As Golden Retriever parents we are always searching for better nutrition for our dogs. Either with the best kibble, homemade food, or raw diet, we want to be sure that our dog has the best nutrition.
Feeding vegetables is a great way to keep your dog healthy. Just like us, dogs require a variety of organic foods and nutrients for a balanced diet. Veggies are rich in fiber, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes, and phytonutrients not found in meat. It is important to feed your dog different kinds of vegetables, as each type offers its own array of nutrients.
Best ways to feed Veggies
The way you prep the vegetables is just as important as the vegetables themselves. Veggies make a great snack or treat as long as your dog doesn’t have trouble digesting them. You can :
- Chop them small enough so your dog can’t choke and give them as frozen2. treats
- Blanching (Submerging vegetables quickly in boiling hot water and then very cold water)
- Steam the vegetables, this method cooks the veggies through, while still preserving the bright color and flavor, and much of the nutrient content.
- Blend the veggies in a raw puree. Some vegetables, such as celery and spinach, do not need to be cooked before blending. Root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes should be blanched or steamed to make blending possible. Pureeing the vegetables breaks down the cell walls of the plant material, making them easier for dogs to digest.
Dog-Friendly Vegetable
1. SPINACH
Spinach is rich in potassium, magnesium, and vitamins B6, B9, and E. It also contains high amounts of carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid, iron, and calcium. It is thought that serving your pup a little bit of spinach on occasion can help fend off cancer, inflammatory and cardiovascular issues. There is also the potential to raise energy levels and immunity. A few ways you can prepare spinach for your dog is by steaming, blanching, or pureeing it to make it easier to digest. And remember always introduce any new food slowly.
2. SWEET POTATOES
Sweet potato is a safe, healthy, and natural treat for dogs, offering a range of health benefits. They are a great source of fiber and rich in vitamins and minerals. They contain vitamin B6, vitamin C, and manganese, plus they are rich in the antioxidant beta-carotene. But sweet potatoes contain also carbohydrates, which can become sugar in a dog’s body. Better use them with discretion.
3. GREEN BEANS
Green beans are a healthy, low-calorie vegetable for dogs. They are rich in dietary fiber as well as vitamins C and A, which both support immune health. Vitamin A also helps with eye and skin health and is important in bone and teeth formation. Both vitamins A and C have antioxidant properties, so they help control inflammation and slow your dog’s aging process. They are also rich in minerals like manganese, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. Manganese is important for wound healing, metabolism, and bone health. They also contain small amounts of Omega 3 fatty acids.
4. CARROTS
Because of their nutrient-dense properties, carrots make a great addition as a healthy snack to accompany your dog’s diet. They are full of vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K. They also contain potassium, niacin, beta-carotene, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Carrots are packed with lutein and lycopene, which are both essential phytonutrients that can help protect the eyes from UVB radiation and any other damage that can be caused by harmful free radicals. The vitamin A present in carrots is essential for a dog’s well-being. It supports overall health, a good immune response, healthy reproduction, bone growth, and cellular differentiation. It can also help with your dog’s vision
5. KALE
Kale is a green, leafy, delicious plant that belongs to the cruciferous group of vegetables. Dogs can safely eat kale but in moderate quantities, it can be potentially toxic if fed in excess because kale contains a few natural compounds like calcium oxalate and isothiocyanates that are potentially harmful to your dog. Even though the vitamins present in kale are in quantities high enough to be mentioned as one of its nutritional benefits. These vitamins help your dog maintain healthy skin and boost its immune system. Kale is rich in vitamins K, A, and C, feeding your dog kale can aid in higher energy levels, blood and muscle health, and a better immune system, and have the potential to fight cancer as well as other inflammatory diseases. Kale is also high in calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron, which support healthy bones, and heart. If your dog has a tendency to overeat or carry extra weight, kale is a great option.
6. SQUASH
Squash is a vegetable filled with important vitamins such as vitamins A, C, and B6. Also contain folate, potassium, magnesium, fiber, and phosphorus. Dogs can eat squash. In fact, with all its nutritional benefits, squash should be a part of your dog’s regular diet as it can help them with their vision, immune system, and cardiovascular functions. Dogs can eat any of the varieties of squash. Spaghetti squash supports your dog’s immune system, vision, colon, and muscles. Acorn squash is filled with vitamin A, folate, and vitamin B-6, helping your dog’s digestion. Butternut squash has potassium, which greatly benefits the nerves, enzymes, kidneys, and muscles of a dog. When feeding squash, make sure to remove the seeds before giving it to your dog.
7. CUCUMBER
A highly nutritious, low-calorie fruit that provides a multitude of great health benefits. The main benefit of cucumbers is the amount of water they contain (96% of water) which is great as a snack on hot days providing your dog with extra hydration. They also contain vitamin K which helps strengthen your dog’s bones. Also, cucumber helps to kill bad breath.
8. PUMPKIN
Pumpkin is a natural source of fiber. It also contains vitamins like A, C, and E, as well as minerals like iron and potassium. Cooked and mashed pumpkin with no added salt can help settle down an upset stomach, improve digestion, reduce anal gland problems, and help with both constipation and diarrhea.
