[CorkyMax]

[B][COLOR="Red"]I am about to attempt here to bring as much info on what to feed (and NOT) and why (And Why NOT) as I can. This will be a long process and on-going. Am starting with a generalized intro and will be listing each food separately as I get it together.[B] [COLOR="Red]


As the popularity of raw diets and home cooked diets have grown, people often wonder about adding vegetables to a dog’s diet, and how much to use. There are many diets out there, how-to books, and so much advice on the internet that it can get confusing.

Feeding vegetables may not be entirely necessary, but they can offer benefits of fiber and calories in home cooked diets and they may offer some useful nutrients in raw diets. Bones in raw diets can give the bulk or ‘fiber’ needed for firm stools, but since cooking bones are not an option for home cooked diets, vegetables can help with bulk in diets not using whole or ground bones.
Types of Vegetables
For feeding dogs, I will divide vegetables into two categories. These will be starchy and non-starchy vegetables. They are also called high glycemic (sugars) and low glycemic. For dogs, we generally like to stick to the non starchy varieties. High sugar vegetables can cause weight gain, gas, yeast problems and larger stool volume.
Low Glycemic Vegetables Include
Dark leafy greens
Summer squash (such as zucchini and yellow crook neck)
Broccoli
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Brussels Sprouts
Green Beans
Cucumber
Celery
High Glycemic Vegetables Include
Carrots
Winter Squash (hard rind squashes)
Green Peas
Potatoes (very high)
Parsnips
Rutabagas
Corn
Beets
Sweet Potatoes (moderate)- vomiting
Use mostly vegetables from the low glycemic list for best results
Preparation
Dogs have difficulty with fermenting and breaking down of vegetables, so we try to prepare vegetables to allow them to be utilized as fully as possible. This is achieved by several methods, including cooking, steaming, pulverizing (as in a juicer or grinder) or freezing and then fully mashing when thawed. The vegetables can be mixed together and it is important to use a variety if choosing to use vegetables. After cooking, steaming or pulverizing, the vegetables can be frozen for future use. Be sure to thaw completely before serving.
Also note that when feeding dogs that have hypothyroid conditions, you must cook cruciferous vegetables, including cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, broccoli, kale and cauliflower. These vegetables have the ability to suppress thyroid activity, but when cooked this process is eliminated and then they are fine to feed.
To be continued------------------------------------------------------->

[CorkyMax]

Serving
Not many dogs will eat vegetables alone. I probably wouldn’t recommend the amount be over 20% of the diet if feeding raw, nor over 40% of the diet if home cooking (although note special cases may apply in certain health conditions. Generally mix the vegetables with the animal protein and fat ingredients of the diet. This could include ground meat, organ meat, eggs and/or dairy.
If the dog’s stools appear too loose or voluminous, reduce the amount of vegetables or the total amount of food being fed. Too many vegetables and certain types of vegetables can also cause gas in some dogs.
Nutrient Values
Vegetables are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A and B vitamins. They also contain some minerals, including phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, selenium, iron and copper. However, the calcium is often not freely available, so they are not a balanced meal (nor do they contain the right amino acids for dogs that are carnivores). It is also unknown how well dogs, as carnivores, can utilize these nutrients from plant sources. But they will not harm dogs if used in moderate amounts, with the bulk of the meal being animal protein and fat, and bones if feeding raw. In other words, small amounts are fine, and may even be useful for some nutrients.
Another form of nutrients found in vegetables is phytonutrients. These are not found in animal food sources and while it is unknown if carnivores can use them, new research is finding many benefits of phytonutrients.
Phytonutrients include
- Carotenoids, from carrots, papaya, pumpkin, squash, sweet potatoes, broccoli, asparagus, kale, green leafy vegetables, peppers
- Lycopene, from tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato juice, watermelon
- Flavonoids, from tomatoes, sweet potatoes, cruciferous vegetables
- Indoles, from cruciferous vegetables
- Sulforaphane, from cruciferous vegetables
- Anthocyanins, from wild blueberries, bilberries, black berries
- Sterols, from cruciferous vegetables, cucumbers, squash, sweet potatoes, eggplant, tomatoes
- Elegiac acid, from Strawberries
- Lignans, from nuts and seeds
For dogs, probably the most phytonutrient dense vegetable to feed would be broccoli.

