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Vegetables and Dogs
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Vegetables and Dogs
First lets dispel the myth that dogs are carnivores, in fact they are omnivores and can quite happily exist on a WELL BALANCED vegetarian diet.
I emphasise well balanced because Dogs do need protein as a part of their diet, this is normally obtained through the ingestion of meat, but if constructed correctly a vegetarian diet can provide all that your dog requires. Talk to a qualified nutritionist if you want your Dog to go Veggie.
So you have decided that your Dog will be a veggie, so what vegetables can he eat? I have included a list here of some of the more common vegetables and the consequences of feeding them to your dog. I have split the vegetables into three groups OK, CAUTION and BAD, i.e. those that are ok for your dog and those that have undesirable side effects and those you shouldn’t ever give your dog.
OK
Be aware that fibrous vegetables should ideally be pureed in a juicer of food processor in order to help with nutrient absorption as dogs have a short digestive tract and lack the type of teeth needed to effectively grind food. Very fibrous vegetables should be cooked for 1-15 minutes to break them down enough for the dog to digest easily.
CAUTION!
Be aware that if your dog is diabetic or has arthritis and has/had cancer then you may want to stay away from underground veggies because they convert to starch/sugar which aggravates arthritis. Cancer cells also thrive on sugars.
BAD
I emphasise well balanced because Dogs do need protein as a part of their diet, this is normally obtained through the ingestion of meat, but if constructed correctly a vegetarian diet can provide all that your dog requires. Talk to a qualified nutritionist if you want your Dog to go Veggie.
So you have decided that your Dog will be a veggie, so what vegetables can he eat? I have included a list here of some of the more common vegetables and the consequences of feeding them to your dog. I have split the vegetables into three groups OK, CAUTION and BAD, i.e. those that are ok for your dog and those that have undesirable side effects and those you shouldn’t ever give your dog.
OK
Romaine (COS) Lettuce | High nutritional value |
Ice Berg Lettuce | has no nutritional value but is OK to feed. You can use as a filler. |
Tomatoes (avoid the leaves and stems) | |
Carrots | These are high in sugars so be careful |
Celery | Not much nutritional value but is a good diuretic. |
Bok Choy | |
Parsley | |
Oranges | |
Apples | not the seeds |
Bananas | |
Alfalpha Sprouts | |
Bell Peppers (Capsicum) | red, green and yellow |
Fresh Pumpkin | not the canned pie filling |
Silver Beat | |
Beet Root | |
Kale | |
Cilantro | |
Mustard Greens | |
Dandelions | |
Courgette/Zucchini | |
Yams | |
Sweet Potatoes | |
Asparagus | |
Jicama | remove skin |
Parsnip | |
Turnips | |
Sprouts |
Be aware that fibrous vegetables should ideally be pureed in a juicer of food processor in order to help with nutrient absorption as dogs have a short digestive tract and lack the type of teeth needed to effectively grind food. Very fibrous vegetables should be cooked for 1-15 minutes to break them down enough for the dog to digest easily.
CAUTION!
Garlic | fed in small amounts is very beneficial for your dog. It is considered natures antibiotic. However, too much can cause anaemia and upset stomach. So when making your veggie mix, use 1-3 cloves but no more. |
Grapes / raisins | (in high amounts) Dogs exhibit gastrointestinal problems, including vomiting and diarrhea and then signs of kidney failure with an onset of severe kidney signs starting about 24 hours after ingestion of the grapes or raisins. |
Aubergine/Eggplant | OK to feed the fruit but avoid any other parts. They can cause upset stomach, drooling, lethargy, heart failure |
Avocados (& leaves) | Stay away from the leaves. The fruit part is OK to feed in small amounts. |
Spinach, Swiss Chard, and Rhubarb | OK in small amounts. While these are not toxic, they are high in oxalic acid, a compound that interferes with calcium absorption, so don't feed these very often. |
Cabbage/Broccoli/Cauliflower | OK to feed in small amounts but may cause gas. If fed frequently and in large amounts these will depress the thyroid. |
Potatoes | |
Mushrooms | Can contain toxins. The kind of toxin in mushrooms vary with species. Some cause CNS effects including hallucinations, hyperactivity, and coma. Others damage the liver, heart, or kidneys causing death. Clinical signs usually occur within 6-8 hours following ingestion. Mushrooms grow in the wild in most areas, and pets need to be closely supervised to prevent ingestion, if access to the mushrooms cannot be prevented. |
Be aware that if your dog is diabetic or has arthritis and has/had cancer then you may want to stay away from underground veggies because they convert to starch/sugar which aggravates arthritis. Cancer cells also thrive on sugars.
BAD
Onions & (onion powder) | upset stomach, and can cause Heinz body anaemia. |
Chocolate | contains Theobromine. It can cause upset stomach, vomiting diarrhoea, trembling and sometimes death. |
Pips of most fruits (apples, apricots, kiwi, pears, Avocados, peaches etc.) | These pips or seeds have a toxic effect and can cause, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness and possibly death. Apple seeds for example contain small amounts of cyanide. Feed too much and your dog will get sick. So avoid the seeds and pips of most fruits and you should be OK |
Cornstalk | upset stomach, drooling, laboured breathing |
coffee / tea | these contain caffeine. This is toxic to dogs. |
Alcoholic drinks (and hops) | |
yeast dough | |
salt | |
macadamia nuts | can lead to paralysis or weakness |
tomato leaves and stems (green parts) | |
Potato Leaves and Stems (green Parts) | |
rhubarb leaves |
Last edited by Phil on Tue Feb 14, 2012 10:35 am; edited 3 times in total
Phil- Posts : 28
Join date : 2011-09-05
Re: Vegetables and Dogs
That is really interesting Phil and very useful for those of us who feed a meat diet but also like to include vegetables - thank you.
Re: Vegetables and Dogs
I agree, great information Phil.
Carrot certainly works for Ruby as a treat. I just cut them in thick slices and she loves the crunch. Mjam mjam.
Carrot certainly works for Ruby as a treat. I just cut them in thick slices and she loves the crunch. Mjam mjam.
Angela- Posts : 174
Join date : 2011-09-03
Banana's are a HIT
I gave Ruby banana yesterday. Flippin 'eck she seriously loved them. Nice 'n sweeet....and some vitamins for a change. Schlabber schlaber schmackofatz...
Angela- Posts : 174
Join date : 2011-09-03
Re: Vegetables and Dogs
Missy wouldn't touch her raw carrot - but I put some in her bowl with her dinner for 3 days running .. now she eats chinese leaf, cucumber, tomatoes and raw carrots.
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