3 healthy vegetables for your dog to eat

Has your dog already discovered the benefits of vegetables? If you buy ‘prepared’ dog food - or (what is effectively ready meals for dogs), then it may contain some vegetables.

But vegetables also can be a healthy supplement or treat for your dog. According to research looking at vegetables for human health:

“Vegetables are considered essential for well-balanced diets since they supply vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and phytochemicals. Each vegetable group contains an unique combination and amount of these phytonutriceuticals, which distinguishes them from other groups and vegetables whithin their own group. In the daily diet vegetables have been strongly associated with improvement of gastrointestinal health, good vision, and reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, chronic diseases such as diabetes, and some forms of cancer”

(Nutritional quality and health benefits of vegetables, 2012, Food and Nutrition Sciences)

The same principle of vegetables being an essential part of a well-balanced diet applies too for your dog.

So why not consider about including more vegetables in your dog’s diet? And which vegetables should you use?

Here are three popular vegetables for your dog

1 Carrots

Carrots contain many nutrients including fibre (both soluble and insoluble) and anti-oxidants, which are essential for your dog’s diet. According to research, carrots might even contain a protective factor for canine cancer and “Carrots are not only a vegetable that can be given to a dog, but they may have certain compounds that lower the risk of cancer known as phytochemicals.“

How should you feed carrots to your dog?

Introduce to your dog slowly, too many may lead to digestive upset. Cut them into bite size pieces to avoid a choking hazard. They can be fed raw or cooked or frozen.

2 Peas

These are also packed with nutrients which are helpful for your dog’s overall health. Use green peas, snow peas, sugar snap peas and garden peas. But avoid canned peas with added sodium.

The American Kennel Club provides useful information on the benefits of peas for dogs at their website

3 Green Beans

As long as they are plain - so not canned or cooked with oils, spices or other foods that are unsuitable, then green beans are a great supplement or healthy treat for your dog.

You can feed all types of green beans, and they can be raw, chopped, steamed or canned (plain).

Many dogs do enjoy green beans as they have a taste that’s appealing to many dogs.

So why feed green beans to your dog?

They contain many nutrients including protein, fibre, iron, magnesium and many vitamins. These are beneficial for canine good health.

Conclusion

There are several vegetables that can be helpful for your dog’s health.

But moderation is key. As with any food don’t feed too much of the same thing, balance is essential (as is the case with a human diet!). Also feeding treats of any kind should be in moderation, no matter their benefits.

If your dog is having balanced and healthy main meals, then few treats should be needed.

Eating well is vital for anyone, including our dogs. Good nutrition can help promote good health.

If you need any advice then do speak to your veterinary surgeon. There are also many holistic veterinary surgeons around the world who can help your dog to have a naturally healthy lifestyle.

Like help finding a veterinary surgeon or therapist for your animal?
Please email me at info at taranet . co. uk

Please remember that if your horse, dog or other animal is unwell. Or on any kind of medication or other supplement. Then always speak to your Veterinary Surgeon first before using any supplement or therapy. Even natural ones. To avoid any possible issues.

And do you know someone who'd find this helpful? Please share, the more we can spread awareness of the benefits of natural therapies the better! :)

Find out more about other natural animal therapies here at Taranet. Or read other articles in this Natural Pet Health Blog. Take a look at the sitemap here to explore!

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About the Author
Suzanne Harris is an equestrian and canine entrepreneurial coach and consultant to veterinarians who want to help prevent animals being affected by domestic abuse.