In our pets' bowls, the burst of energy that nature offers in bloom makes itself felt. Dogs and cats, in fact, benefit greatly from eating seasonal fruit and vegetables – just as we do. "We're fortunate that most summer vegetables can be eaten raw, making the most of their nutritional properties and thereby preserving the contribution of vitamins, antioxidants and enzymes," explains Barbara Tonini, veterinary surgeon. Not to mention that summer vegetables, with their high water and mineral content, are particularly beneficial for the wellbeing of our four-legged friends, since the heat causes increased loss of these precious substances.

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For a summer full of health

The daily intake of vegetables in the diet of our dogs and cats is essential not only for their contribution of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, but above all when it comes to fibre. "This has no nutritional or energy value in itself," Tonini continues, "but it is nonetheless very important because it regulates the bacterial population of the intestine."

Fibre supports the health of the microbiota which, with its complexity and its high number of genes, is capable of profoundly influencing the state of health and wellbeing of both humans and animals. From the selection of beneficial bacteria to the production of protective metabolites, the result is not only a direct effect on the intestine, but also on other organs far removed from it. "One example above all is the gut-brain axis, through which the microbiota exerts an effect on both the neurological and behavioural components of our animal friends," concludes Barbara Tonini.

The benefits of dietary fibre

Summer vegetables are therefore also essential for their high fibre content. "Fibre is made up primarily of complex carbohydrates," explains Barbara Tonini, "which cannot be used directly by the body, but are selectively used by intestinal bacteria for fermentation and the final production of protective metabolites. The main distinction is between insoluble fibre and water-soluble fibre. Insoluble fibre (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) has the ability to retain water, compacting stools and stimulating intestinal peristalsis, thereby facilitating the evacuation of faeces.

Soluble fibre (pectins, gums, mucilages), on the other hand, forms a gelatinous mass with water that slows intestinal transit and interferes with the absorption of sugars, reducing the insulin response." Both types of fibre are indicated in the course of chronic intestinal conditions because, in a synergistic manner, the former contribute to the absorption and subsequent elimination of pathogenic bacteria and harmful substances, while the latter in particular promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and the production of healthful molecules.

A bowl of wellbeing

Among the summer vegetables that are beneficial for our animals, we are spoilt for choice. "Starting with asparagus, rich in antioxidant pigments, vitamin C and B vitamins which, thanks to their diuretic properties, are excellent in the management of urinary conditions, as are courgettes and fennel," clarifies Barbara Tonini. "The latter also have a marked carminative action, as they facilitate the elimination of intestinal gas, and thanks to certain molecules they exert an effective anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effect." Celery is also an excellent vegetable to eat raw, especially for animals with intestinal disorders, owing to its ideal fibre concentration.

"Let us not forget carrots, well known for their richness in beta-carotene, which pack a range of therapeutic effects spanning from digestive support to anti-tumour properties," adds the expert. The yellow and red varieties of peppers, meanwhile, contain vitamin C in quantities even higher than citrus fruit, to stimulate the immune defences and aid in the absorption of iron. Finally, let us not forget salad leaves, from spring varieties to lettuce through to lamb's lettuce and red radicchio, which by virtue of their water and soluble fibre content help the body to eliminate toxins and excess waste.

Vegetables: best eaten raw

Vegetables can be eaten raw by animals too, and during the summer months choosing this method of preparation is very important precisely to preserve the full dietary and nutritional potential of these precious products of nature. "Of course, we shouldn't expect them to digest vegetables in chunks," explains Dr Tonini, "because unlike us omnivores, dogs and cats do not have a chewing action capable of effectively grinding food, and so we need to help them by chopping vegetables finely – better still if they are grated or blended into a raw vegetable purée. Don't throw away the pulp from juicers and centrifugal extractors (that is, the fibrous part left after the juice has been extracted), because it is still rich in nutraceutical substances and fibre and can be added to the dog's or cat's bowl without any problem."

Avoid garlic, onion, leek and shallot. Leafy green vegetables such as chard and spinach should also be avoided in cases of kidney disease or urinary tract stones, as they contain high quantities of oxalates, substances that can contribute to the formation of stones. In all cases of chronic illness, the advice of a vet is in any case essential before introducing vegetables or fruit into the diet.