Fruits are the hero amongst the food groups–well at least for us! They’re a naturally sweet and healthy alternative to sugary snacks such as cookies, cereals, and cakes. You can use them to add a special touch to any dish or dessert.
Fruits can also make a delectable treat for your pets, as long as you make sure to feed them responsibly and take precautions to research which ones are toxic and non-toxic for them. ( Always double-check with your veterinarian to be sure!) Here are some local and imported fruits we love that your furry friends can enjoy too:
Strawberries
When it comes to safe fruits for your pets, you should avoid cherries, grapes and raisins since they can cause kidney damage. Strawberries are highly recommended for your dogs and cats, with many health benefits, including heightened immunity and slowed aging. You can include strawberries within their food, either fresh, frozen, or pureed, and poured over pet food directly. Strawberries have well-known health benefits for humans as well. They are power packed with antioxidants that help your heart, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
Peaches
Peaches are a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants, which help guard your body against infections. Eating peaches can decrease inflammation, increase digestion, and support weight loss. Just make sure to take out the pits so that your dogs and cats can enjoy this mouthwatering treat!
Apples
Apples are another classic favorite. They’re rich in fiber and low in fat, so you can feed them to overweight and senior pets. An excellent source of vitamins A and C as well as other antioxidants, apples can improve brain health and lower the risk of chronic diseases. As the saying goes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away!
Blueberries
Blueberries are a favorite among health and fitness buffs and for a good reason. They’re low-calorie, rich in antioxidants, and healthy for your heart. Some nutritionists suggest consuming a cup of blueberries a day to increase cardiovascular health. They make great snacks, shakes, and dessert toppings. While cats do not get the same nutritional value from blueberries as humans do, it’s still a treat they will enjoy.
Pineapples
Philippine pineapples are unrivaled in sweetness compared to Hawaiian and Australian varieties. This sweet and sour treat is a rich source of nutrients and disease-fighting antioxidants. It boosts immunity and suppresses inflammation, making it a fantastic addition to you and your pet’s diet.
Watermelon
Watermelon is the fruit of the summer, and for an ultra-nourishing reason! Its 92% water composition makes it an excellent fruit to rehydrate and cool down. This popular, low-calorie fruit contains high amounts of vitamin A-C, B-6, and potassium, which are good for relieving sore muscles. If you’re sharing with your pets, make sure to remove the seeds! You can eat watermelon anytime of the year to stay hydrated and satisfy your sugar cravings.
Bananas
Another great occasional treat you can share with your pets is bananas! They are high in fiber, and sugar content, so they should be consumed in moderation. Bananas can help improve blood sugar and keep you fuller longer. Bananas are flexible fruits that can be eaten on their own or as the main ingredient in Filipino snacks like turon. This popular fruit is available all year round, too.
Papaya
Papayas are another popular, local favorite, since they’re a healthy choice of fruit feed for pets! They are a great source of fiber, healthy fat, moisture, and nutrients- they should also be fed in moderation since the fruit can be hard for some dogs to digest. Make sure to remove the seeds before serving your pets!
Mangoes
Philippine mangoes are well-loved globally. It’s no wonder they're our national fruit! They also make a tasty, sweet, and vitamin-packed snack for your pets. Make sure to cut the fruit up into small pieces for easy digestion, and to remove the middle pit as this contains enough cyanide to be poisonous to your pet! Don’t forget to treat yourself to a slice as well.
Coconut
Coconut is a Filipino food staple in most homes. The flesh and the juice are used in countless traditional recipes. Our favorite would have to be any dish with gata (coconut milk), which is the best way to enjoy this fruit! Eating coconut can boost your endurance, support better oral health, and facilitate weight loss- among numerous other benefits. They’re also okay to feed your pets, but only in small amounts to avoid bloating and gastrointestinal issues.
Avocado
Before avocados became trendy on social media, there was the Filipino favorite: best enjoyed mashed into an icy concoction with condensed milk and sugar. Fun fact! It's much cheaper to buy avocados here than it is abroad, as long as they are in season. Loaded with potassium, fiber, and monounsaturated fats, they’re as healthy as they are delicious! It is not technically unsafe to share a bit of avocado with your dog or cat, but the fruit contains persin, a fungicidal toxin, so it's best to give your furry pets avocados in small amounts.
Oranges
You should limit feeding your pets lemons, limes, and grapefruit, but among the citrusy fruits, oranges are your safest bet. Cats aren’t known to like oranges, but some dogs enjoy their sweet juiciness. While they are a good source of Vitamin C, they can give your pet stomach problems. You can occasionally let your dogs try them, but don’t make oranges a part of their diet.