Is It OK to Add Vegetables to a Nursing Dog's Food?

Vegetables are famous nutritional powerhouses, offering vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and plenty of water. Although the base of any dog's diet should be meats, vegetables have a place, too. A nursing dog can enjoy veggies, as long as they don't prevent her from eating enough higher calorie, protein-rich foods.

  1. The Nutritional Needs of Nursing Dogs

    • Dogs nurse for several weeks after giving birth, and during this time their nutritional needs skyrocket. Malnutrition is a risk, and caretakers must ensure the nursing dog gets enough calories, protein and fat. Nursing moms should have food, along with fresh water, available at all times in an attempt to keep up with their nutritional and hydration needs. Vegetables offer powerful nutrition and a high water content, but they are also low in calories, protein and fat.

    Basic Diet Framework

    • A dog's diet should consist of at least 50 percent animal protein, mostly from meats. The rest of the diet can be a combination of vegetables, fruits, oils and other whole foods. The same guidelines apply for nursing dogs, just in increased quantities. Feeding highly digestible foods helps her absorb the nutrients and avoid tummy upset, so offer cooked, even pureed, vegetables to your nursing dog. Vegetables can be baked, steamed, sauteed, grilled or otherwise cooked to increased digestibility.

    Suggested Vegetables

    • Dogs can eat many of the vegetables people enjoy, including asparagus, broccoli, carrots, leafy greens, green peas and squashes. Vegetables with deep, intense colors contain many nutrients. Vegetables also have varying levels of calories, fiber and starch content. Low-calorie but nutritious options include broccoli, carrots and asparagus, while starchy vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes and many winter squash varieties have more calories.

    Introducing Veggies

    • Dogs don't have the enzymes to fully break down the cellulose walls present in raw produce, so when including vegetables in her food, start with a small amount of cooked vegetables. Offer one piece, then wait a day to make sure she doesn't experience intestinal upset. If vegetables are new to her, she may experience a small amount of gas as her body adjusts. But if she generally does OK with the trial piece, try two pieces next time.