What if your leftover produce could do more than sit in the compost bin? At Royal Alpha Produce, we believe every apple, carrot, and leafy green has a purpose—even if it doesn’t make it to your plate. Sharing safe fruits and vegetables with your pets is a simple way to reduce food waste, support sustainability, and give your furry friends a healthy boost. From crunchy carrots for dogs to hydrating watermelon for cats, here’s how to turn leftovers into nutritious treats they’ll love.
Why This Matters
Food waste is a global challenge, and as a produce distributor, we see firsthand how much good food goes unused. By sharing safe leftover produce with pets, you’re helping:
🐾 Reduce food waste at home
🐾 Support sustainable living
🐾 Provide healthy pet treats packed with nutrients
Fruits and vegetables can add valuable vitamins and minerals to your pet’s diet, supporting overall health and immunity. Just remember not all produce is safe, and treats should never replace a balanced diet.
Safe Fruits for Pets
These fruits are safe and nutritious when served properly:
🍎 Apple – Remove seeds (especially with some natural peanut butter for your dog only)
🫐 Blueberries – High in antioxidants
🍌 Banana – Great for potassium; serve in moderation
🍈 Cantaloupe – Remove rind and seeds
🥭 Mango – Remove pit and skin
🍐 Pear – Remove seeds
🍍 Pineapple – Remove skin and core
🍓 Strawberries – Boost immunity
🍉 Watermelon – Cats and dogs can enjoy tiny seedless pieces; remove rind
🍊 Orange (Dogs only) – Offer small pieces, avoid peel and seeds
Safe Vegetables for Pets
Vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Cook tougher veggies for easier digestion:
🥕 Carrot
🟢 Green beans
🌱 Asparagus
🫑 Bell pepper
🥦 Broccoli – Small florets only
🥦 Brussels sprouts – Cooked and in moderation
🥬 Cabbage – Shredded, small amounts
🥦 Cauliflower
🥬 Celery
🥒 Zucchini
🍠 Sweet potato – Cooked
🎃 Pumpkin – Plain, no spices
Unsafe Foods
Avoid these—they can be toxic or harmful to your pets:
🍇 Grapes & raisins
🧄 Onions & garlic
🥥 Macadamia nuts
🥑 Avocado
🍫 Chocolate
Creative Ways to Use Leftovers
❄️ Frozen Treats: Blend carrots and apples, freeze in cubes for a delicious treat!
🧸 Stuffed Toys: Fill a Kong toy with mashed pumpkin.
🥗 Salad Mix: Combine safe greens for rabbits and guinea pigs.
🥣 Puree Boost: Add a spoon of pumpkin puree to cat food for digestion.
Bonus Recipe: Cat-Safe Pumpkin “Meow” Latte
Ingredients:
🎃 Plain pumpkin puree (unsweetened, spice-free)
🥛 A splash of goat milk
🐟 A drizzle of salmon oil
🍗 Freeze-dried chicken, crushed
Instructions:
🔥 Warm goat milk slightly
🥄 Stir in pumpkin puree and salmon oil
🍽️ Pour into a shallow dish
✨ Sprinkle crushed chicken on top
🐱 Serve as an occasional treat
Safety Disclaimer
💖 Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods.
🌟 Treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s daily diet.
🍀 Introduce produce slowly to avoid stomach upset.
💧 Always keep fresh water nearby!