Benefits of vegetables for dogs
Can dogs eat vegetables?
Vegetables and fruit add valuable nutrients to a dog's raw food diet. Knowing what vegetables dogs can eat (and how much) is crucial
Dogs sit somewhere between an omnivore and a carnivore, wild dogs are scavengers that forage vegetation and eat plants, berries, herbs etc. A wild dog will also consume the gut contents of their prey, which usually contains plant matter. So, it makes sense that our domesticated dogs would enjoy and benefit from vegetables.
Do dogs need vegetables?
Raw vegetables provide your dog with a wide range of vitamins and minerals that can work alongside the amino acids and other nutrients found in meat, bone and offal, helping to balance their diet.
Dark leafy green vegetables, for example, contain important minerals like calcium, potassium and magnesium as well as phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are only in vegetable material and are known to be antibacterial, anti-aging and cancer fighting.
They also contain enzymes that help with food digestion and absorption as well as antioxidants and fibre.
They have high moisture content making them extremely hydrating (some vegetables like cucumbers and broccoli contain up to 85% water). Dehydration can cause issues with your dog’s kidneys and bladder.
How to feed vegetables to dogs
While vegetables can be extremely beneficial in appropriate portions, it should be remembered that dogs are not vegetarians so they can’t maintain health and vitality on plant matter alone. Ideally, vegetables, fruits and herbs should make up about 10% of your dog’s diet.
It should be noted that dogs can’t digest the cell wall(cellulose) in vegetable matter so if it is fed in chunks it can’t be digested properly so your dog will not receive the benefits. Ideally, they should be raw and crushed, so either put through a juicer, blender or through a meat mincer and feed the pulp to your dog.
Not all vegetables are safe for dogs
Use whatever vegetables are in season but avoid onions, grapes and raisins which can be toxic to dogs.
Garlic does provide many benefits but use only in moderation. (see our FAQ on garlic)
Avocado flesh is safe for dogs but the skin and pit are not.
Avoid feeding too many vegetables in the cabbage family as they can depress the thyroid and avoid starchy vegetables like potatoes and tapioca.
Chat with a vet with raw nutrition experience or a qualified canine nutritionist before embarking on your own raw feeding diet or adding vegetables to your dog’s current diet.
The best way to feed vegetables to dogs
To make it easier for you and safer for your dog, you may like to consider a raw food diet like Big Dog Pet Foods that has already been prepared safely and conveniently to ensure your dog receives the right balance of fresh raw ingredients and nutrients.
Find Big Dog in a pet store near you.
