
Symptoms of cherry ingestion can include difficulty breathing, red gums, and dilated pupils. Keep any store-bought cherries out of your dog’s reach and ensure that they don’t have access to cherry trees or fallen cherries in your yard.
Avocado
Avocados contain a fungicidal toxin known as persin. This substance can be poisonous to dogs if ingested in large amounts.
While the flesh of the avocado is less harmful, the pit, skin, and leaves of the avocado plant are highly toxic. Persin can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and heart congestion in dogs. In addition, the avocado pit poses a significant choking risk and may also obstruct the digestive tract if swallowed.
Citrus Fruits (Lemons, Limes, Grapefruit, etc.)
While small amounts of the flesh of citrus fruits might not be immediately harmful, the high levels of citric acid and essential oils in the skin, pith, and seeds can be. Ingesting these parts of citrus fruits can cause stomach upset in dogs, including vomiting and diarrhea.
In larger quantities, citrus can potentially lead to more serious issues like central nervous system depression. Keep your dog away from citrus fruits to avoid any potential health complications.
The guide above isn’t at exhaustive list, but all the same, we hope it provides a helpful starting point for incorporating fruits into your dog’s diet. It’s also always best to consult with your veterinarian before feeding your dog anything new. With thorough research and expert advice in hand, you should have no trouble putting together healthy and hearty homemade meals for your beloved pet, some of which can contain their favorite dog-safe fruits.