What Vegetables Can Dogs Eat as a Tasty Treat?
Did you know that a recent poll showed that 1 in 5 people share their meals with their pets?
Giving your dogs a little taste off of your plate might keep them happy and healthy, but only if you're giving them the right things.
If you want to share some food with Fido and not worry about hurting them, you need to learn what vegetables can dogs eat.
Keep reading to learn all you need to know about creating a healthy diet for dogs you love!
Can Dogs Eat Vegetables?
Many people give fruits and vegetables to dogs to keep them healthy and reduce the costs of going to the vet.
Vegetables are safe for dogs to eat and add nutrition to their diet. They enjoy the different textures and flavors while absorbing some of the best vitamins, fiber, and minerals.
You can feed your pup or older dog vegetables in moderation. Make sure they are cut and prepared so they aren't difficult to eat.
Although most veggies have health-boosting properties, some can be harmful to canines. Avocados, mushrooms, and tomatoes should never get shared with your dogs. It's also important to keep onions and garlic away from them too.
What Happens If I Share the Wrong Veggies?
Depending on the type of veggie your pup gets into, they might show a variety of reactions.
For example, a compound in onions is toxic to dogs and leads to the breakdown of red blood cells, resulting in anemia. Mushrooms and avocados can cause gastro issues and make them feel uncomfortable or nauseous.
When consumed in small amounts, these vegetables typically aren't fatal. You should contact our veterinarians as quickly as possible to determine the best course of action.
What Vegetables Can Dogs Eat?
At some point, people wonder what vegetables can dogs eat as they stare down your plate of food.
Learning about what kind of vegetables can dogs eat can keep you and your little pup healthy and away from the vet. Since not all veggies are safe for dogs, it's best to stick with the items on the list below.
Leafy Greens
Humans aren't the only ones that can benefit from eating leafy greens.
Kale and spinach are wonderful snacks for dogs since they are full of fiber. It's important that you only share in moderation, however. Leafy greens have oxalic acid, which can prevent a dog's kidney from absorbing calcium.
Giving small portions of kale, spinach, and chard can increase fiber and iron intake. You should leave the leafy green uncooked and raw to offer the most nutrients.
Carrots
Raw and cooked carrots are great for dogs of all ages and sizes.
Not only do they help clean their pearly whites, but they also add nutrition to their diet. Carrots have few calories but plenty of fiber, making them fulfilling. Most dog foods include carrots in the recipe since they also have beta-carotene and vitamin A.
Feeding full carrots to horses might not be an issue, but you should always cut carrots into bite-size pieces.
Green Beans
Green beans are a wonderful veggie option for dogs and puppies.
You can feed dogs canned, steamed, raw, and frozen green beans. Avoid salt and spices when you feed them green beans, especially if you purchase canned beans. Green beans are healthy since they offer vitamins, nutrients, and fiber.
It's common for people to include cut-up green beans with their furry friend's food. Your dog will love the flavor and appreciate the change in texture!
Cucumbers
If your dog is overweight or it's hot outside, cucumber is a wonderful veggie to share.
Cucumbers are loaded with water that will keep them hydrated and moving. They also have vitamins B, C, and K. The potassium, copper, and magnesium keep them moving and can help fight aches and pains from arthritis.
The best part about feeding your dog cucumbers is that they don't have any fats, carbs, or oils. These factors can lead to bloating and digestive discomfort for dogs. The water from the cucumbers will also help relieve inflammation for several conditions.
Sweet Potatoes & Squash
Dogs treat prices keep rising, leaving many owners making homemade treats.
Sweet potatoes (yams) and butternut squash are cheap and long-lasting alternatives. These veggies offer plenty of vitamin C to your pup, but they also aid in digestion. Dogs with anxiety and stomach issues often have a diet including these veggies.
With autumn being just around the corner, you can also include pumpkin for the same benefits. Pumpkin is packed with vitamins, fiber, and magnesium, which are great for all types of dogs.
Methods of Storing & Preparation
To preserve the nutrients in vegetables, you should always store them in the freezer.
Freezing raw vegetables is simple and as long as they are clean and dried, they should get ruined. Most dogs love snacking on frozen or partially thawed veggies since they are crunchy and refreshing.
If your pup isn't a fan of frozen or raw veggies, there are a few other methods to try. Blanching, steaming, and pureéing the vegetables can also help them get the benefits.
Keep Your Furry Friend Happy & Healthy
Discovering what vegetables can dogs eat can keep your beloved pets safe and happy.
Depending on what your pup takes or gets from your plate can determine if they will benefit from it or not. Eating vegetables can ensure that your dog is getting enough vitamins, nutrients, and even water. Unfortunately, not all veggies can be shared.
Don't be afraid to contact our vets if you have any questions or concerns regarding your pet's health.
If you want to ensure optimal health for your dogs, visit our shop for safe and effective supplements that go great with veggies!