Everyone knows that it’s important to eat your fruits and vegetables, but what about our dogs? Well, they may help themselves to most of the same vegetables that we can, enjoying several squash, fruits, beans and more.
Just as long as we avoid the onions and garlic!
By Allison Salonko.
Allison is a Veterinary Technician in the state of Indiana. She graduated from International Business College and Vet Tech Institute of Indianapolis with a degree in Animal Science and Technology in 2011.
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Vegetables Your Dogs Will Love (And Are Good For Them Too!)
There’s nothing better than knowing that the healthy fruits and veggies that you purchased for yourself are also great for your dog.
So, next time you’re whipping up dinner or throwing together a salad, you can toss a couple of tasty, bite-sized pieces to your pooch.
Below are the top recommended fruits and veggies for your canine companion.
#1 Green Beans
These powerhouse vegetables are an excellent addition to any dog’s diet.
They are packed full of nutritious components like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, C and K. It doesn’t stop there!
Green beans are also an excellent source of calcium, copper, folic acid, fiber, iron, niacin, manganese, potassium, riboflavin, thiamin and beta carotene.
#2 Broccoli
Another green and healthy vegetable for dogs is broccoli.
Its fun texture will keep dogs wanting more, but let’s skip adding any cheese!
These vegetables are rich in vitamin K, C and potassium, which can help to battle disease by boosting immunity as well as increase bone density and improve heart health.
#3 Cantelope
A sweet and tasty melon your dog is sure to love. Cantaloupe is a great source of vitamin A, beta carotene, B-6, fiber, folate, niacin and potassium.
Vitamin A and beta carotene are known for their anticancer properties and preventing damage to cells.
#4 Sweet Potato
This sweet and starchy vegetable is sure to be a favorite of your dog’s and the family!
Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A, E, B-6, calcium, iron, folate, potassium, copper, thiamine and iron! Wow, that’s a lot.
Oh, and I almost forgot that it’s also rich in the antioxidant beta carotene!
#5 Pumpkin
Commonly recommended to help alleviate temporary stomach upset like constipation and diarrhea.
Veterinarians will also recommend adding pumpkin to a dog’s diet if they have issues with their anal glands.
Pumpkin is full of fiber, vitamin A, B-6, C, manganese and beta carotene.
#6 Spinach
This leafy green vegetable is chock full of heart healthy iron, potassium and magnesium, as well as vitamins C, K and B-6.
Spinach is great at fending off inflammatory and cardiovascular issues in dogs.
#7 Watermelon
This delicious and vibrant melon is a wonderful addition to many dog’s diets as it’s rich in lycopene.
They will surely love a little bit of watermelon on a hot summer day and not even realize the benefits of vitamin A, B-6, C, thiamin… OH, and water!
#8 Cucumber
While this vegetable isn’t as nutritionally abundant as the other’s before it on this list, it is an excellent low-calorie snack for dogs.
It is composed of 96% water and contains barely 8 calories in a ½ cup of sliced cucumbers.
This means that cucumbers are great to feed to dogs that need to lose a few pounds.
Cucumber does have beta carotene which is good for reducing inflammation.
#9 Brussels Sprouts
Some humans may not love them but your dog probably will.
These round, cabbage-like veggies are full of vitamin K and G as well as manganese, fiber and potassium.
#10 Asparagus
This tasty veggie is a great addition to any canine’s diet. It has plenty of nutrients like vitamin K, A, B1 and 2, C and E.
There is also an abundant amount of folate, iron, copper, fiber, manganese and potassium.
Look To Add Some Veggies To Your Dog’s Diet
As long as your dog doesn’t have any food sensitivities or tummy issues, then adding some of these dog-safe veggies and fruits would be a tasty and nutritionally beneficial decision
Just make sure that you are keeping an eye on how many extra calories that your dog is taking in by adding these new foods.
Photo by Alena.