Have you ever heard the expression "75 days after the first fruits"?
This proverb means that eating the first fruits of the season will extend your life by 75 days. Japanese people, who live in harmony with the four seasons, have long treasured seasonal ingredients.
Vegetables harvested in season are delicious and packed with nutrients! Many dog owners would like to feed their beloved dogs these seasonal vegetables.

This column is about "Seasonal Vegetables You'll Want to Feed Your Dog." We'll be introducing seasonal vegetables that dogs can eat, one for each season.
Try topping them on rice as a special treat. Enjoy seasonal vegetables with your beloved dog and help extend their healthy lifespan!

Nutritious spring vegetables that will help your dog stay healthy

Spring vegetables, which come into season after surviving the harsh winter, are rich in vitamins and are known for helping to promote metabolism and recover from fatigue. During this time of year when dogs are prone to getting sick due to the change in seasons, you can keep your dog healthy by including spring vegetables in their meals.

Spring cabbage

Spring cabbage has loosely rolled leaves that are soft and crunchy to the touch. This fresh and appealing spring cabbage is rich in vitamins and minerals, and its unique component, Vitamin U, helps repair the stomach lining.

asparagus

Asparagus is rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene, which helps boost your dog's immune system. The tips of the spears are also rich in aspartic acid, which promotes metabolism and helps relieve fatigue. However, asparagus contains small amounts of alkaloids, which are addictive, it's best to heat it before giving it to your dog.

rape blossoms

Rape blossoms are great for preventing aging and promoting healthy coats and teeth. They're also rich in iron, which is great for strengthening physical strength and the immune system. However, because they contain oxalic acid, which can cause kidney stones, be sure to boil them before giving them to your dog to reduce the amount of oxalic acid. Also, be aware that they're not suitable for dogs with thyroid or kidney disease.

bamboo shoots

Bamboo shoots, a typical spring vegetable, are effective in relieving constipation, regulating the intestines, and maintaining healthy skin and mucous membranes. Because they are rich in dietary fiber, giving too much can cause diarrhea. Raw bamboo shoots are difficult to digest and contain a lot of oxalic acid, so be sure to boil them and give them to your dog in appropriate amounts.

Fresh summer vegetables will help your dog stay hydrated and prevent summer fatigue!

Many summer vegetables are rich in water and potassium, which help cool down the heat trapped in the body. Dogs, in particular, are at higher risk of heatstroke and summer fatigue because they are closer to the hotter ground than humans. Get through the summer with meals made with summer vegetables!

cucumber

Cucumbers are about 95% water, making them a great treat for your dog to keep them hydrated. They can also help flush out excess fluid, lower blood pressure, and strengthen bones.

tomato

Tomatoes are beneficial for preventing lifestyle-related diseases and boosting the immune system. They also have a diuretic effect, which promotes circulation and helps normalize blood pressure. However, the stems, leaves, stems, and flowers contain toxic substances, so be careful not to feed your pet anything other than ripe red tomatoes.

okra

Okra, which has a characteristic sticky texture, is rich in water and dietary fiber. It is excellent for regulating the intestines and improving bowel movements, so it is recommended for dogs that tend to be constipated. Although it can be eaten raw, raw okra is hard and difficult to digest, so it is best to cook it and then chop it finely before giving it to your dog.

green pepper

Bell peppers contain a lot of antioxidants, which are effective in lowering blood cholesterol, preventing blood clots, maintaining eyesight, and producing collagen. When giving them to your dog, be sure to remove the seeds and stems, which are hard to digest.

paprika

Paprika, which is exceptionally rich in vitamin C, is effective in preventing aging and boosting immunity. Its strong sweetness makes it a popular snack for many dogs. Yellow paprika is good for eye health, while red paprika is effective in promoting blood circulation and boosting metabolism.

A rich and sweet autumn vegetable that also makes a great treat for your dog.

Autumn vegetables have less water content than summer vegetables, but their richer, sweeter flavor is what makes them so appealing. Enjoy the flavors of autumn with your dog, while being careful not to overeat.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is rich in B vitamins, which are beneficial for normalizing organs and promoting healthy eyes, skin, and coat. Many dogs love the sweet taste of pumpkin, but it is high in calories, so be careful not to let it become obese. Be sure to remove the seeds and skin, and cook it before giving it to your dog.

sweet potato

Sweet potatoes are high in carbohydrates and an excellent source of energy. They are also effective in improving bowel movements, so they are recommended for dogs that tend to be constipated. They are also high in calories, so be careful not to overfeed them. They are also highly viscous and can easily get stuck in your dog's throat, so it's best to feed them in small portions.

mushrooms

Mushrooms are rich in vitamins and minerals. Shiitake, maitake, shimeji, and other mushrooms commonly found in supermarkets can be safely given to your dog. The good news is that many of them are expected to be effective in preventing cancer, boosting the immune system, and recovering from fatigue.

