The air is crisp, pumpkin spice has made its way back into your local coffee shops, and folks are breaking out the sweaters. The season is changing! And there’s nothing like sharing a fresh autumn harvest with your pup. Ask your veterinarian about incorporating these 5 natural fall goodies for dogs, that include seasonal fruits and veggies to your pet’s diet this fall:
Pumpkin
This staple gourd is considered to be a superfood for dogs. It contains vitamins and minerals that boost your pup’s nutrition. Pumpkin is also high in fiber and has been known to aid dog’s digestion, specifically when experiencing issues with diarrhea. There are many ways to feed your dog pumpkin, but the most popular ways are canned or raw. When serving pumpkin pureé, skip the cinnamon and spices. Plain canned pumpkin in moderation is usually best. If you’re going the raw route, be sure to remove the skin, stem, and pulp, and set any seeds.
Apple
This crispy fruit makes for an excellent treat. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, apples are a tasty, low-calorie snack. However, apples are high in sugar which is a no-no for your dog’s health. When serving apples, like most things, always serve in moderation — 1-2 slices. Beware of seeds! Apple seeds contain small amount of cyanide–a toxin–and can act as a choking hazard. The tough apple core and the stem could also choke your dog. It’s best to cut it apple into cubes after removing the core, stem, and seeds. If you’re interested in cooking apples for your pup, try baking plain apple chips!
Sweet Potato
This delicious veggie is rich in fiber and vitamins like A, B6, and C. Sweet potatoes are a little high in carbs, but they’re good for an occasional treat. Sweet potato should never be served raw. Before cooking, be sure to remove the skin and cut into bite-sized pieces. I’ve prepared baked sweet potato for my dog, as well as baked sweet potato chips and he loves both!
Persimmon
This sweet fruit is one of my personal fall-favorites, especially because I can share a bit with my dog! Be modest about how much you give your pup, as this is a sugary fruit. Too much can cause an upset stomach that may lead to diarrhea. Be sure to also remove the seeds and pit before serving. While they are not toxic, they can cause intestinal blockage and that doesn’t sound fun for anyone.
Butternut Squash
Similar to pumpkin, butternut squash is rich in vitamins, fiber, and potassium. It is recommended that you serve this nutty veg cooked and plain with the skin and seeds removed. For all the extra dog-parents out there, try this veggie-packed Turdoggen recipe by Chef Kiki from Rover.
Keep in mind that veggies are usually best served cooked and chopped in bite-size pieces. And if your pup is tired of the usual doggy biscuit, the fruits and veggies mentioned in this post will definitely add variety to his meals. Just keep in mind that treats should only be 10% of his daily calorie intake and always consult your vet before serving Fido raw foods.
Want to check out more treats for your pooch? Here are some other posts to add to your list:
3 Homemade Dog Treats for Fall
