Sappiamo tutti quanto le verdure siano benefiche per l'uomo, ma anche i cani possono mangiare verdure? La risposta è:dipende dalla verdura. Mentre alcuni sono sicuri e persino utili per i nostri compagni canini, altri possono essere difficili da digerire. Alcune verdure contengono anche composti chimici e acidi che potrebbero potenzialmente causare danni agli organi.
Per aiutarti a prendere una decisione informata riguardo alla dieta e alla nutrizione del tuo animale domestico, abbiamo compilato un elenco dettagliato di tutte le verdure che i cani possono mangiare in sicurezza, oltre a quelle tossiche e che dovrebbero essere evitate.
Sommario:
Suggerimento per professionisti: L'assicurazione per animali domestici può aiutarti a coprire i costi delle cure veterinarie se il tuo cane ingerisce qualcosa che non dovrebbe. Il tuo piano assicurativo per animali domestici può rimborsarti per farmaci, radiografie, ospedalizzazione, interventi chirurgici e altro.
Se è vero che i cani amano (e dovrebbero consumare) molta carne, le verdure possono anche fornire al tuo animale domestico sostanze nutritive che sono assenti nella carne.
Le verdure sono ricche di vitamine, minerali, fibre, fitonutrienti e antiossidanti, che hanno tutti un potenziale per combattere le malattie. Contengono inoltre enzimi che aiutano la digestione e sono un'ottima fonte di idratazione grazie al loro alto contenuto di acqua.
Tuttavia, a differenza degli umani, i cani non possono prosperare solo con le verdure. Il tuo animale domestico dovrebbe mangiare una varietà di alimenti per mantenere un'alimentazione equilibrata e per questo motivo le verdure non dovrebbero apportare più del 10% dell'apporto calorico giornaliero del tuo cucciolo.
Quindi, se stai cercando di integrare la dieta del tuo cane con alcune prelibatezze salutari ma non sai da dove iniziare, ecco un elenco completo delle verdure che i cani possono mangiare e di quelle che è meglio evitare.
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I cani possono mangiare il sedano? Assolutamente, la pianta è ricca di vitamina A, che aiuta a migliorare la vista del tuo animale domestico, oltre a vitamine B, C e K, potassio e manganese. Questa verdura a basso contenuto calorico è un ottimo rinfrescante per l'alito naturale per i cani e molti cuccioli amano masticare la sua consistenza croccante, ma fai attenzione alla quantità che servi. Il sedano è un diuretico naturale, quindi se somministrato in grandi quantità può far urinare più frequentemente il tuo cane.
I broccoli sono una buona fonte di fibre, vitamine A, C, E e K e non contengono quasi grassi. Assicurati di tagliare i gambi in piccoli pezzi poiché possono facilmente incastrarsi nella gola del tuo animale domestico. Va anche notato che le cimette di broccoli contengono isotiocianato, un ingrediente potenzialmente dannoso presente in tutte le verdure crocifere come cavoli, cavolfiori e cavoli, che può causare mal di stomaco in alcuni cani.
Questo ortaggio delle crocifere contiene vitamine C, B1, B6 e K, oltre a fitonutrienti che agiscono per migliorare la salute generale del tuo compagno canino. Tuttavia, il cavolo cappuccio dovrebbe essere alimentato solo con moderazione, poiché renderebbe il tuo animale domestico gassoso. Il cavolo crudo contiene anche tiocianato, che può sopprimere la ghiandola tiroidea e portare all'ipotiroidismo nei cani se consumato in grandi quantità.
Le carote sono ricche di fibre alimentari, vitamine B, E, C, D e K e povere di calorie. Se mangiate crude, queste verdure arancioni possono aiutare a mantenere puliti i denti del tuo cagnolino. Tuttavia, le carote crude possono essere difficili da digerire, motivo per cui potrebbe essere un'idea migliore servirle al vapore.
Gli asparagi sono ricchi di vitamine B6, C, E e K, tiamina, niacina e minerali come rame, potassio, cromo e selenio. Gli asparagi crudi per cani sono un'ottima alternativa ai bastoncini da masticare. Considera di grigliare o cuocere a vapore le lance per renderle più facili da ingoiare.
Le zucchine sono povere di calorie, ricche di fibre e offrono un'abbondanza di vitamine e minerali che rafforzano le ossa, i reni e il cuore dei cani. È meglio cuocere le zucchine a vapore prima di servirle al tuo animale domestico per ammorbidire la pelle.
