Posted Sep 19, 2019
These dog days of summer are a great time to be out and about with our pets, including at the Green City Market West Loop.
This time of the year, there are many fruits and vegetables that are great for both people and pets. Unfortunately, there are also some that can cause problems.
Anytime you add human food to your pet’s diet, you should do so in moderation to prevent stomach upset.
Dogs and cats are especially prone to upset stomachs if their diet changes significantly in a short period of time. If you add some fresh fruits or vegetables to your pet’s diet, consider adding them as an occasional treat rather than as the main part of the diet.
It’s important NOT to add butter or oils to cooked vegetables for pets. The high fat in butter and oils can lead to a serious and potentially fatal illness – pancreatitis.
Some of the fruits and vegetables currently in season at the farmer’s market that are especially good for pets include:
- Blueberries
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Green beans
- Strawberries
- Sweet potatoes
As you would for people consuming fruits and vegetables, always wash them first to remove any traces of dirt or pesticides.
Some of the fruits and vegetables that may cause problems for pets include:
- Cherries or any fruit with a pit
- Corncobs
- Garlic
- Grapes
- Onions
- Shallots
Please note that some fruits, such as apples, avocado and watermelon are not necessarily toxic to pets, but their seeds are, therefore you would need to be certain to completely remove all seeds before giving them to your pets.
Anytime you give your pet a new food, you should test it with a very small amount to make certain your pet can tolerate it. Even foods that are safe and healthy may not agree with all pets.
As you think about what foods are safe for your pets, remember to consider safe decor, especially edible decorations.
Many of our vegetables make beautiful decorations for the fall. Bales of hay, stalks of wheat, corncobs, squash, pumpkins and other gourds are great to look at, but are enticing and problematic for pets.
Dogs especially are enticed by corncobs, gourds and pumpkins, which can become lodged in their throats or stuck in their intestines. It’s best to keep these decorations out of the reach of pets. When out for a walk, as always, be sure to keep your dog on a leash and under the control of a responsible adult so that they cannot get into outdoor decorations.
Sponsored by: West Loop Veterinary Care
This blog post is sponsored by West Loop Veterinary Care. To inquire about sponsorship opportunities with Green City Market, please contact Director of Development, Mandy Moody at mandy@greencitymarket.org.