A famous saying by Roger Caras goes, “Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” We all agree that these furry friends fill our lives with so much love and warmth, and the least we can do as humans are to treasure them as much as they treasure us.
The best thing you could give your pooch is proper nutrition in order to live a longer, healthy, and more fulfilling life. Without adequate nutrition, your dog would not be able to maintain muscle tone, build and repair muscles, teeth, and bone, and perform normal daily activities with ease or fight-off infection.
Dogs are carnivorous by nature. In fact, most dog experts agree that meat is predominant in a dog’s diet. Protein provides a source of energy and helps with muscle function and growth. But, Just like us, dogs require a balanced diet that includes meat, fruit, and vegetables to improve their health and overall well-being.
You’re probably wondering, can dogs eat vegetables? The answer is Yes! Dogs have really come to love and enjoy most vegetables. Veterinary nutritionists recommend that vegetables for dogs be given as a snack, an occasional treat, or mixed in with the dog’s favorite meal to make up for the 10 percent rule.
Are Vegetables Good For Dogs?
Vegetables are not always the first things most people think of when they think about dog food or overall nutrition for their dogs. But vegetables fed in moderation give your dog extra nutrition.
Vegetables are a perfect source of hydration because most of them have high water content. Also, they’re loaded with vitamins, minerals, fibers, and antioxidants, and all together, they have amazing health benefits for dogs.
Overall, served moderately, most vegetables are good for dogs. However, a few are toxic and not safe for consumption by dogs. If you’re yet to give vegetables to your dog, try these safe and healthy vegetables that dogs can eat to improve their health and well-being;
Asparagus Spears
These vegetables are highly nutritious and safe for dogs to eat. Asparagus is about 93 percent water which is good for hydration. They are packed with vitamins B6, C, E, and K, along with nutrients such as rutin, niacin, and thiamine—there’s more—they contain minerals like copper, selenium, potassium, and chromium.
Feed the asparagus spears as you want to avoid the leaves that could upset your dog’s tummy. The spears make a good alternative to the chew stick.
You can feed asparagus raw or cooked, but it is advisable to cook it (either light grill or steam) to make it easier for the dog to chew and digest. Raw asparagus is tough for dogs to chew and for their digestive system. If you’re to feed raw, chop it into fine pieces to make it easier for the dog to break down.
Green beans
If your dog is looking to lose a few pounds or to stay in shape, then give it green beans once in a while. Not only are they low in calories, but they also help your dog feel fuller in between meals.
Green beans also contain high fiber content (beneficial for diabetic dogs) and are an excellent source of vitamins like A, C, and K. your pup will enjoy green beans in any form—raw, canned, grilled, or steamed. Just remember to keep them plain with no extra oils, herbs, or spices.
With canned food for dogs, always opt for low salt or no salt.
Carrots
Most dog parents will agree that most dogs love carrots. Carrots are the most popular crunchy treat for dogs. Not only are they tasty, but also, they have loads of other health benefits for your pooch. However, for pups that are diabetic, carrots may not be the best snack for them because of their high sugar content.
Carrots are the perfect low-carb snack that is high in fiber and beta-carotene that produces vitamin A, which in turn strengthens immunity, improves eyesight, and also conditions the skin of your pup. Due to their crunchy nature, carrots clean your dog’s teeth and freshens their breath.
You can serve raw or steamed carrots. However, many dog parents serve boiled (lightly mashed) or steamed carrots for ease of chewing. Raw carrots are a great option as well-but, cut into small bite-size pieces.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin has it all—it is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and it’s tasty and helps the digestive system. The high fiber content helps alleviate diarrhea by absorbing water (thus hardening the stool) and also acts as a laxative in times of constipation.
Pumpkin is best served canned (simply scoop some and serve). Also, you can cook it plain with no add-ins, mash, and serve—lightly cooked pumpkin is the easiest for a dog to digest.
Sweet potato
Sweet potatoes make the perfect meal for your dog. When prepared and served correctly, these yummy vegetables are a good source of vitamins like A, B6, and C, along with minerals and micronutrients.
Sweet potatoes should be given in small pieces after they’ve been cooked. You can serve baked, roasted, or pureed. Serving raw sweet potatoes will most likely cause an obstruction since they are not digested properly.
Lastly, keep an eye on the calories you serve if your dog is on the heavy side.
Broccoli
Broccolis are healthy and safe for dogs to eat but in very small quantities. The best part is you can just grab and give raw or cooked (steamed or lightly mashed) as long as you don’t add extra salt or spices.
Broccoli is best served as an occasional treat in moderate potions. This vegetable is high in fiber, vitamins C and K, which improves bones strength and density, and low in fat which is perfect for dogs who need to lose a few pounds.
Celery
Most dogs enjoy crunchy treats, and this makes celery their favorite vegetable. Feeding celery sticks to your dog is safe and very healthy. However, you want to stop serving celery if your pup develops stomach issues or urinary changes after eating.
Where there are no issues at all, this low-calorie vegetable benefits your dog with vitamins A, B, and C, as well as with potassium, manganese, and phosphorous. Additionally, celery contains nutrients that help fight cancer, the low fat is great for weight loss and promoting a healthy heart, and finally, the crunch keeps the mouth fresh.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are low in carbs and high in nutrients. They make the perfect snack for overweight dogs and those that are looking to stay in shape. Due to the high-water content, they double up as a source of hydration, especially during summer days.
Cucumbers are also loaded with vitamins K, C, and B1 and minerals like potassium, copper, magnesium, and biotin. They also contain phytochemicals that fight against bad breath.
Give cucumber in small quantities, as too many can cause stomach problems.
Cauliflower
To some people, cauliflower looks bland with no nutritional value, but surprisingly, these vegetables are beneficial not only to us but also to canines. These vegetables have a low-calorie count, perfect for weight loss.
Cauliflower contains vitamins B, C, and K, along with omega-3 fatty acids, manganese, and phosphorous. These promote healthy red blood cells in the immune system.
Raw cauliflower is hard to digest, so it is best served lightly cooked. You can also incorporate the florets in their food for an extra nutritional supplement to their diet.
Peas
Fresh or frozen peas are classified as starchy vegetables. Dogs can consume peas like snow peas, English peas, sugar snap peas, and garden peas. Peas have some good nutrients like fiber, vitamins A, K, and B, iron, zinc, potassium, and magnesium.
Serve steamed and boiled peas for easier digestion. Avoid canned peas as most of them are packed with high salt content—you don’t want your furry friend digesting too much salt.
Ensure to monitor while it feeds that it doesn’t chock with peas, especially the pods.
Green leafy vegetables
Dogs can eat green leafy vegetables. Dark green leafy vegetables are beneficial to dogs, just like they are to us. Dogs can consume spinach and kale, raw or cooked, depending on their preference.
Spinach contains high amounts of iron, vitamins A, B, C, and K, antioxidants, beta-carotene, and roughage, which promotes a healthy dog’s digestive system. Chop, steam, and serve small amounts.
Zucchini
Zucchini is safe for dogs to eat. It is a great source of magnesium and potassium. Shredding it on top of their regular food is the perfect way to incorporate this vegetable into your dog’s diet.
The nutrients may help your furry best fight infections, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
Feed your Dog Healthy Vegetables
Vegetables are a great addition to your dog’s diet as long as you stick to those that are safe for dogs. Vegetables should be served in moderation—excess can lead to stomach problems. Also, give small pieces depending on the size of the dog to prevent choking hazards.
Washing is essential for all vegetables, and it may be best to cook most of them for optimum digestion. With any questions regarding your dog’s health and dietary needs, remember to consult your veterinarian.
