Giving your dog properly-formulated food is an essential part of maintaining her health. However, some people-friendly foods, like vegetables, can be a nutritious and fun treat for your dog to have, too.
Certain vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots and cucumbers, are an excellent addition to a dog’s diet and should be given as an occasional indulgence. As a general rule, vegetables should be washed thoroughly and served plain with no added salt, sugar, butter or other seasonings or sauces. Some vegetables may require cooking before serving them to your dog.
Learn more about which vegetables are best for dogs, below.
Carrots
Ideally, carrots are safest for dogs when fed raw, and baby carrots are a great and convenient option. Carrots contain beta-carotene and are high in fiber. Carrots are also low calorie, making them an ideal treat for overweight pets. Chewing on carrots regularly can also improve dental health in dogs.
Cucumbers
Raw cucumbers, chopped into spears for safe eating, are an excellent snack for all dogs. Because cucumbers have nearly no fat, oil or carbohydrates, they are an especially good snack for dogs on a weight loss plan. Cucumbers are a great source of vitamins B1, K and C, and they contain, copper, magnesium, biotin and potassium. Because cucumbers are 96 percent water, they are a perfect, hydrating reward at the end of a long walk, and even provide an energy boost.
Broccoli
Broccoli is safe for dogs when it is lightly steamed to maintain essential nutritional value. Make sure to chop the florets into bite-size pieces and remove the stalk to prevent choking hazard. Broccoli contains high levels of vitamin C and fiber. Because broccoli contains isothiocyanates, a type of organic compound that may cause gastric irritation in some dogs, it should be fed only occasionally and in moderation.
Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes
Cooked, cooled, peeled and mashed sweet potato can be fed to dogs as long as it is prepared without any salt, butter or sugar. Canned sweet potato or sweet potatoes found in pies or casseroles should be avoided entirely. Sweet potatoes contain fiber, beta carotene and vitamins B-6 and C. Similarly, potatoes can be fed to dogs provided they are prepared the same way (mashed and without any additional seasonings) and can be an excellent source of iron. No pre-made, dried or canned potatoes should be given to dogs, as they are high in salt and other unhealthy additives.
Celery
Raw celery, cut into spears a few inches long, can be given to your dog as a treat. Celery contains vitamins A, B, and C, as well as nutrients needed to promote a healthy heart.
Green Beans
Green beans are a great snack for your dog and can be given, chopped, steamed or raw. Green beans are full of essential vitamins and minerals and contain fiber. Low in calories, green beans should be fed without any additional seasonings.
Lettuce
Romaine, arugula and iceberg lettuce are all safe for dogs to eat. These greens can be given raw, chopped into small bites, and should be given in moderation to avoid diarrhea. All lettuce should be very thoroughly washed before fed due to the risk of E. coli or listeria contamination. Because lettuce is 90 percent water, it can be given as a low-calorie and refreshing snack on a warm day. Lettuce has a lower nutritional value then other vegetables, but does contain fiber and beta-carotene, a pigment that is converted into Vitamin A in a dog’s body.