Many pet parents believe that since dogs are carnivores, they do not need fruits. But fruits and veggies provide a lot of benefits to dogs. In the following sections, we’re going to look at how a raw vegetarian diet can be beneficial for your pet.

(NOTE: We are not saying you should ditch your regular meat-based dog diet. Instead, we are saying you should incorporate fruits and veggies with the meals they already enjoy.)

Fruits Are Rich in Polyphenols

Polyphenols are natural compounds that are found only in fruits and vegetables. In dogs, the polyphenols travel to the colon when consumed, and there bacteria gets processed and/or filtered out. This, in turn, leads to the production of healthy byproducts like short chain fatty acids. Polyphenols are commonly found in popular fruits, including apples, pears, and berries.

Fruits Combat Cancer

Polyphenols minimize the risk of cancer. They reduce the production of cells that produce the DNA methylation, one of the major causes of cancer. Polyphenols have also been found to kill some cancer cells. Resveratrol, which exists in apple skins, inhibits colon cancer from developing. Many polyphenols control cancer cell growth and multiplication.

Fruits Minimize Inflammation

Inflammation happens when the body’s defense mechanisms are activated to fight off an infection. But long-term inflammation can be detrimental to your dog’s health. Acute inflammation can eventually progress and become acute chronic inflammation. Polyphenols suppress inflammatory enzymes and cytokines. Therefore, consuming fruits decreases the chances of your pet experiencing chronic inflammation.

Fruits Are Beneficial for the Gut

There are multiple helpful bacteria in your dog’s gut. These organisms help in the production of vitamins, protect the gut lining, and improve the immune system. Polyphenols are a type of food for the friendly bacteria. They allow the bacteria to thrive, thereby inhibiting the negative actions of harmful bacteria. A polyphenol named catechin lowers the growth of E. coli, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and salmonella, all of which can cause abdominal diseases.

Fruits Are Good for the Liver

The liver is needed to produce nutrients and remove toxins from food. However, certain fat-soluble toxins cannot be broken down by the liver. Polyphenols activate the helpful enzymes in the liver, thus ensuring this critical organ works properly.

Wrapping Up

Your dog can ingest toxins from various sources, including its external environment,its food(that may be loaded with pesticides and chemicals), and its medications. Introducing natural pet products such as dog CBD oil in its diet along with fruits, veggies, seeds, and herbs can help minimize the effects of toxins.

Some of the natural items to incorporate in your dog’s meals are parsley, celery, hot peppers, legumes, alfalfa, apples, berries, kale, broccoli, and citrus fruits. Make sure that you give your dog some fresh fruits and veggies every day!