Vegetables for pets? Really? Every day I explain to my daughters the importance of eating vegetables. That if they eat their multi colored veggies, they will grow to be strong and healthy. I also make sure to follow the same advice when it comes to our two dogs.
A balanced diet
In a raw or cooked diet, muscle meat is the foundation which provides your pets with the needed protein to build strong tissues and organs. On top of that we incorporate internal organs and bones. I find vegetables to be an integral part of the diet and most professionals agree that these need to account for 25% of the diet for dogs and 5-7% for cats.
A balanced diet means that all the parts of the diet are in the right ratio to ensure there wont be any nutritional deficiency. Each ingredient provides your pet with different nutrients – Meat provides amino acids, fat supplies energy and essential fatty acids and finally vegetables, fruits and grains provides vitamins, minerals and anti oxidants.
Vegetables for pets
The main reasons for feeding veggies are:
- Green vegetables contain Chlorophyll, a pigment which detoxify the liver and digestive system.
- All plant materiel provides Fiber which is beneficial for the health of the digestive system.
- Orange and Yellow vegetables contain important anti-oxidants such as Carotenoids, Lycopene and Lutein. These protect again cell aging, preventing and slowing cancer progression and protect the eyes, skin and heart.
- Vegetables provide Flavonoids which regulate cell signaling and are considered anti inflammatory and with anti cancer properties.
You probably think, “OK, this is great, but are there veggies which are more beneficial than others?” The answer is yes. Of course variety is great and provides a more balanced and complete diet, but there are some veggies which I recommend putting an emphasis on and feed them to your pet at least once or twice a week.
7 nourishing vegetables for pets
Brussels sprouts
These mini cabbages contain an abundance of vitamin C and are a good source for potassium. They also contain an organic compound called glucosinolate sinigrin, which is presumed to have cancer-fighting properties.
Sweet potatoes
Rich in Beta Carotene which the body converts to vitamin A; it fosters healthy skin and mucus membranes, fortifies the immune system and protects eye health.
Spinach
Spinach is loaded with vitamin C, provides potassium and magnesium and it’s an excellent source of folate, a B vitamin that helps maintain healthy DNA and may keep away cancer-promoting genes.
Kale
This is a nutrient all-star, packed with vitamins A, C, potassium, iron and folate, plus the phytochemical Lutein. It also provides calcium in a significant amount and in a form that your pets body can absorb well.
Peas
These provide a good source for 12 essential nutrients and powerful phytochemicals. They are especially rich in fiber and considered a plant base protein source.
Red bell peppers
Bright bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin A and C and a good source of folate, lycopene and other carotenoids.
Broccoli
Has a high nutritional value, especially regarding high content of vitamin C and A. Also contains proper amounts of Calcium to strengthen the bones and muscular system, has anti cancer properties and was found to be useful in strengthening the vascular system.
Preparation of vegetables for pets
Now that you are familiar with some of the more nutritious vegetable, let’s talk about how to prepare them.
In the wild, canines ate pre-digested plant materials (the stomach content of the prey), so when you are preparing your dog’s veggies, I recommend cooking or blanching them and blending them using a food processor or hand blender. This breaks down the cellulose that could be hard for the dog’s digestive system to do on its own.
Remember an important tip – if you see any part of the vegetable going out of the dog, means that it didn’t undergo any process in the middle.
Final words
Vegetables are great for pets! They are delicious and nutritious. But you must add them in the right quantity for your pet and not over do it. Too much of a good thing isn’t good. Variety is a must so make sure to use different vegetables.
Feel free to contact me for any question.