If you are looking for the healthiest sweet treats for your puppy or kitten, you don’t have to go much farther than your kitchen pantry as part of your happy pet home. With growing demands for freshly prepared organic food, your pets also deserve to get organic treats. Before picking out a snack for your pet, make certain that the snacks are healthy for your feline or canine friend, as some foods can be advantageous while others can prove to be toxic.
Kittens and puppies are carnivorous in nature, which means that their digestive system is designed to tolerate and assimilate meat and meat-based food products. Your furry friend is a natural meat-eater, and animal protein is a good source of necessary nutrients for them.
If you’re making up your mind on feeding fruits to your pet kitten or puppy, make sure to introduce them as a supplement in their diet slowly and gradually to prevent their stomach from getting upset.
For adding a good amount of vitamins, fibers, and other beneficial nutrients to your little friend’s diet, some fresh fruits can prove to be great supplements. However, the primary food your pet eats remains the most significant source of dietary nutrients. This is why you should always go for the best kitten food or puppy food for your pet.
Here is a list of eight healthy fruits that kittens and puppies can ingest without you being worried about tummy ache and indigestion.
Watermelon (8)
Can kittens and puppies eat watermelon? Absolutely. The meat of watermelon carries a color and scent that is similar in many ways to the actual meat. That’s why watermelon is very appealing to some felines and even canines.
Watermelons are a good choice of snack for your pet as they contain a fairly large water content that can keep your pets hydrated and cool during the summers. Watermelons are also rich in certain vitamins and minerals that are favorable to their health.
If consumed in moderation, this fruit offers important benefits. Make sure to properly remove the seeds and rinds from the watermelon before feeding it to your pet.
Banana (7)
Humans should not be the only ones who can enjoy the health benefits of a tasty banana. Bananas are a rich source of potassium and zinc, and they make for an excellent pet snack. You can replace highly processed treats with a few slices of banana. The potassium content, vitamins, and high fiber are as beneficial for pets as they are for humans.
It keeps their digestive system healthy, has a positive effect on their nervous system, and fights inflammation. The high potassium content helps strengthen the bones and improve calcium absorption. So if your pet has developed a taste for a banana, make sure to feed them this delicious and healthy snack every now and then.
Blueberries (6)
Possessing incredible nutritional benefits, blueberries can make an excellent addition to your pet’s diet. These are tiny and delicate fruits, so there is no choking hazard and can make an excellent occasional treat.
Blueberries are a great source of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and essential nutrients and rank among the top superfoods that are good for maintaining brain health. When it comes to kittens, they can enjoy this tangy treat every now and then in a limited quantity, as a high-calorie intake can lead to excess weight gain.
Apple (5)
Kittens and puppies can consume apples in a moderate amount without any negative effects on their health. Apples are an abundant source of essential micronutrients like vitamin A, C, K, and significant minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin C can help improve your pet’s immune system, boosting health and preventing illness.
Apples are, in general, safe for your pets to eat. However, you should take some safety precautions. Pets should not be allowed to eat the seeds of an apple, be sure to remove the stem and apple core as they can also lead to choking.
Mango (4)
Mango is one of the most flavored, tasty, and nutrient full snacks for your puppies and kittens. Mangoes being sweet are truly enjoyed by pets. The soft fruit makes it easier for pets to swallow and digest it.
The fruit indeed is loaded with different types of vitamins. For instance, vitamins A, B6, C, and E prove to be essentially healthy for pets. Just make sure you peel it off properly to avoid any unnecessary trouble for your pet so that they can easily enjoy the sweet pleasures of mango pulp.
Apricot (3)
Apricot can be a very juicy amusement for your pets to enjoy. The fruit serves not only as a tasty snack but also is rich in vital nutrients like beta carotene and potassium, which can be very helpful against carcinogens. Moreover, the fruit is a treasure of a lot of vitamins and antioxidants.
To ensure your pet’s safety, make sure that the fruit is seed-free. Seeds, if engulfed, can be uncomfortable for pets as it contains cyanide which has proven to be toxic to your little fluffy friends.
Pineapple (2)
Pineapple is another great fruit that can make a healthy snack for your cute pet. It complements their diet and helps in protein and carbohydrate absorption. It is a source of carbohydrates, sugars, potassium, and important vitamins such as vitamin A and vitamin C.
Pineapples can prove to be a great booster for your pet’s immune system. If you want to serve Pineapple to your pet, make sure to peel off the skin thoroughly, remove all the seeds, cut it into small manageable pieces, and dish it up.
Pear (1)
Pears are fully packed with plenty of vitamins, fibers and can be given as occasional treats. Kittens and puppies should be served with raw and fresh pears. Just slice off a pear’s pulp and let your pet enjoy a snack enriched with nutritional supplements. Don’t forget to remove the seed before the pear is served as the seeds contain cyanide which can be toxic to pets.
Bottom Line
As a pet parent, I want to share whatever I eat with our pets, as long as it’s good for them. Fresh fruits compensate for the lack of vitamins and minerals and are loaded with antioxidants that keep their fur, skin and eyes healthy.
Remember that kittens and puppies are still natural meat-eaters and we know you want to be the best pet parent possible!. They have a very small capacity to regulate fruits and should therefore be given fruits in moderate quantities.
Happy fruit snacking and pet parenting!
photo credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/V2k_xw-miO0
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