Adding Nutritious Delights: 5 Fruits to Enrich Your Dog's Diet

Normal text.We all know that eating a variety of fruits and vegetables are great for us humans, but did you know that our canine friends can benefit from eating them too?

In this blog, we'll uncover the nutritional advantages that fruits can bring to our dogs' lives, by highlighting 5 fruity options and explaining how they can support their overall health and well-being. 

So, if you're curious about adding a burst of freshness and nutrition to your pup's bowl, keep reading as we unveil the bountiful benefits of fruits for dogs.

Blueberries are an amazing source of so many good things for your dog! They’re packed full of antioxidants helping to protect against free radicals, which can lead to ageing and diseases such as cancer.

They’re also high in manganese, which is needed to grow strong bones and keep the cartilage around joints healthy. As manganese is not abundant in meat, many dogs will likely suffer from a manganese deficiency if alternative sources are not added to their diets.

Studies in humans have shown that blueberries can have positive effects on brain health too, leading to theories that they can help to reduce the effects of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction.

Blueberries are also low in calories, so ideal for dogs who are watching their weight.

Cranberries are another great source of antioxidants, such as proanthocyanidins. These are good for dental health as they can help to stop the buildup of plaque and tartar on your dog’s teeth. 

Another antioxidant found in cranberries is quercetin. It’s a natural antihistamine so can help with allergies and is also an anti-inflammatory, making it beneficial for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

Cranberries are also high in Vitamin C, which is vital for a healthy immune system, giving your dog the best chance of fighting off infections or diseases.

Mangoes contain lots of water and are high in fibre, both of which are great for maintaining a healthy digestive tract.

Mangoes also contain potassium, which is needed to maintain healthy muscles including your dog’s heart. 

Although there are antioxidants in the skin, this can cause digestive problems in dogs so you should only feed the flesh of the fruit. As with many fruits, mangoes contain quite a lot of sugar so should only be fed in moderation and avoided if your dog is diabetic. 

Just like cranberries, oranges are high in vitamin C so will provide your dog with a great immune boosting snack. 

When feeding oranges to your dog, remove the peel and any pips that may be present in the fruit. Some dogs can be sensitive to citrus fruits, so introduce it slowly and feed in moderation.

Normal text.Ideal for mashing onto a lick mat or stuffing in a KONG, another fruit which provides a great source of potassium is the banana! 

On top of this, bananas contain magnesium which is important for bone health. In fact, after calcium and phosphorus, magnesium is the third most common mineral found in dogs’ bones.

Bananas also contain copper, which is needed to create red blood cells and to absorb iron. 

Although they’re packed full of nutrients, bananas are high in sugar so definitely best to be fed as a treat!

By thoughtfully incorporating fruits into your dog's meals or offering them as occasional treats, you can enrich their diet with essential vitamins, antioxidants, fibre, and natural goodness. 

Why not try adding a few of these wonderful fruits as toppers to complement your dog’s meals? As with a human diet, variety and moderation is key. Introduce any new foods gradually to ensure your dog tolerates them well.