Why Do Cats Like Strawberries
Why do cats like strawberries? | ECOVIEWS I recently received the following questions about cats, birds and lizards.Q. I have had pet cats and dogs for years, but just witnessed something I have never seen before. When I set a bag with strawberries on the kitchen floor, my cat walked in, sniffed the bags, then lay down and started rubbing his face all over the plastic box that held the strawberries. Why would a cat go crazy over strawberries as if it were catnip? A. Having had several cats myself, I long ago decided I will never understand what makes them decide to do what they do. I asked a friend who keeps inside cats about your observation. She said, “Strawberries and mint plants apparently have a chemical profile similar to nepetalactol, the attractant found in catnip. I have seen videos of cats rubbing their faces on strawberry baskets. Something definitely appeals to them.” Cats are noted for their inexplicable behaviors, but their attraction to catnip and presumably to chemicals inherent in strawberries has a functional basis. In 2021 researchers from Japan and England published a paper in the journal Science Advances offering an explanation. The organic chemical nepetalactol repels insects, including mosquitos. In the study, cats that rubbed their faces on catnip were protected from mosquito bites. Knowing that cats have a practical reason for one of their offbeat actions detracts only slightly from my wonderment at their otherwise mysterious ways.Q. We are enjoying watching two birds build a nest in a tree outside our upstairs window and we admire all their hard work. How will the mother bird get food and water to her baby birds? A. The answer of how baby birds attain nourishment varies from bird to bird. Most nesting birds around our residential yards (blue jays, cardinals, wrens, etc.) feed babies in the nest before they fledge. Birds that feed their young in the days following hatching are called altricial. The word comes from a Latin word that means “to nourish.” Altricial birds not only benefit from parental care at birth, they depend on being fed until they can fly and seek their own food. In many bird species, both the male and female bring bugs, especially caterpillars, to the open-mouthed babies. Hawks, eagles and owls bring larger animals to their young while they are still in the nest. I’m not aware of any bird that brings water to nestlings. The babies obtain water from the food they eat. Some birds, called precocial, have babies that hit the ground (or water) running within minutes after they hatch. They may follow their mother around while learning how to forage, but they begin feeding themselves as soon as they are born. Precocial birds include chickens, ducks, geese and quail.Q. A lizard lives between the basement and first floor of my house. My 2-year-old almost had a full-blown panic attack this morning as she came running to tell me about a “monster!” I didn’t know what she was talking about until I encountered the skink in the basement just a moment ago. How can I safely remove this little critter? I have been holding my little girl all day long because she is so afraid of this lizard.A. The easiest way to remove a skink is to corner it and catch it by hand. The tail will probably break off but will grow back. It might try to bite, but a small one does not hurt. As far as your little girl goes, I would start showing her pictures of lizards and snakes in a book, explaining that they are a part of the natural world and have no intention of hurting anyone, including her. Take walks outside and look at insects, spiders, birds and other wild things with her. Sometimes children develop an irrational fear because they have not fully grasped that most animals we encounter mean us no harm and they need to be reassured. Good luck. Whit Gibbons is professor of zoology and senior biologist at the University of Georgia’s Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. If you have an environmental question or comment, email [email protected], : Why do cats like strawberries? | ECOVIEWS

Is it OK if cats eat strawberries?

Are Strawberries Good for Cats? – Although it is safe for cats to eat strawberries, they really don’t provide a large beneficial effect for cats. Strawberries do have some ingredients that are good for people as well as cats, such as vitamin C, folate, fiber, and potassium, but they are also high in carbohydrates and natural sugars.

  • Overweight cats and those that are especially sensitive to sugars, like diabetic cats, should not have strawberries.
  • In addition, cats are “obligate carnivores,” which means that their intestinal tracts were designed to operate best when digesting meats and proteins,
  • They can digest meat more completely and easily than other foods.

