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What Vegetables Can Dogs Eat? (And Which Are Bad For Them)

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While dog treats are an acceptable indulgence every once in a while, some can be particularly high in calories and fillers. Thankfully though, the humble vegetable can offer a healthy and low-calorie alternative.

Unlike cats, dogs can assimilate protein from raw or cooked vegetables and benefit directly from their vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients. But which vegetables are safe to give your dog?

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What vegetables can dogs eat?

We asked the experts for a list of vegetables that make safe and healthy treats for your dog. Here's what they said.

Beetroot

Beetroots, which are packed in nutrients, are often found in commercial dog food. When served in moderation, beetroots provide benefits to a dog's coat, skin, and digestion. They contain fibre, vitamins, including vitamin C, minerals, potassium, folate and magnesium. However, if your dog is prone to bladder or kidney stones, check before incorporating beetroot into their diet.

Peppers

Peppers are made up of 92% water and packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, E, B6, potassium and folate. They also make for a fun, crunchy snack that many dogs love. It's best to remove all the seeds and stems before slowly introducing your dog to peppers.

Broccoli

Broccoli is filled with lots of important vitamins including vitamins C and K. It can help boost your dog's immune system and increase their bone density as well as serving as a fun crunchy snack.

However, only give your dog broccoli in moderation as the florets contain isothiocyanates which can cause mild to severe gastric irritation.

Carrots

Carrots make an excellent crunchy treat for your dog and can double up as a dental stick, cleaning and removing food from their teeth. Some vets recommend freezing carrots and giving them to dogs for teething pain relief.

Celery

Not only is celery a fun, crunchy, healthy snack for your dog, but it can even help to freshen up your dog's breath. Celery is also great as a treat for dogs who need to lose a few pounds. It's high in water content, low in fat and cholesterol, and is an excellent source of fibre, vitamins A, C, and K, folate, potassium and manganese.

Green beans

Green beans are an excellent low-calorie vegetable that make a great lean snack to help fill up your dog without overfeeding. Green beans are a good source of protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins B6, A, C and K, notes the AKC website. They make a nutritious alternative to fatty doggie biscuits.

Peas

Peas are a good source of protein, fibre, and vitamins A, C, and K and are often used as a plant-based protein source in dog foods. Peas are full of vitamins and minerals and are high in protein and fibre. Fresh or frozen peas are a great addition to your dog's daily meals, or even as a standalone snack.

Spinach

Spinach is a great source of iron, fibre, and vitamins A, C and K. The leafy green also contains iron, antioxidants, beta-carotene and roughage, which is helpful in stimulating the digestive tract, according to experts.

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamin A, which can promote healthy skin, fur, and even help with your dog's nervous system and muscles. They also have lots of potassium and calcium.

Ways to feed your dog vegetables

Vitamins and minerals can be altered by cooking certain vegetables, which is why raw vegetables often are best for your dog, according to experts. To encourage your dog to eat more vegetables, try chopping them and mixing them into their regular food.

Alternatively they can be blended in a food processor which can help break down the membrane of the vegetable. Or they could be steamed to make them softer, especially in the case with carrots and sweet potatoes.

Owners should also avoid adding any fats, including oil or butter, or salt or seasonings to the vegetables they feed their dogs.

What vegetables are used in dog food?

Most commercial dog food companies design their foods with a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. The most common vegetables found in dog food include:

Beetroot

Broccoli

Brussel sprouts

Cauliflower

Carrots

Celery

Sweetcorn

Green beans

Peas

Spinach

Sweet potato

How many veggies can a dog eat?

Vegetables should not make up more than 10% of your dog's daily food intake, according to experts. Feeding any vegetable to excess can create accidental nutritional imbalances, which can be harmful to your dog's health and body function.

In other words, while they might be a great addition to a dog's diet, they shouldn't be the primary source of nutrition. Dogs are carnivorous animals, so regular food should continue to make up the vast majority of their diet. Too many vegetables (due to high amounts of fibre) can potentially lead to stomach problems and one or more of the following:

Gas pains

Bloating

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Lethargy

Fever.

If your dog has underlying medical conditions or is fed a prescription diet, it's always safest to contact your veterinarian first before adding vegetables to their diet.

What vegetables are bad for dogs?

Not all vegetables are safe to feed your dog. The following vegetables should not be given to your dog:

Onions: Onions contain a toxic compound known as N-propyl disulfide, which causes a breakdown of red blood cells in dogs and can lead to anemia

Garlic: Garlic, like onion, is part of the allium species of plants, and are very toxic to dogs. They can cause an upset stomach and damage blood cells

Wild mushrooms: It is almost impossible for the average person to differentiate safe wild mushrooms from poisonous ones. Avoid having your dog eat wild mushrooms that grow in forested or damp areas, as they may contain harmful toxins that can be deadly for dogs

Chives: Just like with onions, chives also can be very harmful to your dog's red blood cells. If too much are consumed, it could cause the red blood cells to rupture leading to anemia

Corn on the cob: Corn on the cob is extremely dangerous to your dog as the cob is not digestible and will cause a blockage of the intestines.

What if my dog eats something toxic?

It's hard to keep an eye on what your dog is putting in its mouth at all times, so if you do suspect your dog has ingested something it shouldn't or even worse, toxic, it's best to call your vet right away.