Il cavolfiore fornisce acidi grassi omega-3, biotina, manganese, fosforo e vitamine B, C e K, tutti ottimi per rafforzare il sistema immunitario. Simile ad altre verdure crocifere in questo elenco, il cavolfiore è sicuro solo in piccole quantità in quanto può rendere gassoso il tuo cane. Il cavolfiore crudo è difficile da digerire, quindi è meglio servirlo al tuo animale domestico leggermente cotto (al vapore).
I fagioli neri, pinto, rossi e burro sono un'ottima fonte di proteine vegetali e sostanze nutritive come potassio, magnesio e acido folico. Tuttavia, possono facilmente causare gas, quindi dovrebbero essere alimentati in quantità moderate. I fagiolini sono ottimi per i cani perché sono ricchi di sostanze nutritive e possono essere serviti crudi, al vapore o anche in scatola, purché siano semplici.
I cani possono tranquillamente consumare patate, purché siano ben cotte (bollite, al forno o al vapore) e servite al naturale. Never feed your pet raw potatoes, as they contain solanine, a compound that can be toxic to dogs. Fried potatoes should also be avoided because they’re high in fat.
Dogs can eat spinach, a great source of iron, magnesium, vitamins A, C, and E. All these nutrients make this leafy green very effective in preventing inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer. On the flip side, spinach contains oxalic acid, a compound that blocks the absorption of calcium in the body and can cause damage to the kidneys, so it should be fed in moderation.
Kale is considered a superfood for humans and they offer health benefits for dogs, too. Rich in vitamins A, K, and calcium, this dark, leafy vegetable is great for canines’ vision, immunity, and bones. It’s also a good source of iron, the mineral responsible for healthy red blood cells. However, kale also contains calcium oxalate, a building block of some bladder stones, and isothiocyanates, which can cause gastric irritation in dogs and may even be toxic if consumed in large amounts.
Pumpkin is chock-full of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. It’s also low in calories, tasty, and aids digestion. Lightly cooked pumpkin is easiest for dogs to digest and, if fed in small quantities, it can help alleviate constipation in dogs. Canned pumpkin is also safe for dogs as long as it doesn’t contain sugar or additives. Pumpkin seeds can also be fed to dogs, but make sure they’re plain (no salt, butter, or oil).
Beets are rich in vitamin C, folate, manganese, potassium, and dietary fiber. Avoid feeding raw beets as they can be a serious choking hazard and obstruct your dog’s digestive tract. Cooked beets, on the other hand, contain oxalate, and should be avoided by dogs prone to bladder stones. These bright red veggies are also acidic in nature and can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, or vomiting in some dogs.
Cucumbers are rich in vitamins B1, C, and K, as well as biotin, copper, potassium, and magnesium. They’re very low in calories, which makes them an ideal snack for dogs that are overweight. Cucumbers are also 96% water, so they make a perfect refreshing snack on a hot summer day.
Peppers contain three times as much vitamin C as oranges which, combined with beta-carotene, helps strengthen the immune system, protect eyesight, and act as a natural anti-inflammatory. The best way to serve peppers is by steaming them in order to soften their exterior skin. If you decide to serve them raw, be sure to cut them into small pieces. Don’t forget to double-check if you’re feeding spicy pepper varieties to your pet.
Sugar snap, English, snow, and garden peas are all good for dogs. These little greens balls are rich in vitamins A, B, and K, minerals like iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc, as well as fiber, protein, and lutein. Be sure to serve them in moderation as large amounts can cause diarrhea. Peas should not be given to dogs with kidney issues as they contain purines which can be difficult for the kidneys to process.
Sweet potatoes and yams are very rich in fiber plus vitamins B6 and C. Like carrots, they also contain beta-carotene which improves skin and vision. Similar to regular potatoes, these orange veggies should only be served cooked (boiled or baked) and without any seasonings.
Brussels sprouts are a great source of vitamins C and K, which makes them great for boosting immunity and improving bone health. They also contain antioxidants that fight against inflammation. Brussels sprouts aid digestion and can help if your dog is constipated, but they can also cause gas and result in flatulence. Be sure to cook the sprouts before offering them to your pet.
Similar to cucumber, lettuce contains a lot of water (90%), which makes it a perfect snack for overweight doggies. Be sure to chop the lettuce up before feeding to avoid a choking hazard.
