Blue Cross issues 'fruit and vegetables' warning to dog owners

Pet owners have been cautioned to be careful when feeding their animals. While many dogs love eating fruit and veg as treats, and there are lots of healthy choices for pets, some types could pose a risk to animals. Blue Cross has issued a warning to dog owners, raising awareness of the fruit and veg that could present a danger to pets. Taking to Facebook , the animal welfare charity posted a reminder for owners. The advice clarified which foods can be consumed in moderation and which are best avoided. The charity said: "Not all fruit and veg are safe for dogs. Some make healthy, occasional treats, while others can be dangerous, even in small amounts." In the post, Blue Cross explained that dogs can eat blueberries, bananas, apples, carrots, peas, cabbage, cooked potatoes, and cooked sweet potatoes. For instance, strawberries are a good source of vitamin C, carrots are high in fibre but low in calories, and apples help keep your dog’s teeth clean, according to the charity. However, dogs cannot eat tomato leaves, leeks, grapes, raisins, onions, wild mushrooms, garlic, avocado, or macadamia nuts. Dog owners can view a food safety list on the charity's website that details which fruits and vegetables are safe for pets. However, fruit and veg should only make up a small part of a dog's diet, reports the Mirror . Blue Cross explains: "While fruit and vegetables are a good source of vitamins, minerals and fibre, they should only make up a small amount of your dog’s daily diet. If you are unsure about how many fruits and vegetables your dog should eat, speak to your vet." The charity also offers a webpage answering feeding FAQs . Blue Cross advises owners: "How much you should feed your dog depends on their breed, age and size. "The guidance on the packet should tell you how much to feed your dog based on this information. It may be useful to weigh out your dog's food to make sure you are not feeding too much or too little." The guidance adds that treats should be enjoyed in moderation. The charity explains: "All dogs enjoy treats, but all treats contain calories. This means you need to think about how many, and what type of treats you give when deciding how much to feed your dog. "If your dog has more treats than normal one day, reduce the amount of food given that day to compensate. Low calorie treats are available, which are useful for dogs who are prone to weight gain or may be on a diet. "You can also make your dog work a little harder for treats by using a treat ball, or giving treats only as part of a play or training exercise."