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As with many of the items picked up at the grocery store, we always wonder if they are good for us humans, are they good for my dog too? Meats, nuts, fruits, vegetables, dairy? You might be doing the same.

On my grocery list this week was plenty of fruits and vegetables for our kids. This time of year all of the fruit looked so good, it had me wondering if I could share all that was in my cart with our dogs? We will enjoy the fruit as a family, why not offer our dogs some too?

Feeding fruits can offer several health benefits including

• Being Nutrient-Rich: Fruits are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall health.
• Full of Antioxidants: These compounds can help free radicals in the body.
• Can Help with Hydration: Some fruits like watermelon are high in water content and can help with hydration.
• Digestion: Fiber found in many fruits such as pumpkin can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy gut.
• Dental Health: Chewing on certain fruits, like apple slices, can help clean teeth and reduce plaque buildup.

Included are some dog-friendly fruits and their associated benefits

• Apples: Good sources of Vitamins A and C and fiber too
• Bananas: Very high in potassium and fiber
• Blueberries: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins
• Strawberries: High in fiber and Vitamin C
• Pumpkin: Rich in fiber and can help move things along the digestive tract
• Mango: Packed with vitamins A, B6, C and E
• Watermelon: Good for hydration and full of vitamins A, B6 and C

However, not all fruits should be fed to dogs or are as good for them. Grapes or raisins can cause kidney trouble and citrus fruits can cause an upset stomach due to their citric acids. In addition, some fruit with seeds, pits or tough skins can pose some choking hazards.

What we have found is, you must do your homework and do your own testing (in small amounts of course) at home with your pet. This should help you understand if a food that you have found beneficial to your health is as good for your pets.

At Activa Custom, we have done our best to introduce fruit and vegetables in our foods and treats. Consider our Blueberry, Pumpkin, Cherry, or Cranberry Gourmet Biscuits all made with real fruit. In addition, consider adding Nutritional Supplements like No Scoot (pumpkin) or Veggie (peas, carrot, potato, tomato, pumpkin). Or for your cats, you may want to add Hairball which includes papaya and pineapple to your next bag of Activa Grain Free or Original.

If this is the first time you have fed fruits, as with all first time foods you will want to introduce them gradually and in moderation. This is to avoid any sort of adverse reactions. Monitor your pet for any allergic reactions or sensitivities introduced by the new food. If you are still unsure, consult with a veterinarian before making any significant changes to your dog or cat’s diet.