Which vegetables can my dog eat?
Not all vegetables are suitable or tolerated by dogs. Some vegetables can even be poisonous or harmful. That's why you should always do your research before offering your dog something new.
These vegetables are generally safe to feed:
- Broccoli (steamed only): Broccoli is very healthy for your four-legged friend as it contains lots of vitamin C, vitamin B, iron, potassium, sodium, calcium and carotene.
- Chinese cabbage (in small quantities): This type of cabbage is easier to digest and does not have a bloating effect.
- Cucumbers: Most dogs love cucumbers as they make a perfect snack between meals. They consist of 96 percent water and contain hardly any calories.
Other suitable vegetables are:
- Artichokes
- leaf lettuce
- fennel
- carrots
- pumpkin
- peppers
- Parsnips
- Beet
- Celery
- Sweet potatoes
- Zucchinis
Which vegetables should my dog not eat?
You should not give your dog these vegetables:
- Avocado: Avocado contains persin, a toxin that can cause heart problems.
- Garlic: Garlic belongs to the onion family, which contains sulphur-containing compounds that can damage red blood cells.
- Potatoes: Raw potatoes are difficult to digest and contain solanine, a toxin that can cause gastrointestinal problems.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes also belong to the nightshade family like potatoes and contain solanine. They can also cause allergies.
Other unsuitable vegetables are:
How do I feed my dog vegetables?
If you want to feed your dog vegetables, you should bear a few points in mind:
- Introduce new vegetables slowly and observe your dog's reaction. Some dogs have individual intolerances or preferences.
- Cut the vegetables into small pieces or puree them. This way you can ensure that your dog can chew and digest it well.
- Lightly boil or steam hard or flatulent vegetables. This makes them more digestible and increases the bioavailability of the nutrients.
- Mix the vegetables into your dog' s main food. This allows you to make the most of the nutrients from the vegetables. Pay attention to the right amount of vegetables. As vegetables are important for a species-appropriate diet for dogs, your dog should have 20 to 30 percent vegetables per meal in its dog food. For four-legged friends who don't like vegetables or fruit, you can also use special vegetable or fruit mixes from specialist retailers.
