What Are the Best Fall Foods for Pets? 8 Seasonal Treats (and 4 to Avoid)

Any gardener or visitor to a farmer’s market will affirm that fall is a season full of tasty goodness. With many people busy canning, preserving, or fermenting their earthly hauls, there’s simply an overabundance of wonderful offerings. Importantly, lots of these same items can not only be offered to pets, but enjoyed by them to boot. 

All the Goodness

With this turn towards the final months of the year, it’s time to get creative and integrate the garden into a pet’s meal, snack, and treat rotation.

When planning out some of the following, be aware that seeds, cores, stems, and more should always be removed. Check that the fresh food is free of anything harmful and only offer the best to your pet. 

1. Pumpkin. An obvious choice for fall pet treats, most dogs absolutely adore the flavor and texture of pumpkin-centric foods. You can also mix cooked, pureed, unsweetened pumpkin to a pet’s meal for robust digestive health or use it as an ingredient in pet biscuits or cookies. Remember that pumpkin pie or other sweet treats meant for humans should be off-limits to pets. 
2. Sweet Potato. Similarly, steamed sweet potato provides a GI boost, but it’s also chock full of helpful vitamins and minerals for healthy skin, coat, and eyes. 
3. Apples. A very healthy snack for pets on a weight-control diet, apples are full of fiber and antioxidants. Just be sure to provide bite-sized pieces free of seeds, and experiment with removing the skin if your pet prefers that. Steer clear of apple pie and caramel apples as they contain too much sugar for pets. 
4. Carrots can be eaten raw or steamed. Famous for promoting health vision, carrots can also benefit the teeth and gums when eaten raw. Watch your pet carefully when carrots are on the menu to prevent a choking hazard. 
5. Turkey. Of course, turkey is very common throughout the fall and well into the winter, as well. Instead of deli meat, only provide your pet with cooked, white turkey meat that’s also free of butter/oil, and any harmful seasonings (like too much sodium, garlic, or certain herbs). Please avoid offering cooked turkey bones, dark meat, and turkey skin. 
6. Cranberries. While their tartness isn’t for every pet, certain animals enjoy the tang of fresh, cooked, or even raw cranberries. Known for enhancing urinary health, cranberries can deliver a powerful, flavorful punch. Please do not allow your pet to consume canned cranberry sauce or sweetened cranberries. 
7. Green Beans. Garden-fresh green beans are the cat’s meow! You can lightly steam and add them to your pet’s bowl to support their immune system and increase circulation. 
8. Green leafy vegetables. We recommend sneaking a little kale or spinach into your pet’s meals every once in a while. They might not seek out green leafy veggies on their own, but mixed in, these can really contribute to their vitality. 

Fall Foods to Avoid

When harvesting and/or preparing your family’s festive meals this fall, be sure that your pet never has access to the following toxic foods:

• Onions
• Garlic
• Rhubarb
• Grapes

If we can provide you with support this fall, or help you promote your pet’s overall wellness, please give us a call at (732) 677-2180. True Care Veterinary Hospital is always here to help your pet.