As part of the allium plant family, onions and chives are toxic to dogs. If your dog has eaten onions and you notice symptoms like dark yellow urine, decreased energy levels, vomiting, and/or diarrhea, be sure to contact your vet right away.
Similar to onions, this smelly vegetable is healthy for humans but toxic to dogs. If eaten in small amounts, garlic can result in diarrhea and vomiting, but bigger amounts can cause red blood cells to burst, leading to anemia. This leads to loss of energy, weakness, and collapse.
Mushrooms bought in the supermarket are generally not harmful to dogs, as long as they’re served plain and in small amounts. However, some wild mushrooms are very toxic and should never be given to dogs. Signs of mushroom poisoning include diarrhea, excessive drooling, poor coordination, collapse, and death. If your dog ingests a wild mushroom, contact your vet immediately.
Corn itself isn’t harmful to dogs but it also doesn’t offer much nutritional value for them. If you decide to give your dog corn, offer it in small quantities. Never give your pet corn cobs as they can cause a life-threatening intestinal blockage if swallowed.
Tomatoes are a member of the nightshade family, which means that they contain solanine, a toxic chemical that can cause seizures and tremors. Although ripe tomatoes are generally safe for dogs, the stems, leaves, and green produce of the plant contain higher amounts of solanine. Therefore, be very careful if you have a vegetable garden that your pup can rummage around.
Eggplant is another member of the nightshade family and is linked to allergic reactions in some dogs. Be sure to start with a small quantity of cooked eggplant, to see if your dog tolerates this veggie or not.
Radishes aren’t toxic to dogs but the shape can be quite dangerous. If your pet swallows a whole radish, they might end up with serious intestinal obstruction. So, if you decide to feed radishes to your pet, be sure to slice them thinly first.
Suggerimento per professionisti: Pups can be guilty of ingesting strange items and forbidden foods, causing their owners lots of worries and astronomic vet bills. Pet insurance is designed for unpredictable accidents and illnesses that could happen to your four-legged companion.
Small pieces of dog-safe vegetables, such as pumpkin, carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes, broccoli, or cauliflower make delicious and healthy treats for puppies, as long as they are cooked, finely cut, and served plain.
However, bear in mind that treats shouldn't comprise more than 5% of your puppy’s diet, so veggies should be offered in small amounts and as occasional treats.
Consult with your vet about your puppy’s nutrition and whether it is safe to feed them the vegetables included in our dog-safe list.
Just like with any new human food, it’s best to introduce vegetables into your dog’s diet slowly. Start with a small amount and keep an eye on your pup. If they don’t show adverse reactions like diarrhea, vomiting, or excess gas, increase the amount gradually.
As a rule of thumb, if humans can eat a certain vegetable raw, so can dogs. So, it’s perfectly fine to offer raw celery or green beans, but you must always cook veggies like potatoes and yams.
Be sure to always cut the veggies into small, bite-sized pieces in order to reduce the risk of choking.
Serve the vegetables plain, without any salt, butter, spices, or oils. By adding any of these, you will not only destroy the nutritional value of vegetables but also cause harm to your four-legged friend.
In general, gently cooking (steaming, grilling, or blanching) will make the vegetables easier for your dog to digest and absorb all the nutrients.
For maximum benefits and digestibility, vegetables can also be blended into a puree. You can feed the pureed vegetables right away or pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze to make a healthy and refreshing summer treat.
Don’t forget that moderation is key. Although vegetables are good for your dog, they should make up to 10% of their daily calorie intake. Eating too many veggies can negatively change the gut flora or increase alkalinity and cause kidney issues.
Here's a recap on the list of vegetables dogs can eat alongside the vegetables dogs can't eat:
| Vegetables Dogs CAN Eat | Vegetables Dogs CAN'T Eat |
|---|---|
| Broccoli | Onions |
| Cabbage | Garlic |
| Carrots | Mushrooms |
| Asparagus | Corn |
| Zucchini | Tomatoes |
| Celery | Eggplant |
| Cauliflower | Radishes |
| Beans | |
| Potatoes | |
| Spinach | |
| Kale | |
| Pumpkin | |
| Beets | |
| Cucumbers | |
| Peppers | |
| Peas | |
| Sweet potatoes | |
| Brussels sprouts | |
| Lettuce |
