Fruit & vegetables have always been a staple part of my pug’s diet. Fresh fruit & vegetables are a great way to fill them up without adding loads of calories and therefore weight. And there are some great health benefits to feeding fruit & vegetables. There is a list of fruits & vegetables that I feed and try to mix up between batches for providing variety in their diets. Learn about what fruit & vegetables to add to your pug’s diet and why.
Vegetables
Kale
This leafy green has amazing benefits when added to your pug’s diet. Kale is actually a low calorie, high fibre and no fat food that can also help kick cancer in the butt. There have been studies that show that kale contains carotenoids which when fed to dogs with cancerous tumors, the tumors were smaller and grew more slowly than those not fed kale. Kale also contains both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties. But just because kale is awesome to feed to your pug doesn’t mean you should feed them loads of it. It does contain a substance that can cause kidney stones when fed in excessive amounts. But adding the right amount of kale to your pug’s diet is going to have so many benefits.
Carrot
Carrots have many great benefits including improving eyesight and helping kick cancer in the butt. It contains falcarinol which is a compound that inhibits the development of cancer. It also activates apoptosis which is the process of cells killing themselves meaning cancer cells stop from spreading. Carrots are also great fed whole for teeth and gum health. Gnawing on a carrot is great as it rubs against the teeth to help clean them. You can even soak them in some coconut oil, freeze for 5 minutes and then feed to your pug for added teeth cleaning benefits. The coconut oil acts as a toothpaste to help clean your pug’s teeth.
Broccoli
Broccoli “contains several extraordinary compounds that have been shown to eliminate carcinogenic toxins, reduce DNA mutation, induce apoptosis in cancerous cells, help prevent the development of benign tumors into malignant tumors, and help prevent the spread of cancer from one organ to another.” – Rodney Habib
In other words, broccoli contains cancer butt-kicking properties. But the key is to feed it raw as cooking broccoli removes up to 90% of all the good stuff.
Capsicum
Capsicum (or bell peppers) are packed with beta-carotene, fiber, folate, phosphorus, manganese and various vitamins, like A, E, B or K and even vitamin C. They are also packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties meaning that capsicums can be very helpful for dogs with arthritis. They also add great flavour for your pug.
Spinach
Spinach is another leafy green that is fantastic to add to your pug’s diet. Much like parsley, it is rich in chlorophyll which helps oxygen to flow through and cleanse the body. It helps to fight infection, heal wounds, build the immune system and detoxify the system, especially the liver. It is also helps promote digestive health. The chlorophyll found in leafy greens like spinach and parsley can help to treat and prevent bad breath. Spinach is also rich in antioxidants.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is another vegetable that has cancer smashing properties. And it is a great vegetable for soothing your pug’s tummy. Whether your pug has diarrhea or constipation, pumpkin will help to relieve your pug’s discomfort. Pumpkin should always be fed cooked and can be given daily in small quantities.
Other great vegetables you can add to your pug’s diet include zucchini, brussel sprouts, shiitake mushrooms, sprouts, beans and asparagus.
Fruit
Blueberries
Blueberries are one of the greatest health foods and are a great anti-cancer food. They are full of antioxidants and those anti-cancer powers can be attributed to a number of awesome compounds including ellagic acid, anthocyanins, vitamin E, and vitamin C. Blueberries are also low in fat, high in fibre and have no added sugar. They are best fed fresh, raw and wild. Did you know that blueberries are the most powerful antioxidant fruit? Another reason to add this fruit to your pug’s diet. It also helps lower blood sugar levels, is a great source of manganese, improves memory, helps with urinary tract health and protects against heart disease in pets amongst many many other benefits.
Apples
Apples are another food rich in antioxidants. They are a good source of fibre as well as Vitamin A and C. They make a good treat that can help to clean your pug’s teeth which in turn helps keep your pug’s breath nice and fresh. Be sure to remove the core and seeds before feeding slices of apple to your pug are including in their meals.
Other great fruits you can add to your pug’s diet include pomegranate, strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, watermelon, papaya, pineapple and cranberries.
Herbs
Parsley
You may have heard that adding parsley to your pug’s diet is a great breath freshener but there is a whole lot more to this herb. Parsley is packed full of chlorophyll and vitamin K as well as vitamin C & A and iron. The vitamin K in parsley helps destroy inflammatory cells that contribute to rheumatoid arthritis. It is also considered as a diuretic which can help with urinary tract infections and not to mention it has properties that can help reduce the risk of skin cancer. So with added bonuses to the fresh breath of your pug, parsley is a great addition to their diet whether it be dried, fresh or in tea form.
Oregano
Oregano is high in antioxidants and flavonoids. It is a great herb to help with digestive problems, diarrhea, and gas. Oregano is also an anti fungal and great for fighting yeast infections from the inside. Oil of oregano can also be used in very small quantities.
Other great herbs you can add to your pug’s diet include kelp, spirulina and mint.
Do you include any of these fruit and vegetables in your pug’s diet? What fruit & vegetables are you going to add to your pug’s diet?
Kristy Beck
Latest posts by Kristy Beck (see all)
- Confessions of a Pug Mum: Can I Be a Better Pug Parent? - May 6, 2024
- 10 Ways to Memorialise Your Pug - April 22, 2024
- An Open Thank You Letter to My Soul Dog - April 15, 2024
- 2024 Mother’s Day Gift Guide - April 5, 2024
- Review: Bear & Kind - March 8, 2024
3 Responses
Great post! We love feeding fruit and vegetables but I didn’t know that about raw and cooked broccoli! We’ll also be trying the carrot and coconut oil tip this week! love & pug hugs xo
what weight is a good size for a three year old boy pug
Hi Elizabeth. It is more important to go by Body Condition Score rather than weight as it varies quite a lot in the breed with so many different builds.
You can find a copy of the Body Condition Score here https://www.thepugdiary.com/is-your-pug-overweight/