[CorkyMax]

The experts may not agree on whether dogs are carnivores or omnivores, but at worst, fruits and vegetables in small amounts won't harm a dog and at best they may be powerful disease-fighters.
Fruits and Vegetables as Snacks
Dogs lack the digestive enzymes to properly break down plant cellulose and absorb the nutrients from raw fruits and vegetables. These should be cooked or run through a blender first if you want your dog to derive full nutritional value from them. However, if you simply want to give your dog low-calorie, fun treats, raw fruits and vegetables are fine too. Dogs often enjoy broccoli stalks, carrot, celery and summer squash chunks. Virtually any pitted fruit or berry makes a nutritious snack. Yams and sweet potatoes, though sugary and starchy, are good for dogs. Some of the new grain-free kibbles include sweet potatoes as a major ingredient.
Hazardous foods
Some fruits and vegetables can make your dog sick and in rare cases may be lethal. Never give a dog grapes or raisins: they can cause liver damage. Onions and foods (such as baby food) containing onion powder can cause hemolytic anemia. Although garlic is in the same family, it is generally considered OK for dogs unless eaten in extremely large quantities.

Health Benefits
A 2007 Purdue Veterinary School study found that adding antioxidant-rich green and yellow cooked vegetables to Scottish terriers' diet at least three times a week cut the risk of bladder cancer by 70 percent. When only cooked green leafy vegetables were used, the risk was cut by almost 90 percent. Scottish terriers are highly susceptible to bladder cancer--studies are under way to test the effects of vegetables in the diet on other cancer-prone breeds.

Fruit- and vegetable-based supplements (or the fruits and vegetables themselves) are used in other ways. Cranberries or cranberry capsules ward off bladder infections. Papayas or papaya enzymes aid digestion. In fact, many fruits and vegetables may have the same health benefits for our dogs as they do for us.

[sibebaby]

Quick question!!

I give my dogs raw broccoli stalks to chew on as the occassional treat. They really love them. Should I be steaming them or smashing them up? Is it ok to give to them raw?

[Lara's mom]

Very informative. Thank you once again for putting all that information together. I, for one, appreciate it!!!

[CorkyMax]

Before I start about each fruit/veggie---Want to emphasize: Never feed moldy or spoiled foods! And do not overfeed as may cause upset stomach, diarrhea, etc. Also note that if dog has never been fed these things--Their system may need to get use to them gradually---another reason not to overdo! Will try to keep these in alphabetical order. I will be adding more info on each separate selection as I find it. One more thing about fruit----Fruit should be fed separately because it will 'sit and rot' in stomach waiting for the rest of the food in stomach to be digested before it is all eliminated. If feeding a raw diet, prob. best to wait at least 3 hrs. either before or after the reg. meal. Home-cooked or com. dog food even longer--up to 6-7 hrs. Also best to feed fruit raw---Fruit turns aciddy when cooked! Starting with APPLE:
Apples are fine for dogs,as long as you don't let them eat the seeds.Apple seeds contain a very small trace amount of cyanide,humans can filter it out of their system if they ingest a few seeds here and there.Dogs however,cannot filter it from their system like humans do.Eventually it would build up to toxic levels if the seeds were eaten on a regular basis. Of course do not give them the stem or leaves and please no green unripe apples!! Here is a comment I found: My corgi likes apple slices, I don't give him to many of them though. I've heard it can cause loose stool.

[CorkyMax]

In general, apples are harmless to dogs. However, there are a couple of things to be cautious about: the seeds and too many apples.

The Seeds
Apple seeds contain amygdlin, a form of cyanide, which is very poisonous to every living thing. Cyanide prevents the blood from carrying oxygen throughout the body.

If the dog swallows a few seeds, the body will detoxify itself. Actually, the dog must ingest large quantities of apple seeds to do major damage. Also, the cyanide is within the seed covering, and if the covering isn’t broken, it will pass through the dog’s system intact. Sort of a no harm, no foul situation.

So, if you’re going to give your dog apples, core the apples. Then, cut them into bite-size pieces and feed the dog this way. This may seem overly cautious, but why take the chance.

The Good Things
Apples are a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C as well as low in saturated fat and sodium. Some believe that vitamin C can help hip dysplasia, a common ailment in large and large, purebred dogs. Saturated fat contributes to heart problems. Apples contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which contribute to a healthy, glossy coat and help to control skin allergies.

Too Much of a Good Thing
On the down side most of the calories in apples come from naturally occurring sugar, not processed sugar that might be found in other treats it’s true. Still, sugar is sugar, so it can contribute to weight gain in large quantities.

