5 Reasons that Vegetables are Good for Dogs (it’s why we include them in our Petley’s recipes)
May 03, 2021 Nutrition in the life cycle
It’s not just us humans that benefit from eating ‘5 vegetables a day’, dogs need to eat vegetables too. This is why we’ve added seasonal vegetables to Petley’s tinned food range. Because we know you love your dogs and want the best for them.
Here are five reasons why vegetables are good for your dog:
- Veggies are full of vitamins which are essential to keep your dog’s body and brain healthy. These vitamins include vitamin A, B, C and E which helps with energy, nervous system function, boost immunity and longevity. Vitamin K plays a role in bone formation and helps improve your dog’s liver function.
2. Vegetables such as carrots (which we include in our recipe) is a source of fibre. Fibre helps reduce constipation, helps hungry dogs feel fuller for longer, feeds friendly gut bacteria as it functions as a prebiotic which supports gut health.
3. Colourful vegetables contain phytonutrients, nature’s little superheroes that reduce inflammation and prevent or reverse chronic disease.. Phytonutrients are only found in vegetables as they are responsible for the vibrant plant colours such as dark green and vibrant oranges and yellows, so if your dog just eats meat, they are missing out on some important health benefits.
4. Vegetables also contain antioxidants which protect your dog against nasty molecules called free radicals which cause disease and accelerate cell ageing. Antioxidants help to stabilise the free radicals in your dog’s body and stop them from multiplying out of control.
5. Vegetables have a high water content which aids in hydration, helping to prevent the formation of bladder stones and kidney disease.
The most nutrient filled vegetables include: broccoli, carrots, corn, pumpkin, kale, green beans, celery and cauliflower which your dog will get the most benefit from if they are lightly steamed first. A vegetable that is not safe for dogs is onions as it is poisonous to most pets. High amounts of onions can cause your dog’s red blood cells to rupture. It can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and nausea. Do you give your dogs fruits or vegetables already? Let us know in the comments below.