Knowing healthy vegetables for dogs can cut down on your stress when your pup snatches a bite from your plate and may also help you give them a nutritious boost for a special snack!
Vegetable Dogs Can Eat
There are a number of vegetable for dogs including potatoes, carrots, edamame, cooked asparagus, cucumbers, green beans, zucchini, spinach, and pumpkin, among others. However, as always, most canine diets are designed to deliver all necessary nutrients, so human foods, even healthy vegetables, should only occasionally be given that too in moderation.
Carrots
Known for their excellent levels of carotenoids and other important minerals, such as vitamin C and dietary fiber, carrots are a low-calorie replacement for snacks or less healthy treats. You should cook the carrots, as raw carrots pose a choking risk, and make sure the carrots are cut up into manageable chunks. [1]
You can eat any vegetable you like if you are following the DASH diet. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Cucumbers
Loaded with water and some dietary fiber, but very few calories, this vegetable can be a refreshing and digestion-stimulating snack but be sure the pieces are cut into manageable bites. [2]
Edamame
A few beans of edamame are a treat, but excessive consumption can cause a speed-up in their digestive tracts, which may result in diarrhea or an upset stomach. [3]
Green Beans
One of the few vegetables that can be given in either a cooked or raw form, green beans are a low-calorie and nutrient-dense snack for your canine companion. They are full of fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K, benefiting your dog’s digestive health, as well as their immune system. [4]
Pumpkin
Not the most popular snack for dogs, but you can give canned pumpkin to your pooch. Many dogs enjoy the flavor of pumpkin, while dog owners appreciate the high dose of carotenoids, antioxidants, vitamin C, and dietary fiber that it adds to their dog’s diet. Remember, do not give raw, baked or sweetened pumpkin to your dogs. [5]
Zucchini
Dogs seem to tolerate and digest zucchini quite well, although they need to be chopped up into smaller pieces to avoid choking hazards. The low-calorie and high-fiber nature of this vegetable make it good for weight control and digestion. [6]
Sweet Potatoes
Loaded with beta-carotene, dietary fiber, and vitamin C, these vegetables are ideal for protecting your pooch against heart disease – and dogs seem to love the taste. You can simply steam or boil sweet potatoes and then break them up into your dog’s bowl, but avoid canned sweet potatoes, due to the additional sugars.
Spinach
With high levels of fiber, potassium, and folate, as well as a range of vitamins, eating spinach can keep your dog regular and also boost its antioxidant protection against inflammation and chronic diseases. Be sure to only give your dog cooked spinach, without any additional spices, butter or salts.
Peas
Fresh, thawed or frozen peas are fine for dogs, but avoid canned varieties, which are high in sodium and sugars. [7]
Brussels Sprouts
Packed with fiber, minerals and other nutrients that can stimulate digestion and circulation, these vegetables are very good for dogs. Be sure to only give 1 or 2 sprouts at a time, cut them in half, and don’t cook them with any spices. [8]
Vegetables to Avoid for Dogs
Although many of the above-mentioned vegetables, dogs can eat in moderation, there are some vegetables that contain potential toxins or compounds that dogs cannot digest. Be sure to keep these vegetables out of reach of your canine companions, or you will face a range of side effects, including stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, as well as lethargy and other more serious side effects.
