Pups may be natural carnivores but that does not mean they don’t like vegetables! Whether you mix veggies to their meal or give them as treats, your pooch can benefit from these nutritious goodies. What are some of the best vegetables for dogs, you may ask?
Dogs can eat vegetables like zucchini, boiled or baked sweet potatoes and pumpkins. We cover 18 other vegetables that dogs will love.
So, if you want to introduce the best veggies to your pet, consider adding in these yum-yums to its meal. These vegetables are so tasty, you won’t even have to force your pooch to devour them.
21. Snap Peas
Snap peas may look pretty plain-looking but they’re actually very nutritious and yummy. These veggies are loaded with protein, fiber, potassium, and phosphorus to support your pup’s health.
And the best thing about snap peas? They’re so easy to prepare. Just give them a good rinse, and they’re good to go as treats or a snack for your pet.
20. Brussel Sprouts
Brussel sprouts may not be every canine’s cup of tea but we can’t deny the fact that these cruciferous vegetables are highly nutritious. They are great sources of fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals.
A word of caution when giving this vegetable to your pup, though. Brussel sprouts can cause gas when consumed in large amounts. So take it easy when feeding your pooch with this veggie.
19. Asparagus
Another one of the best vegetables for dogs, asparagus is a delightful treat or add-on to your pup’s daily meal. It contains key minerals and vitamins that support your pet’s proper growth and development.
Simply cut this vegetable into small pieces and lightly steam it, so it’s crunchy on the outside but tender on the inside. This is a fun twist to your pet’s usual meal.
18. Carrots
If there’s one vegetable that all canines love, it’s a carrot. You can get the nice, big ones, rinse, peel, and slice them for your pooch. Or, you can skip the peeling and chopping and just buy those bite-size baby carrots.
Loaded with fiber and beta carotene, carrots are excellent vegetables for dogs. They are also crunchy, which help to keep your puppy’s teeth strong and healthy.
17. Cucumber
When it’s hot and humid outside, give your pooch some chopped up cucumber for instant hydration and nutrition. High in vitamin K, yet low on calories, cucumber is a fun treat for your pip.
Just be sure to chop them up into small pieces and take the seeds out. Your pet will definitely enjoy this cool treat while out for a walk or during training.
16. Broccoli
Just like Brussel sprouts, broccoli is a good cruciferous veggie for your pup. These green florets are rich in vitamin C and fiber to keep your canine regular.
When consumed in moderation, broccoli should be fine for dogs. Otherwise, it can cause gas and stomach upset when eaten in massive amounts.
15. Potatoes
Potatoes are one of the best vegetables for dogs for so many reasons – they’re rich in iron, easy to prepare, and versatile. You can bake it or mash it then it becomes perfect for munching.
However, you should never give your pup raw potatoes or mixed with milk and seasonings. These will mess up your dog’s tummy and cause a string of digestive concerns.
14. Green Beans
A slimmer version of snap peas, green beans are outstanding training treats for pups. All you need is to wash them well, trim the ends off, then they’re ready for munching.
Green beans are a good source of vitamins C, K, and A, manganese, and fiber.They are also widely available at the store, so you can easily grab a bunch for your eager pooch.
13. Beets
These nutritious pink delights are rich in manganese, potassium, folate, and vitamin C, which helps to balance your dog’s immune system. Beets also support digestion while improving coat and skin health.
If you want to feed your pup some raw beets, be sure to wash it well and chop in small pieces. Otherwise, it can be a choking hazard to your pet. Cooked beets are even better and softer for your pooch to munch.
12. Cauliflower
Best served cooked, cauliflower is an excellent source of essential nutrients to your dog. It is also low on calories, which makes it great for pup that’s on a calorie restrictive diet.
There are many ways to serve cauliflower to your pet – baked, roasted, steamed, grilled, or boiled. Just make sure that you cut the florets into tiny pieces so they don’t get stuck in dear Fido’s throat.
11. Lettuce
Rich in vitamin A and K, lettuce is an amazing vegetable for your pooch. It is also easy to feed to your pup since you can simply give it raw after rinsing well.
The best varieties of lettuce for your canine are the dark ones such as Chard and Romaine. These are loaded with iron and folate to promote blood health and circulation.