Any food, such as a strawberry, that’s high in carbohydrates is not going to be as nutritious for cats as it would be to humans or even dogs, who are omnivores. If your cat eats too many strawberries, it could also cause gastrointestinal upset—mostly vomiting and diarrhea,

Are strawberries in the catnip family?

Strawberries are in the rose family (Rosaceae). Catnip is in the mint family (Lamiaceae). They’re not related other than they’re plants.

Why does my cat hate strawberries?

However, if you notice your cat isn’t interested in the strawberries you’re eating, it’s with good reason. Cats lack taste receptors for sweetness, as Scientific American explains, so they won’t be too excited by a sweet treat of any type, much less a strawberry.

Do cats like strawberry leaves?

Can cats eat strawberry leaves? – Yes, strawberry leaves are safe for your cat. Some cats love to munch on them in the same way they chew on grass. Just make sure the leaves have been washed to remove any pesticides!

Are any fruits toxic to cats?

Fruit. Steer clear of: Cherries are toxic to cats and dogs, and grapes and raisins can cause kidney damage. Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and grapefruit as well as persimmons can cause an upset stomach.

Do cats like strawberries smell?

Why do cats like strawberries? | ECOVIEWS I recently received the following questions about cats, birds and lizards.Q. I have had pet cats and dogs for years, but just witnessed something I have never seen before. When I set a bag with strawberries on the kitchen floor, my cat walked in, sniffed the bags, then lay down and started rubbing his face all over the plastic box that held the strawberries. Why would a cat go crazy over strawberries as if it were catnip? A. Having had several cats myself, I long ago decided I will never understand what makes them decide to do what they do. I asked a friend who keeps inside cats about your observation. She said, “Strawberries and mint plants apparently have a chemical profile similar to nepetalactol, the attractant found in catnip. I have seen videos of cats rubbing their faces on strawberry baskets. Something definitely appeals to them.” Cats are noted for their inexplicable behaviors, but their attraction to catnip and presumably to chemicals inherent in strawberries has a functional basis. In 2021 researchers from Japan and England published a paper in the journal Science Advances offering an explanation. The organic chemical nepetalactol repels insects, including mosquitos. In the study, cats that rubbed their faces on catnip were protected from mosquito bites. Knowing that cats have a practical reason for one of their offbeat actions detracts only slightly from my wonderment at their otherwise mysterious ways.Q. We are enjoying watching two birds build a nest in a tree outside our upstairs window and we admire all their hard work. How will the mother bird get food and water to her baby birds? A. The answer of how baby birds attain nourishment varies from bird to bird. Most nesting birds around our residential yards (blue jays, cardinals, wrens, etc.) feed babies in the nest before they fledge. Birds that feed their young in the days following hatching are called altricial. The word comes from a Latin word that means “to nourish.” Altricial birds not only benefit from parental care at birth, they depend on being fed until they can fly and seek their own food. In many bird species, both the male and female bring bugs, especially caterpillars, to the open-mouthed babies. Hawks, eagles and owls bring larger animals to their young while they are still in the nest. I’m not aware of any bird that brings water to nestlings. The babies obtain water from the food they eat. Some birds, called precocial, have babies that hit the ground (or water) running within minutes after they hatch. They may follow their mother around while learning how to forage, but they begin feeding themselves as soon as they are born. Precocial birds include chickens, ducks, geese and quail.Q. A lizard lives between the basement and first floor of my house. My 2-year-old almost had a full-blown panic attack this morning as she came running to tell me about a “monster!” I didn’t know what she was talking about until I encountered the skink in the basement just a moment ago. How can I safely remove this little critter? I have been holding my little girl all day long because she is so afraid of this lizard.A. The easiest way to remove a skink is to corner it and catch it by hand. The tail will probably break off but will grow back. It might try to bite, but a small one does not hurt. As far as your little girl goes, I would start showing her pictures of lizards and snakes in a book, explaining that they are a part of the natural world and have no intention of hurting anyone, including her. Take walks outside and look at insects, spiders, birds and other wild things with her. Sometimes children develop an irrational fear because they have not fully grasped that most animals we encounter mean us no harm and they need to be reassured. Good luck. Whit Gibbons is professor of zoology and senior biologist at the University of Georgia’s Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. If you have an environmental question or comment, email [email protected], : Why do cats like strawberries? | ECOVIEWS

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Why do cats go crazy over carrots?

