Cool evenings, beautiful leaves, amber sunlight—fall is upon us. Filled with delicious cuisine and homemade baked goods, fall is the best season for food bar none. Sadly, nearly all these holiday treats are unhealthy or just plain dangerous for our dogs, who will no doubt be begging for food scraps at upcoming holiday gatherings. Thankfully, there are several fall foods that we can feed our pups during the holiday season. Here are 9 foods you can feel good about feeding your dog this fall.
Remember to thoroughly wash all fruits & veggies before giving them to your dog. Just to be safe, we also recommend consulting a vet before incorporating new foods into your pet’s diet.
1. APPLES
From bobbing for apples and pie, to applesauce and cider, apples are a staple of fall festivities. Luckily, this delicious and healthy treat can be enjoyed by your pup, too (minus sugar, salt and other additives, of course).
High in fiber, antioxidants, vitamin C and A, apples can be given in slices, crushed into a sauce, or chopped and added to your dog’s regular diet (it’s excellent for dental health, too!). Just be sure to remove the entire apple core and seeds, as these contain poisonous arsenic and can be a serious choking hazard, too
2. GREEN BEANS
Supermarkets are stocked with green beans during fall—and that’s good news for man’s best friend.
Green beans are not only a good source of fiber, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and protein, but they’re especially beneficial for chubbier dogs, as they’re both low in calories and very filling. By adding raw or cooked green beans to your pup’s diet, you’ll promote healthy weight control and help regulate your dog’s blood pressure and immune system, too.
3. PUMPKIN
From lattes to pies and everything in between, pumpkin is ubiquitous during fall. Thankfully, your dog can join in on the fun, too!
By adding a few teaspoons of fresh or canned pumpkin to your pup’s food bowl, you’ll help promote improved digestive health as well as healthier skin and fur. But pay close attention to the ingredients label, as many types of canned pumpkin contain salt and sugar—additives which should never been given to your dog
4. SWEET POTATOES
As long as you hold the sugar, marshmallows, and other sweet & salty fixin’s, your dog can partake in sweet potatoes this holiday season, too. In addition to helping with constipation and diarrhea, sweet potatoes are a great source of B6 and vitamin C. Simply add a few teaspoons of cooked sweet potato to your pup’s food bowl, or give it as a reward for good behavior.
5. BEETS
Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, beets are yet another good vegetable to add to your dog’s diet in moderation. Dog’s with liver issues can especially benefit from beet consumption, as this root vegetable is renowned for its detoxifying abilities.
6. CRANBERRIES
Packed with vitamin A, B1, B2, C, and beneficial for urinary tract health, cranberries are a yummy way to enrich your dog’s diet this autumn.
Cranberries are best enjoyed raw and fresh, or in pure juice form. Avoid dry cranberries and juice cocktails, as the added sugars and preservatives can wreak havoc on your pup’s tummy. Because dogs aren’t built for a fruit-heavy diet, only give cranberries in moderation.
7. BUTTERNUT SQUASH
If your dog suffers from regular stomach problems, consider adding butternut squash to their bowl. While squash can add much needed fiber and potassium to your pup’s diet, make sure to thoroughly cook it first, as raw squash is difficult for animals to digest.
8. PEANUT BUTTER
While not strictly a fall food, there’s just something about the smooth, buttery texture of peanut butter that screams autumn. Of all the human foods healthy for dogs, peanut butter seems to be the one they enjoy the most. Thankfully for pet owners, peanut butter is just as healthy for dogs as it is delicious, providing a solid source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins B and E.
When choosing a peanut butter for your pup, read the label closely and select only a raw, unsalted, no-sugar-added variety. Especially look out for Xylitol, a sweetener added to many low calorie peanut butters, as it's outright toxic for dogs.
9. TURKEY
Thanksgiving turkey is almost here, and unlike most holiday foods, turkey is something you can feel good about sharing with your pup.
Lean, white meats like chicken and turkey are a fantastic, easily digestible source of protein for dogs. Just be sure to skip on the bones, spices of any type, and the skin (which is fatty).