The Best Vegetables for Dogs

There’s no doubt that meat plays a huge role in a dog's diet and overall health. Muscle meat, organ, and bone provide essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals such as calcium. Because dogs are able to get so much of what they need from animal protein, it comes as a surprise to many that dogs are actually omnivores. Several of the nutrients needed for a healthy, balanced diet are best found and easiest absorbed from plants. 

While most commercial dog foods are formulated with synthetic vitamins to balance the essential nutrients, some have formulated complete and balanced diets without the use of artificial ingredients. Sundays for Dogs uses whole, 100% human-grade plant ingredients to balance our recipes without the use of synthetics- just as nature intended. 

5 Best Vegetables for Dogs

Regardless of the diet a dog is currently being fed, all dogs can benefit from added veggies in their bowl as a dog food topper. Vegetables are one of the easiest ways to boost a dog’s current diet, as many dog-safe veggies are probably already sitting in your fridge. Keep reading for our top five vegetables to boost your dog’s health. 

1. Bell Pepper 

All colors of bell pepper are safe and healthy for dogs. They can be fed raw or steamed with the stem and seeds removed. Bell peppers contain the vitamins A, C, E, B6, B9, K1 as well as potassium and fiber. All of these nutrients are crucial to a well functioning immune and digestive system. Bell peppers are also loaded with antioxidants to help fight off inflammation in the body, making them especially beneficial to our senior pups who may be dealing with arthritis. 

2. Broccoli 

Broccoli florets and stems are safe and edible both cooked and raw, however it is most easily digested when fed cooked or steamed. This veggie boasts Vitamins K, C, and A while also containing  antioxidants, fiber and bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoids help fight inflammation and are thought to help lower the risk of certain cancers and heart disease. 

3. Zucchini 

While technically a fruit, most people prepare this plant as a vegetable as it has a neutral, earthy taste. Zucchini’s are a great source of several essential minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. They have a high water content making them a perfect hydrating treat, while also being low in calories for those pups who need to watch their weight. Zucchinis can be fed raw or cooked, but are most digestible when fed steamed or boiled. 

4. Tomato

Another plant highly debated as a fruit vs. veggie is the tomato. Tomatoes are also often thought to be toxic to dogs, but this could not be further from the truth. Tomatoes are a part of the nightshade family, meaning they contain alkaloids. While the stems and leaves of a tomato should never be fed to a dog (or human for that matter), ripened tomatoes are perfectly safe and healthy for our pups. Tomatoes contain a plethora of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. 

5. Kale 

Kale is known for being a rich source of calcium benefiting our pup’s bones and teeth. Kale is also a dark leafy green, which is thought to help detoxify the liver. This vegetable should always be fed cooked or steamed since it has the potential to cause gastrointestinal issues if fed raw. Because of the high levels of calcium oxalate in kale, consult your veterinarian before making kale a staple in your pups diet if they are prone to kidney or bladder stones.