Carrots Are Good for Your Cat – Carrots are packed full of vitamins and minerals, making them quite nutritious for your cat.1 The fiber in carrots is good for your cat as well. If your cat often eats grass outside, he might be seeking fiber. Try giving him a bite of cooked carrot instead.

Do strawberry seeds have DNA?

DNA Extraction Lab: Strawberry – Background: The long, thick fibers of DNA store the information for the functioning of the chemistry of life. DNA is present in every cell of plants and animals. The DNA found in strawberry cells can be extracted using common, everyday materials.

Strawberries are soft and easy to pulverize. Strawberries have large genomes; they are octoploid, which means they have eight of each type of chromosome in each cell. Thus, strawberries are an exceptional fruit to use in DNA extraction labs and strawberries yield more DNA than any other fruit (i.e. banana, kiwi, etc.).

We will use an extraction buffer containing salt, to break up protein chains that bind around the nucleic acids, and dish soap which helps to dissolve the phospholipid bilayers of the cell membrane and organelles. This extraction buffer will help provide us access to the DNA inside the cells.

  • heavy duty quart ziploc bag
  • Strawberry
  • Table salt
  • Shampoo (look for sodium lauryl sulfate as a first ingredient)
  • Water
  • Cheesecloth or similar loose woven fabric
  • Funnel
  • 50mL vial / test tube or similar container
  • 500 mL beaker or mason jar
  • glass rod, popsicle stick, wooden skewer or toothpick
  • chilled (refrigerated or briefly frozen) isopropyl alcohol

Warning: Isopropyl alcohol is a skin irritant, and inhaling or consuming it can make you sick. Use in a well ventilated space. Alcohols are also flammable and the vapors can ignite. Keep away from open flame. Procedure:

  1. Gather all materials.
  2. Prepare the DNA extraction buffer.

In 500 mL beaker add

  • 400mL (1 ¾ cups) water
  • 50mL (3 Tablespoons + 1 teaspoon) shampoo
  • 5mL (2 teaspoons) table salt

Slowly invert the bottle to mix the extraction buffer.

  1. Place one strawberry in a Ziploc bag.
  2. Smash/grind up the strawberry using your fist and fingers for 2 minutes. Careful not to break the bag!

Why? The physical smashing breaks the plant’s cell walls and allows the cytoplasm to leak out.

  1. Add 10mL (2 teaspoons) of extraction buffer (salt and soap solution) to the bag.
  2. Kneed/mush the strawberry in the bag again for 1 minute.

Why the detergent? The soap breaks down the lipids (fats) in the phospholipid bi-layers of the cell membrane and nuclear membrane. This releases the contents from the cell and the chromosomes containing DNA from the nucleus.

  1. Assemble your filtration apparatus as shown to the right.
  2. Pour the strawberry slurry into the filtration apparatus and let it drip directly into your test tube.

Why? Filtering strains all the large cellular junk out of the mix. The DNA, still tightly wound, is so small it slips through with the liquid and into the test tube. Caution! From this stage onward, you must be careful not to agitate the mixture.

Gently Slowly pour 20mL (1 Tablespoon + 1 teaspoon) cold alcohol down the inside wall of the test tube to form a separate, clear layer on top of the cloudy strawberry mixture below (You should see small wisps of gel-like material forming above the boundary.) OBSERVE

Why? The polar/non-polar boundary layer causes the DNA to precipitate. The tiny bits of wispy junk floating in the alcohol just above the boundary layer is DNA.