Also, apples contain calcium and phosphorous, so if your dog has kidney trouble, don’t give him apples. Too much calcium and phosphorous in the kidney are indicators of kidney stones and early- to end-stage kidney disease.

Be careful of omega-6 fatty acids because they can cause inflammation, which wouldn’t be good for an arthritic dog. They also aren’t good for dogs with kidney disease. The apples themselves don’t have that much omega-6, but if the dog gets it from other sources, it can be a problem.

Eating too much apple can loosen a dog’s bowels, and you don’t want that. How much is too much depends on the dog, so show caution.

Don’t fear apples as a treat for your dog. Just remember to core the apple, so those pesky, poisonous seeds get thrown away. Keep the portions a reasonable size, and the dog’s coat will gleam, he won’t have diarrhea, and he’ll be one happy camper.

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by sibebaby

Quick question!!

I give my dogs raw broccoli stalks to chew on as the occassional treat. They really love them. Should I be steaming them or smashing them up? Is it ok to give to them raw?

Just saw an answer (while I was researching) to that!! If you are just giving as a snack and don't care about the nutritional value (food value) it is okay raw----Take all the leaves off as a precaution---Read somewhere that not good to give these. If you are using as 'food' you could steam or pulverize/smash fine if raw. Although I have not got to the broccoli 'addition' yet---And can't remember the exact reason, It sounds like it would be best to cook this because it eliminates something being depleted from the system when fed raw----Which I have been doing (I feed raw, period) But after reading this will prob start cooking it. An occasional raw stalk for a treat shouldn't do much harm. If you go to my original post--maybe it mentions why there! If not--When I do my total research on broc, will be posting on it. If not in 1st post--You could put dogs/broccoli in your browser and prob. find out why if want to know now!

[CorkyMax]

It was about the broccoli in the 1st post! Here is the copied paragraph: Also note that when feeding dogs that have hypothyroid conditions, you must cook cruciferous vegetables, including cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, broccoli, kale and cauliflower. These vegetables have the ability to suppress thyroid activity, but when cooked this process is eliminated and then they are fine to feed.
Even though it is stressing dogs with Hypothyroid conditions--It still states that raw has the ability to suppress thyroid activity so guess you have to decide what to do!

[CorkyMax]

list of vegetables and their nutritional valuesVEGETABLE NUTRITIONAL VALUES IN ORDER (considerations)
Arugula carotenoids, fiber, A, C, K, folate
Asparagus K, folate, C, A, tryptophan, B1, B2
Avocado (fruit) essential fatty acids (fat, glycemic)
Beets flavonoids, folate, manganese, potassium (glycemic)
Bell peppers carotenoids, C, A, B6, fiber (pesticides, nightshade)
Bok choy cruciferous, A, C, K, B6, folate
Broccoli carotenoids, cruciferous, C, K, A, folate, fiber
Brussels sprouts carotenoids, cruciferous, K, C, folate, A, manganese, fiber
Cabbage cruciferous, K, C, fiber, manganese, B6, folate
Carrots carotenoids, A, K, C, fiber, potassium (glycemic when cooked)
Cauliflower cruciferous, C, K, folate, fiber, B6
Celery K, C, potassium, folate, fiber (pesticides)
Collard greens carotenoids, cruciferous, K, A, C, manganese, fiber, calcium

Corn, yellow A, iron (glycemic)
Cucumbers C, molybdenum, A, potassium, (wax coating)
Dandelion greens carotenoids, A, C, E. folate
Eggplant fiber, potassium, manganese, (nightshade)
Garlic allicin, manganese, B6, C
Green beans flavonoids, K, C, manganese, A, fiber, potassium, folate
Green peas K, manganese, C, fiber, B1, folate
Kale carotenoids, flavonoids, cruciferous, K, A, C, manganese, fiber
Leeks Manganese
Mushrooms selenium, B2, copper, B3, tryptophan, B5
Mustard greens carotenoids, cruciferous, K, A, C, folate, manganese, E
Okra carotenoids, fiber, A, C, K, thiamine, B6
Olives essential fatty acids (fat, glycemic)
Onions sulfur compounds, flavonoids, chromium, fiber
Parsnips fiber, C, K, folate (glycemic)
Potatoes C (pesticides, nightshade, glycemic)
Pumpkin carotenoids, A, C, E (glycemic)
Romaine lettuce carotenoids, K, A, C, folate, manganese, chromium (pesticide)
Spinach carotenoids, K, A, minerals, folate, iron, C, B2, B6, fiber, B1, E
Squash, summer manganese, C, magnesium, A, fiber
Squash, winter carotenoids, A, C, potassium, fiber
Sweet potatoes carotenoids, A, C, manganese (glycemic)
Swiss chard carotenoids, K, A, C, manganese, potassium, iron
Tomatoes (fruit) carotenoids, C, A, K, molybdenum, potassium (nightshade)
Turnip greens carotenoids, cruciferous, K, A, C, folate, manganese, fiber

