10 Summer Super Foods for Dogs.

Summer is finally here and it brings with it a lot of juicy, sumptuous and healthy natural treats for one and all. And when we say `all’ we mean to include even your darling dogs! We have more than one reason to love summers. Definitely longer days interspersed with sunny spells and cool breeze are to be rejoiced but what really pleases us is the season’s produce of fresh vegetables and fruits. So here’s to celebrating summers with your pets in the healthiest way possible. Certain summer vegetables and fruits are deemed safe for dogs and even enjoy a stamp of approval from the American Kennel Club (AKC). Feel sure to serve the furry palates a platter of those greens or a bowl of fruits, and see dogs revel in nature’s goodness!

1. Water melon: Some pieces of this succulent fruit sans the seeds and the outer cover make for an ideal summer treat for the dog. Not only is this fruit hydrating in nature but is packed with fiber & potassium as well as vitamins A, B6 and C. Water melons comprise of 90% water, thus serving as an excellent way to beat the heat!
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2. Cucumbers: The best thing about cucumbers is that it is really very low on sugar content and carbohydrates making it a suitable snack for obese dogs on the way to shed some weight. Without worrying about putting on calories let your pooch enjoy the bounty of vitamins B1, B7, C and K along with potassium, magnesium, and copper. (Image-http://bunkblog.net/)

3. Bananas: This soft and tasty fruit comes with a healthy dose of fiber, potassium, copper, biotin and other vitamins such as B6 and C. Modest servings is the safest bet for the pet owing to the fruit’s high dose of

4. Beans: A low-calorie crunchy snack with vitamins, minerals and fiber, your dog will relish! Chop into small pieces and serve them fresh, frozen, raw or cooked minus spices/salt and see your pet go gaga over these greens.

5. Oranges: This yummy and juicy fruit is safe as long as given without any seeds and peel to the pet. It’s a powerhouse of essential vitamins (A, B1, B6 & C) minerals (iron & calcium) and fiber. (Image-www.dogscaneat.com)

6. Spinach: A moderate amount of spinach every now and then and what you have is a healthy happy furry buddy by your side! Spinach does wonders to bone health along with tackling gastrointestinal disorders. This leafy veggie consists of fiber and the following vitamins: A, C, B and K.

7. Mangoes: This delicious tropical delight is often a weakness of many taste buds including canine sensibilities. It’s completely safe to feed the fruit’s flesh. But remember that you cannot feed its peel or pit to the pet. Mango is extremely healthy for the dog as it is a rich source of Vitamin A, B6, C, E, flavonoids, antioxidants (prevent cancer), and fiber (aids in digestion). All of this goodness put together in the fruit also helps to strengthen the immune system and lowers the cholesterol.(Image-thesmartcanine.com)

8. Potatoes: It should never be fed in its raw form. Peel the potatoes first and then cook/boil, mash or bake them. Once done with the preparation wait for the food to cool off before serving. A small portion given occasionally to the dog will definitely do some good by supplying it with additional iron. Never use oil/butter, milk, salt or spices while cooking potatoes as they can only be offered to the pooch in its plain/insipid form. Image:www.dogster.com

9. Pineapple – One to two slices of this fruit will be a suitable serving for the pooch in a sitting. Remove the outer cover and chop it into little pieces before serving it. The fruit’s consumption comes with many health benefits including better immunity and digestion. Image – www.akc.org

10. Pumpkin – Cook some fresh pumpkin without oil and spices/seasoning and serve it to the pet. It can also be offered in a plain pureed form. Pumpkin helps in preventing constipation in dogs as it is rich in dietary fiber. It also helps tackle diarrhea. Pumpkins contain beta-carotene, vitamin A, iron and potassium.(Image-www.dengarden.com)

Disclaimer : A word of caution for the pet parents, avoid excess when it comes to serving the pooch fruits and vegetables. Firstly, fruits are rich in sugar and too much sugar is a big NO for canines. Secondly, extra consumption of vegetables or fruits can lead to gastrointestinal distress. Always speak to your vet before altering the pet’s diet especially if it has suffered from food allergies in the past.