Dog owners should take the following steps if they suspect their dog ate something toxic:

Call your vet immediately. If they aren't available, call an animal poison helpline as soon as possible. Animal charity the PDSA operates an animal poison helpline which can be reached on 01202 509000

Collect information. Gather any information you have about what your dog ate, how much they ate and when they ate it. This can be helpful information to share with your veterinarian to determine next steps

Watch for symptoms. Keep a close eye on your dog to see if any symptoms develop, including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, difficulty breathing or seizures

Do not induce vomiting. Unless directed to do so by your vet or the poison helpline, do not attempt to induce vomiting. Sometimes, it can do more harm than good.

Seek medical attention. If your veterinarian or poison helpline advises it, take your dog to the nearest animal hospital for treatment.

Dog owners should look for the following symptoms if they suspect their dog ate something they should not have:

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Lethargy

Changes in balance

Weakness

Drinking or urinating more or less than usual

Convulsions

Tremors

Unable to stand or hold themselves up.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Can vegetables cause gas in dogs?

Due to their high fibre content, some vegetables, especially when given raw, can cause an increase in both bowel movements and flatulence.

Can puppies eat veggies?

Puppies have specific nutritional requirements that can set them up for a successful, happy and healthy life.

Feeding a puppy properly from the start reduces their risk of obesity and orthopedic diseases, and ensures they are growing at the correct rate.

Without the right balance of nutrients, puppies can develop malformed bones, anemia, poor growth, skin problems, and even heart disease.

So while an occasional treat, like a frozen carrot for teething would be fine, owners should avoid making vegetables the main part of a puppy's diet.

Are cooked vegetables OK for dogs?

Cooking, steaming, or blanching vegetables is an excellent way to add them to a dog's diet. Cooking and pureeing the vegetables makes it easier to add them to your dog's regular food. It can also be easier for your dog to digest the vegetables after they're cooked.

Victor: Has The Dog Food Brand Issued A Recall In 2024?

(Photo Credit: Grace ChonGetty Images)

Knowing there's something wrong with the dog food you're feeding your canine friend is anything but good news for a dog owner. Therefore, it's important to have crucial information to protect your dog's health and overall well-being.

There's been an increasing number of pet food brands issuing recalls, not only in the past few years, but as recently as in 2024. While there are different reasons why a company may decide to recall their products in compliance with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the major reason is usually contamination.

Is Victor among the pet food companies that have recalled their dog food in 2024? Here's everything you need to know.

Has Victor recalled its dog food in 2024?

Thankfully, none of Victor's pet food products are under recall in 2024. So far, the Texas-based company hasn't announced a voluntary recall, and neither has the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed so.

It's also worth noting that there are no official reports of dogs sickened or dying after consuming Victor's dog foods in 2024. That means every pet food product from Victor is currently safe for consumption for our canine friends.

If you would like to learn more about past or current dog food recalls, we recommend you visit the Food and Drug Administration website.

When was the last Victor dog food recall?

Victor Pet Food last issued a recall in 2023. According to the FDA, this recall targeted Victor Super Food Premium Dog Foods — among them the Hi-Pro Plus Dry Dog Food — that had the Best By Dates 10/31/24.

Victor Pet Food issued this voluntary recall after a random sample test of the stated products uncovered possible Salmonella contamination. Unfortunately, some dogs and humans fell ill from the Salmonella bacteria.

While pets end up directly infected with Salmonella after consuming contaminated dog food, humans become sick if they handle the contaminated product without washing their hands thoroughly afterwards.

The post Victor: Has the Dog Food Brand Issued a Recall in 2024? Appeared first on DogTime.

Badlands Ranch: Has The Dog Food Brand Issued A Recall In 2024?

Lately, the internet has been ablaze with allegations that certain dog food brands have recalled their products. Various brands have, in 2024, issued recalls on specific dog food products due to contamination and safety concerns.

Like every other dog owner, it's essential that you stay in the know about the status of the dog food that your four-legged companion often consumes. If your dog is an avid lover of Badlands Ranch dog food, you're likely wondering whether the Utah-based manufacturer has recalled any of its products in 2024. Here's what you need to know.

Has Badlands Ranch recalled its dog food in 2024?

Fortunately, Badlands Ranch hasn't issued a voluntary recall on any of its products in 2024. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not mandated them to do so either. Moreover, there are no official reports confirming Badlands Ranch dog food products have sickened pets or led to fatalities so far.

If you'd like to access up-to-date information on dog foods under recall in 2024, we recommend that you visit the Food and Drug Administration website.

When was the last Badlands Ranch dog food recall?

Thankfully, Badlands Ranch — founded in 2022 by award-winning actress, philanthropist, and animal activist Katherine Heigl — has never recalled any of its dog food.

Ever since Badlands Ranch came onto the market, the brand has garnered a positive reputation for its superfood-packed dog foods and treats that guarantee optimal canine health. What makes Badlands Ranch stand out from other dog food manufacturers is their responsible food preparation practices.

Badlands Ranch is keen on slow-cooking, freeze-drying, and air-drying their dog foods to ensure maximum nutrition and freshness. The brand's products are formulated with nutrient-packed ingredients to promote dog skin and coat health, better digestion, a strong immune system, and to give your dog that much-needed energy boost.

The post Badlands Ranch: Has the Dog Food Brand Issued a Recall in 2024? Appeared first on DogTime.

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