In this blog post about suitable foods for dogs, you will learn which fruits and vegetables can be fed to your dog. Rotating different varieties adds variety to the menu, and overweight animals can be supported in weight loss due to the low calorie density. In other blog posts, you can learn more about oils and carbohydrates.

When it comes to individual supplementation, you can let your imagination run wild. However, please ensure that you do not mix more than about 20% into the complete feed, as this can otherwise lead to nutrient imbalances. Self-compiled rations should always be mathematically checked by a veterinarian and supplemented with a mineral feed.

The water content is high and some varieties also contain quite a lot of starch (e.g., corn and beans).

When feeding vegetables, the rule is: what you can eat raw as a human, your dog can also have raw. Anything you have to cook yourself should also be cooked for your dog.

Thus, you may, for example, feed raw:
Carrots, cucumber, lettuce, zucchini, kohlrabi, pumpkinShould be cooked:Corn, fennel, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, potatoesPlease make sure to wash the vegetables well, especially if fed with the peel. Many dog owners also prefer to use organic quality. You can alternate between the different varieties as you like. However, be aware that legumes and corn contain more calories because they are starchy.

Vegetable tolerance is individual. For example, peas and beans contain oligosaccharides, which are metabolized in the gut into short-chain fatty acids and can lead to diarrhea and flatulence in large quantities. Just try out different varieties and find out what your dog likes best and tolerates best.

How you prepare the vegetables is up to you: You can chop, grate, blend, cook, or cook and then purée them. Fussy animals can perhaps be won over with cooked carrots. The digestibility of finely chopped or cooked vegetables is better. However, only heat the vegetables briefly and carefully to help preserve the water-soluble vitamins. You are also welcome to add a splash of cooled cooking water over the food, as it contains many nutrients.

You are also welcome to combine and alternate fruits – depending on what your dog tolerates. Suitable options include, for example, apples, oranges, bananas, raspberries, strawberries, and melons.

You don't need to worry about the fructose content. When feeding fresh fruit, it does not lead to obesity. However, for obese animals, the amount of banana should be kept low, and dried fruit should be avoided as much as possible. It has a higher calorie content and can also lead to flatulence and diarrhea. Fruit seeds should be removed, as they contain hydrocyanic acid.

Please wash the fruit thoroughly before feeding. Here, too, you can let your imagination run wild in the preparation – from chopped or grated to a smoothie – everything that is fun is allowed. For this, also read our articles on smoothies for dogs and summertime is ice cream time.

Vegetables: leek, onions, garlic, rhubarb

Fruit: grapes, raisins, avocado

For detailed information on foods that are toxic to dogs, please read our blog What can dogs not eat?

Do you have any further questions? Contact us at tierarzt@vegdog.de. Our veterinarians are happy to assist you.

Your VEGDOG team