Greens have essential vitamins that dogs may lack in their meals. But dogs are carnivores, so is it a good idea to give them fruits and vegetables? Your dog is actually an omnivore, and while they need a high-protein diet, they can consume foods such as blueberries and broccoli. Of course, green produce shouldn’t replace their daily protein intake, but it’s a beneficial and tasty way to improve their diet. I’m here to help you keep your fur friends healthy by looking at the fruits and vegetables dogs can eat.
Are Fruits and Vegetables Good for Dogs?
Fruits and vegetables provide a natural and cost-effective way to give your pet extra nutrients. Of course, not all produce is safe, so you have to be mindful about what you feed your pets. Grapes, garlic, and fresh citrus are a no-go for dogs because they can make them extremely sick. Garlic consists of toxic disulfides, increasing the risk of anemia, whereas grapes contain a harmful substance that is life-threatening to dogs. Suitable veggies and fruits make great snacks but remember that they should never exceed 10% of your pup’s daily diet. Dogs need balanced meals that contain a minimum of 18% protein and around 5.5% fat, which they obtain from their kibble or meat-based food. To make it easier to choose the right greens, I’ve provided a list of healthy fruits and vegetables for dogs below.
Blueberries
Blueberries offer an excellent source of vitamin C and a multitude of nutrients that boost your pup’s immune system and energy levels. The dark skin of the blueberry is rich in antioxidants that protect the body’s cells from damage. Although a healthy addition to your fur friend’s diet, these berries contain a fair amount of sugar and should be fed in moderation. As a guideline, feed 4 berries for every 10 lbs of body weight per day to avoid excessive sugar. Too much sugar, even from fresh and seasonal fruits, can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of pet diabetes.
Banana
If your pooch can get past the soft texture of a banana, they’re in for a real treat. Bananas offer dogs a sweet snack that is low in calories and high in all the good stuff. They contain copper, potassium, fiber, and biotin to support healthy digestion, improve cardiovascular function, and protect the cells from free radical damage. But, the limitation of a banana is its high sugar content of 12 grams. That’s around 6 teaspoons of sugar that your dog shouldn’t consume. Don’t feed a whole banana to your pet; instead, cut it into a third or half and split their treat over 2 or 3 days.
Apples
Apples are sweet and crunchy, and their skin is packed with vitamins, but before you hand an apple to your dog, remove the core. The core of an apple has been the cause of obstructions and bloat in pets. It can become lodged in the abdomen, similar to that of a corn cob. Feed no more than 2 to 4 slices as a treat to avoid the sugar and the possibility of stomach cramps and digestive upset. Puppies can also benefit from apple slices, especially if they have acquired a sweet tooth. Some of the vitamins and minerals in apples include vitamins C and E and minerals iron and polyphenols that reduce the likelihood of chronic illnesses.
Broccoli
The first vegetable that is a popular addition to the canine diet is the humble broccoli. Broccoli is a superfood that improves the health of the colon and is believed to protect against cancer. What is most beneficial about this green vegetable is that it offers a healthy source of fiber for dogs and increases good gut bacteria. If you decide to add this veggie to your dog’s diet, only use small amounts. That’s because the florets contain isothiocyanates that not only cause digestive issues but are harmful to pets in large amounts. You can feed broccoli in raw or cooked form and add it to their main meals.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower certainly isn’t everyone’s favorite vegetable, but it is packed with nutrients that are beneficial for dogs too. Cauliflower has vitamins C and K, and it provides fiber in support of healthy digestion. It can have a bitter taste, especially in its raw form, but you can boil it until slightly soft with a pinch of salt. Don’t use spices to add flavor to veggies, as it could irritate your dog’s stomach and lead to bloating and diarrhea. In the same way that pets can only eat broccoli in small amounts, cauliflower should not be overfed. You can add broccoli, spinach, and cauliflower to your pet’s food if they need extra fiber or to strengthen their immune systems.
Pumpkin
The best vegetable for dogs with an upset stomach is pumpkin.
A top choice of vegetable for gut issues in pets is pumpkin. Not only is it abundant in fiber, but it also contains antioxidants such as beta-carotene. This bright orange vegetable is best served slightly cooked or from the convenience of a can. Along with vitamin A, pumpkins can enhance your dog’s eyesight and promote smooth skin and coats. This fibrous vegetable is naturally binding and helps dogs with diarrhea or constipation. For digestive upset, including cases of Parvo in puppies, a combination of rice, boiled chicken, and pumpkin is soothing and easy to digest.
Some extra vegetables that deserve a mention include sweet potatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and green beans. Additional fruits that are safe to feed to dogs include watermelon and berries such as strawberries and raspberries. These green foods are full of nutrients but should never replace the protein-rich diets dogs need for healthy muscles, skin, and body function. Introduce new fruits and veggies slowly to avoid digestive problems, and have fun figuring out which fruit or vegetable is your dog’s favorite.
