Dogs are thought to be carnivores animals which means they have no real value for vegetables. That being the case, vegetables do work well as an occasional treat and is considered safe, which leads us to the truth that they are actually omnivores. There are some vegetables that your pooch may be allergic to and some are simply poisonous. Hence, when feeding your dog vegetables, you want to be careful about what vegetable you feed it.
Though they eat mostly meat, dogs can eat vegetables. Experts say that though vegetables aren’t necessary for the dog’s health, giving your dog some vegetables once in a while cannot hurt. Just so long as you aren’t feeding it anything that is poisonous (see further down this article).
Though dogs do not need vegetables to get nutrients, they can be a good source of minerals and fibre for your dog.
Though for humans, vegetables are an essential part of the diet, for dogs, it is not exactly the case. Once again, we would like to highlight that giving your dogs vegetables isn’t a must. However, they work well as a treat, enjoyed occasionally.
What Vegetables Can Dogs Eat Safely? (Safe to Eat)
When it comes to vegetables, you want to ensure to pick the vegetables that are good for your pooch. You want to steer clear of toxic vegetables that could end up doing more harm than good and only feed your pup vegetables that are considered safe for consumption.
Remember, dogs are mostly meat-based animals and they don’t really have any need for vegetables. That being the case, they can digest vegetables which means they can absorb the nutrients from them. Hence vegetables become a good way for your dog to attain an extra boost of nutrients that it otherwise would not attain.
Here is a list of 21 vegetables that are considered both safe and good for your pup.
1. Kale
Kale contains a host of vitamins including vitamin K and A. They are a good source of iron which can provide for better bone health. The vitamins in kale can work to provide for better vision and immune function.
Kale is also linked to healthy fetal development and plays a part in energy metabolism. It is a good way to keep your pooch healthy and is one of the safest vegetables for your dog.
2. Spinach
Spinach is another leafy green that is considered safe for your dog. It contains a host of vitamins including B6, B9 and E. It is also loaded with minerals such as potassium and magnesium.
These nutrients in spinach work to boost your pooch’s immune system and helps to keep your dog in better health. This does not mean you feed your dog spinach everyday. As mentioned later down this article, there is simply no need to include vegetables in every meal and is not recommended as an addition to a daily meal plan.
Spinach also contains folic acid, calcium and iron which is responsible for healthy teeth and bones. It also contains vitamins C, which is good for your pup’s skin and coat.
3. Butternut Squash
Butternut squash contains many nutrients and is a very nutrient-dense vegetable. They contain vitamins such as vitamin A, C and B6. These vitamins work to help support your dog’s immune system.
The nutrients in butter squash have also been linked to cardiovascular health and better vision. It can be a yummy vegetable for your pooch to enjoy and can be something that you treat your dog with on an occasional basis.
4. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are another yummy vegetable that your dog would enjoy eating on an occasional basis. They are great for digestive health since they contain a high amount of fibre.
Sweet potatoes are also loaded with vitamins B6, C and manganese. They are also rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene which works to fight the effects of free radicals in your pooch’s body. This works to keep many diseases at bay.
5. Cucumber
Cucumber is a delicious vegetable that doesn’t have to be cooked to enjoy. Though most vegetables are best served cooked, cucumber can be fed raw.
They work as a perfect low-calorie, crunchy treat for your dog. They are low in sodium and fat in comparison to other treats, which is great for the cardiovascular system.
The phytonutrients and antioxidants in cucumber give it various anti-inflammatory properties, making it a perfect snack for your pooch.
6. Celery
Celery is a great crunchy treat that works to keep your dog young and healthy. They are extremely nutrient-dense and can be a great source of antioxidants.
Celery contains vitamins A and C which is needed for proper immune function. They also work to improve vision and can lead to better health of skin and coat.
Celery works well as an occasional snack for your pooch. Once again, no matter how good these vegetables are, you do not have to feed your dogs vegetables everyday. In fact, it is not recommended that you do so.
7. Beets
Beets are beautiful and can be a great treat for your dog. They are loaded with vitamin C, which is great for your pooch’s skin and coat. They also contain a good amount of fibre, which helps promote better digestive health.
Containing minerals such as manganese and potassium, beets can be great for the immune system and will work to keep your dog in better health.
Feeding your dogs vegetables on an occasional basis gives them an added boost of nutrients that works to benefit them in many ways. Though not needed on a daily basis, including vegetables as an occasional treat most certain helps improve your pooch’s health.
8. Broccoli
This very healthy vegetable of humans, broccoli, is similarly very healthy for your pup. It is safe for your pooch so long as you feed it in moderation and contains a huge variety of vitamins including vitamins K and C. They help fight diseases by improving the immune system and can also work to keep your dog’s heart health in check.
They contain a good amount of potassium which can leaded to improved bone density, making the mineral content in broccoli very valuable for your dog.
