Did you know that dogs are omnivores? Vegetables provide our canine companions with plenty of nutrients. A diet consisting of protein, carbs and veggies is the perfect balance for our pups! Doggy nutritionists at Burns Pet Nutrition give us the low-down on what vegetables are good and bad for dogs.
What Veggies Are Healthy?
Nutritional Leafy Greens
Packed full of antioxidants and minerals, leafy greens such as kale and spinach are a great source of fibre.
Serving suggestion: Steam the greens and mix with existing food for a teatime boost.
Crunchy Carrots
So long as your dog doesn’t have diabetes, carrots are a fantastic treat in moderation. High in carbohydrate, carrots help promote a healthy coat and improved vision.
Serving suggestion: Cut carrots into bite size pieces and serve raw to get their teeth working.
Lean Green Beans
Green beans are loaded with vitamins and iron. They’re also nutritious and low in calories.
Serving suggestion: Steam the green beans and add a handful to your dog’s meal.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a great vegetable for dogs to enjoy! It is full of essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, and Potassium. Additionally, it is low in fat and calories and is a great source of dietary fibre.
Serving suggestion: Offer broccoli as a snack, small portions can be fed either raw or cooked. Large pieces can be a choking hazard, so always cut it up appropriately.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a great source of dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals for dogs. They are a complex carbohydrate and provide an excellent source of energy for your pup.
Serving Suggestion: When feeding your dog a sweet potato, make sure it’s cooked and that the skin is removed. Steam or boil them and add to your dogs dinner.
What Veggies to Avoid?
Onions
Onions are like kryptonite to dogs. Containing an active ingredient called thiosulphate. The ingestion of onions can lead to a condition called hemolytic anemia. If you suspect your pet has eaten onions give the vet a call ASAP.
Wild Mushrooms
Wild mushrooms are more likely to be gobbled during a forest walk than fed directly to your pooch but they can be toxic. So try to keep an eye on your scamp during walkies!
Avocado
Feeding avocado to dogs is a no-no. A contentious subject amongst vets due to the toxin Persin which is found in the leaves and bark of avocado trees. Due to the high-fat content of avocados and large central stone, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Avocados are technically a fruit. But since so many of us serve them up with our supper we thought we’d add them to the list.
Does Your Dog Love Any Veggies?
It is important to remember that every dog is different and some may have allergies or other dietary restrictions that need to be taken into consideration. Vegetables are a great source of nutrition for dogs and can help make their meals more interesting and nutritious. Be sure to consult your vet to determine which vegetables are best for your pup. With a little bit of creativity, you and your pup can enjoy a healthy, delicious diet full of vegetables.
