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Dietary Needs
Natural Nutrition
Did you know that certain fresh fruits and vegetables are delicious and healthy treats for your senior?
For example, bananas provide potassium for healthy bones, while cantaloupe is filled with antioxidants. Fruit also has natural sugars, so it should be given in small doses.
We have all been there...those big eyes staring at you...compelling you to share whatever human treat you are consuming! It is important to learn what is safe and what is not before sharing human foods with your dog.
What is okay and not okay to give your dog?
All dogs have nutritional needs specific to them. It is important to know what is okay to give your dog and what is not to keep them happy and healthy. For example, Chloe has kidney disease and cannot eat many things the other seniors can. Likewise for Lilly, who has liver disease, and Phoebe, who is diabetic.
Most importantly, there are many human foods that are harmful to pets. Make sure you know what is okay for your dog, and when in doubt, check with your veterinarian.
Healthy Fruits and Vegetables for your Dog
Apples- high in fiber and vitamins- but remove the seeds and core first.
Bananas- rich in potassium and also soothing for the stomach
Bell Peppers- boosts the immune system
Blueberries- full of antioxidants
Carrots- low calorie and good for teeth
Cucumbers- low calorie, but full of vitamins and minerals
Green Beans- low in calories but high in nutrition
Kale- vitamin and calcium rich
Peas- high in fiber and vitamins
Pumpkin- a healthy treat that also calms digestive problems
Raspberries- also high in antioxidants
Strawberries- full of vitamin C
Sweet Potatoes-high in fiber and vitamins
Watermelon- potassium rich, but remove the seeds and rind first
There are others that are safe for some dogs, such as broccoli and cauliflower, but they can cause a gassy tummy.
Others are safe for some dogs, but not others, such as spinach, which is not good for dogs with kidney problems. Every dog is different, so know what is good for yours.
Keep in mind that even healthy fruits and vegetables can be bad for your dog when given in excess. This is especially true of fruits, which are rich in natural sugars.
Unhealthy Fruits and Vegetables for your Dog
Asparagus
Avocado
Cherries
Coconut
Grapefruit
Grapes (also raisins)
Lemon
Lime
Persimmon
Plums
Rhubarb
Onions
Seeds and Stones of any fruit
Wild Mushrooms
Tomatoes
Human Foods Toxic to Dogs
Here are some human foods that are very toxic to dogs:
Alcohol
Baking Soda
Bones (especially in chicken or fish)
Caffeine
Candy
Chives
Chocolate
Coffee
Dairy
Fatty Foods
Garlic
Gum
Hops
Milk
Moldy food
Mustard
Nutmeg
Nuts
Raisins
Salty foods
Spoiled foods
Sugar
Tea
Undercooked or raw eggs or meat
Xylitol (this artificial sweetener can cause liver failure)
Yeast dough
Herbs Beneficial to Dogs
Here are some herbs that are good for your dog, but like any good thing, it should be given in moderation or it can cause an upset stomach and other side effects.
Basil- good for the immune system
Chamomile- calming effects
Cinnamon- anti-inflammatory
Ginger- calms the stomach
Mint- promotes good breath
Parsley- flushes toxins
Rosemary- heart healthy
Turmeric- immunity booster