Fruits and Veggies: Dog Food Alternatives

Because of its accessibility and availability in the market, dog breeders and owners choose more often to feed their doggies with commercial dog foods. However, lesser of us know that even at home, we can find a lot of food sources we could give to our dogs. Aside from left-over foods, dogs can even be provided with raw vegetables and fruits that their digestive system could tolerate. One good thing about feeding them with fruits and vegetables is that it contains almost 1/5 of what a dog's body requires.

By giving such foods to them, we should consider their sizes to satisfy their everyday diet needs. Take this as an example: If you wish to give your poodle a carrot, it is fine. But if you would give her a bunch of vegetables that even an adult person cannot eat them all, that's wasting a blessing. And if you are going to give a Doberman some pieces of blueberries or mangoes, perhaps you would receive a "thank you" response in a form of doggie Doberman's grinning.

Humans especially kids hate eating vegetables. But lucky for dog keepers, these animals enjoy the taste of their meal when they are eating veggies and fruits. Others prepare them cooked for dogs. However, if your dog doesn't want to eat cooked foods, you can give them raw ones, while others put them into blenders and extract the juice and combine it with the dog's ordinary diet. If your dog feels hesitated to accept the food at first, slowly feed them and in time they would learn themselves consuming those accessible cheaper foods.

Aside from cutting your expenses regarding your dog's diet, natural foods are known to help in obesity prevention for dogs. When you start to notice that your dog is gaining weight, instead of always offering your dog those fatty and meaty canned meals, make some alternatives by offering him treats with a fruit dipped in strawberry jam or peanut butter. Some fruits are colorful and appealing so you won't have a hard time on feeding them. Fruits and veggies are rich sources of fibers that also help in cleansing the digestive tracts of dogs. By regularly doing this, you will soon find that your dog' weight will begin to decline.

A lot of choices are available in the market and you can even get from your garden. Fruits that dogs are allowed to eat include pineapples, strawberries, bananas, peaches, and other sorts of fruits. Be always careful because not all fruits are edible for them. There are some that are toxic for them. Examples are raisins, cherries and grapes. You should also refrain giving them citrus fruits as it may disturb their stomach. Also, if your dog is diabetic, you should not give them dehydrated ones because it often has higher sugar-content.

Veggies that can be given your dogs include green leafies that human also can eat. They are beans, broccoli, cabbage, cucumber, spinach and also carrots that are a good source of beta-carotene. These are helpful if your dog receives only less amounts of antioxidants from his supplements.

There are more food sources your dog could be pleased to eat. Just learn what your pet really needs and likes.