Vegetables are not necessarily essential for your dog’s diet but they do make a perfect healthy treat for your dog. They contain high percentage of vitamins, minerals, fats, and fiber which improves the overall health of your dog’s digestion.
However, when feeding your dog with vegetables ensure that you start small. It is important that you do not give them in excess and always watch out for signs of allergy, nausea and loose stool. Also precaution should be taken that they do not choke on vegetables. It is advisable to chop vegetables into bite-size pieces before feeding your dog.
It is also best to talk to your vet about supplementing your dogs’ diet with vegetables.
9 Dog Friendly Vegetables
Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe isn’t just a perfect vegetable for human but also for dogs. With its high content of vitamin A and beta carotene, this vegetable greatly improves dogs’ eyesight and prevents cell damage. Other content of cantaloupe includes vitamin C and B-g, fiber, foliate, niacin and potassium. However, avoid feeding your dog with the rind of the cantaloupe which is capable of causing intestinal damage.
Green Bean
Green beans are packed with omega- 3 fatty acid and vitamins A, C, and K which are very good for dogs. They are superpowers of vegetables and rich sources of calcium, copper, fiber, folic acid, iron, niacin, manganese, potassium, riboflavin, and thiamin, as well as beta carotene; this is why they are incorporated into many dog foods.
Spinach
Spinach is a great source of iron (having nearly twice the amount of any other source) and plays an important role in fending off inflammatory and preventing cardiovascular issues along with cancer. However, spinach should be given only in small portion to dogs because it contains large amount of oxalic acid which can have adverse effect on dog’s kidney if consume in large quantity.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin helps to alleviate constipation and diarrhea in dogs. It is high in fiber, vitamin A and anti-oxidants. It has also been found to promote the overall health of the cardiovascular system.
Carrot
Carrots are excellent vegetables to give to dogs because it is a great source of vitamins, fiber and potassium. Chewing on crunchy carrots also improves dog’s dental health. Other benefits include easing of anxiety and boosting of immune system.
Brussels Sprout
Brussels Sprouts are rich in nutrients and antioxidants which are good for the general well-being of the dog. They are excellent source of vitamins K and C and omega-3 fatty acids.. In addition to that they are ripe with manganese, folate, fiber, potassium and vitamins A, B1 and B6.However, Brussels Sprouts should be fed to dogs in moderation because they cause flatulence.
Broccoli
Broccoli is another great immune boosting vegetable for dogs. They have rich anti-cancer and arthritic inflammation fighting properties. They contain vitamins C ,K.and A, folate, manganese and fiber. However, broccoli should constitute only small portion of dog’s diet because they can upset digestive system and cause gastrointestinal irritation.
Cucumber
Cucumber is a great source of vitamins B1, K and C, copper, magnesium, biotin and potassium. Cucumber along with pumpkin makes great treat for dogs on weight loss plan.
Celery
Celery is another dog friendly nutritious vegetable. It contains vitamins A, B, and C. Celery is known to have positive effect on the health of dog’s heart.
Finally, vegetables offer so many health benefits not just to humans but also to dogs. Even vet clinic advice dog owners to include vegetables into dog meals to reap all its health benefit. However, every dog owner must know that not all vegetables are good for dogs. Some can even be fatal.Vegetables such as onions and fresh garlic should not be given to dogs.
As mentioned above always remember to incorporate these vegetables in small quantities and watch out for any adverse effect.
