The answer to the question of what vegetables are good for dogs can be complicated. While veggies provide important vitamins and nutrients, they should make up no more than 10% of a dog’s diet. This is especially true for breeds that are predisposed to certain types of cancer and other health conditions.
What Vegetables Are Good For Dogs?
Many vegetables, like apples, carrots, and peas are rich in vitamins A and C, which promote healthy skin and coats, along with potassium which is good for muscles, nerves and kidneys. Carrots are also a good source of fiber and calcium. Spinach is another veggie that provides a lot of essential nutrients, including vitamin A, K and C, along with iron and magnesium.
Cauliflower is another nutrient dense vegetable, providing folate, vitamin C and minerals such as copper, manganese and potassium. However, it can also make dogs gassy and should be served in small quantities only until you know how your pup responds.
Boiled vegetables are softer and easier for dogs to chew than raw veggies, and they still retain a lot of their nutritional density. Submerging vegetables quickly in boiling water and then immediately submerging them in very cold water is called blanching, and it’s a great way to prepare veggies for dogs that may have sensitive tummies.
Just don’t slather veggies in sauces, spices or oil as this can ruin their nutritional value and cause health issues for your pet. And never feed your dog wild mushrooms, which can contain thiosulfate and other compounds that can trigger reactions in some dogs that result in anemia (low red blood cell count). Aim for vegetables that are rich in vitamin A, K and C as well as calcium, potassium and iron.