14 dog-friendly veggies

Just like humans, dogs need a varied diet of healthy, wholesome foods to maintain good health. While we don’t recommend making dramatic changes to your dogs’ diet (which can cause serious stomach upset), your pooch will almost certainly benefit from the addition of fresh veggies to their diet.

Adding fresh vegetables as a food topper or treat can boost your dogs’ fibre, antioxidant and vitamin intake, and their stomachs will thank you for it! Not all veggies are safe for dogs to eat (in fact some are toxic for dogs). Here’s a comprehensive list of dog friendly vegetables that you could consider introducing to your dogs’ diet:

-       Sweet potato: High in fibre and great for digestive health. They contain vitamin B6, vitamin C, and manganese, as well as rich in the antioxidant beta-carotene.

-       Pumpkin: Vitamins A, C, B6 which help your dog's immune system, vision and cardiovascular function.

-       Peas: Vitamins A, B & K, magnesium, iron, zinc, and potassium, and lutein which is a powerful antioxidant.

-       Spinach: Potassium, magnesium, and vitamins B6, B9 and E. High amounts of carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid, iron and calcium.

-       Cauliflower: Vitamins B, C, & K, along with omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, choline, manganese, and phosphorus. This fosters healthy red blood cells and immune system.

-       Zucchini: Vitamin A, C, K, B6, and manganese.

-       Kale: Vitamin K, A and iron for bone health, sight, immune health

-       Brussel sprouts: Rich in fibre and antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation in the body and improve overall blood circulation. Packed with vitamins K and C, A, B1, and B6, as well as manganese, potassium, and folate.

-       Broccoli: Vitamin K, vitamin C and potassium, which improve bone density, battle diseases and improve heart health.

-       Carrot: Vitamin A, biotin, vitamin K, potassium and vitamin B6.

-       Cucumber: Contain phytonutrients and antioxidants, which provide your dog with anti-inflammatory benefits.

-       Green beans: Iron, calcium, and vitamins B6, A, C, and K. They are also low-calorie and rich in fibre, keeping your dog feeling full.

-       Asparagus: Packed with vitamins B6, C, E, & K, as well as nutrients such as rutin, niacin, and thiamin.

-       Celery: Vitamins A and C, which are antioxidants that will help keep your dog stay young and healthy.

To ensure that you keep all of the good stuff in, try blanching or steaming the vegetables. If you want to do some serious meal prep, you can even cook veggies in large batches and freeze them in single portion ice cube trays.