Watercress carotenoids, cruciferous, A, C, folate
Yams (glycemic)
Zucchini carotenoids, C, magnesium, A, fiber

[CorkyMax]

Alphabetical List of All Types of Fruits

The following alphabetical fruit list has important fruit facts arranged in order.

For example, in the list of all fruits, if a fruit has a particularly high level of carotenoids and a moderate level of vitamin C, the higher nutrient found in the fruit (carotenoids) will be listed before the nutrient that's only found in moderation (vitamin C).

Any concerns are in parenthesis. For instance, if the fruit has a high glycemic index rating, which might negatively affect blood sugar levels, you'll see (glycemic).

And if preservatives, such as sulfites, are commonly used on a conventionally grown fruit or if it's highly sprayed or waxed, you'll see (preservatives), (pesticides) or (wax coating). In that case, it's important to buy organically grown varieties of that particular fruit.

Alphabetical Fruit List with Nutritional Values (in order)FRUIT NUTRITIONAL VALUES IN ORDER (concerns)
Apples flavonoids, fiber, C (pesticides, wax coating)
Apricots carotenoids, A, C, fiber (preservatives)
Bananas B6, C, potassium (glycemic)
Blackberries flavonoids, fiber, C, K, manganese
Blueberries flavonoids, C, manganese, fiber
Cantaloupe carotenoids, C, A, potassium
Cherries flavonoids (pesticides)
Cranberries flavonoids, fiber, C, manga




Grapefruit carotenoids in pink, flavonoids, C

Guava carotenoids, fiber, C
Kiwifruit C, fiber (glycemic)
Lemons flavonoids, C (wax coating)
Limes flavonoids, C (wax coating)
Mangoes carotenoids, A, C (glycemic)
Nectarines carotenoids, C (glycemic, pesticides)
Oranges carotenoids, flavonoids, C, fiber (glycemic)
Papayas carotenoids, C, folate, potassium
Peaches carotenoids, C (pesticides)
Pears flavonoids (pesticides)
Persimmons C (glycemic)
Pineapple C, manganese (glycemic)
Plums carotenoids, C
Raspberries flavonoids, fiber, manganese, C
Strawberries carotenoids, flavonoids, C, fiber (pesticides)
Tangerines carotenoids, A, C (glycemic)
Watermelon carotenoids, C, A, B6 (glycemic)

This is a list directed at people---A few on the list may not be good for dogs! I already eliminated a couple--grapes for one! If there are any more--I will eliminate as I find out but think I won't find anymore. You of course don't want to give seeds or pits, leaves, green parts, or stems.


Importance of the Fruit List

This list of all types of fruits is a great source of high fiber foods and many essential nutrients. Especially important are the phytonutrient-rich carotenoid and flavonoid foods high in antioxidants, plus vitamins A and C, folate, manganese and potassium.

Research shows people who regularly eat fresh fruit have a lower risk of many chronic diseases. (SO WOULDN'T THIS BE IMPORTANT FOR DOGS?!) And since fruit is delicious, nutritious and generally low in fat, sodium and calories, most fruit can play an important role in healthy weight loss and maintenance.

Raw fruit is also high in enzymes and high fiber carbohydrates, which are important for good digestion, healthy bowel function and relieving constipation

[CorkyMax]

Have decided to start with the veggies first because long list for both veggies and fruit and think the veggies are the most important as well as prob. what most people want to see about.
ARTICHOKE: Could not find much on this--only this : On Animal Planet's "E-Vets Things Pets Swallow," a poodle needs surgery after swallowing some artichoke leaves. So I am thinking best to not give!!
AVOCADO: Avocados Are Dangerous to Dogs
The fruit’s leaves, seeds and bark contain a dog-unfriendly toxin.


While there are many foods that both humans and dogs can enjoy, there are others that — while perfectly safe and healthy for people — can be dangerous to our animal companions. One example of this is the avocado.

“Avocado leaves, fruit, seeds and bark contain a toxic principle known as persin,” according to Dana Farbman, CVT, of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. “The Guatemalan variety, which is the most common variety found in stores, appears to be the most problematic.”

