We all love to grow in our gardens and will feed ourselves and our family with it... but did you know you could grow healthy snacks for your trusty companion as well? In this article I’d like to show what you could grow for your pets – and what not to feed them!
Before I begin, I would like to say that I believe dogs need a healthy variety of foods, including meat. I do not believe in feeding your dog a vegetarian diet as they would eat meat if they were wild as well. This article is meant to show what you could feed your dog with its normal diet.
This article only contains some examples and there are many, many more options. Hopefully I'll find the time to update this if people are interested.
(Picture of my dog Snoopy when she was a puppy as she's adorable)
Green Beans
Green beans provide a range of vitamins and healthy fatty acids. They are relatively easy plants to grow and your dog will love you for it!
Melon
Melons provide a healthy snack that is also extremely hydrating! On hot summer days I will even freeze slices of watermelon so my dog has a cooling, hydrating snack for those warm days.
(Remove seeds and rind)
Spinach
Spinach contain lots of iron, which isn't just good for us, but also good for your dog! Adding this to your dog's diet can help it fight off some inflammatory and cardivascular problems. On top of that, it''s also a natural source of calcium.
Carrots
Carrots are a healthy snack which can also help remove plaque from your dog's teeth. It's also a good source of vitamin A, helping your dog's skin, fur and immune system!
(Feed in moderation, too much vitamin A can be toxic)
Apples
Apples can be a healthy and hydrating snack for your dog. They also contain a lot of fiber, which can help with your dog's digestion.
(Rotting apples can lead to poisoning! Fresh only!)
Blueberries
Blueberries contain a lot of fiber and antioxidants, providing a range of health benefits.
Cucumber
Cucumbers contain a range of vitamins and minerals. On top of that they are hydrating and low in calories. Also an amazing summer snack to keep your dog happy and hydrated.
Now that I've shown you a range of healthy snacks for your dogs, underneath this I will show you a range of foods that might harm or even kill your dog.
Even with the healthy snacks I advise moderation, too much of anything isn't good.
Dogs are not humans and their needs differ. What poisons them might be edible to us and vice-versa. Use this as a guide but not a rule, I'm only human and whilst I try my best, I'm not an expert. Please contact your local vet or pet store for better information if you're worried about something.
No avocado
Avocadoes can cause vomiting and diarrhea. It contains a substance called persin.
No cherries
Cherry pits are toxic and can be a choking hazard. The pit contains a toxin called cyanide.
No grapes
Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants are extremely toxic and can lead to kidney failure. Please refrain from feeding your dogs anything that contains them as well.
No citrus fruits
Whilst small amounts might be okay and will at most upset your dog's stomach, larger amounts can actually cause nervous system depression. This is because citruses (like oranges and lemons) contain something called citric acid.
No nuts
Whilst the biggest threat with nuts are the choking hazard and the amounts of fat they contain... macademia nuts are actually really poisonous and lead to a range of things that harm your dog.
No onions, garlic, chives
These vegetables contain organosulfoxides, which is toxic to dogs. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pains or in some cases even anemia.
Before I begin, I would like to say that I believe dogs need a healthy variety of foods, including meat. I do not believe in feeding your dog a vegetarian diet as they would eat meat if they were wild as well. This article is meant to show what you could feed your dog with its normal diet.
This article only contains some examples and there are many, many more options. Hopefully I'll find the time to update this if people are interested.
(Picture of my dog Snoopy when she was a puppy as she's adorable)
Green Beans
Green beans provide a range of vitamins and healthy fatty acids. They are relatively easy plants to grow and your dog will love you for it!
Melon
Melons provide a healthy snack that is also extremely hydrating! On hot summer days I will even freeze slices of watermelon so my dog has a cooling, hydrating snack for those warm days.
(Remove seeds and rind)
Spinach
Spinach contain lots of iron, which isn't just good for us, but also good for your dog! Adding this to your dog's diet can help it fight off some inflammatory and cardivascular problems. On top of that, it''s also a natural source of calcium.
Carrots
Carrots are a healthy snack which can also help remove plaque from your dog's teeth. It's also a good source of vitamin A, helping your dog's skin, fur and immune system!
(Feed in moderation, too much vitamin A can be toxic)
Apples
Apples can be a healthy and hydrating snack for your dog. They also contain a lot of fiber, which can help with your dog's digestion.
(Rotting apples can lead to poisoning! Fresh only!)
Blueberries
Blueberries contain a lot of fiber and antioxidants, providing a range of health benefits.
Cucumber
Cucumbers contain a range of vitamins and minerals. On top of that they are hydrating and low in calories. Also an amazing summer snack to keep your dog happy and hydrated.
Now that I've shown you a range of healthy snacks for your dogs, underneath this I will show you a range of foods that might harm or even kill your dog.
Even with the healthy snacks I advise moderation, too much of anything isn't good.
Dogs are not humans and their needs differ. What poisons them might be edible to us and vice-versa. Use this as a guide but not a rule, I'm only human and whilst I try my best, I'm not an expert. Please contact your local vet or pet store for better information if you're worried about something.
No avocado
Avocadoes can cause vomiting and diarrhea. It contains a substance called persin.
No cherries
Cherry pits are toxic and can be a choking hazard. The pit contains a toxin called cyanide.
No grapes
Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants are extremely toxic and can lead to kidney failure. Please refrain from feeding your dogs anything that contains them as well.
No citrus fruits
Whilst small amounts might be okay and will at most upset your dog's stomach, larger amounts can actually cause nervous system depression. This is because citruses (like oranges and lemons) contain something called citric acid.
No nuts
Whilst the biggest threat with nuts are the choking hazard and the amounts of fat they contain... macademia nuts are actually really poisonous and lead to a range of things that harm your dog.
No onions, garlic, chives
These vegetables contain organosulfoxides, which is toxic to dogs. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pains or in some cases even anemia.
