Give fruits and vegetables to animals
It is not wrong in some cases to ensure a supply of fruit and vegetables to dogs and cats, especially as these foods help to hydrate and reinvigorate the body of these animals.
As veterinarians and nutritionists state, fruit and vegetables must not replace a meal, but can be given as alternative and healthy snacks, to vary a little compared to the commercialized industrial products, or they can be introduced occasionally and in small quantities into the baby food .
Obviously before you get to work and cook, make sure that your furry is in good health, free of particular allergies or diseases, and always ask your veterinarian for advice first!
Benefits for dogs and cats
The intestines of these animals would be the first organ to benefit, since it would increase its functionality thanks to the fibers, eliminating irregularities, dysfunctions and constipation.
But be careful not to overdo it: as explained by Animalpedia, the fiber intake should not exceed 35% of the dog's diet, for example, because so many fibers could obstruct the digestive tract.
It must be said that even the increase in precious minerals, vitamins and antioxidants would contribute to maintaining the health of dogs and cats, ensuring their protection, vitality and gradual physical aging. Furthermore, in the case of chubby dogs or cats, adding some plant foods to the diet can do nothing but good.
Vegetarian dogs and cats?
Dogs and cats are not vegetariatrians, of course. Therefore eating habits should not be radically subverted or modified for adult or elderly animals, often reluctant to accept new products in the daily diet.
While small doses of food of plant origin can already be given to puppies; in this case, the recommended fruit includes apple, pear, banana (without exaggeration!), apricots, but also watermelon (rich in fructose, do not overdo it), melon or exotic fruits like mango and papaya.
Absolutely to be avoided are avocado, citrus fruits, dried fruit in general, raisins included, and Macadamia nuts, which can be causes of physical suffering for animals. The fruit in general is administered raw, well washed, peeled and deprived of core or seeds.
The vegetable to be preferred, especially well cleaned, boiled or steamed, includes courgettes, green beans, broccoli, peas, carrots, pumpkin. In some cases, and especially for cats, it is good to cut them into small pieces and mix them with the rest of the usual jelly or use them to prepare the broth.
Red light instead of "strong" vegetables like garlic, onion, shallot or leeks; not even tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, raw potatoes or mushrooms are good, especially the latter can be very harmful to the liver.
Proper nutrition: new products for dogs and cats
Industrial products, home cooking or Barf diet?
A separate trend, on the market, in addition to fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables, there are also dry and dehydrated or moist products that contain a certain percentage of fruit or vegetables.
In general it is advisable not to give the dog or cat fruit or vegetables every day, but you can try to insert them in the meal once a week, varying it and alternating it, observing the specific reaction of the animal.
Simple and useful readings can be "Food and health for dogs and cats" by G. Biagi and C. Vecchiato; "The complete manual on dog and cat health", which also contains a dissertation on the Barf diet, by Jutta Ziegler.