A healthy dog is a happy dog. Thus, we usually treat our furry pals the same way we do our fellow human beings. In this article, we will provide a list of dog-friendly veggies that are proven to be nutritious and beneficial to your pup’s health.
Dog food is not the only option that you can feed your dog. There are plenty of human foods that are healthy and beneficial for them. A lot of vegetables rich in essential nutrients can be fed to your dog in order to benefit their health. However, just because these vegetables are healthy for the human body doesn’t mean that they’re healthy for dogs too. Some vegetables can be toxic and can prove to be fatal to their body and that is why it is highly recommended to consult your veterinarian first before deciding which vegetables you can feed them. Another option is to do extensive research on the internet to know more about dog-friendly veggies.
Incorporating dog-friendly veggies to your pup’s meal can act as a supplement to a healthy diet. Thus, it can combat plenty of diseases due to the high concentration of disease-fighting antioxidants which also helps in promoting good eye and brain function. However, dog owners should keep in mind that a balanced diet should be observed, so it is best to keep their vegetable content from 10% up to 25% of their overall diet as it can affect their digestion and energy. Moreover, the way you prepare their vegetables is just as important as the way you choose your vegetables for them--it is highly recommended by a lot of veterinarians to keep the vegetables unseasoned and cooked by blanching or steaming to make it easier for them to digest. To achieve maximum digestibility and benefits, pureeing is also a good method.
Dog-friendly Veggies that are Healthy for your Pup:
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Asparagus
Asparagus is high in folic acid, fiber, thiamin, vitamin A and B6--all these nutrients are very important for dogs. Make sure to cook the asparagus lightly and remove the stalks before feeding them to avoid choking. To make it easier for them to digest, you may also chop them in pieces and incorporate them in their meal.
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Kale
Kale contains Iron and vitamins K and A which promote good eyesight, proper immune function, fetal development, energy metabolism and bone health. You may serve it steamed or raw depending on your pup’s preference but make sure to thoroughly wash the kale to remove pesticides from the leaves before serving.
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Beets
As long as it's fed in moderation, beets can be a good source of fiber, manganese, potassium and vitamin C which are good for your pup’s digestion and immune system. Thus, it also promotes a healthy skin and good coat. You may serve beets either pureed or mashed or you can also shred them and use as topping for your dog’s meal.
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Carrots
Whether it’s served raw or cooked, carrots can be a great addition to your dog’s diet because they are full of vitamins and essential nutrients like biotin, vitamins K and B6, as well as potassium. In addition, feeding raw, crunchy carrots can actually clean their teeth, promoting good dental health. Make sure to peel off the skin and chop them into bite size pieces or sticks to make it easier for them to chew.
- Green beans
Incorporating green beans into your dog’s meal can be a great help especially for overweight dogs. Green beans are high in fiber yet low in calories, thus they aid in digestion and bowel movement. To serve green beans, make sure to wash them thoroughly and remove the ends.
- Sweet Potatoes/Yams
This dog-friendly veggie can boost your dog’s health due to its high levels of vitamin A, C, B6, Calcium and Potassium to name a few. These vitamins and minerals promote healthy skin, eyes, muscles and nerves for dogs. You may serve sweet potatoes either mashed or pureed or you can also cut them into wedges or bite-sized pieces before steaming to avoid choking.
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Pumpkins
If your furry pal is suffering from diarrhea, constipation or other digestion problems, pumpkins can help them recover by regulating their bowel movement due to its high fiber content. Pumpkins should be served cooked, usually mashed or pureed. Moreover, we do not recommend feeding them store-bought canned pumpkin due to the spice content or raw pumpkin as it can cause abdominal discomfort.
- Broccoli
As long as fed in small quantities, broccoli can be healthy for dogs as it can boost their immunity, improve bone density, heart health, as well as combat diseases due to the high content of antioxidants found in this dog-friendly veggie. It may seem like a very healthy vegetable, but do keep in my mind that too much more than the recommended amount can reduce your pup’s thyroid function. Thus, this vegetable is not recommended for puppies as it can upset their stomach.
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Peas
Peas are a good source of essential vitamins like B1, A, B6, B3 and B2, as well as iron, protein and zinc. Dogs can be fed 1-2 tablespoons of peas depending on their size - frozen, cooked or just thawed.
- Parsley
This dog-friendly veggie is not only healthy, but also an ideal breath-freshener for your pup. Full of potassium and beta carotene, parsley helps in promoting bone health and good eyesight. To serve, simply sprinkle chopped parsley on top of your dog’s meal.
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Zucchini
Zucchini delivers plenty of vitamin C and B6, Manganese, Potassium and Folate. To serve, just shred the zucchini over the meal. Zucchini adds water and fiber to a dog's diet and fills up his tummy too, keeping him lean.
Dog-friendly Veggies: Feed them in Caution
Some vegetables are healthy and suitable for dogs yet dog owners like you and me should keep in mind that dog-friendly veggies should be fed in moderation and shouldn’t act as a replacement for actual pet foods. Do not feed them vegetables beyond the serving suggestion as it can alter their health condition and bowel movement, and it can even lead to serious conditions like heart disease. Moreover, always consult your veterinarian first before starting any change in their diet.