10. Edamame
Crunchy and nutritious, edamame is easily available at any store. You can buy them frozen, and all you need is to steam them before giving to your pet.
With a good amount of vitamin B2, Omega-3, vitamin K, fiber, protein, and iron, edamame is a powerhouse of nutrients per serving. Just make it a point to give one piece at a time to prevent choking concerns.
9. Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is a fantastic vegetable to give to your pup. It has an abundance of vitamin A, fiber, potassium, and other minerals per serving. Plus, it is filling too!
You can either roast butternut squash in the oven or boil it until fork-tender. Either way, your pet is sure to delight in this scrumptious, healthy veggie.
8. Turnip
Root vegetables are a great choice for your dog. Turnip, for instance, contains antioxidants, which help to neutralize free radical damage and strengthen the immune system.
Additionally, turnip has a high amount of fiber that supports digestive health. You can mash the turnip, so it’s nice and soft or give it to your dog raw but chopped in bite-sized pieces.
7. Parsley
If stinky breath is an issue with your pooch, then parsley is a natural solution for that. It helps to freshen the breath while promoting joint and muscle health.
Perfect as a garnish to your dog’s meal, it’s so easy to prepare and can be eaten raw. Make sure to serve in smaller pieces to prevent choking concerns, especially to younger pups.
6. Celery
For canines who are a huge fan of crunchy food, celery definitely fits the bill. It’s crunchy, tasty, and so nutritious. In fact, a serving offers a good amount of vitamin C, B, A, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and calcium.
Preparation is also a breeze with these green veggies. Rinse, chop, and serve – can’t get simpler and faster than that!
5. Spinach
If your pup isn’t exactly very picky, then spinach should be a fine addition to its meal. It’s highly nutritious and contains fiber, antioxidants, and iron.
Steam it and then serve plain for your pup. We don’t recommend serving it raw as it can be tough for your pet to digest. Don’t cook it with garlic, onion, and garlic, as well, as these are not ideal for your pooch.
4. Kale
Just like spinach, kale is an excellent superfood to give to your pet. It’s a nutritious vegetable that contains important minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Preparing kale is also quite easy. You can steam it or chop it, or even serve dried kale to your pooch. Just be sure to limit the daily intake to one ounce to prevent bloating and gas. When consumed in moderation, kale helps with arthritis, bone and joint strength, as well as urinary tract health.
3. Zucchini
A delightful low-calorie vegetable for your dog, zucchini is a fun treat. It’s an excellent source of minerals and dietary fiber for digestive health.
There are many ways to serve zucchini to your pet. It is good as steamed, boiled, or even raw. Just skip the seasoning, and your pooch should be alright.
2. Sweet Potatoes
Many DIY homemade dog treats contain sweet potatoes and here’s why – it’s tasty and loaded with nutrients! This vegetable contains vitamin C, A, B6, B5, fiber, potassium, and manganese. What’s not to love about it?
Plus, you can easily serve it boiled or baked. You can even make chips out of them by slicing them thinly and baking them like fries. Yum!
1. Pumpkin
And last but not least, we have pumpkin. This super vegetable is low on calories but high in zinc, magnesium, fiber, potassium, and beta carotene. That’s a very nutritious treat to give to your pup!
Pumpkin is also a breeze to prepare. Puree it for a smooth and creamy meal or bake until it’s tender. This is bound to be an instant favorite of your precious pooch.
Related Questions
What Vegetables Are Bad For Dogs? Although many vegetables are good for your pooch, there are some that you should never feed them with. These vegetables that are a complete no-no for dogs include onions, garlic, chives, and rhubarb, which can cause digestive issues.
Can Dogs Digest Raw Vegetables? Dogs love raw veggies, especially crunchy ones. Not all raw vegetables, however, are suitable for canines. Dogs are unable to absorb as many nutrients as possible because of their short digestive systems. Thus, it is best to puree or cook vegetables for maximum health benefits.
Should You Cook Vegetables For Dogs? Absolutely, dogs can easily digest cooked veggies because they become much softer and tender after the cooking process. Cooking, however, destroys most nutrients and enzymes in food. But in terms of safety, it is much better to steam, roast, or bake vegetables that are otherwise difficult for your pooch to digest when eaten raw.