Dogs can eat both raw and cooked broccoli, just so long as there are no seasonings or oils added to it. That being the case, broccoli should be given in small quantities as they contain isothiocyanates which can cause gastric irritation in dogs.
9. Green Beans
Green beans are a great vegetable to feed your dog. They are full of vitamins and minerals that are all important for your pooch’s wellbeing.
They contain good amounts of iron and calcium which are linked to better bone and cardiovascular health. They also contain vitamins including vitamins B6, A, C and K.
Green beans are low in calories and high in fibre which means it will work to keep your dog feeling full for a longer period of time.
Chopped, steamed, raw and canned green beans can all be safe for your pooch, just so long as they are plain green beans. Many veterinarians actually recommend green beans as a healthy treat which is perfect because dogs do love them.
10. Carrots
Carrots are yet another crunchy treat that dogs enjoy. They are an excellent low-calorie treat that is high in fibre and beta-carotene.
Crunching on carrots is considered good for your dog’s teeth. They are a good source of vitamin A, K and B6, all essential pieces of immune health.
Though most vegetables are not integral and neither are carrots for your dog’s health, it is safe for you to feed your dog carrots everyday. It can be a nice crunchy treat that is good for your pup and brings with it many nutrients that are great for both your dog’s inside and outside.
11. Cabbage
Cabbage is safe for dogs to eat, however, it may cause a gastric reaction in some dogs. Hence, you want to keep an eye on your pooch for signs of gas.
Cabbage contains a good amount of vitamins B1, B6, C and K and lots of phytonutrients. The antioxidants in cabbage work to improve the health of your pup.
Red cabbage is also a safe option for dogs and can be a great source of fibre, manganese, copper and potassium. You shouldn’t feed cabbage to dogs everyday and should include it into your dog’s diet as an occasional addition to meals.
12. Cauliflower
Cauliflower is considered safe, however in small quantities. This is because large amounts can lead to uncomfortable gas. Remember, dogs don’t really need vegetables and many vegetables can cause gastric reactions when fed.
Cauliflower is best served cooked or steamed and provides your pooch with a healthy dose of vitamins B, C and K. They are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Albeit, your dog would attain omega-3 fatty acids from other sources, it is a great addition to the dog’s diet to improve immune health.
13. Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are yet another vegetable that you can feed your dog, however in moderation. Too much and your dog could suffer from an upset stomach and diarrhoea.
Brussel sprouts are great for the immune system as it contains a wholesome amount of vitamin C. It also contains vitamin K which is great for bone health. They contain a host of antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties.
If you are feeding your dog Brussels sprouts, you want to slowly introduce it to the diet to see if they can adjust to the vegetable without suffering from excessive gas.
14. Parsnips
Though a rare treat for dogs, parsnips are an excellent source of folic acid which is great for your dog’s nervous system. They also contain wholesome amounts of potassium and vitamins B6 and C.
Parsnips can be a great addition to your dog’s diet if they differ from kidney issues. However, it is best to consult with your vet since diet alone may be insufficient to resolve the issue at hand.
15. Peas
Adding a few peas here and there is a great way to increase the fibre content of the meal. Again, you don’t want to go overboard and feed your dog peas everyday.
Peas can be a great way to source protein if your dog cannot or will not eat meat products. You can also include peas in various recipes when you are preparing meals for your pup and can be a great way to get an added boost of nutrients that will work to better your pooch’s health.
16. Peppers
Bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C. In fact, they contain three times as much vitamin C as oranges. They are a perfect low-calorie snack that can work wonders for your dog’s skin and coat.
It is recommended that you steam the peppers before serving your dog since it works to soften the exterior skin. When feeding your dog peppers, you want to be extra careful not to feed it spicy peppers. Feeding your dog spicy peppers could have disastrous results, hence be very careful when it comes to feeding your dog peppers.
17. Potatoes
Dogs can most certainly eat potatoes so long as they aren’t raw and are cooked properly. By properly, we mean without any toppings. French fries contain oil, hence is not a good idea when feeding dogs.
Raw potatoes contain a large amount of solanine which can be toxic for dogs. Hence, it is recommended that you steam or bake the potatoes before feeding your dog. You shouldn’t overfeed your dog potatoes as even cooked potatoes do contain trace amounts of solanine. Hence, moderation is key.
It is best to leave potatoes as an occasional treat as with most other vegetables.
18. Pumpkin
Canned or cooked pumpkin is better for your dog than raw pumpkin. Raw pumpkin is harder for your pooch to digest. When picking canned pumpkin, you want to steer clear of pumpkin pie filling as this would contain additives and preservatives. Stick to the regular canned pumpkin.
Pumpkins are great when your dog is dealing with constipation. It also contains beta-carotene which can work to boost vision. The seeds of pumpkins are also safe for dogs, however, you should refrain from feeding your dogs prepared pumpkin seeds which usually contains oils, butter and/or salt.
