Are Vegetables Good For Dogs?

Most dogs love getting table scraps, and most dog owners know that there are many human foods that dogs really shouldn’t be eating. However, vegetables can be a bit of a grey area in this regard. After all, vegetables are supposed to be healthy, right?

The truth is that most vegetables are actually very healthy for dogs to eat, especially in moderation. This is because vegetables add extra fiber and nutrients to a dog’s diet.

In this article, we will be explaining what vegetables are good for dogs and which ones are bad for them. Let’s jump right into it!

What Vegetables Are Good For Dogs?

There are many different kinds of vegetables that are safe, and even healthy, for dogs to eat. Here is a list of vegetables that are healthy and safe for dogs:

• Carrots
• Pumpkin
• Zucchini
• Cabbage
• Bell Peppers
• Sweet Potatoes
• Celery
• Green Beans
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Cucumber
• Peas

When feeding your dog these veggies it is best to make sure that they are unseasoned. This is because many seasonings are very unhealthy for dogs. Similarly, it is best to only give your dog steamed or boiled vegetables when they are cooked. This is because veggies that are drenched in butter or oil could easily lead to an upset stomach.

What Vegetables Are Bad For Dogs?

Although many vegetables are safe and healthy for dogs to eat, there are some vegetables that are potentially toxic to dogs. Here are some vegetables that are bad for dogs.

• Onions
• Garlic
• Mushrooms
• Lettuce
• Leeks
• Scallions (also called green onions)
• Uncooked potatoes

None of the above vegetables should be fed to your dog voluntarily. Unfortunately, sometimes dogs also get into things that they shouldn’t. If you find that your dog has eaten one of the above foods on this list then it is best to call your vet right away. If your regular vet is closed, then calling your nearest emergency vet is a good alternative.

Are Raw Vegetables Good For Dogs?

Many vegetables are safe to feed to your dog raw. This is especially true of vegetables that are easy for dogs to digest raw such as carrots and cucumbers.

However, some vegetables may be very difficult for dogs to digest when raw. Some examples of these kinds of vegetables include asparagus, sweet potatoes, and broccoli. Most of the time vegetables that are difficult for dogs to digest will just give them some gas and mild upset stomachs. Cooking these vegetables can help you avoid that.

Are Steamed Vegetables Good For Dogs?

Yes, steamed vegetables are good for dogs. In fact, this is one of the best ways to cook vegetables for your dog. This is because steaming and boiling vegetables means that you do not need any oils or butter to cook them properly.

Although ingredients like oil and butter are not necessarily toxic to dogs, it is definitely not healthy for them to eat. This is because oil and butter tend to lead to stomach upset in dogs. In addition to this, oil, butter, and fat tend to lead to weight gain in dogs, especially when it is fed to them on a regular basis.

Are There Health Benefits to Feeding Your Dog Vegetables?

Yes, there are benefits to feeding dogs vegetables. Mainly, vegetables are a great source of nutrients and fiber. This can help balance your pup’s diet and promote healthy digestion. However, like anything, vegetables are best in moderation for dogs.

Do You Need To Worry About Feeding Your Dog Too Many Vegetables?

Even if a vegetable is safe for your dog to eat, you should be careful about not feeding your dog too much of it. This is because most vegetables are very high in fiber, which can give your dog indigestion when eaten in too high amounts.

It is important to remember that many vegetables can be a very healthy snack for dogs when fed to them in moderation. A little goes a long way when giving your dog these extra boosts of vitamins and minerals.

Conclusion

Although most vegetables are safe for our pups, it is important to only feed them the safe ones in moderation. Steamed veggies are the way to go, so make sure to avoid feeding them to your dog when they are seasoned, buttered, or fried. Finally, if you have any questions regarding what your dog should or shouldn’t eat, reach out to your vet.

For pets and pet parents in the Atlanta, GA region, The Village Vets has multiple locations to serve you and your pet. Visit us online to find a location near you!