Does Your Dog Food Have these 6 Vegetables?

By Lorie Huston, DVM

Veggies are a top food group for people, but do they have value for pets? Of course they do! Here’s a list of some of the best vegetables to look for in dog foods today.

These sweet spuds are often added to pet foods and treats because they are a good source of carbohydrates as well as fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, beta carotene, and manganese. Sweet potatoes can also provide extra energy so that the proteins in the diet can be spared for use as energy and can complete the many important tasks that proteins must accomplish to keep your pet healthy.

Carrots are a good source of beta-carotene as well as a number of other vitamins and nutrients. They are also low in calories, which is why they are often used in dog food or as healthy treats.

Green beans are another safe vegetable that can be found in dog food. They are a good source of manganese, fiber, and vitamins C, K, and A. Additionally, green beans are low in calories and are, like carrots, a good choice for those pets that tend to be overweight or obese.

Peas contain a number of nutrients, including vitamin K, C, B1, A, B6, B3, and B2, as well as manganese, fiber, folate, phosphorus, protein, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, and potassium. They are also a relatively low-calorie food with high dietary fiber, which is great for dogs that need to manage their weight.

Broccoli is a good source of vitamins C and K as well as vitamin A, folate, manganese, and fiber. It is another low calorie food that is a safe choice for most dogs.