Selecting the ideal dog food for your pit bull is essential to her long-term health and happiness. Whether you feed him dry kibble, canned or raw food, there are numerous formulas tailored specifically to these breeds available.
As a general guideline, avoid foods that contain wheat, beef or dairy products. These can often cause sensitivities in your pit bull and lead to skin issues and digestive problems.
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Mango
Mangoes are a delicious treat for humans, and they also provide essential vitamins and minerals that dogs may lack in their kibble diets.
Mangoes can be safely fed to dogs if they’ve been peeled and pitted before consumption. However, keep in mind that only small amounts should be given so as not to cause digestive issues.
Given that dogs cannot process large amounts of food at once, it’s essential to monitor your pup closely after adding new foods or treats into their diet.
Mangoes present one of the greatest risks to dogs: chokering. Their soft, ripe flesh may allow them to swallow it whole and suffer an attack of gastroenteritis. Therefore, it’s best to give your pup smaller pieces beforehand so they don’t choke on a whole mango.
Oranges
Oranges are an excellent way for your pup to get a healthy dose of vitamin C. Plus, they contain dietary fiber, potassium, thiamine and folate for added nutritional benefits.
However, you should remove the peel, seeds and pith before giving your pup oranges as these contain toxic substances that could upset their stomach. If your pooch has any sensitivity to these components, they should not be given oranges at all.
If you decide to give your dog an orange as a treat, limit it to only one or two pieces per day. Doing this will guarantee that they get all of their nutrition from other sources.
Apples
Apples are a delicious, nutritious treat for dogs. Not only are they high in fiber, vitamins and minerals, but they also contain antioxidants as well as malic acid which helps keep your pup’s teeth clean.
When giving apples to your pup, be sure to slice or chunk them and remove the core in order to reduce potential choking hazards.
Additionally, be careful not to give your dog apples with seeds as these can be toxic for both dogs and humans.
To reduce the risk of exposure to pesticides, opt for organic apples whenever possible. This is especially important when selecting apples for your pup as many varieties make the Dirty Dozen list – which outlines the 12 crops with the highest concentrations of pesticides.
Bananas
Bananas are an energizing, low-calorie treat for dogs that contains potassium, fiber, magnesium, vitamin B6 and vitamin C.
Bananas are also low in sodium and cholesterol, making them a healthier alternative to salty, fatty dog treats. Veterinary professionals often recommend bananas as a healthier choice for pet parents.
However, they should only be given in moderation. Excess sugar in dogs can lead to obesity and diabetes in them, which in turn may result in other health complications.
Although bananas themselves are not toxic to dogs, their peels can cause intestinal blockage or other serious health issues. If you notice your pup chewing on a peel, make sure it’s thrown out promptly! Additionally, if they show any signs of digestive distress (upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting), seek veterinary attention immediately.
Dehydrated or freeze-dried foods
Dehydrated or freeze-dried foods are a great alternative to conventional dry kibble for many dog owners. Not only do they provide convenience of shelf stability that’s easy to transport around with you, but they don’t skimp on nutrition either.
Dehydration is a gentle and low-heat drying process that keeps essential nutrients intact while decreasing the risk of microorganisms. This is especially crucial for raw feeding diets which may be susceptible to bacteria growth.
Dehydrated dog food is typically available from most major pet retailers and independent health food stores. Many formulas can be served dry, while some need rehydration with water.
