We have grown up knowing that veggies are synonymous with health. But do our dogs get any benefit from them? Turns out, yes!
Although dogs need meat-heavy meals to get the adequate amount of protein and fat from their diet, vegetables are actually a great addition to your pup’s diet. Not only do they provide much-needed dietary fibre for smooth bowel movement, but they’re also rich in vitamins and minerals that help in the development and maintenance of the entire body.
What are some of the benefits of adding vegetables to your dog’s food?
Weight management: Vegetables are a great way to manage your dog’s weight because they’re rich in dietary fibre and low in calories. This fills up their stomach and makes them feel full for longer, preventing overeating.
Digestion: The fibre from veggies helps in smooth bowel movement and keeps food passing through the digestive tract. This helps in relieving constipation. Veggies also help in better nutrient absorption and keeping a healthy gut microbiome.
Immunity: Veggies are often full of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that support dogs’ immune systems and help the body fight off infections. They’re also rich in vitamins and minerals that boost immunity.
Healthy training treats: When training your dog, it is easy to accidentally overfeed treats. Veggies can turn into a great alternative for ultra-processed treats. Small pieces of vegetables can work well as a tool for positive reinforcement.
Here are 10 vegetables that are good for dogs
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a healthy source of carbohydrate for dogs. It is low in calories and rich in dietary fibre that keeps digestion smooth, regulates blood sugar, keeps anal glands healthy and makes puppies feel full for longer. Pumpkin is also a great source for nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and folate.
Cauliflower
This vegetable is a source of good carbohydrates for dogs that’s also low in calories. It contains various micronutrients like vitamins C, K, B6, folate, potassium, manganese, and choline. Cauliflower protects cells and reduces inflammation due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The fibre content also aids in digestion and bowel movement.
Carrot
This bright orange veggie is not only a crunchy and tasty snack for your pup, but it also contains a tonne of health benefits. Carrots are great for the eyes because of the beta-carotene. It is low in calories and supports healthy bowel movement, absorption of nutrients, and dental health. The crunch of carrots is ideal for teething puppies.
Green Beans
Green beans are a great low-calorie, chewy treat for dogs, and they’re packed with nutrients. Rich in fibre and full of vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C, K, B6, iron, calcium, and magnesium, green beans support weight management, boost immunity, help in digestion and contribute to stronger bones. They may also help in making runny poop firmer.
Spinach
Spinach has a ton of properties that are beneficial to dogs. It contains vitamins A, C, K, E, folate, iron, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Plus, it also has antioxidant properties due to its lutein content. Spinach is great for the eyes, immunity, bones, and digestion. Folate, iron and potassium support heart health while vitamins K and E protect the skin and coat.
Zucchini
This crunchy veggie is a great source of vitamins A, B, C, K, and folate. The calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus content is also significant, and these together help promote immunity, stronger bones, organ health, healthy skin and coat. Zucchini also has antioxidant properties like beta-carotene that protect from cell damage.
Peas
Peas are a great addition to your dog’s meal, or you can even give it as a little snack. It contains vitamins A, C, K, B, iron, potassium, zinc, fiber, and even protein! Peas also have some prebiotic and antioxidant properties that help protect the body. They help with digestion, improve heart health, offer weight management benefits and keep the gut healthy.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a great source of healthy carbs, and tasty to boot! It helps pups feel fuller for longer, that discourages overeating and ultimately contributes to weight management. Sweet potatoes contain a high amount of fibre that helps with digestion; they’re rich in beta-carotene that helps with eyesight, immunity and cell growth, and vitamin A promotes healthy skin and coat.
Beets
Beetroot supports immunity, heart health, digestion, and gives dogs a shinier coat. It is rich in vitamins like vitamin C, K, folate, etc. while also adding minerals like potassium, iron, and manganese to the diet. Beetroot contains betalains that have antioxidant properties. It is great for the liver and for blood flow.
Broccoli
Broccoli is full of dietary fibre, which supports digestion, boosts the immune system and helps with weight management. It is a source for nutrients like carotenoids, chlorophyll, vitamin E, vitamin K, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, calcium, and manganese. Broccoli is also high in amino acids and glucoraphanin, which protect the cells from damage.
How to serve vegetables to your dog?
Although there are many benefits to adding veggies to your dog’s meal, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
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Always consult your vet before introducing any new ingredient. After introduction, observe your dog for a few days to ensure there are no signs of allergies or sensitivities.
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Give every vegetable in moderation. Even good things given in excess can cause health issues, so do not overfeed veggies.
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Wash thoroughly and lightly boil veggies before serving for maximum protection. In case of large or hard veggies, you should also cut them into appropriate pieces depending on the size of your pup to prevent choking.
Looking to explore more tips on how to look after your furry friend? Check out our other guides like Can Dogs Eat Apples?, Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?, Dog Food for Weight Loss, Raw v/s cooked meat for dogs, Home Remedies to cure tick fever, Finding Good Dog Food in India, How many times should I feed my dog?, Things you should do to keep your pet healthy, Types of Dog Food, How Prebiotics and Probiotics can improve your dog's digestion, Essential Tips for a New Dog Parent, and others. Each guide is designed to help you make better food and care choices for your dog, to keep them happy, healthy, and thriving.
References:
https://toegrips.com/vegetables-dogs-can-eat/
https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/what-vegetables-can-dogs-eat
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/can-dogs-eat-apples-grapes-potatoes-and-other-fruit-and-veg
https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/diet-and-lifestyle/broccoli-for-dogs/
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/can-dogs-eat-zucchini
Image Attribution:
https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/food/are-peas-bad-in-dog-food/
