Fruits and Veggies That Are Safe for Dogs

June is National Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Month (though, in our opinion, every month should be dedicated to eating healthy)!

While you’re remembering to swap your fries for a salad, think about offering some fresh fruits and vegetables to your dog as well. They’re much healthier and lower in fat than some meat-based treats, and they come with a side of vitamins and minerals that can boost your pet’s health. The best part? Your dog won’t even know the difference.  A treat’s a treat.

However, some foods that are perfectly healthy for people can cause health problems in pets. Avocados and grapes are two examples of food items that surprisingly are quite toxic to dogs. But apples (except for the seeds) and bananas are perfectly safe snack items for your dogs.

To help us keep it all straight and avoid a trip to see us here at Lange Animal Clinic, we found a helpful chart on Imgur detailing which fruits and veggies are safe to feed a dog—and which are not.

Here they are:

For more information on which foods may or may not be suitable for your dog- please consult with a Lange Animal Clinic veterinarian.

Recommended Diets for Companion Birds

There are many different types of companion birds, and there are specific rules for the nutritional well-being of each species. The following list is a basic guideline as recommended by the veterinarians at Lange Animal Clinic. For more specific feeding recommendations, please consult our very own Dr. Kourtney Grimm.

1. Pellets for a good diet
   Although seed has been the traditional staple of a bird’s diet, these days most experts recommend a high-quality pelleted food that’s formulated for your bird’s species. Seed mixes provide variety, but they do not always provide optimum nutrition. If you want to feed seeds, offer them only in small quantities as treats.
2. Mix it Up
   Pellets and seeds should not be the only foods your bird eats. Birds love variety, and enjoy searching to obtain food, just as they would in the wild. Otherwise, they can become bored and develop bad habits, such as overeating, feather picking and tearing up their surroundings. “Fun” foods such as corn on the cob, leafy greens, broccoli, and oranges can provide distraction and entertainment for your bird. Because birds have to “work” to get these foods—i.e. pull kernels off the cob and tear bites off of greens, broccoli and oranges—they stay occupied longer than when feeding on ready-to-eat foods.For added variety, play with the placement of these treats—hang food from the top or sides of the cage, weave through bars, or stuff pieces of food into toys.
3. Fruits and veggies for key nutrients
   Fruits and vegetables should be given twice daily. Appropriate fruits and vegetables for your bird include: corn, carrots, potatoes, squash, dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli, cooked sweet potatoes, melons, apples, oranges, berries, bananas, pears and peaches. It is safe to use a powdered fruit preservative, such as “Fruit Fresh” so that you can put this produce in the refrigerator for storage without food spoilage. Different types of birds require different amounts of food. A Lange Animal Clinic veterinarian will be able to give you specific feeding recommendations based on the type of bird you have and your bird’s individual characteristics.
4. Grains to support a healthy diet
   Breads and cereals should be given twice a day. Appropriate breads and cereals include the following: whole grain breads, unsweetened breakfast cereals, unsweetened granola, tortillas and pasta. Ask one of our veterinarians about specific feeding recommendations based on the type of bird you have and your bird’s individual characteristics.
5. Important proteins
   Protein should be given twice daily. Appropriate sources of protein include:  cooked lean meats, tofu, low-fat cottage cheese, other firm light-colored cheeses, yogurt and cooked eggs. Yogurt may contain friendly bacteria like acidophilus, which can help keep the ratio of good and bad bacteria in check. Be sure to read the label to make sure it contains live cultures and is low in fat.
6. Specialized diets to keep in mind
   Birds such as lories and lorikeets require specialized diets that are sugary liquids made from fresh fruit or formulated compounds. Soft-billed birds may require mealworms, blossoms and leaves, diced fruit and nectar. Please note, these diets attract insects, and the feces of these birds are very messy.
7. Fresh water in abundance
   Fresh, cold water should be available to your bird at all times. Change it at least once a day, preferably twice, and clean the water bowls at least daily. Vitamin and mineral supplementation is not necessary unless recommended by one of our veterinarians.
8. Keep an eye on foods that spoil
   Food that can spoil, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, should be left in the cage for no longer than 30-45 minutes at a time.
9. Weight Matters
   Like other companion pets such as cats and dogs, birds may become overweight. It’s a good idea to monitor your bird’s weight closely. Obesity can lead to health problems, including fatty liver disease and pancreas problems.In addition to weighing your bird, you can perform the following checks to determine if he or she is overweight:
   — Looking at your bird from the front, you should see a bone running down his midline (the keel). There should be a rounded muscle to either side of the bone.
   — If your bird is too fat, bone won’t be the most prominent part of his chest.
   — If your bird is too thin, he or she will feel bony to the side of the keel; alongside the keel will feel concave (curved in).

   You can also check the non-feathered areas alongside the neck and at the base of the jaw:

— You should be able to see the jugular vein.
— If you cannot see the vein, it is likely that your bird is overweight.

Please note, if your bird is either under- or overweight, a diet change may be necessary. Ask a Lange Animal Clinic veterinarian about the correct way to gradually make this change.

Proper feeding schedules

10. In the wild, birds eat about a half hour after sunrise and again at 5:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Sticking close to these feeding times will be most natural for your companion bird. Larger breeds should have vegetables or fruits throughout the day for snacking and entertainment. Smaller breeds can typically have seed/pellets left in the cage throughout the day. They need to eat more frequently due to their higher metabolic rate and energy needs.

Birds are wonderful pets to have and naturally beautiful to watch and observe.  Dr. Grimm can help answer any other questions you may have regarding avian pets and exotics.  Feel free to contact her at 309-347-4679 ext. 1003 for any questions you may have.

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For over 45 years, Lange Animal Clinic has provided veterinary services in Pekin, IL and the surrounding areas for over three family generations. Our expert staff of Veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians, and Veterinary Assistants are trained to ensure the best quality medical care for your beloved pets-whether it be as a routine medical examination to more complicated surgical procedures. We are a small companion animal clinic providing services for dogs, cats, and exotic pets.

Dr. Colleen O’Rourke, owner and senior Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, takes great pride in making certain that every patient’s experience is handled with the utmost care, compassion, and economically in the best interests of our clients. Visit us at www.langeanimal.com.  

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