How to Feed Dogs Fruits & Vegetables as Snacks

Vegetables and fruit are an alternative to traditional dog snacks.

Feeding your dog a natural diet doesn't limit you to organic kibble. You can feed your dog fresh fruits and vegetables as a supplement to meals and as snacks between meals. Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and nutrients to your dog. Keep in mind, however, that some fruits and vegetables are toxic to dogs, including grapes, tomatoes, garlic, onions, avocados and corn. Check with your veterinarian anytime you change your dog's diet. Some good foods to try are green beans, mashed sweet potatoes, mashed bananas, carrots, broccoli and leafy greens.

Instructions

1. At meal times, mix a vegetable or fruit of your choice with your dog's food. This will get him used to eating something different.

2. At regular snack times, offer your dog a vegetable or fruit with a small amount of her regular food mixed in.

3. Once your dog becomes used to the new foods he's eating, offer him only fruits and vegetables at snack time. If he still won't eat the new foods by themselves, return to Step 2 and decrease the amount of regular dog food each day until he eats just fruits and/or vegetables as snacks.

Tips & Warnings

• Be prepared for looser stools when your dog begins eating more fruits and vegetables.

• Make sure you cut vegetables and fruits into bite-size pieces or process them in a food processor so they do not pose a choking hazard.

References

• Well Vet: Feeding Your Dog
• Ask the Vet: Fruits and Vegetables for Dogs