Feeding Vegetables to Dogs

With reports of banned antibiotics, mold, dangerous additives, and lackluster ingredients being found in many commercially prepared foodstuffs, maybe it’s time for you to start taking a closer look at the food you’re nourishing your dog with.

Of course, not all dog food is poor quality, but it’s important to pay attention to the specific ingredients of your pooch’s favorite foods and treats to ensure that they’re healthy.

Why Vegetables?

Did you know you can only get phytonutrients and antioxidants from plant-based foods?!

Phytonutrients
Antibacterial, anti-aging, antifungal, anti-degeneration, antiviral and anticancer. Phew, that’s a whole lot of goodness!

Antioxidants
Your little pup needs oxygen to function, because of that free radicals are produced. These little free radicals (which are a primary cause of aging) bounce around in your fluffy pal’s bodies causing all sorts of trouble to the cells. Antioxidants clear away those free radicals, reducing any potential damage.

Fiber
Raw plant-based foods provide healthy fiber. Fiber is essential for all dogs but especially older dogs where it helps treat and prevent degenerative disease. And did you know – vegetable fiber is healthier than fiber from grains!

Our Favourite Vegetables for Dogs

Broccoli
Rich in Vitamins C, K, and A, manganese, calcium, beta-carotene, fiber, folate and antioxidants. Broccoli can be served raw, cooked or frozen. Steaming in particular when first introduced makes it easier to digest and is more palatable for fussier dogs.

But before you go tiny tree crazy, you should know it’s best to limit the daily quantity to a few florets; too much can cause gastric irritation in some dogs – and therefore – gas.

Capsicum
These veg are high in Vitamin C which is known to improve the immune system and high in beta-carotenes which helps protect against certain cancers, against arthritis and improve the eyesight

But, raw capsicum can be difficult for a dog to chew because they have a tough skin, the best way to feed is to either puree and mix in with the food or lightly cook in water and even if they beg, don’t give them anything cooked with onions.

Carrot
Rich in Vitamins A, C, and K, fiber, potassium and beta-carotene,

There are two schools of thought on carrots; one is that they are a great treat in moderation for your pet; the other is that they are not suitable for dogs because of poor digestibility.
We think they can be given in moderation as a tasty natural toothbrush, but for feeding should be pureed or grated and steamed.

To check if your dog digests carrots just check his poop in the morning. If there are undigested chunks, then you know your dog has difficulty digesting raw carrot, and this is probably one of the veggies he can skip!

Kale
Every magazine we pick up nowadays seems to be extolling the virtues of the Superfood Kale, but is it any good for your four-legged-pal?

Well, Kale is high in Calcium Oxalate, the oxalates interfere with Fido’s ability to absorb calcium, so too much of this superfood could lead to a deficiency. The oxalic acid has also been shown to cause bladder and kidney stones.

On a brighter note, Kale is rich in Vitamins K and C, beta-carotene and carotenoid pigments. It also has high levels of Lutein; dogs with failing eyesight could benefit from small daily servings. Dogs with cancer of the colon and bladder may also benefit! This superfood can be given raw, lightly cooked or dehydrated.

How to Feed Vegetables
Crush or pulverize them in a juicer or blender, or your dog won’t be able to digest them. Use whatever vegetables are in season, feeding lots of variety. Avoid onions, legumes, macadamias and avocados, which can be toxic to dogs.
Always check before giving your dog any new food, proceed with caution and start with small portions in case of allergy or upset stomach. A good resource is the Pet Poison Helpline and should be checked if you’re ever not sure about a new food!

http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/