19. Zucchini
Zucchini is a great way to add nutrients to your dog’s diet. They work to fortify the health of bones, heart and kidneys. They contain wholesome amounts of calcium, vitamin A and potassium which all work to boost health.
It is best to soften zucchini through steaming as this will work to soften the skin. Zucchini can work to retain nutrient density even when cooked, which is why it is such a valuable vegetable.
20. Lettuce
Lettuce does not contain anything that is considered harmful for your dog. At the end of the day, almost 90% of lettuce is water. It is a great low-calorie snack which is great when you are training your dog if overweight.
Lettuce is a great source of fibre, which is great if you are trying to keep your dog from overeating. It works to better control appetite which can be great for overweight pups.
They contain good amounts of vitamin A and C which is necessary for proper immune function and is also rich in potassium and manganese.
21. Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe can be a great and tasty treat for your pup, so long as you feed it in moderation. It can be a healthy alternative to treats and can work well to help with overweight dogs.
The seeds of cantaloupe are too harmless, however, you shouldn’t go out of your way to feed your dog cantaloupe seeds as they are a choking hazard after all.
Cantaloupe is loaded with folic acid and calcium, which is great for healthy bones and teeth. They also contain good amounts of iron and vitamin K which help support cardiovascular health.
What Vegetables Can Dogs Not Eat? (To Avoid)
Dogs are particularly allergic to onion, wild mushrooms, avocado and rhubarb, which are considered toxic. These vegetables can be poisonous for your pup and should be avoided at all costs. Even corn is a common allergen.
Similar to vegetables, grapes and raisins are also on the no-no list since they could cause kidney damage. You should avoid these fruits and vegetables for the health of your pup.
Similarly, dogs should not eat tomatoes. Though ripened tomatoes can be safe for your pooch, the green parts of the plant contain a toxic substance called solanine. Though your dog would need a high dose of solanine to actually get sick, it is best to avoid tomatoes altogether.
Asparagus is another vegetable that you shouldn’t feed your dog. They aren’t exactly toxic, however, they don’t have enough nutritional value to make the serving worth it. They can also be slimy, which can cause choking.
Leeks are another vegetable that should be avoided. They can cause immediate vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea and an upset stomach. If your dog consumes a lot of this vegetable, it could cause the red blood cells in your pooch’s body to rupture, causing serious harm.
Garlic is one more vegetable that should be avoided. It contains an inorganic compound called thiosulfate which works to react negatively in your dog’s system. It can lead to anaemia and can cause weakness. In more serious cases, it can even lead to jaundice.
Should You Feed Your Dog Vegetables Everyday?
We do not recommend that you make vegetables a part of the daily diet. They make a great treat to be enjoyed on an occasional basis, however, there is simply no need to include them in every meal.
Though humans find vegetables to be more essential to health, vegetables do not link to dogs the same way. They simply do not require a high dose of vegetables. They do not need vegetables to attain essential nutrients, they source them from elsewhere.
Hence, there is no actual need for you to include vegetables in the daily meal plan for your pooch. Dogs are able to digest cooked vegetables, so when you do feed them vegetables they don’t simply poop them out. They actually break them down and digest them and do absorb nutrients from them.
That being the case, there is no real reason to feed your pooch vegetables everyday. Leave it as an occasional treat and both you and your pooch will be happier.
How to Prepare Vegetables for Your Dog
Though some vegetables such as carrots can be fed to dogs raw, most vegetables will have to be cooked. Veterinarians recommend that you feed your dog cooked vegetables since they are easier for the dog to digest.
Steamed and cooked vegetables are usually soft enough for your dog to easy swallow, preventing any choking that may happen. Some vegetables such as carrots can be fed raw. You should always check to see whether you can feed your dog the vegetables in raw form. If you are uncertain, it is best to cook them.
Some vegetables have to be cooked like potatoes. The raw form contains solanine which can be harmful to your dog. Hence, when it comes to vegetables, the best thing you can do is serve them cooked vegetables. The rare raw vegetables that you can feed them would otherwise work great as a snack, especially if you are dealing with training overweight dogs.
To Conclude
Though mostly meat-based, dogs can digest vegetables and source various nutrients from them. They can be a valuable addition to the health of your dog. Though your dog doesn’t actually need vegetables in the diet, a diet including vegetables could do more good than harm.
When feeding your dog vegetables, just be sure to steer clear of the ones we have listed as those you should avoid.
Always ensure to prepare the vegetables properly without seasoning and spices. Only feed your dog raw vegetables that are usually prescribed to be eaten in raw form. Always check beforehand if you are unsure. You don’t want to feed your dog anything that will cause more harm than good.
We hope reading this word to word has been insightful for you and that it has helped you better understand which vegetables are considered safe to eat and which you should avoid.
Happy Feeding!