Nagaimo

Nagaimo contains an enzyme called amylase, which aids digestion. It's a great vegetable for regulating the intestines, but be careful as it can cause itching if it comes into contact with the skin. When giving it to your dog, heat it and chop it into small pieces to avoid contact with the area around its mouth.

Winter vegetables that boost your dog's immunity

Many winter vegetables have the effect of warming the body. These winter vegetables are also effective in preventing colds, so keep your dog healthy.

Japanese white radish

Daikon radish contains an ingredient called diastase, which aids in the digestion of protein and has excellent intestinal regulating properties. The tip of the radish has a strong pungent taste, so it is recommended to feed your dog the sweeter part near the leaves.

Carrots

Carrots can be eaten year-round, but winter carrots have a rich, sweet flavor, making them the perfect treat for your dog. Rich in beta-carotene and potassium, they are believed to promote healthy eyes and skin, as well as boost immunity. They can be eaten raw, but cooking them or finely chopping or grating them makes them easier to digest.

Brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamins. Compared to cabbage, they contain about four times the vitamin C and twice the vitamin K, which are beneficial for collagen production, bone health, and blood clotting. Because they have a strong bitter taste, be sure to boil them before giving them to your dog to remove the bitterness.

Chinese cabbage

Chinese cabbage, a familiar accompaniment to hotpot, is known in the world of medicinal cuisine for its excellent nutritional balance, and is known as one of the three treasures of health. It is low in calories and rich in water, so it is also recommended as a diet food for your dog. It can be eaten raw, but in that case, it should be chopped into small pieces.

What seasonal vegetables should you avoid giving to your dog? What precautions should you take when giving them to your dog?

So far we have introduced seasonal vegetables that you might want to feed your dog, but there are also some vegetables that dogs should not eat and some precautions to take when feeding them. Be sure to keep these points in mind to ensure your dog's healthy diet.

Be careful! Vegetables you should not give to your dog

Some vegetables can be dangerous if your dog accidentally ingests them, and in some cases, they can cause serious, even life-threatening, symptoms.

If your dog eats any of the following vegetables, keep a close eye on him and, if necessary, take him to the vet.

・Green onions, onions
・Chinese chives
·garlic
・Rakkyo
·avocado
・Ginkgo nuts

Too much of any nutrient is poisonous. Be careful about the amount of vegetables you give your dog.

Even nutritious seasonal vegetables can be harmful to your pet's health depending on the amount eaten, and eating too many can even cause allergies. Even if they are beneficial to your pet's health, it's important not to give them too many.

Your dog's diet should basically consist of complete, nutritious dog food, and seasonal vegetables should only be used as a supplement, topping their food or as a snack.

Also, consider your dog's constitution. First, consult your veterinarian.

The seasonal vegetables introduced in this column are generally all edible for dogs, but some may not be suitable for your dog depending on their age, chronic illnesses, constitution, etc.

For example, vegetables from the Brassicaceae family, such as rape blossoms and radishes, are not recommended for dogs with thyroid disease, and cabbage contains a lot of oxalic acid, which can lead to urinary stones.There are seasonal vegetables that are more suitable than others for each dog.

If you are thinking of giving your dog seasonal vegetables, we recommend that you consult with your veterinarian and try giving them in small amounts.

Conclusion

This time, we've introduced seasonal vegetables that you can feed your dog throughout the year. Keeping the last point in mind, let's incorporate seasonal flavors into our diets to create delicious and enjoyable mealtimes for our beloved dog.

saesa will be featured in "Inu no Kimochi"!

Saesa, a specially made furikake for dogs, will be featured in the April issue of the magazine "Inu no Kimochi"!

We will introduce the appeal of saesa, such as the fact that it is made only from domestically grown vegetables, is completely additive-free, and is supervised by a registered dietitian for dogs.

It will be featured in both the "For Beginners" and "For Veterans" sections, so be sure to check it out.

First time exhibiting at Interpet Tokyo! Sample distribution also available

Saesa will be exhibiting for the first time at Interpet Tokyo, one of Japan's largest pet festivals!

Currently, Saesa is only available online, but at Interpet Tokyo you can actually buy it and touch it. This time, we are offering special prices, 20% off the regular price!

Samples will also be distributed, so if you're interested but unsure about purchasing, this is your chance to try it out. Be sure to also check out the special campaign where you can get a set of three samples by registering as a friend on LINE.

[Event Information]

・Dates: Thursday, April 4th to Sunday, April 7th, 2024 (public admission begins on the 5th)
Location: Tokyo Big Sight
・Exhibition location: East Hall 1, M126, near the arena
・Event time: 10:00 - 17:00