Dogs can benefit from moderate vegetable consumption. Find out which ones are most beneficial for them and how you should offer them.
Find out what vegetables dogs can eat and how they benefit them
If you want to know what vegetables dogs can safely eat, you’re in the right place. These animals can obtain many benefits from the consumption of certain vegetables usually present in our homes, but their body is not like ours, so it is important to be clear about which ones to choose.
In nature, canids absorb nutrients from plants through their herbivorous prey. Our dogs can no longer hunt, but that does not mean that a contribution of vegetables in their diet is not good for them.
Dogs, after all, are not strict carnivores, as is often believed, but facultative carnivores. This means that their diet should be composed mostly of animal products, but they can also consume small amounts of vegetables and fruits. In the case of cats, for example, which are strict carnivores, this is different.
In this article we are going to tell you what specific benefits vegetables bring to dogs and, of course, which are the most suitable for them… and the ones you should avoid at all costs. If you want to know what vegetables dogs can safely eat, read on.
What benefits do vegetables have for dogs?
Quality feed usually provides dogs with virtually all the nutrients, proteins, vitamins, minerals and fats they need, but including vegetables in their diet adds three very important additional components: fiber, antioxidants and carbohydrates.
- Fiber promotes a good functioning of the digestive system and helps prevent problems such as diarrhea and constipation. Keep in mind, however, that fiber should not account for more than 3.5% of the dog’s food intake, since a higher percentage could cause health problems.
- Antioxidants strengthen the dog’s immune system and prevent the onset of degenerative diseases that usually appear with age.
- Carbohydrates help control the level of cholesterol in the blood and maintain the proper functioning and morphology of the intestine. However, as in the case of fiber, dogs should consume them only in small, controlled amounts.
Además de todo esto, incluir verduras e incluso fruta en la dieta del perro le aportará variedad de estímulos, sabores y olores y ayudará de esa forma a que no se canse de su comida habitual.
En cuanto a la cantidad de verduras que deberías darle a tu perro, lo cierto es que los expertos no se ponen totalmente de acuerdo, pero el porcentaje que más se suele aconsejar es de entre el 10 y el 25% de la dieta.
¿Verduras crudas o cocidas para perros?
Salvo ciertas excepciones, como cuando hay presencia de gérmenes o posibles parásitos en las verduras o si queremos conservarlas durante más tiempo, la cocción no les aporta ningún beneficio a los perros. Por norma general, las verduras se les deben dar crudas y, eso sí, troceadas.
The reason is that cooking vegetables eliminates certain vitamins, enzymes and antioxidants, which would be destroying a part of the benefits that these foods bring to our furry friends.
In addition, vegetables are neither more nutritious nor easier for dogs to digest because they have been cooked. That may be true for us, but it is not true for them.
Therefore, and in summary: except in very specific circumstances (germs, conservation …), you do not need to cook the vegetables that you are going to give your dog.
What vegetables dogs can eat: these are the 7 best for them
Courgette
If you were wondering what vegetables dogs can eat, the truth is that zucchini is one of the best options, since it has a high content of vitamin A, in addition to calcium and potassium. It’s an excellent boost for your dog’s bones and cardiovascular health.
Spinach
Spinach provides a significant amount of fiber, which, as we have already mentioned, favors the proper functioning of the intestines and prevents both constipation and diarrhea. They also stand out for their high content of vitamins A, C, E, B and F.
When giving these vegetables to a dog it is especially important to chop the leaves well to avoid the risk of suffocation.
Celery
Celery, which you should also chop well before serving, is one of the most beneficial dog vegetables. It is one of the most effective natural antioxidants and, as if that were not enough, facilitates digestion and has anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. It is especially recommended for dogs with arthritis.
Peas
Peas, rich in vitamins A and C and antioxidants, are another of the best vegetables for dogs. In addition to their beneficial properties, they are also an excellent source of energy.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is rich in fiber and antioxidants and also has diuretic properties. It should be administered to the dog always well chopped, peeled and seedless. It can be a good complement to the diet of all dogs, but especially for those suffering from constipation.
Carrot
Among the vegetables that dogs can eat, the carrot is surely another of the best. It has antioxidant and cleansing properties and also helps keep your teeth in good condition.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a vegetable with many properties. It contains vitamins A, C, E, and K, has healing properties, strengthens the dog’s bones and teeth and helps protect his vision. Undoubtedly, another of the most beneficial alternatives for the furry.
Other vegetables dogs can eat
- Sweet potato.
- Cucumber.
- Green beans.
- Cabbage.
- Lettuce.
- Chard.
- Artichoke.
- Cauliflower.
- Cabbage.
- Radish.
- Rocket.
- Beetroot.
- Pepper.
Whatever vegetables you choose for your dog, we recommend that you keep in mind the following tips:
- Never let your dog eat bones or seeds. Be sure to give the vegetables completely clean.
- Try to change vegetables from time to time so that your dog does not get bored of the flavors.
- If your dog does not attract much attention, try mixing them with olive oil, yogurt or egg.
- Whenever you include a new vegetable or any other food in your dog’s diet, watch their reactions carefully. If there is vomiting, diarrhea or any similar problem, rule it out or consult your veterinarian.
- In any case, follow your veterinarian’s advice whenever you have doubts related to the introduction of new foods in your dog’s diet or about how to prepare them.
- Remember that vegetables should in no case be the main source of food for your dog, but a complement to their usual diet.
Vegetables You Should NEVER Give Your Dog
In the same way that there are many vegetables that are beneficial for dogs, there are also others that you should avoid, mainly because they contain substances that are toxic to them or that their bodies cannot metabolize well. The most dangerous are these:
- Garlic: contains thiosulfate, which can be very dangerous for dogs.
- Onion: Like garlic (and leek and spring onion), onion is rich in thiosulfate.
- Tomato: Normally dogs do not digest tomato well, so they can have stomach problems when they consume it.
- Avocado: contains persin, an element to which many dogs are allergic.
- Potatoes: contain solanine, another toxic element for dogs.
- Rhubarb: Consuming rhubarb can reduce the level of calcium in the dog’s body, which is harmful to many levels.