Fall is the perfect time to make lots of great food. There are certain flavors that just feel like fall, and it makes sense that we’d want to share them with our human and furry friends. But what is safe to share with your pup? While you should always consult your veterinarian to determine what is best for your individual dog, here are a few guidelines before you invite your pup to the table.
Pumpkin
Both canned and fresh pumpkin are great sources of fiber, and so they are a wonderful digestive aid that can help with both constipation and diarrhea. When feeding pumpkin, be sure it is plain pumpkin rather than pumpkin pie filling. Plain pumpkin is safe for dogs as it does not contain any sugars, xylitol, or other unsafe ingredients commonly found in pumpkin pie.
Sweet potato
Sweet potato is a flavorful addition to your pup’s diet during fall. However, be sure to give sweet potato in moderation and be sure that the potatoes are cooked, peeled, and unseasoned. Some seasoning is unsafe for dogs and raw sweet potatoes with skins can be choking hazards. Keeping these considerations in mind, sweet potatoes can provide extra flavor, fiber, and fun to your pup this fall.
Turkey
Turkey may be fall food your dog already enjoys as it’s not an uncommon protein in dog food and dog treats. As with sweet potato, turkey is safe to feed dogs as long as it is unseasoned. It is also important not to feed bones or overly fatty parts of the turkey. Ground turkey is another great option for feeding this protein.
Turkey is jam-packed with nutrients such as magnesium, zinc, vitamin B12, and potassium. You can also offer Turkey Tail supplements to help offer these benefits regularly.
Cinnamon
Given correctly and in moderation, cinnamon has many health benefits for dogs! Be careful to feed the right kind of cinnamon and to only give a little, and your dog may experience benefits such as improved cognitive function, joint relief, and improved oral hygiene.
Apples
Apples are another great fall ingredient your dog can enjoy. While apple cores and seeds are unsafe, the fruit itself is perfectly fine. So, while you enjoy your apple cider, your pup can enjoy some apple pieces as a snack, or you can give apple treats. In fact, apples can provide extra dietary fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C to your pup’s diet.
Cranberries
Cranberries provide many health benefits and can be offered to your dog in moderation. Cranberries can boost urinary health, are full of antioxidants, and support the immune system. Be sure to feed only fresh or dried cranberries, and nothing with added sugar or xylitol, as that could pose some health concerns.
Green beans
Plain green beans are an excellent treat or snack for your pup! Green beans are full of nutrients such as iron, calcium, and an assortment of vitamins. They’re also rich in fiber and low-calorie, which can mean great things for overweight dogs who need a healthy treat.
Carrots
Carrots are a fantastic treat for dogs and can even be given frozen to pups as a way of offering a teething aid. As long as you supervise your pup or assure that pieces are not large enough to be a choking risk, carrots are another healthy treat or snack. Like other ingredients mentioned here, carrots have a good deal of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants which can help with a regular gastrointestinal system and a healthy coat.