What Kind of Raw Veggies Can You Feed a Dog?

Dogs might appear to have cast iron stomachs given the things, intentional or not, that canines can eat and seemingly go on unharmed. However, when it comes to a dog's regular diet, there are certain fruits and vegetables dogs and other animals should avoid. Feeding vegetables to a dog, in broad terms, is acceptable and healthy, provided owners avoid certain plants and plant families.

  1. Nutritional Value of Veggies for Canines

    • Dogs are naturally carnivorous creatures, although they do derive nutritional value from the vegetables and plant matter ingested by herbivores. In the wild, dogs would choose a primarily carnivorous diet, although an omnivorous diet would also sustain a canine indefinitely. The ASPCA recommends that owners feed dogs vegetables as treats, rather than as a dietary staple. While dogs can derive nutritional value from vegetables, a diet high in animal protein is a healthier option.

    Raw Versus Cooked Vegetables

    • Many vegetables, such as leafy greens like parsley, lettuce, or alfalfa sprouts, provide minimal essential vitamins and nutrients for dogs. Such vegetables offer the most benefit when fed raw to canines. However, other vegetables, especially starchy options like legumes and potatoes, are too hard for dogs to digest in their raw form. These vegetables are still a healthy treat option, but require cooking first to better aid a dog's digestion.

    Safe Raw Vegetables for Dogs

    • Vegetables deemed safe by veterinary professionals and the ASPCA include leafy greens like lettuce, sprouts, and chopped parsley. Carrots, beets, zucchini, and squash are also healthy and safe for dogs, although require fine chopping or grating to prevent choking hazards. Additional raw vegetables include corn, bell peppers, and the fleshy parts of tomatoes. According to the ASPCA, additional choices may include eggplant and some fruits in the melon family. ASPCA professionals recommend limiting such choices to less than 10 percent of the dog's diet, since not all fruits and vegetables offer substantial nutritional value to canines.

    Vegetables to Avoid

    • Some vegetables offer nutritional benefit while others deliver only empty calories. Of greater concern to pet owners are the other vegetables to avoid. The leafy green parts of tomato plants can cause severe stomach problems, slow the heart rate, and lead to central nervous system issues. Avocado and parts of the avocado plant contain Persin, a known stomach irritant for dogs. Onions, garlic, and chives also cause stomach irritation, but can also lead to red blood cell damage in canines.