The primary concern in dogs is gastrointestinal irritation, including vomiting and diarrhea. Typically, these effects are seen in dogs who have scavenged on significant quantities of fruit or branches.

If you suspect that your dog has eaten avocado — or any other potentially dangerous substance — call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435 for 24-telephone assistance.

ASPARAGUS: Dogs can safely eat asparagus. You can give them fresh stalks or cook them steamed or blanched. Dogs are omnivores and serving them most green vegetables is fine. Asparagus is a good source of vitamins including vitamin B folate, vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber.

Note: Some dog owners have reported that feeding asparagus can cause bad odors in their dog’s gas or urine. (This is not harmful!)
I personally think this is about the best veggie for a dog. It is good for the urinary tract! I will prob. be adding more info on this as I research my books. I am getting all my answers off the net first on everything and then will go through my books and add as I see fit!

MORE OFF THE NET:
Asparagus:

Green asparagus tips are a good source of beta carotene. Asparagus is also a good source of chlorophyll which is said to help build the blood. Asparagus is also said to be a general kidney stimulant, but Dr. Bernard Jensen author of Foods That Heal suggests that too much asparagus can be irritating to the kidneys, especially if used during kidney inflammation.

[CorkyMax]

Beans, Green:Green Beans are a very good veggie to feed. My Corky loves 'em thrown to him from my garden, but of course I only give him a few because in order to get the nutrients out of them--You have to grind/pulverize very fine. So I put in food processor and then put in freezer bags/container and freeze for winter meals. I usually have a mixture of several veggies together when I do this. Two things to note here ---I am mainly referring to fresh veggies here--I won't use canned but if you do use some canned veggies--Be aware of the salt content, which is not good for dogs! Next best thing to fresh would be frozen bags of veggies you buy from the store. 2ND thing I will just mention now and elaborate on later--You should have a mix of veggies that includes below (root) ground veggies and above ground veggies. Comments here by a vet on the net answering a person's question:
"Green Bean Diet" to help dogs loose weight. This is basically how it works.

You cut back on your dogs food and substitute a portion of their food with green beans. It should be started and stopped gradually. When used, it is recommended that you decrease the food quantity by 10% and replace with an equal amount of green beans. After 2 to 3 days, decrease the food quantity of dog food by another 10%, again replacing the dog food for the same quantity of green beans. You do this until you are feeding about 50% of their regular good quantity and 50% green beans.

[Lara's mom]

Both of my girls grew up thinking raw veggies were treats!

[CorkyMax]

BEETS< BEET GREENS: Things I found on the net::"beets are fine, beet greens are fine.... "

One addendum to any type of greens. Use in moderation as most greens are high in vitamin K, Usually the darker the green the higher the concentration. Vitamin K has been linked to Heinz body anemia much like garlic and onions. That doesn't mean it's not healthy, just that less is more.

An excerpt from an article on another forum.

It's important to know that the possibility of Heinz-body anemia is dose dependent, meaning the more garlic fed, the greater the chances of a problem developing. While we still don't know exactly how much is too much, most recorded instances of Heinz-body anemia in animals involve the ingestion of large quantities of onions and other garlic relatives, many of which are likely to contain much larger percentages of enzyme-depleting constituents than a typical dose of garlic. Recorded cases of allium poisoning typically involve onion doses exceeing 0.5 percent of the subject animals' body weight--this means that a healthy 60-pound dog would have to eat a whole 5-ounce onion, or several cloves of garlic, just to start the Heinz-body process. And since red blood cells are regenerated quickly from the bone marrow, this grotesque overdose would probably have to be repeated several times on a frequent basis to cause permanent harm. In further defense of garlic, several other foods can cause Heinz-body anemia as well--large amounts of turnips, kale, rape, or anything rich in vitamin K may lead to the disorder, especially in herbivores.

That said, I give my dogs parsley, cabbage, garlic, greeen beens, celery, broccoli. Never had a problem but they only get small amounts and the cruciferous vegetables are always cooked.

HERE IS A LINK ABOUT BEET PULP (which is not what we are talking about!):
http://www.peteducation.com/article....+2244&aid=2705

[CorkyMax]

Pet Vet: Can beets turn dog's hair red?
BY Stacey Hershman, D.V.M.

Saturday, April 12th 2008, 4:00 AM

Q: Our dogs love to eat beets, so we feed them three to four slices per day for a few days every week. A dog owner told me too many beets could turn our dogs' hair and skin a reddish color. Is this true and what fruits and vegetables are not safe if any to feed our dogs?

