At Wags to Wiskers Pet Supplies, we are big supporters of healthy, holistic, balanced diets when it comes to feeding your pets. There’s been so much talk in recent years of high-protein diets for pets, particularly dogs, that it sometimes seems like fruit and vegetables have fallen off the map a bit.
We try to be the best resource for pet supplies and pet advice in the Ann Arbor and Chelsea areas. For our southeast Michigan pet parents, we think it’s important they understand the importance of feeding their fur family a balanced diet. It can be easy to forget that just like people, animals need fruit and veggies everyday. To our pet parents whose pets eat better than they do, you deserve a gold star or something!
Fruit & Veggies in Your Pet’s Diet
Why they’re important:
Although fruits and vegetables are mostly tertiary ingredients in commercially available pet food, they can provide some key benefits including:
They are a relatively low calorie source of fiber and vitamins.
They are a relatively low calorie and natural way to add sweetness to the food.
They contain antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and possibly reduce the risk of some cancers. Dr Knapp, a veterinary oncologist at Purdue University found that serving dogs vegetables at least three times a week reduced the risk of bladder cancer by 70%.
They can be an additional source of water (in the canned foods), which can be especially important in the summer months.
They are a healthy, whole food source of vitamins and minerals.
In addition to fiber and phytonutrients, many fruit and veggies are a good source of potassium and have anti-inflammatory properties. Others supply manganese, a mineral essential for growth, metabolism and the body’s antioxidant system. the nutrients found in fruit and veggies help pets “synthesize glucose for energy and maintain healthy gut morphology,” and offer probiotic benefits.
For example, the antioxidants, vitamins and fiber found in cranberries support digestion, the immune system and metabolic function, in addition to promoting bladder and/or urinary tract health.
Fruit and veggies act as a “spark plug” for the immune system. The vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and antioxidants can also help pets resist serious diseases like cancer.
Where to find them:
Your local Wags to Wiskers Pet Supplies stores in Ann Arbor (2270 W. Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103) or Chelsea (1192 S. Main St, Chelsea, MI, 48118) each carry a number of brands that have an emphasis or focus place don fruit and veggies in their foods, including but not limited to:
Fromm
Holistic Pet
Primal
Wellness
Earth Animal
These are some of our best sellers and our list of foods that we support and endorse is pretty extensive, so stop by with your pet and have a chat with one of our knowledgable sales associates so we can get your pet the best food with the best components for a healthy life.
Want to feed them yourself?
Alright, go for it! BUT, before you do, check out the list of what’s safe and what’s not for your dog! Source: American Kennel Club
Yum
Apples
Bananas
Blueberries
Broccoli
Brussel Sprouts
Cantaloupe
Carrots
Celery
Cranberries
Cucumbers
Green Beans
Mangos
Oranges
Peaches
Pears
Peas
Pineapples
Raspberries
Strawberries
Spinach
Watermelon
Not-so-yum
Asparagus
Avocado
Cherries
Grapes
Mushrooms
Onions
Tomatoes
Luckily, the yummy list is longer than the not-so-yummy. Whenever you feed your dog “people-food,” be sure to keep a close eye on them when it comes to portions and reactions. Although the yummy list includes fruits and veggies that are considered safe for dogs, individuals can have different reactions.