Can dogs eat vegetables? It’s time to find out!

A very common scene on networks like Instagram and TikTok is that of puppies enjoying fruit. These videos can fill you with joy, but can dogs really eat vegetables?

Even if these scenes serve to put an end to a certain myth that dogs only like juicy pieces of meat, it is necessary to understand whether or not plant-based foods are beneficial for them. Next, understand whether offering vegetables to dogs is a good idea Explain by Toni Eakes!

Better understand the carnivore eating habit

In everyday life, the word “carnivore” is used in the broadest sense to refer to animals that feed exclusively or predominantly on meat. In relation to taxonomic terminology, it has another meaning.

It refers to animals that belong to the order Carnivora, composed of about 280 species of placental mammals with a morphology adapted for eating meat.

Among other features, they have a special set of teeth with sharp canines. These teeth are capable of piercing and tearing the flesh of prey. The elongated jaws still serve to facilitate the apprehension.

As for their eating habits, these animals can be strict carnivores, flexible carnivores, occasional carnivores , omnivores and even herbivores. This is the case of the panda bear, which feeds only on bamboo. Thus, when saying that dogs are carnivores, it is necessary to distinguish the order or eating habits.

classification of dogs

If you’ve ever taken a good look at the sharp canines of your four-legged friend, you must suspect that he belongs to the order of carnivores, which felines, bears, among others are also part of. With regard to eating habits, however, despite their carnivorous anatomy, dogs have a physiology that tends to omnivorism.

Therefore, in addition to meat, they can and need to eat plant foods for complete nutrition. Therefore, dogs can eat vegetables, but you need to understand how to offer them the right diet.

Benefits of vegetables for the dog

In homemade diets prepared by specialists, both vegetables and greens for dogs are used together with meat. Thus, they contribute to the supply of nutrients, such as carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals that are important for the functioning of the organism.

As for dogs that follow a diet based on food, the vegetables that dogs can eat are good snack alternatives. In general, less caloric and greasy than industrialized snacks, they can still help with the increase in water and fiber intake, helping the functioning of the intestine.

Although they are natural, fruits and vegetables can also favor excess weight if consumed in large quantities. As with other snacks, the recommendation is that the amount ingested is equal to or less than 10% of the total daily recommended calories.

This value varies according to the weight, body score, age and lifestyle of the pet. Therefore, dogs can eat vegetables, but in moderation. Due to the high fiber content, in an exaggerated amount, this food can lead to digestive problems, such as gas, diarrhea or intestinal obstruction.

Check out 5 options of vegetables that dogs can eat

As with fruits, some of which are toxic for dogs, not all vegetables can be offered to your pet without problems. Some of them are foods that are bad for dogs , so you need to be aware.

An example is chives, a relative of garlic and onions, which contain substances that can harm the dog ‘s body , causing poisoning. All care is little!

Therefore, it is essential to know which vegetables a dog can eat to increase your friend’s menu. Check out some great options:

• spinach: rich in vitamins A, E and complex B, it is good for the vision and has antioxidant properties. It should be offered in moderate amounts because it has calcium oxalate, a substance that favors the appearance of kidney stones;
• kale: it is rich in important minerals, such as iron and calcium, which are essential for healthy bones and teeth. In excess, it can cause gas and abdominal discomfort. So it’s good not to overdo it;
• watercress: owner of a striking flavor, it can help in the supply of vitamins and minerals, such as iron. It is also rich in vitamins A and K;
• basil: great option for seasoning homemade diet foods, it is also rich in vitamins A and K, in addition to having anti-inflammatory properties;
• celery: it usually attracts dogs, mainly because of its crispness. In addition, it is rich in vitamins A and complex B and has an antioxidant action.

Precautions when serving vegetables to dogs

It is essential that fruits and vegetables served to the dog are previously sanitized to avoid contamination by disease-causing microorganisms. Also, make sure the food is in proper condition for consumption.

Try to cut very elongated leaves or stalks into pieces proportional to the pet’s jaw to avoid choking and obstructions. When offering a new food for the first time, always start with a small amount and observe well what his reaction is before repeating the dose.

As healthy as a vegetable appears to be, keep in mind that if you already offer a diet based on quality or homemade food prepared by an expert, it already guarantees all the nutrients that the pet’s body needs.

Therefore, if your friend is not interested in a certain vegetable, do not insist. Surely, you will find other options that will serve better as a snack. There are several options available at specialty stores, such as Petz!

If you enjoyed finding out which dog can eat vegetables, keep following Petz ‘s blog to better understand this friend’s eating routine. This way, you’ll always be on top of what’s important to your dog!