The following is a list of fruits and veggies that are safe and healthy for your dog. Most of them can be found in dry and wet dog food formulas on the market today - I have included some of those selections. These fruits and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals and nutrients that are important in sustaining a healthy immune system in canines. But remember- when serving cooked produce to dogs always be sure to not exceed the appropriate portions. It is also recommended to remove the skin of the fruit or vegetable. If unsure it is always best consult your veterinarian.

Fruits and vegetables can provide your dog with essential vitamins and minerals naturally rather than in supplement form. Vitamins such as A and E can help your dog lose weight by promoting fat burning while fighting disease. This is good news since a high number of dogs in the United States are currently overweight or obese. Vitamin C is an immune system booster while minerals like iron is needed for healthy blood and potassium supports heart health.

Always talk to your veterinarian about any treats you feed your dog, including fruit.

Give your dog small portions of fruit only, especially the first time feeding them to your dog. Even though fruit is good for him, fruit is not calorie free. Also, you don't know if your dog will have an allergic or other adverse reaction, such as gas or an upset stomach.

Clean fruit thoroughly before offering it to your dog.

If you can, introduce small portions of fruit to your dog when he is young. He may be more likely to try it and like it.

Some dogs don't like raw fruit. Try mashing it into their food or adding it as an ingredient when you make homemade dog treats. You can also use fruit juice, but make sure it is 100 percent fruit juice and not added sugars.

Avoid feeding your dog any type of seeds or pits. Although not all seeds are known to cause problems, it is better to be safe than sorry. What is known to be problematic or toxic are apple seeds, apricot pits, nectarine pits, plum pits, cherry pits and peach pits.

Be sure to wash all fruits and remove rinds, inedible skins, seeds, and pits before feeding to pets.

Apple, Apricot, Banana, Blueberries, Cantaloupe, Mango, Orange, Pear, Pineapple, Raspberries, Strawberries, Watermelon

Consider steaming or boiling cruciferous veggies such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, as they are much easier to digest when they are cooked.

Asparagus, Bell peppers (red, green, yellow), Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Cucumber, Green beans, Lettuce, Pumpkin, Spinach, Sweet potato

Here is a brief list of healthy treats that have been found to go over well with a lot of pets, followed by a list of foods you will need to avoid.

Apples - without seeds or core (apple seeds contain chemical compounds that are poisonous to animals)

Blueberries

Strawberries

Watermelon - without seeds

Cantaloupe

Frozen bananas

Green beans

Carrots - raw or cooked

Sweet potato - cooked, cubed or mashed without butter or seasoning; regular potatoes are also good, but in limited amounts since they are high in sugar and can increase weight

Squash, zucchini

Lettuce

Spinach

Popcorn - unsalted and unbuttered

Catnip or cat grass

Grapes and raisins - contain chemical compounds that are toxic to dogs

Garlic and onions - both have chemical properties that can be toxic, and even life threatening to dogs and cats

Tomatoes

Avocado

Mushrooms - particularly wild mushrooms

Fruits with pits, such as peaches, cherries, and plums - in some cases the pit can be toxic, or can simply present a choking hazard

Nuts - particularly macadamia nuts, which are toxic to pets

Fruits and vegetables can offer your pet added nutritional value. They are the preferred source of many vitamins and minerals, especially when compared to the alternative of synthetic or isolated vitamin additives.

Because vegetables are often tertiary ingredients in most pet foods, you will usually find them listed after the protein and fat sources in the ingredient list. That doesn't mean you shouldn't look for them however. Foods rich in fruits and vegetables are naturally tasty, sweet, and antioxidant laden when compared to those without. And they often contain less artificial additives than foods with little or no fruits and vegetables in their recipe.