Do you ever stop and realize how many unhealthy treats we as humans consume? Let’s face it, sometimes eating the healthy stuff just isn’t as fun, or as tasty! Luckily for our pups, they’re usually thrilled when a veggie makes it’s way into their bowl. Finding safe vegetables for pup is a great way to add variety to their snacking options.
WAGS (AKA “Green Light”)
- Avocado: This one may be a surprise as we’ve long been advised to avoid them, but avocado is apparently A-OK for dogs. No pit or peel, please. (Duh.)
- Broccoli: High in fiber and vitamin C, low in fat, broccoli is best offered in small quantities. Most dogs do fine with this pick but some can experience slight tummy troubles. Chop ’em up as woody stalks; bigger florets could be tough for smaller pups to swallow.
- Carrots: Lots of dogs ruv this root, a low-cal, high-fiber option bursting with beta-carotene. Offer crunchy cubes as a treat or toss steamed (and cooled) slices into their kibble. FYI: Carrots are higher in sugar than most other veggies, so limit if your dog is at all overweight.
- Celery: This heart-healthy, cancer-fighting, breath-freshening vegetable gives a nice dose of vitamins A, B, and C.
- Cucumbers: You’ll slide in several vitamins and minerals, and the high water content means cucumber slices or cubes are a good way to help hydrate them, too.
- Green Beans: A super source of vitamins C and K as well as fiber and manganese, this is another veggie many dogs dig. Also fab as a filling supplement for pups prone to a little pudge.
- Peas: With protein, potassium, and phosphorus — plus more minerals and vitamins galore — consider peas a vital veg you can offer daily.
- Peppers: A few bell pepper slices offer lots of nutrients plus a satisfying crunch. Stay away from spicy varieties, though — your pup (and nose) will thank you.
- Potatoes: Full of iron, fiber, and vitamin C, taters are totally fine. Skip high-fat flavor enhancers like butter; pups do better with plain spuds. Ultra-important: Be sure to peel and cook them.
- Pumpkin: This delish, low-cal, high-fiber gourd gets GI tracts moving and tails wagging. (From acorn to zucchini, other types of squash also get a nod. Cook ’em first for easier digestion.)
- Sweet Potatoes/Yams: Both tasty tubers get top marks for lots of nutrients; serve peeled, cooked and unseasoned, though.
- Tomatoes: A juicy and flavorful treat best given in small amounts — too much can be too acidic for some. Only offer if ripe!
WHIMPERS (AKA “Steer Clear”)
- Onions: This allium — along with garlic, shallots, leeks, and chives — is a pungent poison to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and worse.
- Mushrooms: We’re especially talking wild here. Grocery store varieties may be fine, while many found out in backyards or wooded areas may not be.
- Potatoes: Wait, aren’t these on the good-to-go list above? Yes, but we want to make sure you know that green/raw potatoes are a whole ‘nother story. Paws off.
- Tomatoes: Again with the double vision! The stems, leaves, and even the unripe fruit are the culprits here. Make sure your dog doesn’t so much as nibble on them.
Health Perks
Many of us eat vegetables because we know they’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and guess what? These benefits aren’t limited to humans. Dogs can also gain from the nutritional advantages that veggies provide.
Vegetables are excellent sources of fiber, which aids in digestion and can help regulate weight. They’re also high in antioxidants, which help strengthen the immune system and fight disease. Certain vegetables, like carrots and sweet potatoes, are also good for a dog’s dental health, as their firm texture can help clean teeth.
Most vegetable chunks also freeze well for chilly snacks and treat-dispensing toys. Adding a variety of veggies into your dog’s diet will not only provide a beneficial boost of nutrients, they’ll also keep taste buds happy and tummies trim.