Can you feed pets certain fruits and veggies?

Commercial pet treats can be high in calories and often have artificial colors or additives, leaving pet owners wondering what a good alternative to help keep their pet healthy and at their ideal weight. In moderation, some fruits and veggies can be a great substitute to commercial treats for your pet!

 

Yummy options include:

• Carrots
• Green beans
• Cucumbers
• Bananas
• Watermelon
• Peaches

Since most fruits are higher in sugar than vegetables, it’s a good idea not to overdo it with these sweet treats!

Important safety tips

• Avoid foods that are toxic for your pet including: grapes, raisins, currants, onions, garlic, chives, leeks, rhubarb, green tomatoes and wild mushrooms.
• Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables before feeding them to your pet.
• Remove thick peels, skins and rinds, stems, seeds, pits and cores to avoid fractured teeth, choking or gastrointestinal (GI) blockage. 
• Never feed a whole cob of corn to your pet, as some dogs tend to gulp the entire cob. If your dog eats parts of or the entire cob, it can get stuck in the stomach or intestinal tract causing an obstruction.
• Only feed your pet pieces of fruit that you would eat and toss the rest or compost it.

Like with any change in diet, new foods can cause GI upsets. Some pets may have allergies or sensitivities to certain fruits or veggies, so start by introducing one fruit or vegetable at a time. Make note of any changes in your pet’s health. Symptoms of a food allergy may include diarrhea or skin problems. If you suspect an allergy, check with your VCA veterinarian to confirm. 

Have questions about which fruits and veggies are safe for your pets? With Live Chat* through the myVCA app, our licensed veterinary professionals are always ready to answer your questions anytime, available day or night. >>

*Live Chat with a licensed veterinary professional is free for VCA clients through the myVCA mobile app, available at Apple’s App Store and Google Play.