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Mostly plentiful in the summer, raspberries are delicious. Most people wonder if this fruit is also good for their dogs as it is beneficial for humans. The answer is yes; you can feed your dog raspberries.
However, it would be best if you did it with some moderation. Besides antioxidants and dietary fiber, raspberries contain plenty of minerals and vitamins. These nutrients are essential in improving not only the immune system of your dog but also its overall health.
Despite this, you need to be cautious before you feed them to your dog, as it is with all the human foods you love giving your canine.
The following are some facts about raspberries and the benefits and risks they are associated with concerning your dog:
Facts About the Raspberry
Raspberries come in various colors and belong to the same botanical family as roses. They are mostly found in purple, yellow, golden, and black. However, the red raspberry (rubus idaeus) is the most common variety.
Most raspberries in the United States are grown in Washington, Oregon, and California. A single cup of raspberries contains about;
- 46 calories
- 8 grams of fiber
- 6 grams of sugar
Raspberries are occasional ideal treats for dogs with obesity or diabetes due to their low position on the glycemic index.
What Are the Health Benefits of Raspberries?
Due to their small size, it is hard to imagine that raspberries contain important nutrients for your dog. It would help if you got an online vet prescription before feeding them to your dog. However, they offer crucial nutrients which are beneficial to the health of your canine, such as;
Antioxidants
Research indicates that compared to most fruits, raspberries have higher antioxidants. This is caused by their high content in vitamin C, ellagic acid, quercetin, and flavonoids.
Antioxidants play an essential role in aiding the dog’s immune system against oxidative damage to cells caused by free radicals. They also slow down or prevent the development of some cancers and reduce inflammation.
In senior dogs, antioxidants offer protection against cognitive aging and the effects of aging on the brain, slow the growth of arthritis, and reduce painful joint inflammation.
Dietary Fiber
A dog’s digestive system can be optimized by a diet rich in fiber. Since the insoluble fiber in raspberries is indigestible, it remains intact and aids the movement of stool through the digestive tract. It also helps treat constipation or diarrhea by adding bulk to the dog’s stool.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is important in preventing heart disease and regulating blood calcium levels in your dog. It also contains a protein needed for bone metabolism and blood clotting known as prothrombin.
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Ask a Vet Live NowRisks Associated With Raspberries
Xylitol
If you are a dog owner, then you have most likely come across the term xylitol. It is commonly used to sweeten sugar-free human foods and is harmful to dogs.
It occurs naturally in many vegetables and fruits, including raspberries. Although your dog needs to eat huge amounts of raspberries to ingest a fatal amount, it is especially dangerous when found in concentrated levels common in processed diet foods.
Sugar
Dogs have difficulties handling large amounts of sugar in their digestive tracts. Also, sugar reactions are more prevalent in small dog breeds than larger ones.
Too much sugar can lead to diarrhea and stomach discomfort. Therefore, you should moderate the number of raspberries you offer your dog.
Fiber
Although it is a vital component of your dog’s diet, too much fiber can lead to vomiting, stomach upset, or bloating. Always give your dog small servings of raspberries since they contain a fair amount of fiber.
Raspberries can be beneficial to the health of your dog. However, too much of it can cause complications. It is therefore important that you serve them correctly and with moderation. You should also consult your vet before feeding it to them.
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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