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What are the best vegetables for your dog? There are so many to choose from and they all have their own benefits. Once you know what kinds of veggies your dog likes, you can give them a variety and rotate through them. Everyone likes variety, even your pup.
When building Laila’s bowl I start with lean cuts of meat and brassica vegetables. Brassicas are superfoods due to their high vitamin and mineral content and their ability to aid in the detoxification of the body.
I know what you’re thinking… My dog is not going to eat those vegetables. Maybe you’re right, but it’s worth a shot. Your dog will benefit more from vegetables if they are cooked. This is because dogs are not able to easily digest raw vegetation. Lightly cooking them will make them more palatable and start the digestive process.
The Original CrockPet Diet is a great way to add vegetables to your dog’s diet. Cooking them low and slow means fewer nutrients are lost.
Benefits of Brassica Vegetables
Brassica vegetables, also known as cruciferous vegetables, include broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, and mustard greens. These veggies offer a wide range of health benefits, including:
1. Rich in Nutrients – High in vitamins C, K, A, and folate, as well as minerals like potassium and calcium.
2. Cancer-Fighting Properties – Contain glucosinolates, which are sulfur-containing compounds that may help prevent cancer by reducing inflammation and supporting detoxification.
3. Supports Heart Health – by improving blood vessel function and reducing inflammation.
4. Aids Digestion – High in fiber, which promotes gut health, regular bowel movements, and a balanced microbiome.
5. Boosts Immune Function – Rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients that support immune defense and reduce oxidative stress.
6. Supports Brain Health – Contain compounds like sulforaphane, which may protect brain cells from damage and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
7. Aids in Weight Management – Low in calories but high in fiber and water content, making them filling and helpful for maintaining a healthy weight.
8. Regulates Blood Sugar – The fiber and phytonutrients help stabilize blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for dogs with diabetes.
More Vegetables for Your Dog
Dogs can safely enjoy a variety of vegetables! Vegetables provide vitamins and minerals, fiber, and prebiotics. I’ll use one of the following veggies along with a brassica vegetable in each batch of dog food. Here are some dog-friendly veggies to add to the rotation:
• Green beans
• Squash – Yellow, Acorn, Butternut, Spaghetti
• Sweet potatoes
• Pumpkin
• Cucumbers
• Zucchini
• Celery
• Spinach and other leafy greens
• Carrots
• Peas
• Mushrooms – Medicinal and culinary varieties
• Asparagus
By adding vegetables to your dog’s diet, you help support a balanced microbiome. Prebiotic fiber helps feed the good bacteria in the gut to keep a balanced microbiome.
How to Cook Vegetables for Your Dog
When cooking vegetables for your dog, choose a method that will retain the most nutrients. Low heat and slower cooking is a good option. Here are a few cooking methods to consider:
1. Steaming – Retains most nutrients and makes veggies easy to digest.
2. Crockpot – Cooking low and slow breaks down the tough fibers in some vegetables
3. Boiling – Softens vegetables but can cause some nutrient loss. Use the cooking water in your dog’s meal to retain nutrients.
4. Baking/Roasting – Works for starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes, but avoid oils and seasonings.
Pureeing veggies after cooking helps ease digestion, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Roast or steam a batch and puree in a blender.
Even if you feed kibble, your dog will benefit from added vegetables. Fresh foods also contain natural moisture. This will help a kibble-fed dog consume more water and stay hydrated. Kibble can be very dehydrating because it pulls moisture from the body to help with digestion.
Add some of these veggies, and let me know what your dog likes. Try an array of different colors and textures. Remember to rotate through a few different types per week. Make mealtime exciting for your dog!
Wag on my friends!