  1. Dip the glass rod or wooden stick into the tube where the strawberry extract and alcohol layers come into contact with each other. OBSERVE
    1. If the procedure worked really well (it often doesn’t) you will get long strands of DNA forming, sometimes more than an inch long! Using the bamboo skewer or toothpick, gently wind up the precipitated DNA.
    2. As you gently lift the skewer or toothpick out of the container after winding, it will carry long strands of a mucus-like substance that looks like “boogers.” That’s concentrated DNA, just like they do it on CSI 😉

If it didn’t work perfectly, don’t despair. Most people see the wispy stuff, but you have to get a bit lucky to get the long strands to form References and Resources: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/squishy-science-extract-dna-from-smashed-strawberries/ https://science.wonderhowto.com/how-to/extract-dna-from-strawberry-with-basic-kitchen-items-0140302/ https://www.stevespanglerscience.com/lab/experiments/strawberry-dna/ Video: https://youtu.be/vPGKv53zSRQ Video: https://youtu.be/usaE_XZx-a8

What fruit scares a cat?

Cats react because cucumbers look like snakes – The mystery of why cats hate cucumbers is normally explained by the natural fear cats have towards snakes. To a feline’s eyes a cucumber can look similar enough to the pesky reptile to elicit their fear response and make them jump a few feet in the air to avoid being bitten.

  • We might find the reaction funny, but it’s actually a fascinating response, honed by millions of years of evolution that has kept their ancestors safe from snakes and other similar predators.
  • But some experts claim that cats don’t actually have a natural fear of snakes.
  • Some felines are even known to hunt them.

So, could there be a different explanation for why cats are afraid of cucumbers?

What is a cat’s favorite fruit?

Can Cats Eat Cantaloupe? – Yes, cats can eat cantaloupe, which is a good source of vitamin C, beta carotene, fiber, and antioxidants. This relatively low-calorie fruit is often a favorite of felines because the scent that cantaloupes produce mimics the scent of the proteins in meat. Offer small cubes or slices of the flesh, but avoid the rind.

Can cats eat banana?

Treat Time: Are Bananas Good for Cats? – Treats should make up less than 10% of your pet’s caloric intake, says the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University, and a little banana goes a long way toward that calorie count, Can cats eat bananas as a nutritious snack? Again, the answer is yes, but in moderation.

Because they are calorie-rich, bananas are not at the top of the cat treat list, and your cat may not even want to eat bananas. As Cat Health points out, a cat’s “sweet” taste bud receptors are not very strong, so they are not instinctively drawn to sweet foods like bananas. However, if given the chance, many cats may take the opportunity to try something new.

Although bananas are on the safe list, there are certain fruits that you should never feed your cat, including the following:

Citrus fruits (oranges, tangerines, lemons, grapefruit, limes, etc.) Cherries Tomatoes Grapes Raisins

If your furry friend ingests any of these or other toxic foods, contact your vet or an emergency vet clinic right away to determine treatment. So, can cats eat bananas? As an occasional, fun treat for your kitty, sure, but the better option is to give them healthy cat treats (in moderation) and meals that are specifically formulated with the nutrition they need.

Why do cats gag at strawberries?

Cats will sometimes exhibit a gagging reflex if they experience nausea when they see and smell their food.

Can cats eat cheese?

Cheese and dairy are not good for cats. They aren’t toxic to cats, but eating too much cheese can upset their stomach and lead to diarrhoea or vomiting. Eating cheese over a prolonged period can also lead to obesity. Some cheeses are also very high in salt, which can cause problems in excess just as it does in humans.

Can cats drink milk?

Why can’t cats have cows’ milk? Is it bad for them? – In a word, yes, cows’ milk is bad for cats. Most cats are actually ‘lactose intolerant’ as they don’t have the enzyme (lactase) in their intestines to digest the sugar in milk (lactose), meaning that milk which contains lactose can make them poorly. They can get vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain from drinking it (just like lactose intolerance in humans).

