Fall is a time for harvest, and so many delicious fruits and vegetables make it onto our plates during these months. Whether you're enjoying a delicious slice of apple pie or diving into a bowl of butternut squash soup, nothing beats the fall flavors.
Luckily, many of the wonderful harvest foods that we enjoy during fall are also perfect for our pets as well. Read on to learn which fall foods you can incorporate into your furry friend's diet this season.
1. Apples
Apples are a fall staple for savory and sweet dishes that humans eat, but they also make great snacks for your pets.
Apples are rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamins A and C, iron, and zinc. These help to strengthen your pet's immune system, reduce the risk of disease, and boost their overall health.
They're also a great source of fiber for your pet, especially the peels. The fiber content assists with your pet's digestion, helping them to break down their food more efficiently. Chewing on an apple can also help clean your pet's teeth.
However, like other high-fiber foods, too many apples can lead to digestive problems like diarrhea or vomiting. Apples also have a high sugar content with around 19 grams of sugar per apple, so feed your pet this fruit in moderation.
Before you feed your pet an apple, always remove the core and any seeds. Not only do they create a choking hazard, but apple seeds also contain a cyanide compound that can be poisonous to your pet if ingested in high doses.
2. Pumpkin
What would fall be without pumpkins? Luckily, your pets can also enjoy this quintessential autumn favorite. Pumpkins, as well as other squash, are considered superfoods for your pet because they’re packed with so many vitamins and minerals.
Pumpkins are full of antioxidants like beta-carotene and lutein which give them their signature orange color. These antioxidants are great for your pet's eyes, and they also help support their skin and coat health.
Pumpkin also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, like potassium and vitamin C, which support your pet's immune system, as well as prebiotics that promote digestive health.
What makes pumpkin such a great superfood for your pet, however, is the high content of soluble and insoluble fiber. Many veterinarians recommend adding pumpkin puree to your pet's food if they're experiencing digestive issues like diarrhea or constipation.
If you buy canned pumpkin, always make sure it's 100% pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie mix. Pumpkin pie mix includes a variety of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg that aren't safe for your pet to consume.
3. Sweet Potato
Like pumpkin, sweet potato is also full of antioxidants like beta-carotene that support your pet's eye health. They're also a low-fat food that's full of vitamins and minerals like vitamins A and B6, calcium, and potassium, all of which help support your pet's vital functions like their muscles and nerves.
Sweet potatoes are also rich in fiber, helping to improve your pet's digestive health and allowing them to feel fuller for longer. They're often included as a source of carbohydrates in grain-free pet food too.
Sweet potatoes make great treats for your pet, but they should be fed in moderation because of their high sugar content. If your pet is diabetic or overweight, avoid feeding them sweet potatoes because they have a high glycemic index – making them dangerous for pets with diabetes.
You should also avoid feeding your pet raw sweet potato. It can be difficult to chew, and your pet's digestive system will have difficulty breaking it down. Instead, boiling, baking, or roasting are all fantastic, healthy options.
4. Cranberries
Cranberries are common on Thanksgiving dinner tables, but these tart fruits can also be a great snack for your pet. Despite their small size, cranberries pack a nutritional punch and are considered a superfood for pets and people alike.
Cranberries are rich in antioxidants including anthocyanins, quercetin, and polyphenols. All of these help to protect your pet's immune system, fighting against inflammation, disease, and cognitive decline.
As your pet ages, their body creates free radicals. While some free radicals are natural, too many of them can damage your pet's cells, making them age faster. Antioxidants help control these free radicals and slow oxidation, keeping your pet feeling younger for longer.
Cranberries are also full of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, E, B1, B2, and K, as well as dietary fiber. Because they're low in calories, they also make a great snack or treat without risking your pet becoming overweight.
5. Carrots
Carrots make an ideal pet treat because they're rich in vitamins and nutrients but low in fat and calories. Your pet can enjoy lots of carrots without worrying about the additional calories added to their diet.
These orange vegetables are full of vitamin A, potassium, and fiber. They get their signature color from beta-carotene, an antioxidant that's great for your pet's eyesight, as well as their immune system.
The crunchy texture of carrots also makes them an ideal chew toy. You can even freeze carrots to make the perfect toy for a teething puppy or kitten. The texture is also ideal for helping keep your pet's teeth clean.
Carrots are versatile vegetables that can be fed to your pet in a variety of ways, from raw to steamed or pureed. So, experiment to see what your pet likes best.
Which Fall Foods Does Your Pet Love?
There are so many delicious fall foods to choose from for your pet and many ways that you can prepare them. Whether you mix some pumpkin puree into your pet's kibble or use a few cranberries as treats during your next training session, they'll love getting a taste of the fall season!
Just make sure to consult with your vet before making any changes to your pet's diet. They'll be able to share expert advice on which fall foods would work best for your pet and which you should avoid.
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