Fruit?

RoddyB · Post by **RoddyB** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 4:14 am

HI,
Our border collie Poppy can only eat natural food - no dairy, additives or preservatives, etc. Previously I've offered her carrots, raw greens and now she's eating mango, apple, raspberries, grapes (in very small quantities - 3 grapes or a slice of mango etc). She really enjoys it (watermelon is a current favourite) but I've never had a dog who liked any of this stuff. Then I had a horrid thought that maybe it's bad for dogs, but I've yet to come across anything saying it's unwise to do so...
Any advise? I'm not offering her fruit daily and only in small amounts.
Many thanks in advance
Roddy

Lis & Addy · Post by **Lis & Addy** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 12:03 pm

There's not much nutrition for dogs in fruit, but in "treat" quantities it doesn't do any harm, and many dogs like the taste and the texture.

Too much, and you might notice a change in the output end, because of the fiber.

emmabeth · Post by **emmabeth** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 3:42 pm

Its fine.

Dont feed raisins, not good for dogs, or grapes. Otherwise its all ok.

There IS good stuff in fruit and veg for dogs, however they dont have teh ability to break down cellulose so fed whole much of the beneficial stuff contained in fruit and veg is not available to the dog...

In short it will go out pretty much the same as it went in.

If you are feeding more than just as treats, blend using a foodprocessor, a good mix of fruit and veg, getting a nice balance between sweeter stuff and bitter dark green leafy veg.

I do this, and i make enough for four dogs for a month, which is quite a lot. Then i bag it up and freeze it.

The blending and the freezing break down the cellulose so the dog can digest the fruit and veg.

It does look revolting though!

RoddyB · Post by **RoddyB** » Thu Jul 12, 2007 2:06 am

Many thanks - knew I could rely on you guys for a speedy answer!
Roddy

Christine · Post by **Christine** » Thu Jul 12, 2007 9:59 am

emmabeth wrote:
Dont feed raisins, not good for dogs, or grapes. Otherwise its all ok.

My dogs love(d) frozen grapes, we would use those as treats, for us and the dogs. Right up until we said something about it to our vet. He said something about it can build up toxicity in the dogs.

Maggie · Post by **Maggie** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 6:01 am

Also arent strawberry's meant to bad for dogs, and chocolate as well.
So, all those lovely chocolate covered strawberry's I was saving for the dogs..... I WILL JUST HAVE TO SCOFF ALL TO MYSELF THEN

Lis & Addy · Post by **Lis & Addy** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 10:08 am

Yes, Maggie, it's a sad and terrible sacrifice you'll have to make for the sake of your dogs--all those awful chocolate-covered strawberries. I shall weep for your suffering!

emmabeth · Post by **emmabeth** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 11:22 am

Never heard that strawberries are not ok, although i think some dogs can be allergic to them?.... will look that one up.

Chocolate big nono! its poisonous and even a small amount can kill, the higher the cocoa solid content, the more dangerous the chocolate.