Many pet owners nowadays consider nutritional balance and incorporate vegetables into their pets' daily meals to ensure their health. While there are many vegetables that dogs can eat, the nutrients that dogs need change with age, for example, for growing puppies or older dogs that may be developing illnesses.
In this article, we will introduce recommended vegetables for each age group. We will also tell you some points to be careful about when giving vegetables to puppies and senior dogs, so please use this as a reference.
Nutritious vegetables for growing puppies
Puppies are in an important period of rapid physical growth. For puppies, choose vegetables that are high in calories and nutrients to help them develop a healthy body.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a great vegetable for puppies as it's rich in carbohydrates and provides a great energy boost, and is also packed with B vitamins, which help support organ function, eye health, skin and coat nutrition.
Because it is a sweet vegetable, giving too much of it may cause your dog to dislike its staple food. It is best to use it only as a snack or topping.
sweet potato
Sweet potatoes are mostly carbohydrates, and like pumpkin, they are high in calories and very sweet, making them a great choice for puppies who need lots of energy.
It is rich in dietary fiber and contains a compound called yarapin, which promotes intestinal movement, making it ideal for pets who tend to be constipated. However, giving too much can cause loose stools, so be careful about the amount.
Carrots
Carrots are known for their beneficial effects on eye and skin health and immune system, helping to build strong bodies in puppies.
Beta-carotene, which is abundant in carrots, is an important nutrient, but giving too much can put a strain on the liver, so be sure to only give it in moderation.
Japanese white radish
Daikon radish contains a substance called "diastase" that aids in the digestion of protein. The leaves are also rich in nutrients such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, and calcium, making them great for strengthening bones and joints.
This vegetable can be given to puppies in its entirety, from leaves to roots, but the tips have a strong pungent taste, so it's best to use the parts closest to the leaves.
cabbage
Cabbage is rich in vitamins and minerals. It contains a unique ingredient called cabbagein, which has a bowel-regulating effect, helping to suppress stomach acid secretion, protect the stomach lining, and stimulate digestion.
When giving to puppies, it is recommended to remove the hard core, which is difficult to digest, and simmer it until soft.
Turnip
Turnips are rich in vitamin C and calcium, and are great for puppies who get a lot of exercise and whose bodies are still developing, as they help recover from fatigue and strengthen their bones and teeth.
The leaves are also rich in mineral nutrients, making this a vegetable that can be given to puppies as a whole.
For elderly dogs, be mindful of choosing vegetables that help weakened organs and functions.
As they enter senior years, both humans and dogs experience problems in various parts of their bodies.
When giving vegetables to an elderly dog, choose ones that will help their body function, taking into account their medical history and weaknesses.
broccoli
Broccoli, known as the "king of green and yellow vegetables," is rich in various nutrients, including vitamin C, beta-carotene, protein, and minerals.
Another major benefit is that it contains sulforaphane, a powerful antioxidant. It is expected to be effective in preventing cancer in dogs, so it is one of the vegetables you should definitely give to your beloved dog when he reaches an age where you start to worry about his health.
green pepper
Bell peppers are expected to be effective in lowering blood cholesterol and preventing blood clots.
It also has the effect of maintaining eyesight and producing collagen, so it is recommended for dogs whose eyesight is gradually worsening with age, or dogs with concerns about their joints or bones.
paprika
Paprika is rich in vitamin C, which helps prevent aging and boosts the immune system.
By the way, yellow peppers are good for eye health, while red peppers promote blood circulation and boost metabolism.
Paprika has a sweet taste and a crunchy texture, making it a perfect treat for older dogs whose appetites tend to decrease compared to when they were younger.
asparagus
Asparagus, which is rich in aspartic acid found in the tips of its stalks, promotes metabolism and helps to recover from fatigue. It also contains many nutrients with effective antioxidant properties, such as beta-carotene, making it a great vegetable for boosting the physical strength and immunity of older dogs.