  1. While not all cats will get poorly, it’s really better not to risk it! Another reason not to give your cat cows’ milk is because it’s full of fat, which is why they like the taste so much! A saucer of milk for your cat is like you eating an entire 12 inch pizza.
  2. That might not sound too bad on its own, but imagine eating that on top of all your usual daily food and meals.
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Suddenly that pizza seems like a lot more! Giving your cat milk can seriously unbalance their diet and lead to them gaining weight. For more advice on preventing obesity in cats, visit our Hub.

Can cats eat eggs?

Are Eggs Good For Cats? – Eggs are not only a perfectly safe food source for cats – they offer much in the way of nutritional benefits. Aside from being rich in protein, eggs are also a great source of linoleic acid, Vitamin B2 and B12 and water-soluble Vitamin A – all of which are wonderful for your cat’s skin and coat.

Can cats eat pork?

Can cats eat pork? – As an alternative to chicken, beef or lamb, cats can eat a small portion of pork or ham as long as it’s cooked through and any bones are removed. Some brands of cat food may use pork or other meat products. Why Do Cats Like Strawberries

Can cats eat yogurt?

Can cats eat yogurt? – Yes, cats can eat yogurt providing it’s plain and unsweetened. Although it’s true that many cats are lactose intolerant, the lactose that yogurt contains is actually easier for cats to break down, as the live bacteria within the yogurt can help your cat to break it down.

Can cats eat honey?

Why honey is not a healthy treat for cats – It’s not really advisable to give honey to your cat. Cats lack glucokinase in the liver which is a very important enzyme for controlling levels of carbohydrate sugars in the body. This matters, because carbohydrate has an effect on blood sugar levels.

Diabetes UK comment: “When a diabetic cat ingests glucose and can’t process it properly, it leads to the build up of sugars in the blood stream. Eventually, the blood sugar gets so high that sugar begins to be spilled in the cat’s urine”.

Basically, cats are true carnivores, and do not naturally have the physiology for eating human food products like honey, although it’s always tempting to want to share treats with them. In short, personally I would not give honey to my cat. In addition, like any treat, when too many calories are consumed, it can cause unhealthy weight gain.

  • If you are concerned about promoting pet health, there are of course plenty of other treats available that might be beneficial for your cat.
  • With regard to wound care, I would advise taking your cat to the vet to have it checked.
  • I did read a very distressing story about an attempt to treat what turned out to be a cat’s serious cancer wound with manuka honey,

This is one of the reasons why it is better to go to a vet, who can then identify any underlying problems, and treat the cat to help it feel more comfortable. If you wish to use honey to treat your cat’s wound, you can discuss how best to do this with your vet, and whether or not it’s appropriate, especially given the information above.

What smells cats love?

7 Ways to Enrich Cat Environment With Scent – Sometimes we forget that cats’ noses are nearly as sensitive as those of dogs. Don’t overlook scent-rich items that you can’t smell, because they may rock your cat’s world. That said, cats prone to urine marking may be inspired to spray when they encounter a new scent or detect the presence of strange cats outside their house.

  1. Use scent enrichment with caution in these cats.
  2. Try one at a time, and mix up the smell-treats over time, to discover what works best for your cats.
  3. Crack Open Windows.
  4. Many cats never get a whiff of fresh air, and the smell can be intoxicating fun for them.
  5. To ensure they can’t escape, raise the window only a couple of inches to allow the breeze inside.

Airborne smells change depending on the weather, so there’s always something new. My cat Karma loves to stand on his hind legs and press his nose to the opening, especially when it rains. Logs, Sticks, Leaves. Seasoned fireplace logs attract many cats and might serve as a scratch post alternative.

  • My cat enjoys a cedar log, for example, and that smells good to humans, too.
  • For cats who love Christmas trimmings, save a branch from the tree.
  • Or fill a box or paper bag with dry leaves for your cat to sniff and play inside.
  • Pinecones offer aroma, plus something fun to bat around the room.
  • Some cats react to tatarian honeysuckle branches as though to catnip.

