Saturday, July 2, 2011

An Apple A Day for Doggie

By Jerry Welsh


Pet parents have the habit of sharing their foods with the pets because dogs are well. A responsible dog owner would make it a point to know the people food that must not be given to the pet. Apples are highly nutritious for humans but is the fruit really dangerous to dogs? Can the dog derive the same benefits humans get from eating apples?

Apples are favorite treats of dogs. These luscious fruit contain phytonutrients that are proven to help in the prevention of some types of cancer. These crunchy treats for the pet is a good source of dietary fiber and vitamins A and C. One of the common ailments of dogs is hip dysplasia and the vitamin C found in apples can help in the prevention of this disease. Apples contain high levels of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. The nutrients found in apples will help prevent some canine diseases and ensure the good condition of the skin and coat thus pet owner make sure that the fruit is included in the diet of the pet.

An apple a day will keep the vet away. Like humans, dogs too would gain healthful benefits by eating fruits. Some dogs owners though that have heard about the dangerous effects of apples on dogs would prevent the pet from eating these luscious fruits. Dogs are well loved pets thus it is only natural for pet parents to be concerned with foods that can harm the pet. Would you prevent the dog from eating apples or would you include the fruit in the dog's diet?

If I were you I would give the pet apples but - in moderation. Apple is perfectly safe for the dog as long as you do not allow the pet to eat the seeds. The amygdlin, a form of cyanide that is contained by apple seeds is highly toxic to dogs . This substance found in the seeds of apples has the dangerous effect of causing the abnormal functioning of the blood. Dogs that regularly consume apple seeds can suffer from damaged intestinal lining.

Diarrhea would occur if the pet is allowed to eat large amounts of apples. Apples contain naturally occurring sugar. Naturally occuring sugar is different from the processed sugar found in dogs treats. Natural sugar in apples can also cause obesity if the pet is allowed to stuff itself with the sweet fruit.

Dogs would get loads of healthful benefits from this crunchy sweet fruit but owners have to ensure that the apples are cored and that the dog would not be given free access to the fruit so that it would not overeat.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment