Should Your Dog Be Eating Fruit And Vegetables?

Adding fruit or some veggies aren't only a great way to help overweight dogs lose weight, but they also play an integral role in the overall health of our dogs.

1. Biologically, Dogs Are Not Pure Carnivores Nor Pure Herbivores.

We used to think dogs were carnivores, but now, we think differently. Dogs, like wolves, have consumed vegetables since the beginning of their existence, classifying them as omnivores. They have been scavenging for fruits like berries and even rotten fruits and vegetable matter that they can find in the wild.

2. Vegetables Provide Alkalinity to a Dog's Diet

Dogs need vegetables because It's essential to maintain the balance of alkalinity and acidity in their diet.

Meat causes the body to be more acidic; too much acidity can cause inflammation, leading to many health conditions.

So, we need to neutralize this by adding fruits and vegetables that have an alkalizing effect. 

Plus, vital organs such as the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, hormones, heart, and kidneys perform better in an environment with more alkalinity. A well-balanced diet and proper pH level will also help to achieve overall good health and natural healing.

3. Vitamins and Minerals

Raw, unprocessed vegetables provide dogs with the most nutrients, just like it does for us humans. Letting our dogs eat greens, such as alfalfa, kelp, and parsley, are excellent sources of minerals.

Dark leafy greens consist of magnesium, potassium, and magnesium - all of which dogs need to achieve optimal health!

Carrots, peas, green beans, and sweet potatoes are also good sources of potassium which promote and support the muscles, nerves, and kidneys.

Although commercial dog foods are made with vegetables, almost all of the original nutrients of vegetables are lost through rendering and processing.

4. Hydration

Hydration is key. Just like us hoomans, dogs can also struggle from dehydration.Especially dogs fed a dry, kibble diet is in a constant state of thirst and dehydration.

If you see that your dog seems to be lethargic and has dryer eyes, mouth, and nose than usual, he might be dehydrated. Fruits and vegetables are a must to avoid this from happening since they are great natural sources of water

5. Phytonutrients

In the 1900s, experts noticed that eating diets rich in fruits and vegetables help protect people from severe health conditions such as heart disease, cancers, and diabetes. This is all because the phytonutrients found in vegetables and are an essential health booster for you.

But, how about your dog?

Phytonutrients aren't necessary to your dog's growth or development. However, studies do show that they contribute to overall health.

Other benefits of Phytonutrients also include:

• Reduced inflammation
• Improved gut health
• Helps in eliminating cancer cells
• Promotes a healthy liver

Free radicals are unstable molecules from the metabolism process and can build up over time.

Antioxidants help neutralize the excess free radicals and are only found in their natural forms, meaning that there is no other way to get these nutrients other than fresh, uncooked fruits and vegetables.

7. Enzymes

Enzymes are special proteins that help our pets digest foods and can help their metabolism, especially if they are tropical fruits. These enzymes are also helping our pets with anti-aging, anti- degeneration and are pro-health.

Role of Enzymes:

• Immune function
• Reduce inflammation
• Remove toxins and waste from the body
• Hormone regulation
• Slow the rate of aging

8. Fiber

Vegetables and fruits are full of natural fibers that can be converted into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These chains help build immune cells and protect links in the gut.

Fibers also have antioxidant properties to clear toxins and also binds to cancer-causing substances.

9. Complete and Balanced

We tell elementary school kids that a nutritious, healthy diet consists of fruits, vegetables, and protein; it is biologically appropriate for us. Why should our pups be any different? 

Dogs are naturally omnivores. Thus, fresh fruits and veggies are the best way to keep our dogs healthy! Sure, they aren't mini-humans, but they deserve what is biologically appropriate for them.