Deb D’Andrea

4TheLuvOfDogz


Nederland, CO

Fresh organic vegetables for your dogs are a great way to provide a healthy treat for them any time. Fresh veggies offer vitamins and minerals your dog’s body can use, are low in fat and calories, and the extra fiber helps keep a healthy digestion system. You can feed vegetables raw, or steamed, baked, roasted, grilled and even dehydrated; just be sure if the vegetable was cooked that it has cooled before serving.

Because dogs have shorter digestive systems they don’t get as many of the beneficial nutrients out of the vegetable unless it has been broken down, as in to mash or puree the vegetables. Never add salt and typically, skip adding any other spices as their palette is much different than ours.

When first testing to see if they like the vegetable, give them a little bit to sniff and eat. Watch for any signs of an allergic or adverse reaction, like nausea or diarrhea, and sometimes certain vegetables will cause your dog to have gas, so limit what you give them until you understand how their bodies will react.

Some of the vegetables you can give your dog are asparagus (cooked and cut to bite size), broccoli florets (steamed, lightly mashed), Brussels sprouts (steamed), carrots (raw I give whole; steamed I lightly mash), cauliflower (steamed, lightly mashed), cucumbers (cut and remove seeds, steam), green beans (raw or steamed), peas (boil, mash), sweet potatoes (dehydrate, bake, boil), and potatoes (don’t peel, bake, boil). Remember never to give your dog onions or fresh garlic as they both contain a toxic ingredient thiosulphate.

So while you’re cooking up holiday dinners, remember to do a little extra for your your pup to enjoy. I feed my girls fresh vegetables year round, and they love it when I make them their special doggy stew with venison and vegetables, a real wintertime treat. Till next time! Deb D’Andrea, founder of 4TheLuvOfDogz, provides Petz Nanny Services, mobile Canine Massage, and Canine Agility. Deb’s home-made dog treats are sold at local stores and K9Birthday Cakes are available direct. Deb Petz Nanny’s for dogs, cats, birds, fish, horses, etc. Contact Deb at 720-675-7078 or HYPERLINK "mailto:info@4theluvofdogz.com" info@4theluvofdogz.com.