A: Beets contain a pigment, betalain that can sometimes be excreted in the urine as a harmless pink or red color. Beets also contain fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, so if fed in large quantities can show up as a harmless reddish pigment in skin or fur. Carrots and beets contain fat soluble beta carotene, which in very high quantities could cause orange or reddish pigment changes.

Feeding your dog a few slices or up to one or two beets daily is safe and won't cause pigmentation. Never feed onions since they could cause anemia in dogs and cats. Also, avoid feeding grapes or raisins since animal poison control has reported some cases of kidney disease in dogs.



Beets are said to benefit both the digestive and lymphatic system. Beets have a natural purging action and help in elimination. Beets can turn the urine or stools of your companion red. With beets, it’s best to start off small and then gradually increase the amount used. Beets will literally purge the bowels if you give too much as beets are a naturally bowel cleanser.

[CorkyMax]

Beets are a healthy dog treat


Published: Monday, April 9, 2007 at 3:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, April 9, 2007 at 12:00 a.m.
Q Please settle this family dispute: Is it true that dogs won't eat beets because they have no nutritional value? P.I., Delray Beach, Fla.

A: In fact, beets do have nutritional value - lots of vitamins and some protein, according to Dr. Amy Dicke, a technical services veterinarian with an interest in nutrition at Iams pet food company, Dayton, Ohio. Now, beets in a jar are filled with preservatives and they're salty. Fresh beets are another story.

However, Dicke points out that dogs rarely read about nutritional value on a label before having a meal. Many think nothing of scrounging through garbage, eating their own feces, or even swallowing the TV remote. These are not healthy choices.

So, the answer is "no," dogs don't turn down food based on nutritional value. However, since there is nutritional value to beets, you can prepare them as an occasional treat for your pooch. Beth Adelman, a feline behavior consultant in New York City, loves to cook beets for herself and her husband (but there's no reason why a dog couldn't snack on them, too).

Here are Adelman's instructions: "Buy them fresh, remove the greens and store them in the fridge until you're ready to prepare. Begin by cutting, then slicing any way you like with a carrot peeler. I make mine like potato chips. I put a small amount of olive oil on them and fresh rosemary to taste. I bake at 375 degrees for 30 to 45 minutes. They're crispy like potato chips, healthy and yummy."

Beware what goes in red on one end will come out the other end a similar color.

Sounds like a great treat if that is what you want to do but doubt much nutritional value after all that heat. I am going to make some treats out of them too but will be also using raw in my mixtures of veggies--grated fine--remember! This is also a root veg. to be part of the combo with above ground veggies!! There is also another way of making these treats that is posted in the "recipe collection" in another thread in this forum.

[Lara's mom]

I don't give my girls the actual beets but, I chop up the stems and leaves for their food.

[CorkyMax]

[B]ive copied and pasted the info below. a member of this forum, lorri wrote it. it seems she knows what she is talking about:-
I got this info off of another forum!! She is telling it pretty much the way I would!

Here's my Veggie Info

Green leafy veggies are fine, but remember the veggies need to be pulped up using something like a blender, juicer or food processor. You are aiming for something a bit like the vegetable matter found in the stomach of a prey animal. (horrid I know - I am a vegetarian) The reason for this is that dogs can not digest cellulose. Cell walls of plants are made of cellulose, so for our dogs to get the nutrients out of them, we need to crush the cell walls. Chopping them up only crushes the cell walls on the outside, leaving the bit in the middle pretty much unavailable to them nutritionally. Cooking them will also destroy the cell walls, but as this also destroys a lot of the nutrients and enzymes in the veggies (even canned veggies), it kind of defeats the purpose. Freezing the veggies and then thawing can also break down the cell walls.

Some veggie tips,
Onions can cause anemia in some dogs. Don’t overdo the cabbage family, as overuse can depress the thyroid. Every single vegetable have toxin in them of some sort. Don’t feed lygumes, as they have enzyme inhibitors. Leave out most starchy veggies. Anything that is coloured, is absolutely fabulous.

Some of the good veggies;
green beans, frozen field peas with snaps, collards, mustard greens, romaine lettuce, broccolli cuts, carrots, celery, red or yellow bell peppers, sweet potatoes, canned pumpkin,chopped parsley, or other herbs when they are in season

Vegetables in the cruciferous family should be used with moderation, since they can cause suppression of the thyroid function in dogs if fed to excess. These include broccolli, cauliflower, cabbage, and bok choy. You should also only feed vegetables high in oxalic acid once a week - spinach, chard, beets, beet greens. Oxalic acid interferes with the absorption of CALCIUM. It can actually cause calcium to be leached out of the food that you've fed that day. No fresh rhubarb at any time - that's the highest in oxalic acid. One raw leaf can kill a small dog. Oxalic acid is also an industrial corrosive!

