The Best Fruits for Your JRT

Can dogs eat fruit?

A lot of times when people think about feeding their pups, they think meat and meat-based products. That’s great — dogs love meat, and they need the protein — especially the muscular, athletic JRT. Add to the fact that some fruits are high in sugar, and that’s not great for any of us.

But dogs don’t just need protein. They also need vitamins, minerals, and fiber. And fruit has plenty of that.

So, which fruits are good for your JRT, and which are best left to people? Let’s have a look.

Bananas

Bananas are high in potassium. They also contain Vitamin C and Vitamin B6. They are high in sugar, so don’t make this a regular part of your buddy’s diet. And if your pup is overweight or diabetic, best to ask your vet, first.

But for a sweet treat, a banana can be a wonderful thing.

Blueberries

Blueberries are high in antioxidants. They also contain a number of compounds that help to protect against cancer and heart disease. Finally, they have plenty of fiber, to keep your doggy’s digestion rolling along.

Pumpkin

Ok, it’s not really a fruit, per se. It’s a squash. Nonetheless, pumpkin is fantastic for digestion. In fact, if your pup is suffering from either constipation or diarrhea, Pet MD says that pumpkin can help. In addition to that, pumpkin is loaded with Vitamin A and other antioxidants. Just make sure to get rid of the seeds and the rind.

Apples

Does an apple a day keep the vet away? Probably not, but apples are chock full of potassium, Vitamin C, and fiber. Just make sure to take out all the seeds, as apple seeds can be toxic to dogs.

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is just as good for dogs as it is for humans! First, it contains Vitamin A for eyesight. Also, like many fruits, cantaloupe is rich in Vitamin C. It’s also a good source of Vitamin B-6, fiber, folate, niacin and potassium. Again, though, make sure to get rid of the seeds and rind.

Watermelon

On a hot summer day, there’s nothing like a generous slice of cool, sweet, watery watermelon. And your Jack will love it, too! Watermelon has plenty of Vitamin C, as well as Vitamins A and B-6. It also has a fair amount of thiamin. Just be careful to get rid of the seeds and rind. Both are difficult to digest, and can cause your pup problems.

A Few Words of Caution

Plenty of fruits are good for your dog. But plenty of others can be harmful or even fatal. Never feed your dog these:

• Grapes
• Raisins
• Tomatoes
• Cherries (the fruit is fine; the pits and stems are poisonous)
• Currants
• Rhubarb

Also, go slow. Changing your dog’s diet, just like changing your own diet, can cause digestive problems and discomfort if you try to do too much too fast.

If you’re going to be supplementing your buddy’s diet regularly, check with your vet. Some fruits and vegetables can cause problems for dogs with certain medical conditions.

Remember that supplemental foods should make up a maximum of ten percent of your dog’s diet.

Finally, stick to raw or frozen fruit. Canned fruit often contains amounts of sugar that are as bad for dogs as they are for people. Some canned fruit, like fruit cocktail, may also contain fruits that are toxic for your dog.

Fruit Today Helps Your Dog to Play!

If your Jack has a sweet tooth — or even if he or she doesn’t — fruit can be a healthy treat. And while you’re in the kitchen, why not serve up a portion for yourself?

Does your Jack have a favorite fruit? Let us know in the comments!

Featured Image CC0 by Pixel2013 via Pixabay