We all know that fresh, in-season food tastes better and is a great choice for filling our plates. Fortunately, the DC area offers plenty of ways to get local, seasonal produce — from the many farmer’s markets to stores that stock locally-grown items. But making the most of farm-fresh goodies doesn’t have to stop with our meals; each season offers a variety of nutritious and healthy snacks that your pup can enjoy too! Read on for a round-up of items at the market right now that you can share with your furry friends.
Apple
Apples provide your dog with a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and calcium. They’re a great way to share a sweet treat that’s low in calories and the crunchy texture helps gently clean residue from your pup’s teeth. Always serve your dog sliced apples, removing the core and seeds, since the core can be a choking hazard and apple seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide.
Carrots
One of the best choices for pups trying to trim pounds, carrots are even lower in calories than apples (thanks to their lower sugar content) and they still make a crunchy and fun snack for your dog. Just like apples, the firm texture of carrots makes them helpful in maintaining clean teeth and they’re high in fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin A. For dogs that love to destroy toys, freeze a large carrot to yield a safe, edible chew toy. For small dogs, slices or sticks are best and pups of all sizes can enjoy carrots cooked as well as raw.
Pears
Along with the vitamin C and fiber found in many fruits and veggies, pears are a great source of vitamin K — essential for strong and healthy bones. Ripe pears have a softer texture than apples and can be a great choice for senior dogs who have trouble chewing hard treats. Just like apples, pear seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide so serve your pup slices or chunks with the seeds and core removed.
Sweet Potatoes
These orange gems are loaded with nutrients including vitamins A, B-6, and C along with fiber, iron, folate, calcium, and potassium. Dogs should only be given peeled, cooked, and unseasoned sweet potatoes — hold the butter and salt, please! Cooked sweet potato is a great addition to your dog’s food bowl and, for dogs with digestive issues, steamed or boiled sweet potato is gentle on the belly. If your dog has been dealing with an upset stomach, mixing cooked sweet potato into the oft-prescribed chicken and rice is a way to make sure your furry pal doesn’t miss out key vitamins while on the mend!
Hopefully, you’ll feel inspired to share some seasonal treats with your pup and, remember, all treats, no matter how healthy, are best given in moderation. Happy snacking!