Take-Out Treats. Many cats beg for treats when they smell something yummy. Why not give them a sniff-treat once you’re finished, and let them play with the empty paper take-out container? Avoid plastic, and cut handles on paper sacks to prevent them getting caught.

  • Some cats react to olives like catnip and roll on top of them in ecstasy.
  • And the scent of a melon ball may surprise them, and you, with some sniffing fun.
  • Flower Power.
  • Cat-safe plants and flowers delight many cats.
  • Roses are edible, so treat your cat to a bouquet now and then (remove the thorns, of course!).

Sunflowers, zinnias, snapdragons, and gerbera daisies are safe, as well as oat grass or dandelion. Pluck a handful of greens from the yard and offer to your cat. Catnip and More. Many herbs we use in cooking are safe and fun for cats to sniff, and some are known to be feline favorites.

Catnip, part of the mint family, affects many cats with a scent-induced kitty “high.” Silver vine has a similar effect. And valerian can energize cats. Fresh work best, but even the dried form may inspire kitty love. Herbal Love. Other safe herbs cats may enjoy sniffing include dill, oregano, parsley, and rosemary.

Sprinkle herbs on a carpet or towel for your cat to enjoy. Try filling a plastic bag with catnip, drop in your cat’s favorite toy mice for a few days, and then offer the refreshed toys. Essential Oils—Be Cautious! While popular for people, essential oils can be dangerous for cats as they metabolize them differently.

  1. It is not recommended to apply essential oils to cats for this reason, but their scents can be beneficial.
  2. Lavender, which has natural sedative properties, may help soothe an anxious cat.
  3. Copaiba, helichrysum, and frankincense are also considered safe for cats.
  4. Before using essential oils, even in the form of diffused scents, around your cats, check with your holistic veterinarian for recommendations.

Using scent environmentally can help reduce potential fear and stress in your cat. That not only helps your cat, it enriches the bond you share. This article was reviewed/edited by board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Kenneth Martin and/or veterinary technician specialist in behavior Debbie Martin, LVT.

Are strawberries toxic to pets?

Fruits Dogs Can and Can’t Eat – Apples Yes, dogs can eat apples, Apples are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber for your dog. They are low in protein and fat, making them the perfect snack for senior dogs. Just be sure to remove the seeds and core first.

Try them frozen for an icy warm weather snack. You can also find it as an ingredient in apple-flavored dog treats, Avocado No, dogs should avoid avocado, While avocado may be a healthy snack for dog owners, it should not be given to dogs. The pit, skin, and leaves of avocados contain persin, a toxin that often causes vomiting and diarrhea in dogs,

The fleshy inside of the avocado fruit doesn’t have as much persin as the rest of the plant, but it still can be too much for dogs to handle. Avocado flesh is also high in fat, which can cause gastroinsestinal upset for dogs, or contribute to health conditions like pancreatitis if too much is consumed.

  1. Your dog can still enjoy the benefits of avocado if you look for dog treats for skin and coat that include avocado in the ingredients.
  2. Bananas Yes, dogs can eat bananas,
  3. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs.
  4. They’re high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper.
  5. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog’s main diet.

(You can also find banana dog treats that never get overripe!) Blueberries Yes, dogs can eat blueberries, Blueberries are a superfood rich in antioxidants, which prevent cell damage in humans and canines alike. They’re packed with fiber and phytochemicals as well.

  • Teaching your dog to catch treats in the air? Try blueberries! The powerhouse fruit is a popular ingredient for blueberry dog treats, sometimes in combination with other superfoods like yogurt.
  • Cantaloupe Yes, cantaloupe is safe for dogs,
  • Cantaloupe is packed with nutrients, low in calories, and a great source of water and fiber.
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It is, however, high in sugar, so should be shared in moderation, especially for dogs who are overweight or have diabetes. Try freezing balls or cubes of cantaloupe for your dog for a refreshing summertime enrichment snack. Cherries No, dogs should not eat cherries,

With the exception of the fleshy fruit around the seed, cherry plants contain cyanide and are toxic to dogs. Cyanide disrupts cellular oxygen transport, which means that your dog’s blood cells can’t get enough oxygen. If you have a cherry tree in your yard, be sure your dog doesn’t have free access to fallen fruit.

