Your dog may have the teeth (and appetite) of a carnivore, but coyotes, wolves, and other wild canines frequently eat plant material. Moderate amounts of particular fruits and veggies are healthy for your best friend and provide a welcome change from store-bought treats.
Can you grow your own dog food? You can, but take time to learn about the best plants to grow for your dog. The following information should help.
Vegetables Dogs Eat
Plants toxic to dogs are always something you want to avoid. But you probably didn’t know there are actually a number of healthy fruits and vegetables for dogs that you access, or grow, all the time. Here are some great choices to grow in your garden if you’re not already:
- Carrots: Carrots are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber without adding a lot of calories. These dog-friendly vegetables are good for your dog’s eyes and coat, and chewing raw chunks is healthy for the teeth. However, some dogs may like carrots better if they’re lightly cooked.
- Cucumbers: Cucumbers are rich in nutrients but low in carbs, making them a great treat if calories are an issue.
- Cantaloupe: Cantaloupe is a canine favorite but go easy if your pooch is a little on the chubby side.
- Blueberries: Blueberries (and other berries) are super healthy in moderation. Too many may cause an upset tummy.
- Peaches: Peaches are good for dogs in small amounts but remove the seeds first. The pits of peaches (and other stone fruits) contain a compound that breaks down into cyanide when eaten. The same goes for pears (even though they aren’t stone fruits).
- Pumpkin: Pumpkin is a high fiber treat and one of the most dog-friendly vegetables, especially if your dog struggles with constipation, diarrhea, or other tummy issues.
- Apples: Apples are low in fat and rich in nutrients. Try freezing apple chunks for a cool snack on hot summer days! Cut out the seeds and core before giving them to your pup.
- Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals but they’re best eaten in moderation due to high levels of vitamin A, which can cause bone and muscle problems.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes are great if you want to grow your own dog food, but be sure they’re ripe. Unripe tomatoes can cause tummy aches.
- Beans: Beans provide fiber and protein, but your dog may enjoy them more if they’re combined with rice or kibble.
- Broccoli, Cabbage, and Brussels sprouts: Broccoli, cabbage, and brussels sprouts either raw, steamed, or dried, are good occasionally in small quantities. Too much can make your dog gassy.
- Parsley: Parsley isn’t typically included among vegetables dogs eat, but it’s a natural breath freshener. If your dog isn’t crazy about the flavor of parsley, snip a tiny bit and add it to their regular kibble.
-
Foraging Flowers: How To Forage Floral Plants – And Which Flowers You Can Pick For Free Edibles!It’s fun to forage flowers, but it’s important to know the rules. Avoid areas that have been sprayed, beware of imposters and take only what you need.
-
9 Contemporary Small Garden Ideas – Maximize Style With A Modern DesignSome simple conceptual ideas can transform even the tiniest plot from humdrum to dream design. Try these 9 contemporary small garden ideas to modernize your plot
-
How Many Vegetables To Plant Per Person For A YearGauging how much to plant in a vegetable garden can eliminate waste while still producing enough for your family. Click for more.
-
13 Perennial Fruits And Vegetables You Only Have To Plant OnceLooking to set it and forget it? Find out which fruits and vegetables can be grown as perennials.
-
11 Edible Plants For A Year-Round Garden In A BucketWant to know how to grow food inside your house and which foods do best indoors? Click here to learn all about it.
-
Frost Tolerance Of Vegetables From Least To Most HardyHow cold can vegetables tolerate? Knowing which veggies will survive frosts and freezes is essential for the success of your garden. Click here for more.
-
Best Vegetables To Pickle Straight From The GardenPickles aren’t limited to just cucumbers. Read on for tips on pickling your fresh veggies.
-
Benefits Of Planting In Fall Vs. Spring Vegetable PlotsLearn why some vegetables do better if you plant them in fall instead of spring.
-
Interplanting Vegetables In The Fall GardenLearn all about the benefits of interplanting vegetables for your fall garden.
-
Best Vegetables For Growing In PerlitePerlite is a natural growing medium that comes from super-heated volcanic glass. In some cases, it works better than soil. Read on for more info.