And once again;
For the best nutritional usage, the vegetables and fruits should be run through a food processor, or a juicer. If you use a juicer, feed the juice AND the pulp. You can pulp a large amount and freeze the excess. As with your own diet, fresh and organic is best, frozen is next, and canned should not be on the list, except for pumpkin. Be sure you use the PLAIN, and not the pie mix. Pumpkin is excellent for regulating bowel movements because of it's bulk, whether the dog has loose stools, or is constipated.

"Above ground" veggies tend to loosen stool, "below ground" veggies tend to firm it up. I try to get an even balance of the two, by weight. (For example, a couple of carrots balance out a whole bunch of greens.)

The wider the variety of veggies you use, the better the chance you'll cover all the vitamins/minerals they need. The only constant in my veggie mix are carrots and green leafies, lots of them, whatever's in season. (Mustard, dandelion, turnip, collard greens, parsley, carrot greens, radish greens, etc.) In addition to carrots, mustard greens and kale, my last batch included parsley, turnips, cabbage, cukes, broccoli, a sweet potato (cooked, with skin), celery, and peas.

I give my dogs veggies with their meals as I know a lot of other people do, so I thought this might be interesting to some. Remember in order for a dog to digest raw veggies they have to be ground (or cooked - although I think cooking alters nutritional values)

Also certain veggies are a lot more balanced in the calcium to phosphorus ratio. You need to watch things like carrots and zuchinni's as they have alot more phosphorus than calcium. Romaine lettuce, parsley, dill, beans (green or yellow), turnip, celery, squash, radish and tops all have a good calcium to phosphorus ratio.

corn squash - very high in vitamin A, also supplies potassium and generally higher in carbohydrates than summer squashes; soothes the stomach and protects the spleen.

Alfalfa - contains vitamins A, B, C, E, K, and U; rich in magnesium, trace elements, biotin, essential fatty acids, pantothenic acid, pyroxidine, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, selenium, and zinc.

Apple - Is a bladder cleanser; aids in intestinal infections, inflammation of the colon; aids in detoxifying metals, protects against radiation therapy; stabilizes blood sugar; apples contain 84% pure water, carbohydrates, protein, minerals, vitamins A, B & C, and are high in potassium, iron and many other nutrients.

Asparagus - stimulates kidney and liver function; protects against cancer; stimulates the immune function; high in vitamins A, B-complex and C, as well as potassium, manganese and iron; carotene, selenium; and rutin which contributes to a strong capillary system.

Banana - high in potassium and vitamin C; feeds the good bacteria in the colon; good for intestinal disturbances and diarrhea.

Beet greens - very high in nutrients especially iron and calcium; good for blood disorders, liver function and the flow of bile.

Beets - aid lymphatic function; aid in gall bladder and liver function; aid in digestion; builds red blood cells; full of calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, iron, and magnesium; vitamin A, B-complex and C; also contain high amounts of amino acids.

Blueberries -- the high amounts of manganese make this very good for many disorders; the blue pigment is thought to be a powerful liver protector for any patient undergoing radiation or chemotherapy.

Broccoli - lowers the risk of cancer, primarily of the colon, esophagus, lung, prostrate, oral cavity and stomach; experiments using broccoli reveal the sulforaphane it contains to be the most powerful natural chemical for stopping the growth of tumours. Broccoli is high in cancer antidotes and blocks cell mutations, which foreshadow cancer.

Cabbage - kills bacteria and viruses, prevents cancer, stimulates the immune system; within cabbage are chemicals called indoles, that block cancer formation; there are also dithiolthiones, which suppress the activation of cancer-causing substances; high in chlorophyll, vitamin A, and sulphur.

Cantaloupe -- provides more vitamin A and C than most other types of fruit; is high in potassium.

Carrot - powerful anti-oxidant; builds healthy skin and tissue; helps stop diarrhea; helps build healthy teeth; improves eyesight; prevents eye and mucus membrane infection. High in beta-carotene, vitamin B-complex, C, D, E, K, iron, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, sulphur, and copper.

