Why Veterinarians Recommend Feeding Dogs Vegetables Instead of Traditional Treats 0 5

Of course, not all food from our table is suitable for dogs. Sometimes it can do more harm than good, even if you are sure that the food is safe for your pet and you have treated him to cheese, chicken, or sausage more than once.

Georgia Woods-Lee, a dog nutrition specialist from the University of Liverpool, claims that if you want to spoil your dog, vegetables are the best choice.

Dogs value the very act of receiving a treat from their owner more than its taste, so it is better to focus on nutritional value rather than flavor.

“Food is more fuel than anything else,” notes Woods-Lee. “Dogs don’t spend much time tasting their food. Usually, it is swallowed very quickly.”

Additional Benefits of Vegetables

Today, many pets suffer from obesity. A study conducted by the Royal Veterinary College in 2021 showed that one in fourteen dogs in the UK is overweight.

Research also shows that overweight dogs have a shorter lifespan, a reduced quality of life, and an increased risk of some serious diseases, including arthritis, breathing problems, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Thus, another advantage of vegetable treats for dogs is the reduction of overall calorie intake, as specialized treats are often very calorie-dense.

Woods-Lee also recommends certain vegetables. “Zucchini is my favorite option because it contains a lot of water and very few calories. Most dogs love them, and they can eat them until they start coming out of their ears. Eating zucchini has no negative consequences,” says the veterinarian.

Other “watery green vegetables” are also suitable, such as watermelon, cauliflower, cucumber, and Brussels sprouts. However, carrots are a strict “no,” as they contain about four times more calories than zucchini. Also, remember that some fruits and vegetables are dangerous for dogs: cherries, citrus fruits, onions and garlic, almost all greens, celery, and grapes.