Dog Food Recipe of the Month - Fruit Mix: Part 2

The following fruits should be at the top of your list when it comes to the health and welfare of your pet. Each can be made into its own puree alone or can be combined with any and all of the others to create a wonderful fruit mix for your dog.

1. Apples – one apple contains the equivalent of approximately 1500 mg of vitamin C. Researchers have found that the red delicious, northern spy, and Ida red apples contain more potent disease fighting antioxidants than other red apples. In fact, red delicious apples were shown to have higher antioxidant levels than seven other varieties. Pectin, the fibre found in apple skins, is fermented in the intestines; this produces short-chain fatty acids that help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and support the cells of the intestinal lining, making apples yet another excellent cancer fighting food. Keep in mind that organic apples may contain around one-third more antioxidants than regular apples.

2. Blueberries and Cranberries –Scientists have discovered that blueberries and cranberries contain significant levels of resveratrol, a natural compound found to have anti-cancer qualities and is also believed to reduce the risk of heart disease. Blueberries are mini powerhouses of antioxidants. These antioxidants come from the pigments that give blueberries their color. Both blueberries and cranberries help prevent urinary tract infections because they contain compounds responsible for keeping bacteria from attaching to the wall of the bladder.

3. Cantaloupe – belong to the same family as cucumber, squash and pumpkin. They are all an excellent source of vitamin A because of their very high concentration of beta-carotene, and help support good vision.  Cantaloupe is also a good source of vitamin B-6, vitamin C, fibre, folate, niacin, and potassium. Cantaloupe is considered an especially safe fruit because it is not commonly allergenic, and doesn’t contain measurable amounts of chemicals like pesticides or oxalates.

4. Tomato – More than 70 different studies have demonstrated that tomatoes have the ability to lower the risk of some kinds of cancer! The secret to the tomato’s success is lycopene, the chemical that gives tomatoes their bright red colour. Tomatoes that have been pureed actually contain more lycopene, because pureeing breaks down the foods’ cellular walls, allowing it to be more readily digested by the dog. Along with lycopene, tomatoes are also an excellent source of vitamins A and C.

5. Watermelon – According to studies conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture Research Service has declared that watermelon packs an even more powerful lycopene punch than tomatoes, up to 40% more! This delicious fruit also contains vitamins A, B-6, C, and thiamin. So, on a hot summer day remember, a crisp piece of watermelon would go down just as nice for your dog as for you and will he ever thank you for it!

6. Tropical Fruits - pineapple, papaya and mango are excellent. The higher levels of bromine in these fruits aid in digestion and stool formation.

Go Here for Part 3