Add some fall flavor to your dog’s diet with these tasty and nutritious seasonal favorites. Every single one of them is PACKED with good things to keep your dog healthy. Don’t worry if you are not a cook or baker – preparing healthy fall fruits and veggies for your pup is super simple!
#1 – Sweet Potato
Many dog food manufacturers use sweet potato in their formulas. Plain baked or boiled sweet potato – no sugar or marshmallow- is great for dogs!
#2 – Persimmon
An uncommon fruit in the dog product world, these little guys are low in fat and high in antioxidants. They are also a good source of dietary fiber.
#3 – Pumpkin
We all know pumpkin is amazing for your dog’s digestive system. It’s also low in fat and promotes urinary tract health.
#4 – Carrots
Carrots contain high levels of Vitamins A and Beta-carotene a powerful antioxidant which aids in improving eyesight. You can freeze them to make a great teething treat or use them as training treats.
#5 – Cranberries
You see cranberries in a lot of dog foods due to their health benefits – they promote urinary health in pets as well as being antioxidants.
#6 – Acorn Squash
Though not used in commercially made dog products, acorn squash, a cousin to the pumpkin, is full of good things: rich in vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and antioxidant compounds. So if you make homemade food or treats, you can add this fall favorite to the list.
#7 – Apples
Apples are great natural fiber sources and full of vitamins C and K, and Omega fatty acids. Want “to go” apples for your dog that won’t turn brown? Core and slice the apples and then soak them in lemon juice! Be sure to keep the seeds out of your dog’s snacks – a few won’t hurt him, but in large quantities they can be poisonous. It’s best to remove all the seeds anyway.
#8 – Ginger
Okay, so it’s an herb and not a veggie or a fruit, but we see a lot of it in fall cooking and it’s great for your dog. Its many benefits include anti-viral, anti-toxic, anti-fungal, as well as decreasing vomiting and nausea. It’s high in antioxidants, promotes gastrointestinal peristalsis and relieves stomach aches. If that wasn’t enough, it can reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and even help treat allergies. This recipe is sure to be a big hit with your dog!
#9 – Pomegranate
Like a lot of the other fruits on this list, the pomegranate is full of antioxidants with not too many calories (a bit higher than an apple). Note, remove seeds from skin and crush up in your dog’s food.
#10 – Sunflower Seeds
This fall treat is surprisingly good for your dog – just make sure they are unsalted and not shelled. Health benefits include anti-inflammatory and loaded with vitamin E, which is good for your dog’s skin and coat. They also promote heart health and can reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Toledo, United States.
