Fruit and vegetables are great for dogs and cats. They provide vitamins and minerals to nourish the body and add variety to the diet. In order to help breakdown the cellulose in fruits and vegetables and aid digestion it is best to either blend the raw fruits and vegies in a food processor, lightly steam or juice them, feeding both the juice and the pulp.

Carrots are a good source of the antioxidant beta carotene, vitamins and minerals, which all help to support the immune system and aid digestion. Carrots are good for the eyes, glands and skin.

Broccoli is a member of the cruciferous family and is an important cancer fighting vegetable. It is a source of vitamins A, C and D and beta carotene, which all help to boost the immune system.

Green Beans are a good source of vitamins A, C and K, beta carotene, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids. They are beneficial for strong bones and a healthy heart.

Pumpkin is excellent for constipation, diarrhoea, stomach upsets and indigestion. Pureed pumpkin is very high in fibre and dogs especially seem to enjoy it. It is also great to give to obese animals because it helps to create a feeling of being full.

Sweet Potato (Kumara) is a source of vitamin A, B6, C, E, beta carotene and minerals. It is a complex carbohydrate, good source of dietary fibre and helps to promote a healthy gastrointestinal system.

Apples are a great source of vitamin C, antioxidants and pectin. Pectin is fibre found in apple skin. It ferments in the intestines producing short-chain fatty acids, which prevents the growth of harmful bacteria and helps to fight cancer. Grated apple proves very popular with most dogs and cats.

Bananas (best fed slightly over ripe) are great for constipation and diarrhoea as they normalize colonic functions in the large intestine for proper bowel movements. They are rich in pectin, which is water-absorbent. Bananas are able to change the bacteria in the intestines from harmful types of bacilli to beneficial acidophilus bacilli.

Blueberries & Cranberries contain resveratrol, which has a number of health benefits including anti-cancer, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Blueberries and cranberries are sources of antioxidants and vitamin C and are also believed to help cardiovascular and urinary health.

Rockmelon belongs to the same family as cucumber, squash and pumpkin and is a source of vitamin A, beta carotene, B6, vitamin C and minerals. For a special treat give your dog or cat rockmelon with a natural, plain acidophilus yoghurt.

Watermelon contains the powerful carotenoid lycopene and provides 40% more than tomatoes do. Watermelon is a source of vitamin A, B6, C and thiamine. Great for a hot summer day!

Papaya & Mango are great sources of vitamin C. Research has also indicated that these fruits are beneficial for arthritis and other anti-inflammatory conditions because they have a cooling affect on the body.

Tomatoes contain lycopene, vitamin A and C and over 72 different studies have shown that tomatoes have the ability to lower the risk of cancers. There are however some things to consider before giving your dog and cat tomatoes.

If your pet has an inflammatory condition such as arthritis, limit the amount you give because tomatoes can aggravate symptoms. Don't let you dog eat tomato plants or unripened, green tomatoes as they contain atropine, which has been linked to heart arrhythmias and other complications. The highest concentration of atropine is found in the leaves and stems of tomato plants, with less in unripe (green) tomatoes, and even less in ripe (red) tomatoes. Tomatoes (plant and fruit) contain tomatine, an alkaloid. As the fruit ripens, the tomatine is metabolized meaning that ripe tomatoes are unlikely to be problematic for animals. Clinical signs of tomato plant poisoning include lethargy, drooling, difficulty breathing, colic, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation, dilated pupils, paralysis, cardiac effects and central nervous system signs (e.g. muscle weakness, tremors, seizures). All parts of the plant except the tomato itself are poisonous to humans although some people are sensitive to the ripe fruit also.

Onions contain thiosulphate which has been linked to red blood cell oxidation in dogs and anaemia.

Garlic also contains thiosulphate but garlic is less toxic and large amounts would need to be consumed to cause illness.

Grapes & Raisins have the potential to be toxic and have been linked to kidney failure.

Spinach & other green leafy vegetables contain oxalic acid which can interfere with calcium absorption - avoid feeding on a daily basis but occasionally is safe.

Raw Potato can have a toxic effect on animals however cooked potato is quite safe and is a good alternative to rice. Cooked potato is very good for animals with allergies.

Macadamia Nuts (and most other nuts) should also be avoided due to their high phosphorus content. Dogs affected by macadamia nut poisoning often have difficulties standing up due to swollen limbs, are distressed and exhibit excessive panting.

Written by Eileen McLean, this article has been published in a number of Australia pet publications and dog club newsletters. It was however originally published in the Summer 2006 Issue of Pet Industry News Magazine. Please ask permission before reproducing. Thank you.