Veggies for treats

It is no secret that some animals like rabbits love vegetables and consider them treats. Did you know that your dog and cat can eat vegetables as well and unlike young children may do it willingly? They will, just make sure it is the right kind of veggies.

Treats can be expensive, you probably know that. They are also probably not good for your pet either but yet they will do almost anything for one. Not only are veggies healthy but they also taste great and the same can be said for some fruits as well for dogs. Your pet may be just as excited to get some veggies when they finally taste them.

Veggie Guidelines

First there are some foods that should never be given to a pet and some of those foods are vegetables. Pets should never be fed chocolate, onions, avocado, grapes, raisins or garlic. These foods are toxic to your pet and they can die if they eat them. Cats also do not like fruit because they do not have the ability to taste sweets. Some other vegetables (or are they fruits?) like tomatoes should also be avoided.

That being said if you would like to offer a vegetable to your cat or dog there are some that are perfect. Carrots, celery, zucchini, green bell peppers, sugar snap peas, green beans, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, cucumber, brussel sprouts, spinach, and broccoli will be perfectly safe for your dog. Just remember to cut them into small enough pieces so that it can be swallowed safely. For dogs they can also be given apples, bananas, cantaloupe, pineapple, pears, blueberries, watermelon, peaches or strawberries. Just remember to remove any seeds before serving them. Cats can handle carrots, peas, corn, broccoli florets, green beans, zucchini, lettuce, spinach and their favorite vegetable catnip.

Benefits for Pets

As with people fruits and vegetables are great sources of vitamins and nutrients and just like with you, your pets will get many of those same nutrients. Carrots are high in Vitamin A. Snap peas have lots of Vitamins C and K as well as large amounts fiber, protein, phosphorus, zinc, folate, manganese and potassium. Sweet potatoes contain Vitamins A, B5, B6 and C along with manganese and potassium. You get the point.

Just remember as with anything good in life giving a pet a treat should be done with moderation. While vegetables are low in calories those calories can add up and quickly at that. Just remember a pet’s treat intake should not exceed 10% of their daily caloric intake to maintain a healthy weight. It may also better to freeze dry some of these fruits and veggies so as with anything consult your veterinarian to make sure something is safe before feeding it to your pet.

They can also help you with proper serving sizes and how a particular treat should be served (should it be cooked or served raw, etc.). As an example vegetables should be steamed or baked and cut into small pieces for cats. If you need help freeze drying fruits or veggies for your pet check out this link for help.

Just Remember..

If you find that your four-legged friend likes fruits or veggies more for treats you may never need to buy another off-the-shelf bag of treats. Imagine how much money that will save you! Not only are their treats healthier for them it might be easier on your wallet. But start small and figure out which ones your pets will have a taste for. Just remember that moderation is the key and that your cat or dog are carnivores first and foremost and they cannot live on a vegan diet.

Reference articles:

https://www.puppyleaks.com/fruits-veggies-that-make-great-dog-training-treats/
http://www.akc.org/content/health/articles/fruits-vegetables-dogs-can-and-cant-eat/
https://www.thekitchn.com/11-healthy-fruit-vegetable-treats-for-your-dog-or-cat-201719
https://pets.thenest.com/feeding-vegetables-cats-4252.html

In article links:

How to freezedry treats http://www.onegreenplanet.org/animalsandnature/dehydrated-veggie-dog-treats/

Until one has loved an animal a part of one’s soul remains unawakened. –Anatole France