As pet guardians, we want to always do what’s best for our dogs. A comfortable place to sleep, flea and mosquito protection, and plenty of quality time together are just a few things most family dogs have access to. And of course, meals and snacks are a part of the deal. But nowadays everyone is accustomed to feeding their dog food from a bag that comes from a grocery or pet store.

While many packaged foods are designed to provide all the nutrients your furry pal needs, they tend to be lacking in the area of fruits and vegetables. Dogs need access to fresh foods just as much as we do! Luckily, there are several raw fruits and vegetables that tickle the taste buds of most dogs, which makes giving them the nutrition and pleasure they need as easy as sharing your own fresh food snacks with them.

Here are a series of safe options you can treat your dog to today:

Carrots

The crunch of carrots help to scrape plaque off teeth, and the fiber in them supports optimal digestion. Carrots are also an excellent source of vitamin A which is good for strong eyesight and a shiny coat. Dogs love carrots just as they are, but shredding them and mixing them with a hint of cinnamon may even help fight off cancer. Because dogs deserve the healing benefits of food too, wouldn’t you agree?

Celery

Celery is a wonderful vessel for high-fat treats like nut butter and cream cheese, both of which dogs happen to love. Celery will help to keep your dog’s breath fresh, and it’s high in natural sodium which will satisfy his taste buds and also high in potassium to keep his electrolytes balanced. Serve celery in small chunks to eliminate the chance of your dog choking on celery strings as they inhale their snack.

Strawberries

Strawberries are nice and sweet which attracts dog right to them. Their small size makes them perfect for use as training tools. To increase the protein content of your dog’s berry treats, just push one or two pieces of dog food into each one. Fresh berries can also be added cooked with oatmeal and a little nut butter for a quick and super healthy doggy meal.

Bananas

Bananas are full of potassium which is essential in a dog’s diet for optimal bone growth and muscle function. Most dogs enjoy the creamy texture of bananas, so offering them whole shouldn’t be a problem. But if you want to kick things up a notch, try rolling banana chunks in crunchy buckwheat or whole wheat crackers to create a crunchy treat.

Zucchini

Zucchini is full of minerals that are just as good for your dog as they are for you. It’s also easy for most furry friends to digest, thanks to its soft texture. Cut a zucchini into slices the shape of chips to serve as treats, or make a meal of this fresh food by making noodles and topping them with some tomatoes and vegan meatballs for dinner.

These fruits and veggie options are sure to keep your pooch filled up without filling them out. In anticipation of you sharing these treats with them, your dog is sure to behave great too.

What Not to Feed Your Dog:

Be sure not to give your dog the following, which are toxic to dogs: raisins, onions, garlic, chocolate, avocado, coffee, tea, grapes, macadamia nuts, persimmons, peaches, plums, salt, sugary foods and drinks, alcohol, yeast dough, and even spice items like nutmeg, cocoa, vanilla extract with an alcohol base, and baking soda.

For other safe doggie treats, try out: Grain-Free Peanut Butter Dog Treats, Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits, and more tips on How to Make Dog Treats for Your Best Friend.

Image Source: Pet.Webmd.com