What veggies are good for your dog?
Dogs are primarily omnivores, which means they can eat meat and plants. Many commercial dog foods are made with vegetables, fruits and grains. These products are made to include all the nutrients your dog needs to be healthy.
So even though your pooch doesn’t really need extra vegetables and fruits in their daily diet, it won’t hurt them, either. Some fresh and canned produce can be part of good doggie nutrition. You just need to know which ones to give.
- Apples are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which keep a dog’s skin and coat healthy. Apples are also low in fat and are a good source of fiber. But remember not to feed them the core or the seeds.
- Carrots, peas, green beans, sweet potatoes, and bananas are packed with important vitamins, along with potassium, which is good for a dog’s muscles, nerves, and kidneys. Their fiber can also help dogs stay regular.
- Oranges are great source of vitamin C. Small dogs can have up to a third of a full-size orange, while a big pup can wolf down the whole thing. Just be sure to peel it and remove the seeds.
While it’s fine to give your dog these healthy foods, watch how much you dole out. Treats should make up 10% or less of your dog’s calories for the day.
Veggies and Fruits Dogs Shouldn’t Have:
- Grapes, raisins, and currants are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure.
- Onions, garlic, and chives can be harmful in large amounts. They can cause blood problems for dogs, diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea, if your dog eats a lot of them. The safest thing is to avoid them altogether.
- Mushrooms from the grocery store may be safe, but wild mushrooms are toxic for dogs. It can be tough to tell them apart. So it’s better to not take the risk.
Never give your dog corn cobs or fruit pits (like from peaches or avocados) -- they may get stuck in their throat or intestines.
Blueberries
My boys absolutely love blueberries. Blueberries are low in calories and contain high amounts of vitamin C, fiber, and phytochemicals (naturally occurring chemical compounds found in plants). Vitamin C and fiber are vital components of proper canine nutrition. Phytochemicals are linked to several aspects of health, including the ability to fight cancer in humans.
Blueberries are also filled with antioxidants and have been shown to improve the health of animals as well as humans.
Antioxidants, like those in blueberries, help fight free radicals, which are responsible for cellular and molecular damage in dogs and humans. As an added bonus, further studies show that adding antioxidants to a dog’s diet reduces the effects of brain aging, which is great if you have a senior dog.
eggs
Our boys love scrambled eggs. We have what I call the Sunday Scramble. They absolutely love it! Did you know eggs are safe for your dog, They provide a great source of nutrition. They are high in protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and did you know fatty acids help support your dog inside and out.
Remember that eggs are only as good as the chicken they come from. Try to feed your dog eggs that are from free-range farm hens that are fed an organic diet. Just like us, chickens are as healthy as what they eat, and healthier chickens lay healthier, more nutritious eggs.
Before feeding your dog eggs, talk to your vet. Some dogs with medical conditions shouldn’t eat eggs so always check with your vet first. Consuming too many eggs can also lead to health problems like obesity, so talk to your vet about the appropriate amount of eggs to feed your beloved canine.
With that said, sometimes eggs can be used to help settle upset stomachs however, they should not be used as your dog’s main meal but they are a great occasional treat.