Now you can also plan a balanced Diet for your Dog filled with lots of Veggies that you consume at home.
Dogs are no longer just the Pets we have in our homes. They have claimed our hearts and are part of our family pack officially. We have become fonder and more dependent on them in recent times. They have become our pillars of strength, supporting us in all our ups and downs. There is so much to say about them that this blog will not be enough to express how much they mean to our pet parents who are out there across the globe.
Dogs are indeed leaving their pawprints even in the medical field by being recognized as the healers and therapists helping us to become adequate in terms of our physical and mental illness.
With the environment and lifestyle that we are living, we have become health-centric and choosy right from the point of buying groceries to the ingredients that go into the making of the food due to the increasing concerns around health. With that, we are being specifically careful when it comes to the food that our Pets consume.
We want to ensure that our Pet stays happier, healthier, and live longer. Pet parents are saying a big “No” to canned and outside pet food. They have started making healthy food at home for their Dogs. By this, they will know what goes into the making and how the food will benefit their dog's health. Instead of the commercial pet food available in the market, pet parents are concentrating on the veggies and fruits that could be given at home to maintain a balance in their diet along with the necessary supplements prescribed by their vet. It’s now a combination of home-cooked food and pet supplements to maintain their overall health.
So, in this blog, we will discuss the most used veggies from your Kitchen that your Dog could eat. While you cook for yourself, prepare some for them.
Beetroot:
Beetroot is a good source of Fiber, vitamins, and minerals for your dog. It includes minerals like Vitamin C, potassium, folate, and magnesium. Beetroot could be given to your dog as an evening snack or a few bites in mid of the day when they crave something. They can be eaten in either of the forms - Raw/puree/cooked. They could be given directly or mixed with your dog's meals if they are very picky or choosy when it comes to their food.
Note that the Beetroot should not be given on an everyday basis to your dog. They are advised to be given in small quantities and only one to two times a week. If your Dog has certain health conditions or food allergies, it's advised to check with your Vet. Ensure not to give the peel of the Beetroot as that will be hard for them to digest. Cooked Veggies are always preferred. They are safe and healthy for your Dog to eat anytime.
Broccoli:
Broccoli is a good snack for your Dog as they are having a high source of Fiber and contains Vitamin C, K, potassium, folic acid, magnesium, sodium, and chromium. They are also low in fat. Cook the Broccoli well and serve them the boiled ones. Raw Broccoli is not advisable to dogs as it could cause gastric issues. You could cook them well, serve them directly, or mix them with their meals. Also, it’s advised not to give the same vegetables regularly. It’s always good to try different veggies as that would keep their tummy light and balance their diet. With the trending Instagram reels, many pet parents are making tasty broccoli sticks for their Dogs to chew instead of giving the regular meat, chicken chewsticks that are available in the market.
Carrots:
Well, who does not love carrots? Carrots are tasty, sweet, and crunchy to eat. They are the perfect evening snack for your Dog. Carrots are low in fat and rich in Fiber. Consuming carrots helps to keep your dog's Skin and coat shiner due to the presence of Vitamin A and antioxidants. They are also good for your dog’s vision and overall immunity. If your Dog is a senior baby, we suggest giving carrots in small quantities every day as that would keep their vision, skin, and immune system healthy.
Green beans:
Green Beans as a veggie are high in proteins, Fiber, and vitamins A, B6, C, and K for your dog. At the same time, they are low in calories which will keep your Dog’s tummy full with natural sweetness. They could be given either in raw/cooked form. You need to ensure no salt is added to the beans as that is harmful to your Dog. Dogs just need a slight pinch of salt daily as a part of their overall food diet and not in excess.
Cauliflower:
Cauliflower as a veggie is high in Fiber and contains Vitamin C, and K. They are also a rich source of calcium, potassium, and folate. They are low in calories and are healthy for your Dog. It is advised to give this veggie once or twice a week in smaller quantities to your dog as excess of the veggie could cause gastric discomfort. This mostly applies to all the green veggies.
Cabbage:
Just like the cauliflower, the cabbage as a veggie belongs to the family of cruciferous. Other veggies that come under the same family are Brussels Sprouts. All three of them are good for your Dog if given in smaller quantities on an occasional basis (one to two times a week). Cabbage, in particular, is good for their digestive system as they are full of antioxidants and Fiber. They are a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamins.
Peas:
Green peas cooked fresh could be given to your dog on an occasional basis. They are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and other minerals. Try giving smaller quantities once or twice a week. It’s advised not to give them on an everyday basis as they may cause gas issues for your Pet.
Zucchini:
They are extremely good for your Dog. They could be cooked, steamed well, and served to your dog in small quantities. They are a good source of minerals, Vitamins, and antioxidants. They are also low in cholesterol, fat, and calories.
Sweet Potato:
Even your dog could crave sweet potato just like you do. It’s a good healthy snack for your dog for various reasons. They are a good source of Fiber, beta-carotene, Vitamins, and minerals. Beta-carotene is converted into Vitamin A and helps dogs in their vision and overall immunity. As they are high in Fiber, they will be a good source of energy to keep your dog active.
Ripe Tomatoes:
Tomatoes are a good source of vitamins A and vitamin C. They contain potassium and antioxidants. It's advised to give only ripe tomatoes occasionally in smaller quantities, once a week preferred, and not more. If the tomatoes are not ripe, please avoid giving them to your Dog. While you feed them any of these veggies, ensure to observe their digestion and bowel habits. Based on that, you could take a call if you need to avoid any of them. Some dogs may be allergic to some of these veggies which most of the dogs eat. These veggies are also commonly added to commercial pet food nowadays.
Bell Pepper:
Bell pepper of any color is good for your Dog. They are rich in vitamins A, B6, and E and antioxidants. They help improve your dog’s vision, skin, and coat.
Lettuce:
Lettuce contains water and they are full of Fiber. They are low in calories and are a good source for keeping your dog hydrated during the summer. Ensure to give them these green veggies occasionally, i.e., one to two times a week in less quantities and not regularly as they could cause gastric discomfort to your dog.
Points to remember:
- We have specifically picked only those veggies that are most commonly used in Indian households so that the pet parents could know that they could also feed their paw buddies with the same veggies that they consume but in a restricted way – Occasional and fewer quantities.
- The Best practice that you could do is write down the veggies and consult your Vet during one of your dog's regular check-ups so that the Vet will be able to educate you more and even better means on how you could serve the veggies and how often you can give them. In addition, we also have a list of Veggies which are strictly restricted for dogs. So we advise you to research, consult, and plan your dog's diet.