The inclusion of fruits and vegetables in the raw diet is a highly debated topic. Some believe that by including plant matter in the diet, the natural diet of a wild carnivore is not imitated. However, I and many other veterinary surgeons supportive of raw diets, advocate the addition of particular fruits, vegetables, herbs and seeds. The "founder" of the BARF (biologically appropriate raw food) diet, Dr Ian Billinghurst, states that fruits and vegetables are a key element in balancing a raw diet. Recipes formulated by the likes of Nick Thompson, a veterinary and nutritional consultant and founder of the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society, also include fresh seasonal vegetables.
What are the benefits?
Fruits and vegetables provide an array of vitamins and minerals, from B complex vitamins, vitamins A, E and K to magnesium and manganese. Plant matter, which includes herbs and seeds, should make up around 10% of the overall intake; approximately 7% of that should be vegetables, particularly leafy green vegetables, and approximately 1% should be fruits, particularly dark berries. You should aim to feed a "rainbow" of fruits and vegetables, as this will provide the greatest variety of nutrients and dietary antioxidants. Fruits and vegetables are the only source of phytonutrients, which are substances that are beneficial to health and prevent disease:
Carotenoids, which include alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and over 600 others, function as anti-oxidants to protect the body against free radical damage. Free radicals contribute to ageing, tissue damage and cancer. Carotenoids can be found in red, orange and yellow pigmented fruits and vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, squashes, carrots and pumpkins.
Lycopene is a carotenoid which gives a red pigment to fruits and vegetables. It is another antioxidant, playing a role in the prevention of cancer. Sources include tomatoes, watermelon, red carrots, red cabbage, rosehips and red peppers.
Lutein is another carotenoid with anti-oxidant properties which concentrate in the eyes and protect them from free radical damage. Lutein is found in high concentrations in leafy green vegetables, such as kale and broccoli (but also egg yolks!).
Flavonoids are compounds which also have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The more colourful the fruit or vegetable is, the higher the flavonoid content (as a general rule).
Anthocyanins are flavonoid compounds with powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, cardio-protective benefits and have been clinically proven to improve memory and neuronal signaling. It is responsible for the pigment in purple, red and blue fruits and vegetables, including blueberries, blackberries, beetroot, cranberries and red cabbage.
Papain, found in papaya, and Bromelain, found in pineapple, are protein-digesting enzymes which support the digestive tract and reduce inflammation.
Fruit and vegetables are also sources of insoluble and soluble fibre; insoluble fibre is essential for adding bulk and helping movement through the digestive system, while soluble fibre maintains fluid balance in the gut to prevent constipation and diarrhoea. Vegetables can also help with satiety and generally have a low caloric value, so are the perfect addition for those who are always hungry or trying to lose weight.
Which vegetables to feed?
Vegetables can be fresh or frozen, provided that there are no additives or seasonings. Avoid juices and sauces, as these often have additional ingredients. Vegetables are only as good as the ground they're grown in, so source local, organic and good quality produce where possible. Dark, leafy green vegetables are favoured, but aim to feed a variety of colours too. Safe and beneficial types include:
Alfalfa.
Arugula.
Asparagus.
Beetroot.
Bok Choy/Pak Choi.
Broccoli,
Brussel Sprouts.
Cabbage.
Carrots.
Cauliflower.
Celeriac.
Celery.
Collard Greens.
Cucumber.
Green Beans.
Kale.
Lettuce.
Mushrooms, such as maitake, reishii, shiitake and other non-toxic varieties.
Parsnips.
Pumpkin.
Red Cabbage.
Spinach.
Spring Greens.
Squashes.
Sweet Potatoes.
Swiss Chard.
Watercress.
Which fruits to feed?
Fruits can also be fresh or frozen, provided there are no additives or seasonings. Avoid juices and sauces, as these often have additional ingredients. Source local, organic and good quality produce where possible. Berries are favoured, as they contain anthocyanins; blueberries contain pterostilbene, which possesses potent cancer-fighting properties, and cranberries are known to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Ensure you remove any pits, stones or seeds prior to feeding. Safe and beneficial types include:
Acai Berries.
Apples.
Banana.
Bell Peppers.
Blackberries.
Blueberries.
Cantaloupe.
Cranberries.
Goji Berries.
Kiwi.
Mango.
Oranges.
Papaya.
Pears.
Pineapple.
Pomegranate.
Raspberries.
Strawberries.
Watermelon.
Preparing fruits and vegetables
Plant matter contains a compound called cellulose in their cell walls, which gives the plant rigidity and structure. Cellulose is difficult to digest for dogs, so we must prepare them in some form to help your dog absorb and utilise as many nutrients as possible. This can be done either through some form of cooking or blending. Steaming appears to be the best method to preserve water-soluble vitamins, but boiling and roasting can also be done depending on the type of vegetable being used. Fruits and vegetables can also be blended into a puree. If cooking or blending isn't possible, try to chop them as fine as possible or squash fruit with a fork to maximise absorption. Raw fruits and vegetables can be given, but absorption appears to be limited as dogs have a poor ability to masticate their food like humans.
Each method of preparation will yield different nutrient availability; cooking will enhance some nutrients while others will be reduced. Offer a variety of preparations where possible to cover as many bases- again, variety is the key!
Fruit & Vegetable Alternatives
If you don't have time to prepare fruits and vegetables, some manufacturers supply pre-made vegetable mixes. Some examples include Naturaw Organic Vegetables, Nutriment Just Vegetables Plus, Paleo Ridge Berry Good and Nature's Menu Veggie Boost Nuggets.
If dried supplements are more your thing, there are dried vegetable, herb and superfood mixes available that can be added to raw. These include Dorwest Keeper's Mix® and Keeper's Mix Sensitive®, Dorwest Easy Green®, Dorwest Green-Releaf®, SmartBarf® and Hedgerow Hound's Greens, Seeds and Superfoods®.