If your dog eats cherries whole or cherry pits, watch for dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and red gums, as these may be signs of cyanide poisoning, which is a veterinary emergency. If you’re enjoying cherries yourself, be sure to secure the discarded pits in a dog-proof trash can or trash bin that your dog can’t access, and let kids know not to share their cherries or cherry pits with your dog.

  • To allow your dog to safely experience the antioxidant benefits that cherries have, choose cherry dog treats formulated for your friend.
  • Cranberries Yes, cranberries are safe for dogs to eat.
  • Both cranberries and dried cranberries are safe to feed to dogs in small quantities.
  • Whether your dog will actually like this tart treat is another question.

Either way, moderation is important when feeding cranberries to dogs, as with any treat, as too many cranberries can lead to an upset stomach. It’s also worth noting that many dried cranberries sold for people to eat are sweetened, so giving them to your dog is adding unneeded sugar to their diet.

  • Instead, if your dog craves the tangy taste of cranberries, opt for unsweetened fresh or frozen fruits, or pick up some crunchy cranberry dog treats,
  • Cucumbers Yes, dogs can eat cucumbers,
  • Cucumbers are especially good for overweight dogs, as they hold little to no carbohydrates or fat, and they are full of satiating hydration.

They’re loaded with vitamins K, C, and B1, as well as potassium, copper, magnesium, and biotin. Cool cucumbers are an excellent hot weather treat if your dog enjoys them, and you can even freeze slices for a fun enrichment snack. Grapes No, dogs should never eat grapes,

If you think your dog has eaten grapes, call your veterinarian. Grapes and raisins (dried grapes) have proved to be very toxic for dogs no matter the dog’s breed, sex, or age. In fact, grapes are so toxic that they can lead to acute sudden kidney failure. Always be mindful of this dangerous fruit around dogs, especially if you have children who eat grapes or raisins in your home.

If you’re throwing away grapes or raisins, don’t put them in a compost heap your dog has access to, and be sure your trash can is designed to be dog-proof or (for those crafty problem-solving dogs) placed where your dog can’t access it. Mango Yes, dogs can eat mangoes,

This sweet and juicy tropical treat is packed with four different vitamins: A, B6, C, and E. Mangoes also have potassium and both beta-carotene and alpha-carotene. Just remember, as with most fruits, remove the hard pit first, as it contains small amounts of cyanide and can become a choking hazard. Mango is high in sugar, so use it as an occasional treat, especially for dogs who struggle with weight.

A less messy option for getting the benefits of mango’s superfood nutrients is a chewy mango dog treat, Oranges Yes, dogs can eat oranges, Oranges are fine for dogs to eat, according to veterinarians, but it’s common for dogs to be turned off by any kind of strong citrus smells or tastes.

  • Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, and in small quantities, the juicy flesh of an orange can be a tasty treat for your dog.
  • Vets do recommend tossing the orange peel and only offering your dog the flesh of the orange, minus any seeds.
  • Orange peel is rough on their digestive systems, and the oils may make your dog literally turn up their sensitive nose.

If your dog isn’t a fan of fresh citrus, there are a few dog treats with oranges to choose from. Peaches Yes, peaches are safe for dogs to eat. Small amounts of cut-up fresh or frozen peaches are a great source of fiber and vitamin A, but just like cherries, the pit contains cyanide.

  • As long as you completely cut the flesh away from the peach pit, then fresh peach flesh can be a great summer treat.
  • Be sure the pits are safely discarded in dog-safe trash receptacles.
  • Skip canned peaches, as they usually contain high amounts of sugary syrups.
  • Even canned or jarred peaches “in natural juice” have more sugar than any dog needs.

