Some people believe that dogs should be fed meat-only diets because the current popular belief is that dogs are carnivores. However, the truth is that dogs are able to get nutrition from vegetables as well. Most vegetables are safe for dogs, providing that they are cut into little pieces and that the right vegetables are chosen. With that being said, vegetables should be fed to your dog as occasional snacks and should not replace meals.
Dog-Safe Vegetables
Carrots:
High in fiber, carrots also contain a lot of sugar so if your dog is on the overweight side, you may want to skip giving him carrots for a snack. However, they also contain adequate amounts of vitamin C and vitamin K for your precious pooch. When feeding your dog carrots, you can boil or steam them first. You may also choose to give them a small amount of raw, which may be very helpful in cleaning your dog’s teeth.
Green Beans
Particularly good for dogs that have upset stomachs, green beans are a great source of fiber and are also easy to digest. You may choose to serve your dog green beans that are raw, chopped, steamed or canned. The main thing to be certain of is that they are not seasoned in any way. For example, garlic and onions are dangerous for dogs to eat. Salt, oils, and spices should also be avoided. Low in calories, green beans are a great way to help your dog lose weight as they help them to feel full.
Sweet Potatoes
Low in fat, sweet potatoes are high in fiber and contain vitamins B6, C, and beta carotene. Your dog is sure to love their sweet flavor. All you need to do is steam or boil them, without adding any seasonings. The vitamin A in sweet potatoes promotes a healthy coat, nerves, and muscles in dogs.
Peas
Yes, you can feed your dog green peas! These little healthy treats are packed full of vitamins A, K, B vitamins, fiber, iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium. This makes peas good for your dog’s eyes, skin, immune system, heart, and nerves. Peas are safe for dogs as long as your dog does not have kidney issues. In the summertime, you can feed your dog frozen peas as a cool, crunchy snack. Peas that are fresh from the garden are another way to do it. However, you should avoid canned peas as they contain too much sodium.
Cucumbers
Perfectly safe for your dogs to eat, cucumbers are a low-calorie and crunchy treat that your dog is likely to enjoy. Ideal for overweight dogs, cucumbers only contain about 8 calories in ½ of a cup. Also low in fat and sodium, cucumbers are also high in water content. There are two precautions with feeding your dog cucumbers. Firstly, you need to make sure that you cut them into small pieces so that your dog won’t choke on them. Secondly, make sure that you don’t feed your dog too many cucumbers or they are likely to get an upset stomach.
So, the next time you chop up some veggies for you to snack on, don’t forget about your precious pooch.