Can dogs eat vegetables?
Yes - dogs can safely eat many kinds of vegetables in addition to a balanced base diet.
Dogs are omnivores, which means they are able to ingest both plant and animal matter in their diet. Vegetables can have many great health benefits for a dog. For example, vegetables are usually low in calories and can include extra fibre, nutrients and carbohydrates for energy. However, a balanced base diet is always the best place to start before adding veggies into your dog's food bowl.
Most reputable dog food brands should already have enough nutrients and vitamins in them to keep your dog fit and healthy. Therefore, like fruit, it's best to feed your dog vegetables as an additional treat to a healthy main diet. The general guide for extra veggie treats is no more than 10% of your dog's daily intake of food.
Chat with your vet when settling on your dog's main diet and about how many extra treats (including vegetables) can be included in their daily intake. This might vary depending on your dog's age, energy levels and breed.
Tips for feeding your dog vegetables
- If you are starting to introduce vegetables to your dog's diet, start slowly with small amounts. A big change to their diet can upset a dog's stomach
- When starting out, it's a good idea to cut vegetables into bite-sized chunks and steam or blanch them a little to make them more digestible.
- Another idea for giving your dog vegetables in snack form is to serve them pureed or grated through your dog's normal food.
- In summer, you may even want to freeze ice cubes of pureed vegetables with pet-friendly stock as a treat.
Which vegetables can dogs eat?
When feeding your dog vegetables, the following list is a good place to start. Many of these veggies are low in calories and can make a healthy treat. Plus, they are safe for your dog to eat and contain extra vitamins and minerals that will certainly do no harm!
- Green beans
- Carrots
- Sweet potatoes
- Peas (though be careful your dog doesn't choke on these - mashing them up or serving them pureed is a safe bet)
- Corn kernels (as with peas, mashed or blended is safest)
- Cucumber
- Celery
- Pumpkin
- Asparagus
- Spinach
- Zucchini
Are any vegetables dangerous for dogs to eat?
There are some vegetables or vegetable-like plants that you should never feed a dog, as they can be toxic. For example:
- Onions
- Garlic
- Unripe tomato
- Rhubarb
- Nuts
- Any vegetable or fruit with large pips or stones, such as avocado
It's best to steer clear of acidic or spicy vegetables, for example, capsicum. A small piece won't do any harm, but don't give them huge chunks.
Lastly, if in doubt, talk to your vet, and always turn to them when changing your pet's diet. They can point you in the right direction and keep your precious pooch safe.
