Dogs are omnivores and they need a balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits and meat. The vitamins and minerals that may not be present in meat, they easily get them from vegetables. And the alkaline nature of vegetables balances the acidic nature of meat. This makes vegetables an important part of a dog’s diet. But unfortunately, not all vegetables are safe for dogs; some are toxic and can upset their stomach.
You need to be careful because not all veggies that humans eat are good for dogs. To guide you, check out the following vegetables that can upset your dog’s stomach:
1. Brussel sprouts
This nutritional vegetable is called the “little round gas balls” for a reason. They are known to generate a lot of gas, which results in offensive flatulence. Sprouts help to promote digestion and ease flatulence in dogs. They also get the bonus point of including indole-3 –carbinol and sulforaphane, which are known to eliminate free radicals and reduce the risk of bowel cancer.
However, when dogs eat brussel sprouts, you don’t want to be in the same room with them. The offensive odor from their flatulence will chase you out.
2. Corn
Corn is nutritious in itself, but the cobs are the issue to deal with in dogs. Just by swallowing one whole, the bowel can become blocked, and this can be life-threatening. In this case, emergency surgery would be required to clear out the obstruction.
Not only that, but corn has a bad rap when it is used as fillers in dog foods. But despite all these, the sweetcorn kernel is still rich in fiber and beneficial vitamins and it provides a lot of energy. Therefore, don’t be too hard on this vegetable.
3. Beets
Beets are nutritious but they can cause lots of complications. The raw beets are a choking hazard and they can get stuck in your dog’s bowel. The cooked one also contains oxalate, which can accumulate to cause kidney stones. Therefore, beets are not advisable if your dog has bladder problems.
More so, the acidic nature of beets can irritate the gut and trigger nausea, vomiting, or even diarrhea in your dog.
4. Cabbage
No doubt, cabbage is rich in antioxidants, but they are best in moderation for dogs. This vegetable generates a lot of gas and this can put you on your hills when your dog feeds on them.
Besides, raw cabbage contains a high amount of thiocyanate, which can suppress the thyroid gland and cause hypothyroidism, especially when eaten in large quantities.
So the truth is cabbage is good for dogs, but when eaten without moderation, it becomes a problem that can make lock your nostrils and run out of your house. Hence, if you want to include it in your dog’s diet, ensure that you serve it small portions, as cut-up crunches sprinkled on top of the food.
5. Garlic
Garlic is one vegetable that is confusing because it has beneficial properties to humans but not to dogs. It is highly toxic to dogs and cats, and just a small amount is capable of causing diarrhea and vomiting. It becomes worse when you add large quantities to your dog’s food.
More so, this vegetable can cause red blood cells to burst, giving rise to anemia. This can result in loss of energy, general weakness, and collapse. Is it okay for dogs? Well, small quantities as a one-off may not pose great harm, but larger quantities are harmful to dogs.
6. Broccoli
Broccoli has so many health benefits for humans, but not for man’s best friend. It is quite safe when eaten in very small quantities and you can serve them as an occasional treat. However, Broccoli florets are high in isothiocyanates, which causes mild to severe gastric irritation in some dogs.
Besides, the stalks of broccoli can obstruct your dog’s esophagus. So be careful with this vegetable.
7. Potatoes
You may not worry about the potatoes themselves, but the problem lies in the potato plants. This plant contains a chemical called solanine which is implicated in cases of vomiting, diarrhea, and confusion. Besides, it can be very dangerous for your dog.
8. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are highly nutritious, but some varieties are poisonous and can even kill your dog. The store mushrooms are healthy and safe for dogs, but they can become toxic when you cook them with garlic or onion. However, some wild mushrooms are a no-no for dogs because they are extremely poisonous.
If your dog eats a mushroom, it may lead to mushroom poisoning, which is characterized by symptoms like diarrhea, heavy drooling, collapse, poor coordination, and death. Hence, be careful so your dog does not stop to eat a wild mushroom while walking or having a nice time out with you. If it does, ensure take a photograph of the mushroom and consult your vet for proper check-up and advice.
9. Kale
Although kale is a superfood for humans, it is not a good option to include in your dog’s diet. Just like the sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, kale is also rich in oxalate and contains powerful anti-cancer compounds. But these compounds are not good for dogs, especially those prone to bladder stones.
Besides, this vegetable causes a lot of flatulence in dogs when fed in quantity, and you don’t want to experience the result.
10. Tomatoes
This vegetable is a part of the nightshade family, and they contain solanine- a toxic chemical that can induce seizures and tremors. However, this chemical is only in the green part of tomatoes- leaves and the stems. So you may feed your dog with the odd ripe tomatoes but not the green parts of this vegetable. If you’re asked if dogs can eat tomatoes, the answer would be “Yes and No.”
11. Asparagus
Asparagus is not really bad for dogs, but it is quite tough for your dog in its raw form. And if you decide to cook it, it becomes soft but loses the nutrient it contains. So what’s the point of giving your dog asparagus? If you want to include vegetables in your dog’s diet, you can think of something more beneficial other than asparagus.
12. Onions
Onions are one of the vegetables that upset your dog’s stomach. It belongs to a family of plants called Allium, and it is poisonous to pets just like other members, including chives and leeks.
If your dog eats onions, it can cause rupturing of the red blood cells, which can result in diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. Some Japanese breeds like Shiba Inus and Akitas are more poisonous, but some dogs are not susceptible to it.
13. Spinach
Spinach is good for humans and it is okay for dogs, but it shouldn’t be one of the top vegetables you want to share with your pup. Spinach is high in oxalic acid, which disrupts the body’s ability to calcium and trigger kidney damage. Although adding a small amount of spinach in your dog’s diet may not pose any danger, it is still advisable to go with another vegetable.
Conclusion
It is okay to add vegetables to your dog’s diet to help them get a rich amount of nutrients and vitamins. But you have to be careful with the options you choose. The above-listed vegetables can upset your dog’s stomach, particularly when they are eaten in large amounts. Hence, try to watch the amount you include in your dog’s diet.