They hop and play, they are bundles of joy, they wear a cheeky grin that tugs at your heartstrings. Yes, we’re talking about the Shetland Sheepdog or “Sheltie” for short, a dog breed so irresistibly adorable that they could be canine impersonations of small, fluffy clouds. Many might be familiar with the Sheltie’s agile disposition and their dense, richly colored coat; but did you know the breed originated from the harsh and remote Shetland Islands of Scotland? These sturdy pooches were initially bred for their adept animal herding skills. Now though, they light up homes with their playful antics, their piercing, intelligent gaze, and their boundless loyalty.
As a Sheltie owner, you already know the importance of providing your canine companion with a balanced diet. You carefully measure out their kibble, you take care to rotate their protein sources, and you might even slip them a treat now and then for being particularly charming. But here’s something unexpected – regular dog food aside, did you know fruits can be beneficial for your Sheltie’s health?
“Fruits?” you might find yourself asking, “Seriously? But my Sheltie isn’t a bunny!” While it’s true that dogs are primarily carnivorous, they aren’t strict carnivores like cats. Distantly descended from wolves, which eat a variety of fruits and vegetation aside from meat, dogs also benefit from plant matter in their diet. Of course, this doesn’t mean we should start crafting kale salads for our Shelties. What it does mean, however, is that certain fruits in moderate amounts can prove beneficial for their health.
So, which fruit plays the lead role when it comes to boosting a Sheltie’s health? The crown goes to the humble, everyday apple! Let’s dive into this discovery and find out why apples are the best fruit for your Shelties’ overall health.
An apple a day keeps the vet away! Well, maybe that’s an exaggeration, but apples indeed have a host of benefits for your furry buddy. They are laden with vitamins like A, C, and K, which bolster your Sheltie’s immune system and maintain good eye health. They are also rich in fiber, which aids digestion and helps in maintaining a healthy weight. The crunchy nature of apples also aids in cleaning your Sheltie’s teeth and freshening their breath.
>”But wait!” you say. “Aren’t apples toxic to dogs because of the seeds?”
A great point to note! Yes, apple seeds do contain a form of cyanide called amygdalin, but they’re not as dangerous as some sources may lead you to believe. It would require a significant number of seeds, broken or chewed up, to be ingested before they would pose a risk for your Sheltie. Still, for safety, it’s best to remove the apple core and seeds before offering apple slices to your Sheltie. Peeled apples are also advisable as some pesticides and chemicals may linger on the apple skin despite washing.
That said, even the champion fruit should be consumed in moderation. Shelties are small dogs, and an apple slice is plenty as a treat. Too many apples can lead to an upset tummy or diarrhea due to the higher fiber content. For puppies, elderly dogs, or dogs with certain medical conditions, always check with your vet before introducing any new food item to their diet.
What’s more, spicing up the apple treating game can make for not only a healthier but a happier pup. Frozen apple slices make delicious and cooling bites for teething puppies or on a warm day. An apple slice smeared with a dab of peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free!) can be a heavenly indulgence for your pup. You can even use a melon baller to scoop out small apple ‘balls’ for bite-sized treats.
Of course, puppies are individuals with their preference, and your Sheltie may or may not like apples. If this is the case, there are other fruits safe and beneficial for Shelties, such as bananas, blueberries, strawberries, or watermelon (seeds and rind removed).
Ultimately, feeding your Sheltie fruit should be about supplementing their traditional diet, not replacing it. A balanced diet, physical exercise, and lots of love and attention are any Sheltie’s recipe for a long, joy-filled life.
An apple a day may not guarantee the vet will stay away forever, but it surely does provide an exciting, tasty treat that has added health benefits for your Sheltie! Produced from the fruitful knowledge of canine dietary needs and with a sprinkle of common sense, the decision to incorporate fruits like apples into your Sheltie’s diet will invariably bring a positive, salubrious change in your furry friend’s life.
