Many people may not know it, but dogs are omnivores and require more than meat, and the occasional dog treats to thrive properly. 

As an owner, it is your responsibility to provide your pets with a balanced diet to ensure that they remain healthy, resulting in a long and happy life.  

In general, dogs need protein, carbs, and fats to get all the daily nutrients they need. However, they also stand to benefit from eating vegetables. 

Why Do Dogs Need to Eat Vegetables?

Vegetables are critical ingredients to a healthy diet because they provide nutrients and fibre. They also help dogs’ bodies fight off the harmful effects of free radicals and toxins. Plus, they keep them feeling full for long periods. 

Before adding any vegetable you have in your fridge to your pet’s diet, you first need to keep in mind that not all vegetables are suitable for dogs. 

To be safe when preparing their meals, consider the following vegetables below. 

Common Vegetables Your Dogs Can Eat 

Carrots

Carrots contain many nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin K, folate, calcium, potassium, and manganese. They can be an excellent addition to dog diets, especially if you’re looking to have your pet maintain or lose weight.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are one of the cheaper and delicious root vegetables. They contain various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. They also provide high amounts of potassium and fibre. Dog treats made from sweet potatoes generally last a long time. 

Broccoli

Broccoli is a nutrient-dense green vegetable that all owners should consider adding to their dog’s diet. It contains nutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, calcium, and potassium, the latter two of which makes broccoli an excellent choice for improved bone health. 

Pumpkin

Pumpkin also has a wide range of benefits, including weight loss, digestive health, heart health, and more. It contains many vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, folacin, and potassium. If your dog is having problems with constipation, pumpkin is the way to go!

Green Beans

Green beans are a nutrient-dense, low-calorie vegetable that makes for a filling add-on to your dog’s diet. This vegetable contains a significant amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and magnesium. 

Now that you have an idea of what vegetables suit your dog’s delicate stomach, it’s time to take a look at some ways you can introduce them to your pet’s diet. 

How Can You Incorporate Vegetables in Your Dog’s Diet? 

Dogs aren’t picky eaters, considering they descended from hunters that ate anything they could catch. However, they can become fussy after developing certain eating habits or preferences for dog treats or food. 

If your pet’s choosy with their food, you don’t have to worry. There are still ways you can add vegetables to their diet without them rejecting the food. 

Mix the Veggies with Their Regular Food 

One of the best things about vegetables is that they’re palatable no matter their final form or the cooking method you use. If your dog’s a tad selective, you should consider finely dicing or pureeing vegetables and mixing them into the dog food.

If they’re hungry, they usually won’t notice the difference since they’re more preoccupied with wanting to get their fill. 

Prepare or Purchase Dog Treats with Vegetables

It’s a universally known fact that dogs love treats. You may have better chances of getting them to eat vegetables if you give them treats made with vegetables.

Of course, you can make the dog treat yourself with the help of many recipes online. But if you don’t have the time, you can always opt for organic dog treats from your local shop. Make sure to ask them about the ingredients beforehand, though!

Final Thoughts

Eating vegetables can help dogs live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. However, unlike humans, dogs can’t eat all vegetables alone, so you should research and learn about the ones that benefit your pet the most. 

Are you looking for Australian-made dog treats to reward your dog? Consider shopping at Frankie Loves Barkery! We have a wide range of dog treats available for your perusal. Plus, we offer various flavours as well. Check out our catalogue today!