Celery - aids in kidney and liver function; contains vitamins A, B-complex, and C and choline; as well as magnesium, manganese, iron, iodine, copper, potassium, calcium, sulphur, sodium, and phosphorus; is rich in pectin; celery helps to balance acidity in the body; is helpful in arthritis; is also good for cancer.

Escarole - very rich in vitamin A, calcium, minerals, B-vitamins, iron, and potassium; good for infections; for liver function; and internal cleansing.

Figs - kill bacteria, destroy roundworms; are an anti-cancer agent; a
restorative for the ill; and aid in digestion. Figs are good for destroying intestinal parasites and contain high amounts of fibre.

Honeydew Melon - provides more vitamin A and C than most other types of
fruit; is high in potassium.

Kale - is the best cancer fighting vegetable we have on the planet; is the richest of all leafy greens in carotenoids - powerful anti-cancer agents; rich in vitamin A, C, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, magnesium, iron, sulphur, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and chlorophyll.

Leaf Lettuce - contain vitamins, minerals, usable calcium, and beta-carotene needed for the immune system; good for gall bladder, spleen, heart and blood; good for the nervous system
.
Mangoes - high in vitamin A, in addition to having a high content of vitamin C; contains insoluble fibre; considered one of the power foods.

Parsley - improves function of kidneys, bladder, adrenal and thyroid gland; corrects vitamin deficiency; aids in digestion; extremely high in nutrients; very rich in vitamins A, B1, B-complex, C, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and iron.

Parsnip - helps with colon disorders; constipation; heart problems and high blood pressure. Contain more fibre than any common vegetable; they are rich in potassium and are powerful cancer fighters by helping to keep the digestive tract free of cancer causing substances.

Peaches - contain beta-carotene, potassium, and fibre; are good for those suffering from cancer, heart disease; easy to digest.

Pear - have a very high insoluble fibre content, is a natural laxative, helps arthritis, gout, lungs and stomach.

Pineapple - cleans the bloodstream and liver; good for inflammation, colds, influenza and sore throats; aids in digestion; contains manganese which is an essential part of certain enzymes needed to metabolize protein and carbohydrates.

Romaine - contain vitamins, minerals, usable calcium, and beta-carotene
needed for the immune system. Good for gall bladder, spleen, heart and blood and are a good brain food.



Strawberries - protects against viruses and cancer; protects against DNA damage; protects against skin disorders. Contain high vitamin C, high in potassium, good anti-oxidant. Can block the transformation of nitrosamine, a powerful cancer causing substance-------->continued

[CorkyMax]

Sweet potato - high in vitamins A, C & E, and selenium; rich in protease inhibitors which have been found to stop cancer in animals; protease inhibitors also protect the body against viruses; lowers risk of cancer; particularly helpful in forestalling lung cancer; dark orange vegetables somehow interfere with the processes that lead to lung cancer.

Swiss Chard - corrects calcium deficiency; improves digestive function; is a diuretic; contains vitamins A, and C, potassium, sodium, calcium, and iron.

Turnip - balances the calcium in the body; reduces mucus, helps asthma and bronchitis and relieves sore throats.

Yellow Wax Beans - very high insoluble fibre content; is excellent for
removal of cancer-causing substances from the colon wall; contains cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin; vitamins A, B-complex, and C.

Zucchini -squash (along with carrots and yams) protect the lungs from
environmental pollutants when at least one of these is consumed daily.

Notes:
Cruciferous vegetables include: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage,
cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, horseradish, mustard greens, radishes, rutabaga, turnip, watercress. Argula, bok choy, broccoli raab, chard (Swiss), collard greens and daikon are also cruciferous veggies!

These eighteen vegetables are the power fighters against cancer, and heart disease. They are called cruciferous as they all have flowers with four petals that botanical historians describe as resembling the crucifix or Cross, hence the name cruciferous.

Cruciferous vegetables also lower thyroid function, so it is suggested not to feed these day after day, 365 days per year. With every aspect of your pet's diet, variety is key in nutritional balance. (Me talking here: It was stated elsewhere that if these veggies were cooked --wouldn't interfere with the thyroid function.)

Leafy green vegetables are extremely high in nutrients. They are high in beta-carotene needed for the immune system. They ward off diseases such as cancer, and are excellent for the gall bladder, spleen, heart and blood and are considered a brain food.

When oxalic acid, as found in spinach, beet greens, Swiss chard, kale and rhubarb, are combined with calcium, it makes another insoluble compound which may form into kidney stones. Feeding these foods as part of a variety should not cause this problem