“Dogs can eat most vegetables, which makes them great treats for your pet,” says Dr. Jamie Richardson, DVM and head of veterinary medicine at Small Door Vet, a chain of veterinary facilities in the north -eastern United States.
Here is a list of vegetables that make safe and healthy treats for your dog:
Beets
Beets, rich in nutrients, are often found in commercial dog foods. When served in moderation, beets are beneficial for a dog’s coat, skin and digestion. They contain fiber, vitamins including vitamin C, minerals, potassium, folate and magnesium. If your dog is prone to bladder or kidney stones, however, you should consult your veterinarian before incorporating beets into his diet.
Peppers
Peppers are 92% water and packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, E, B6, potassium and folate. They also make a fun, crunchy snack that most dogs love. It’s best to remove all seeds and stems before slowly introducing your puppy to peppers.
Broccoli
Broccoli is packed with many important vitamins, including vitamins C and K. It also serves as a crunchy and healthy snack.
“(Broccoli) can help strengthen your dog’s immune system and increase bone density,” wrote Dr. Gary Richter, DVM, medical director of Holistic Veterinary Care and founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition, in an email. email addressed to Forbes Advisor.
Dog owners should be careful about the amount of broccoli they give their dogs, as the florets contain a natural phytochemical, which can cause mild to potentially severe gastric irritation in some dogs.
Carrots
Carrots make a great crunchy treat for your dog and act like a dental stick, cleaning and removing food from their teeth. Some veterinarians recommend freezing carrots and giving them to puppies to relieve teething pain.
“Your pup can enjoy raw and cooked carrots,” says Richardson. “They are a healthy, low-calorie source of fiber and vitamin A, making them a great snack.”
Celery
Not only is celery a fun, crunchy, and healthy snack for your dog, it serves double duty by helping to freshen your dog’s breath.
Celery is also a great treat for dogs who need to lose a few pounds. It is high in water, low in fat and cholesterol and is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins A, C and K, folate, potassium and manganese.
Green beans
“Green beans are a great low-calorie vegetable that makes a great lean snack to help fill your dog without overeating,” says Richardson.
Green beans are a good source of protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins B6, A, C, and K. Beans also provide a nutritious alternative to high-fat dog biscuits.
Peas
Peas are a good source of protein, fiber and vitamins A, C and K, according to Dr. Nicole Savageau, DVM, veterinarian with The Vets, a national mobile veterinary company.
“They are often used as a source of plant protein in dog foods,” Savageau wrote in an email to Forbes Advisor.
Peas are packed with vitamins and minerals and are high in protein and fiber. Fresh or frozen peas are a great addition to your dog’s daily meals, or even as a snack.
Spinach
“Spinach is a great source of iron, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and K,” says Savageau.
Green leaves also contain iron, antioxidants, beta-carotene and dietary fiber, which are useful in stimulating the digestive tract.
Sweet potatoes
“Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamin A, which can promote healthy skin and coat and even help your pup’s nervous system and muscles,” says Richter. They also contain a lot of potassium and calcium.
Sweet potatoes are low in fat and high in vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining healthy eyes, muscles, nerves and skin, vitamin C, which supports a dog’s immune system, and vitamin B6, which helps regulate blood sugar and support metabolism.
