Are you one of those who think that any food is good for dogs? Well, you are very wrong. There is a wide variety of foods, but especially vegetables, that can be consumed by man’s best friend. However, there are some that should be avoided at all costs, so in this post we tell you which vegetables dogs can and cannot eat.
If they were in their natural habitat, dogs would feed only on meat, as they are carnivorous animals. In addition, this food provides them with all the vitamins and nutrients that vegetables and fruits have.
As in this case we are dealing with domestic dogs that cannot hunt, we must be careful with the type of food we feed them. The ideal is to provide them with a balanced diet composed of feed, fruits and vegetables, but do you want to know which ones are suitable? Here we explain which vegetables dogs can and cannot eat.
What vegetables can dogs eat?
It is true that dog foods have the quality and all the proteins, minerals and fats that these animals need. However, being processed foods, they can sometimes lack other nutrients, such as antioxidants or fiber. The short-term lack of these components can be detrimental to our pet’s health.
Surely you have heard how beneficial it is for humans to consume foods rich in antioxidants to prevent premature aging, but did you know that these foods are also very important for dogs?
The absence of antioxidants in dogs does not cause wrinkles, but it does manifest itself in cellular lesions that can affect their immune system and lead to the appearance of degenerative diseases, cancer or cardiovascular diseases.
Likewise, fiber helps dogs prevent constipation and maintain a healthy digestive system, as long as it is provided in the right way. The best way to do this is through natural foods such as fruits and vegetables. Among the vegetables that dogs can eat and that, in addition, are good for them we can highlight:
Celery
This vegetable is very beneficial for dogs; however, in limited quantities, well chopped and washed. It is a great natural antioxidant and is vital to keep our dog’s health in good condition.
Celery is digestive, strengthens the immune system, is anti-inflammatory and diuretic. It is a highly recommended vegetable for dogs suffering from arthritis, as it helps reduce bone pain. One way to give celery to your dogs is through juices or in its natural version once a month.
Spinach
They are an excellent vegetable that helps the correct intestinal transit of our dog thanks to its high fiber content. It is also a vegetable rich in vitamins A, B, C, E and F. The best way to provide this green vegetable to our pet is raw, chopped and well washed.
Peas and green beans
These are other vegetables that dogs can eat. They have antioxidant, digestive, energetic properties and are rich in vitamins A and C. They are very effective in dog food, but in moderate quantities.
Cabbage and lettuce
Both are abundant in antioxidants, iron and have depurative and analgesic properties for dogs. It is important to wash and chop these foods well to avoid asphyxia in our pet.
Pumpkin
It is ideal, especially for dogs suffering from constipation. It has antioxidant and diuretic components and is rich in fiber. It should always be included in the dog’s diet, chopped, peeled and seedless.
Carrot
It is one of the best vegetables that dogs can eat for its cleansing, antioxidant and digestive properties. In addition, it is an excellent ally to strengthen the teeth of these animals.
Sweet potato
It is one of the favorite tubers of dogs for its sweet touch. It is also rich in beta-carotene, vitamin B6 and C.
Cucumber
It is a vegetable that dogs love, especially in summer, because of its high liquid content. An idea to give cucumber to your pet is to mix it with a little yogurt without sugar or lactose. To lick his whiskers!
Broccoli
This vegetable is excellent for the organism of dogs thanks to its high content of vitamins A, C, E and K. It has healing properties, strengthens bones, vision and teeth of the animal.
Vegetables that dogs cannot eat
Now that you know what vegetables a dog can eat, it is also important that you know which ones you should not give him under any circumstances, especially in large quantities, as they can be harmful to his health:
- Garlic: Because it contains thiosulfate, it can cause lethargy, tachycardia, hyperventilation and other consequences in dogs.
- Onion: Like garlic, leek and spring onion, it has a high content of thiosulfate, which causes the destruction of white and red blood cells in the blood, producing anemia in dogs.
- Tomato: This vegetable is not digestible by dogs and can cause severe stomach pains.
- Mushrooms: Dogs do not tolerate all mushrooms, and mushrooms are one of them.
- Avocado: This has among its components a toxin called persin that is highly harmful to dogs, since some of them are allergic to it and, when consuming it, they may suffer from respiratory difficulties and digestive problems.
- Potato: It has an alkaloid called solanine that can cause vomiting, nausea, convulsions and subsequent heart problems in dogs.
- Rhubarb: The stems and leaves of this tuber can reduce calcium levels in dogs; this can cause kidney difficulties and other health problems.
Pay close attention to the food you are offering to your furry friend. Now that you know what vegetables dogs can eat and what properties they provide, you can include them in their diet to strengthen their health. These tips and a good consultation with a specialist, in case you still have doubts, will be decisive for the digestive health of your pet. He will thank you!