When you think of a dog’s menu, many people automatically think of a big bowl filled with pure meat. Actually, this is totally understandable, considering the fact that dogs are descended from wolves. And wolves are rarely seen nibbling on carrots. But unlike cats, dogs are not pure carnivores but omni-carnivores. A dog’s menu therefore also includes carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables. But which vegetables for dogs should be in the bowl?
Dogs are carni- omnivores.
As a result of domestication, the dog has developed into an omnivore, in contrast to the wolf.
Dogs have adapted to humans and their environment, also in terms of the food they eat. A healthy diet now includes fruits and vegetables for dogs. But beware, some foods that are beneficial for us humans can be toxic for dogs. See also the article: Toxic foods for dogs.
Which vegetables are good for dogs?
As you can already guess, not every vegetable is equally tolerable for our beloved dogs.
However, it should be mentioned in advance that dogs are of course individuals with different preferences and food intolerances. Some dogs literally crave certain vegetables, others will spit them out in disgust. For example, most dogs tolerate carrots in their food very well, but there are also dogs who react negatively to carrots physically. In this case, your powers of observation are called for.
However, the following vegetables are generally well tolerated by dogs and can be safely given:
Raw vegetables for dogs:
- Carrot
- Turnip
- Cucumber (not bitter)
- Courgettes (but only if they do not taste bitter)
- Leaf lettuce
- Celery
- Fennel
- Kohlrabi
- Chicory
In general, you can steam any vegetable at least briefly to make it more digestible for your dog.
Cooked vegetables for dogs:
- Potato
- Cassava
- Jerusalem artichoke
- Broccoli
- Pumpkin (this too must not taste bitter)
- Asparagus
These vegetables may only be fed in small doses:
- Spinach (steamed), beetroot, chard (however, it is not recommended if you have a tendency to kidney or bladder stones).
- Chinese cabbage
- Cauliflower, kale
- Yellow pepper (cooked)
Which vegetables are forbidden for dogs?
As you can see, there are many vegetables that are healthy, tasty and edible for your pet. Depending on the tolerance and subjective taste of your four-legged friend, you can let off steam with the choice of vegetables and offer either a potpourri of different varieties or individually.
On the other hand, there are vegetables that are anything but digestible for dogs and can even cause health problems. The following vegetables are therefore not recommended for consumption:
- Tomato
- Avocado
- Onion and garlic
- Leek
- Rhubarb
- Raw potato
- Green, unripe and raw peppers
- Aubergine
Vegetables for dogs: Preference and quantity.
As with many things in life, it is the quantity that counts, as Paracelsus already recognised. For, as is well known, the dose makes the poison. This means that even the healthiest vegetables for dogs can lead to health problems if given in high doses.
It is therefore important to adapt the dose to the dog and its size and weight. As a rule, the proportion of vegetables should be between 10 and 20 percent. Start with one type of vegetable and if it is well tolerated, increase the dose and try a new type. If your dog develops diarrhoea or other symptoms, stop feeding this vegetable.
As far as administration is concerned, it is advisable to boil/steam the vegetables and add them in pureed form. Seeds should be removed first. But raw snacks are also allowed. These dietary fibres have a particularly digestive effect.
More about dog nutrition?
If you are interested in general information about food recommendations, compositions, you can either contact a dog nutritionist or read the following articles for more information.
Summary
It’s not just us humans who benefit from eating vegetables every day, because they contain valuable fibre and healthy vitamins. Our beloved furry friends also benefit from them. The daily dose of vegetables for dogs is beneficial for their health and also particularly tasty.