Vegetables are healthy, though. But excess of everything is bad, and we cannot think of relying on vegetables completely for our body’s requirements. The same is true in a dog’s case.
Some vegetables are there that can be added to the dog’s diet on a regular basis. But the quantity needs to be adequate. If we are feeding our dogs with vegetables in more than adequate quantities, they may suffer from some health issues.
For some canine owners, the major problem is deciding which vegetable to feed their dog. If you also have such questions in your head, then here we are discussing the best vegetables for dogs to eat every day. Let’s have a look!
Note: Vegetables are a great addition to a dog’s diet and cannot be replaced with other dog foods. If these are replaced with it, the nutritional requirements of the dog’s body will not be fulfilled.
How To Prepare Vegetables for Dogs?
Some methods are there that will help you prepare vegetables for dogs easily. This includes:
Blanching
Blanching is an important cooking process in which the vegetables need to be scalded in boiling water and, after a particular time interval, planted in ice water or cold running water for a while. It is helpful to stop the enzyme action that leads to the loss of texture, color, and flavor. But be sure of the timings because they depend on vegetable size and species. If the process exceeds the actual duration, it will destroy the vegetable.
Steaming or boiling
Steaming or boiling vegetables is one of the great ways to make vegetables chewable for dogs. Although it reduces nutrients from the vegetable, a dog can chew it completely, and it will be free from any sort of allergens. In simple words, after boiling or steaming the vegetable, the chances of gastrointestinal allergies and choking hazards in dogs will decrease. (The boiling and steaming of vegetables are mandatory for those vegetables that cannot be swallowed easily. But if a vegetable can be swallowed easily, there is no need for it.
Pureeing
Pureeing is a procedure in which you mesh the vegetables completely. These are turned into a paste or liquid that a dog can easily have. When it comes to pureeing the vegetables, make sure to wash, peel, and dice them so that the process will be easy and less time-consuming. The cooking of vegetables for pureeing depends on their species because some vegetables can be pureed before cooking and some after cooking only.
Freezing
Freezing vegetables is a great way to reduce the extra moisture in them. The extra moisture is the cause of the loss of quality. The vegetables you want to feed the dog can be frozen, and the next time you wish to give them, you can simply put them in hot boiling water for a while and then serve them to the dog.
Vegetables You Can Feed Your Dog Every Day
Some vegetables are a great addition to your dog’s diet regularly. This includes:
Kale
Kale is a safe vegetable for dogs, but in moderate quantities only as it has isothiocyanates. Not more than 10% of your dog’s diet is recommended. Some consider it to feed their dog regularly in moderate amounts only, as high quantities can lead to gastric irritation and are toxic too.
Green Beans
All types of green beans are a safe option for dogs and can be added to their diet on a regular basis. But be sure of the quantity because only a moderate amount is considered. High quantities can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. (Read: beans for dogs)
Broccoli
Broccoli is a safer option for dogs and can be given to them in raw or cooked form. But do not add any seasoning or oil while cooking it for dogs. Furthermore, be sure about the quantity because this has isothiocyanates which are responsible for gastric irritation in dogs.
Bottle gourd (Calabash)
Bottle gourd or calabash is a safe option for dogs and a good source of fiber and vitamin C. But feed it to your dog in cooked form only, as then it will be easy to digest. Don’t feed it in raw form as it leads to gastric irritation and choking hazards too.
Butternut squash
Butternut squash is among the most nutritious and delicious fruits one can give to their dog. It has numerous health benefits. But make sure to remove the seeds before feeding them to your dog because seeds are dangerous and can lead to choking hazards and gastrointestinal issues if consumed.
Beets
Beets are a great addition to your dog’s diet. These are high in vitamin C, manganese, fiber, folate, and potassium. But be sure that these are high in sugar content and can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and other health issues. Consult your veterinarian before feeding it to your dog on a regular basis.
Carrots
Carrots are among the best low-calorie snacks that are high in fiber and beta-carotene. Additionally, it produces vitamin A and is a great option for dog teeth. You can add it to your dog’s diet on a regular basis. But do not add any seasoning or oil while cooking them for dogs. Also, these are safe in their raw form.
Cucumber
According to research, cucumbers are the best option for dogs and prevent them from being dehydrated. It is a low-calorie crunchy snack that a dog can have. Also, there will be no need for you to cook it or add any additional seasoning to it.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is one of the best options for dogs and is helpful for digestion. It has vitamins A, C, and E, along with some minerals like iron and potassium. It has high-soluble fiber content, which is the ultimate option for dog digestion. But avoid high quantities, as this can lead to gastric irritation.
Boiled Potatoes
Boiled potatoes are a safe option for dogs until and unless you are not adding any additional seasoning or oil to them. But be sure to serve it in moderation as it has too many carbohydrates, which lead to obesity and other health-related issues.
Yams or Sweet Potatoes
Yams or sweet potatoes are a safe option for dogs and are a natural treat. It has high-fat content along with some essential vitamins, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and B6. But these are safe in moderation only.
Conclusion
Vegetables are a great source of vitamins, proteins, minerals, carbohydrates, and other essential nutrients. But be sure to feed them in moderation only. High quantities can lead to some gastric issues. Adding a small amount of vegetables to your dog’s everyday diet in small amounts is good. Moreover, do consult with the veterinary doctor because some dogs are not fond of having vegetables. If your dog shows any abnormal behavior after consuming vegetables, approach the veterinary doctor immediately and seek treatment!
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