Feeding dogs vegetables can lead to longer, healthier lives. But not all vegetables are good and we should have a list of the best vegetables to feed my dog.
I love to look online for new recipes to mix things up for Robby and many recipes that involve vegetables. So instead of snacking on dog treats that have been sitting at a supermarket. Why not whip up some cool new recipes and A/B test how your pup behaves to your newfound culinary skills?
Here are the 11 best vegetables to feed my dog.
Preparing Vegetables for your Dog
Tossing in a few spinach or kale leaves won’t have your dog become an overnight veggie lover. So there are a few ways to mix vegetables into their food.
Freezing
I’m going to go out on a limb and say you don’t want to spend all your free time cooking vegetables. This is why cooking and freezing vegetables are the best way to be one trip to the fridge away from a healthy and delicious snack.
Pureeing
To prevent dog gas and ensure they get the best out of each bite, you can blend veggies into a raw puree. Vegetables like spinach and celery don’t need cooking before blended. Make sure they’re washed and you’re ready to go. Pureed vegetables help dogs digest them easier.
Steaming
Steamed vegetables may sound dull but it’s one of the most popular methods to cook veggies. Follow these simple instructions and steam away, my friends.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a great source of vitamin A, B6, and fiber which makes it a dog owner’s go-to veggie for both you and your pup. But the hard ends make it difficult to digest and can be a choking hazard, especially for smaller dogs.
Make sure you trim the ends and don’t be surprised if their urine suddenly has a temporary distinct smell. Be sure to boil or add to their bowls in bite-sized pieces.
Carrots
Carrots are a great energy booster for dogs. Loaded with Vitamin A, fiber, and calcium, these rabbit-approved veggies are crunchy, tough, and help improve your dog’s oral health.
This vegetable is versatile and can be incorporated into their kibble, frozen, pureed, steamed and even raw!
Green Beans
The first time I gave Robby green beans he was eager to try this sausage-shaped vegetable. Like the first two vegetables on this list, green beans contain fiber, vitamin A, C & K.
They also contain manganese which is a mineral that can prevent osteoporosis.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potato chips cooked in the air fryer are our favorite treats. They’re packed with potassium, vitamins A, B5, B6, and C. You can also boil them and chop them up into little pieces to mix in with their food.
Celery
I’ve often found celery to be an acquired taste but Robby loves it. Cut it into bite-size pieces and mix it in with their food. They’ll love its crunchy flavor and you’ll love how it refreshes their breath.
Make sure you cut them into small pieces as dogs have the tendency to not chew very well. Try mixing it with some Xylitol-free peanut butter, they’ll love it!
Spinach
Spinach contains iron, vitamin K, and antioxidants. Though it will be tough to get your dog to willingly eat leaves, they’re easy to prepare.
The best way to prepare spinach for your dog is to steam them with no salt, herbs, or spices as they can be dangerous for them. Cut them up into small pieces and mix them in with their food.
Cucumber
Besides being a delicious ingredient that pairs well with Hendrick’s. Cucumbers are also a fantastic, refreshing vegetable to add to your doggo’s food.
The great thing about cucumbers is that they’re low in calories, carbs and a great source of nutrients for dogs suffering from arthritis. You can also count on cucumbers to freshen your dog’s breath.
Puree these bad boys into a smoothie and pour over their food, see if they like it. Or, peel, remove the seeds and cut them up into bite-sized pieces for them.
Pumpkin
Canned or fresh pumpkin is a good nutritious snack for your dogs and is even known to cure them of diarrhea. They’re great sources of nutrients, fiber and the best of all is, they can also eat the seeds.
Broccoli
Broccoli can be hard for dogs to digest if given to them raw. But steaming, boiling, or pureeing them are great ways to introduce your dog to broccoli.
It contains immune-boosting properties that keep your dog happy and cheerful. It’s anti-inflammatory and packed with vitamin A, C, and calcium.
Brussels sprouts
I have met only a handful of humans that like Brussel sprouts and have never seen the first dog to enjoy their taste. But this doesn’t mean they’re not nutritious for your dog.
They’re rich in dietary fiber and nutrients. And if you’re ok with the dog flatulence, (which we have a solution to here), boil them and give it a try.
Zucchini
Zucchini is such a delicious, diverse vegetable that if your dog is like mine, they will love it grilled, baked or even frozen as an occasional treat.
It’s rich in vitamin C, potassium, and calcium and if you can do with the occasional fart, they’re great for your dog’s bones.
Use them in Moderation
Too many vegetables can in fact be a bad thing. Vegetables can increase alkalinity which can lead to kidney issues. They’re also high in fiber which is great but can cause digestive problems and affect their gut flora if they consume too much of it.
Both fruits and vegetables are great sources of vitamins but their calories can add up.
