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Sun, rain-soaked soil, and all colors abloom and sprouting. You and your dog can usher in spring with an array of veggies like organic dandelion greens, carrots, root beets, and sugar snap peas. The antioxidant content of fresh veggies just can't be beat. Ever noticed your pet foraging grass? Though sometimes indicative of a trip to the vet, our pets also crave greens. In dehydrated form, vegetable-based treats contain beneficial nutrients for your pet's health, and without any additives, artificial flavors, or common allergy-inducing ingredients.
Cool afternoon breezes and crisp evening walks under big night skies. Sniffing the news of the day with ears perked to the crinkle of leaves.
Our cozy kitchen is the spot, with the stove warming some comfort snacks. Below are some of Collie’s favorites, served in Tablespoon portions.
Cauliflower Mash
Steam cauliflower until soft, then mash with a drizzle of olive oil. Top with 1/2 teaspoon of cottage cheese.
Butternut Squash with Turkey Liver & Cranberry
Baked-until-soft butternut squash (without the skin), and one morsel of Turkey liver cooked with a few crushed cranberries. Drizzle the butternut squash with the broth.
Kale Krispies
Sauté finely chopped kale until slightly crispy. Lightly dust with ¼ teaspoon of Brewer’s Yeast.
*Feed in small, dime-sized portions.
*With any dietary change, begin slowly and feed sparingly.
*Wash and scrub fruits and vegetables before feeding.
*Never feed seasoned or salted foods to your dog, and never feed fruits dressed in sugar or syrup.
*Do not feed canned vegetables. Canned vegetables often have a high sodium content, and can cause salt poisoning, a deadly condition in dogs.
*Never feed dirty, spoiled, moldy, or old food to your dog.
*Finely-chop portions.
*Baked & mashed sweet potatoes are an excellent “stuffing” for Kong brand toys.
*Cook dog-friendly fruits and vegetables lightly, until tender, with ½ Tablespoon of lean meat (try ground turkey) to increase palatability. If your dog is not keen on carrots raw, he will probably love them cooked with a little broth.
*Remember: a little portion (to you) is a lot for your dog
Your dog is longing for more than just kibble! Vibrant and fresh, small portions of fruits and vegetables are refreshing and nutritious. A growing body of research shows that, like our own, our dogs’ organs have to work much harder to metabolize processed foods. Incorporating fresh food reduces stress on the body. A variety of dog-healthy fruits and vegetables support the immune system, fight inflammation, and protect against oxidative damage to cells.
Examples of Healthy Fruits & Vegetables for Dogs:
Beets
Sweet Potatoes
Squash
Pumpkin
Apples
Green Beans
Broccoli
Blueberries
Carrots
Spinach
Green Peas
Steamed Cauliflower
Any new treat, even if it’s healthy, should be incorporated slowly into your dog’s diet and in very small portions. It might also take a couple of taste tests. Just like toddlers, your dog might be very surprised about a new food, but later, find that he craves it.