Although it is a small amount, it contains a toxic substance called an alkaloid, so be sure to cook it thoroughly before giving it to your dog.
rape blossoms
Rape blossoms are rich in iron, which helps stimulate blood flow and is recommended for strengthening the physical strength of older dogs. They are also great for maintaining healthy coats and teeth.
On the other hand, it also contains a lot of oxalic acid, which can cause kidney stones, so be sure to blanch it before giving it to your dog.
Perilla
Shiso is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is highly valued in the world of medicinal cuisine as an ingredient that regulates the stomach and intestines, and its appetite-stimulating aroma is also recommended for preventing summer fatigue.
Another noteworthy point is that perilla contains alpha-linolenic acid, which reduces skin inflammation and itching, and rosmasonic acid, which may be effective in preventing dementia. Its effects on dogs are still under research, but we look forward to future developments.
mushrooms
Mushrooms, which are expected to be effective in preventing cancer, improving immunity, and recovering from fatigue, are also one of the foods that we highly recommend for elderly dogs.
It is safe to give your dog mushrooms that are commonly found on our daily dinner tables, such as shimeji, maitake, shiitake, and mushrooms.
Four things to keep in mind when giving vegetables to puppies and older dogs
This column focuses on vegetables that are recommended for puppies and senior dogs. Finally, let's summarize the points to keep in mind when feeding vegetables to dogs.
Be careful! A list of foods you should never feed your dog
・Onions, green onions, and other alliums
・Chinese chives
・Avocado
・Ginkgo nuts
·chocolate
・Grapes
・Xylitol
The above ingredients can lead to fatal accidents if accidentally ingested, so be careful when giving your dog vegetables or homemade food.
Dogs aren't good at digesting vegetables.
Dogs, descended from carnivorous wolves, are omnivorous, but they are not as good at digesting vegetables as humans. No matter how nutritious vegetables are, feeding them large amounts of high-fiber vegetables can actually be detrimental to their health.
Particular care should be taken with puppies whose bodies are still underdeveloped, and older dogs whose digestive functions are less effective than when they were younger.
Combine it with meat or dog food to maintain a balanced nutritional profile, and be careful about how you feed it to your dog, such as by heating it or chopping it into small pieces to make it easier to digest.
When is a good time to start giving my puppy vegetables?
Generally, it is said that puppies' digestive organs develop and they switch to solid food at 2 to 3 months of age, and their baby teeth are replaced by permanent teeth at around 7 to 8 months of age.
There are various opinions on the age at which it is okay to start giving vegetables to dogs, but we recommend starting to give them as a snack after the age of three months, and starting to seriously top meals with vegetables or transitioning to homemade food after the age of eight months.
When giving vegetables to your pet for the first time, start with a small amount and keep a close eye on them to make sure they don't cause any health problems.
When giving vegetables to elderly dogs, be aware of their individual diseases and characteristics.
As dogs get older, they may experience hearing loss, joint pain, and other symptoms of aging, which vary from dog to dog.
All of the vegetables introduced in this column are safe for dogs to eat, but when giving them to your dog, you should pay attention to your dog's medical history and physical characteristics.
For example, cruciferous vegetables such as turnips and broccoli contain compounds that inhibit the secretion of thyroid hormones, so be careful. Do not give them to children with thyroid disease, and if you do give them to children, boil them to reduce the amount of compounds.
Nightshade vegetables such as eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes can increase joint pain, so it's best to avoid them if your dog has joint problems. Cabbage can cause kidney stones, so be careful with dogs with urinary tract conditions.
Vegetables are often thought to be unconditionally good for your dog's health, but compatibility with each dog's body is an important point.
If you're thinking about giving your dog vegetables, be sure to consult your veterinarian first.
Conclusion
As an owner, you want to feed your dog something healthy, and there are many different vegetables that are beneficial for your dog's health, depending on their age.
Use this column as a reference and enjoy colorful and healthy meals with your beloved dog.