With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, we’re feeling inspired to talk about all things green – especially the green veggies that can boost your pet’s diet! As parents dedicated to providing the best lives for our pets, we’re constantly on the lookout for foods and supplements that can better their well-being. If you’re looking to cut down on unhealthy table scraps or high-calorie treats, try out some veggies as a nutritious alternative! Remember, not all vegetables are safe for dogs, but don’t worry – we’ve done the research for you!
1. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are packed with vitamins and minerals, like Vitamin K and potassium, just to name a few. Plus, they’re super low in carbohydrates, fats, and oils, making them a great snack alternatives for dogs. We even tossed in some cucumbers into our Watermelon & Cucumber Refresh Kong Recipe to help your pup stay nice and cool on those hot summer days.
2. Zucchini
One cool way to sneak some zucchini into your dog’s diet is by shredding it raw. Just sprinkle some zucchini into your pet’s food bowl for a boost of water and fiber as needed! According to AKC.org, treats should make up less than 10% of your dog’s daily diet. So, when you’re dishing out foods like zucchini, keep an eye on the quantity to avoid giving your pup too much on the daily.
3. Broccoli
Broccoli offers a lot of benefits for your dog’s overall health! Broccoli, especially the stalks are known to help reduce arthritic inflammation and give the immune system a boost. You can serve broccoli to your dogs either cooked or raw, but too much broccoli can unfortunately upset the digestive tract, so it’s important to only give your dog broccoli in small amounts. We incorporated broccoli in our Chicken Soup Kong Recipe to help keep your dog busy during stressful situations.
4. Green Beans
While green beans are an amazing source of fiber for dogs, they’re also a great source of vitamins, minerals, and protein! They’re very low in calories, making them an ideal snack for pet parents who are watching their dog’s weight.
5. Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are nutrient powerhouses for dogs! Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, they can help reduce inflammation and boost blood circulation. However, while Brussels sprouts can be a nutritious addition to your dog’s diet, they may cause gas and could potentially lead to an upset stomach and diarrhea. It is best to steam Brussels sprouts to retain the most nutrients and start with about ½ to 1 sprout to see how your dog reacts. Serving more than three at a time is not recommended.
6. Kale
We suggest adding kale to your dog’s diet in small quantities – about 1-2 ounces, depending on the size of your furry friend. To prepare, steam the kale, chop it finely, and then mix it into your dog’s meal. Kale has been known to fight allergies, heart disease, urinary tract issues, and dog arthritis symptoms. However, kale is another green vegetable that may cause flatulence if your dog eats too much of it, so it’s important to feed kale to your dog in moderation.
7. Celery
If your dog loves a crunchy bite, celery could be the perfect veggie match for them! Celery is loaded with vitamins that can help support a healthy heart, such as Vitamin A, B, and C. Make sure to cut the celery into bite-size pieces before feeding to your dog to prevent any choking.
As pet parents, we’re always looking for ways to add more nutritional value into our dog’s everyday lives. With so many veggies, fruits, and human foods out there, it’s important to research before introducing anything new to your dog’s diet that might not sit well with them. We recommend speaking with your vet before making any additions or changes to your pet’s daily routine.
If you’re looking for a CBD supplement you can administer during your pup’s veggie snack-time, try our Liposome Hemp Oils that can be administered during or after mealtime without losing any effectiveness. Not sure which potency to try on your pet? Give our product finder a try.
