They say that an apple a day keeps the doctor away – but for our feline and canine companions, it’s not always that simple.
If your pet has ever eaten fruit or vegetables by mistake, you’ve probably experienced a moment of panic about whether it’s safe for them to eat.
Experts at the pet food company Purina state that some fruits and vegetables can be a great source of vitamins for cats, but felines should only consume very small amounts of fruit as a treat since pet food is already manufactured to contain all of the nutrients they need each day.
A cat’s digestive system is also designed to absorb a meat-based diet, so their nutrients will not be met by eating fruit and vegetables alone.
The same goes for dogs. Fruits and vegetables shouldn’t be considered a staple in their diet, but certain types can be a small, infrequent snack.
Fruits and vegetables shouldn’t be considered staples in our pets’ diets, but certain types can be a small, infrequent snack (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
It is also always recommended to check with your vet when introducing something new to your pet’s diet.
