Growing Dog-Friendly Produce
Spring has sprung! And with it, many of us begin planning our gardens. What a great opportunity to add a nutritional boost to your dog’s diet. Check out this list of dog-friendly produce you can enjoy with your pup all spring and summer long and into autumn too!
Apples: Apples are a great low-fat snack packed with dietary fiber and vitamins like C, A, and B6. Just be sure to remove the seeds and core.
Beans: Beans are a great option for adding protein to your dog’s diet. They aren’t necessarily the most flavorful, so your dog might prefer them mixed in with their regular food or baked into healthy homemade dog treats.
Blueberries: These little bursts of flavor are full of antioxidants which help prevent cancer, but be sure to share them with your pup in moderation as too many can upset their stomachs.
Broccoli: Broccoli can be enjoyed by your dog raw or cooked, but be keep in mind this high-fiber veggie can act like a broom sweeping out the digestive system. Too much can cause excess gas or discomfort in the bowels.
Cantaloupe: Only give your dog the fleshy inside of this sweet treat, never the rind or seeds. This is a great nibble in hot summer months as it is high in water content and can help keep your pooch hydrated.
Carrots: Carrots are a firm favorite of many dogs, which is great as they are loaded with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants but relatively low in calories. These crunchy treats can help keep your dog’s teeth, coat, and eyes healthy enjoyed raw or lightly cooked.
Celery: Celery’s high water contest makes it another great option for warmer weather. It is extremely low in calories and it’s texture helps remove buildup from for your dog’s teeth.
Collard Greens: Collard greens can add a vitamin boost to your pooch’s day. Collard greens’ sulfur context helps remove toxins. Just be sure they are cooked and served in small portions as too much can be harsh on their system.
Cucumbers: Is your dog a little on the overweight side? Cucumbers can be a great treat as they are very low in calories. A nice cool cucumber on a hot day? Refreshing!
Parsley: Parsley is a natural breath freshener and can even help prevent serious conditions like kidney disease. Parsley is also a great ingredient to add into a dog’s diet if they suffer from arthritis as it has anti-inflammatory properties.
Peaches: This fruit is one to save for occasional special treats in small amounts. Peach pits are extremely dangerous to dogs as they release cyanide during digestion. They are also higher in sugar than other produce, so resist over-indulging.
Pumpkin: Pumpkin is one of the most versatile and dog-friendly veggies out there. This is a fantastic ingredient for dogs with digestive issues as it is full of fiber, but extremely gentle on the system. Cooked pumpkin can be used on its own or mashed and mixed into treats.
Radishes: This is another one to keep in moderation, but radishes are a good source of potassium and fiber, and also a satisfying crunch your dog might love.
Sweet potatoes: This naturally sweet veggie provides lots of good things like minerals and vitamins great for your dog, but does contain high levels of Vitamin A. Vitamin A can cause bone and muscle problems, so be sure to limit how much your dog consumes.
Tomatoes: Fully ripe tomatoes can be enjoyed by your dog, but be extremely careful about keeping unripe tomatoes well away. Unripe tomatoes can cause tummy aches and even seizures.
Zucchini: Another low-calorie, high-water content treat, your dog can enjoy zucchini raw or cooked!
Home gardening is a great way of providing healthy food for yourself and your family – including furry family members! As you plan your garden, keep in mind the dangers of pesticides and other chemical treatments like fertilizer on your plants in the soil. Do your research and be mindful that some produce is safe for your dog to eat once fully ripe, but toxic until then, or dangerous to eat raw but safe cooked. A little bit of prep now can mean a healthy, happy, yummy harvest for the whole family!
*Always consult with your veterinarian before madding changes or additions to your dog’s diet.