Frozen peach slices can be a fun, hot-weather enrichment snack for dogs. Pears Yes, dogs can eat pears, Pears are a great snack because they’re high in copper, vitamins C and K, and fiber. If you’re sharing pears with your dog, just be sure to cut the pear flesh into bite-size chunks and remove the pit and seeds first, as the seeds contain traces of cyanide.

  1. Skip canned or jarred pears with sugary syrups, even the ones labeled “in their own juice.” You can also find pear dog treats with other functional ingredients like duck or salmon.
  2. Pineapple Yes, pineapple is safe for dogs to eat.
  3. A few chunks of pineapple are a great sweet treat for dogs, as long as the prickly outside peel and crown are removed first.

The tropical fruit is full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It also contains bromelain, an enzyme that makes it easier for dogs to absorb proteins. As with other fruits, don’t choose canned or packaged pineapple in sweetened syrups, as dogs don’t need added sugars in their diets, especially if they’re prone to obesity.

You can also find pineapple dog treats for a taste of the islands on the go. Pumpkin Yes, pure pumpkin is a healthy food for dogs. Pumpkin is full of antioxidants, but its superpower is that it works to relieve both diarrhea and constipation in dogs. If you’re buying canned pumpkin, always choose 100% pumpkin puree, or you can also roast pumpkin in the oven yourself and feed the peeled pumpkin flesh to your dog.

There are also many pumpkin supplements and pumpkin dog treats for dogs to enjoy. Raspberries Yes, dogs can eat raspberries, Raspberries are safe for dogs in moderation. They contain antioxidants that are great for dogs. They’re low in sugar and calories, but high in fiber, manganese, and vitamin C.

Raspberries are especially good for senior dogs because they have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help aging joints. However, they do contain small, naturally occurring amounts of xylitol, so limit your dog to no more than eight ounces of fresh or frozen raspberries at any one time. Or, just choose a dog treat that includes raspberry as an ingredient.

Strawberries Yes, dogs can eat strawberries, Strawberries are full of fiber and vitamin C. Along with that, they also contain an enzyme that can help whiten your dog’s teeth as he or she eats them. Like all fruits, strawberries contain natural sugar, so offer them in moderation.

  • Frozen strawberries can be a fun enrichment treat for dogs.
  • Or you could just eat the strawberries yourself and hide your dog’s favorite training treat in this cute strawberry-shaped snuffle mat instead!) Tomatoes No, dogs should avoid tomatoes,
  • While the ripened flesh of the tomato fruit is generally safe for dogs, the green parts of the tomato plant contain a toxic substance called solanine.

A dog would need to eat a large amount of the tomato plant to make him or her sick, but it’s better to skip tomatoes all together just to be safe. If your dog likes to explore your vegetable garden, be sure to prevent them from having access to your tomato plants.

  • You can find dog-safe tomato treats if your dog loves the flavor or ripe, antioxidant-rich tomatoes.
  • Watermelon Yes, dogs can eat watermelon,
  • It’s important to remove the rind and seeds first, as they can cause intestinal blockage, but watermelon flesh is otherwise safe for dogs.
  • It’s full of vitamin A, B-6, and C, as well as potassium.

Watermelon is 92 percent water, so it’s a great way to help keep your dog hydrated on hot summer days. Freeze chunks of seeded watermelon for a fun hot-weather enrichment treat for your dog. (You can even find watermelon-flavored dog treats !)

What if my cat ate my strawberry plant?

Can Cats Eat Strawberry Leaves? – Yes! Strawberries and their leaves are not poisonous to cats. However, eating the stems and leaves may cause gastrointestinal (stomach) upset such as vomiting, so it’s a good idea to monitor your cat for signs of upset if they consume strawberry leaves.

Why do cats gag at strawberries?

Cats will sometimes exhibit a gagging reflex if they experience nausea when they see and smell their food.

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