It is very common to have doubts about our pets’ diet, after all, they are part of our family. However, when we introduce other foods into their routine, doubts arise. One of them is: can dogs eat chicory ?
For humans, chicory is even used medicinally, as it has properties that aid the digestive system. But is this one of the vegetables for dogs ? Find out below!
Can I include chicory in my dog’s diet?
You need to be careful when including some vegetables in your dog’s diet , after all, their bodies are not the same as ours. Chicory is a diuretic vegetable and rich in fiber, which is highly recommended for those with kidney stones.
However, can dogs eat chicory? Yes, chicory is one of the vegetables allowed in dogs’ diets , and it even acts as a dewormer in their intestines. However, because it is rich in fiber, it is important to offer it to them twice a week at most, as it can loosen their intestines.
Whenever you are going to include something new in your dog’s diet, ask your veterinarian about the food. If it is okay, see how to prepare chicory for dogs.
How to prepare chicory for dogs?
Chicory is a vegetable that dogs can eat . In fact, it is one of the foods present in their natural diet. However, its preparation requires some care. Check it out:
- First, clean a small amount of chicory in running water;
- then bring to the boil and cook for about 12 minutes after the water starts to boil;
- turn off the heat and wait for it to cool completely;
- remove the water, cut the chicory into small pieces and offer it to your dog ;
- do not use any type of seasoning during or after cooking.
Your dog may not be attracted to chicory right away. However, if recommended by your veterinarian, it is important that you insist on giving it to them. Now that you know that dogs can eat chicory, here is a list of vegetables that are prohibited and permitted for dogs.
Vegetables forbidden for dogs
In general, most vegetables are safe for dogs to eat, but we must be careful with the stems and leaves. These should be removed before preparing food, as they are toxic to dogs.
Furthermore, some vegetables, such as raw potatoes, green potatoes or potato sprouts, contain a substance called solanine, which is highly harmful to dogs’ bodies.
However, when cooked, potatoes can occasionally be given to dogs. Other foods that are prohibited in canine diets include garlic, leeks, chives and onions, so whenever you prepare food for your dog, do so separately from the food you eat.
Green tomatoes are another food that is very harmful to dogs, so if you have a tomato plant at home, make sure that your pet does not have access to it. When ripe, tomatoes are not harmful.
What vegetables can dogs eat?
Dogs can eat chicory and other vegetables, however, they must all be very well cleaned and cooked only in water. Check out the vegetables that are allowed for dogs below.
Lettuce
One of the vegetables that dogs can eat is lettuce . In this case, you can offer it raw. However, choose organic vegetables, as they are free of pesticides. However, they must be cleaned.
Lettuce also helps cleanse your pet’s intestines because, like chicory, it is rich in fiber. It also contains vitamins A, C, and E, but should be given in moderation.
Broccoli
Another vegetable that dogs can eat is broccoli, which they usually like a lot. It is also rich in fiber and, like lettuce and chicory, should be offered in moderation and cooked.
Carrot
This vegetable is also often enjoyed by dogs. When served raw, it helps clean their teeth. However, it can also be served cooked. In both cases, carrots are rich in vitamins A, C and K.
Cabbage
If your dog is overweight, kale is the ideal vegetable for him, as it satisfies his appetite. Of course, he should not neglect his exercise routine, but kale is rich in vitamins and even prevents anemia.
Nipples
Another simple food to prepare that can be given to dogs is chayote, which, like cabbage, satisfies the desire to eat more. This food should be cooked only in water.
Spinach
Spinach is rich in B vitamins. It also contains calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium and iron. Dogs generally enjoy this vegetable, which should also be offered cooked.
Dogs can eat vegetables, but nothing replaces dog food
Although some vegetables are allowed in dogs’ diets, we always emphasize that dog food is the most complete food available for them. Therefore, supplementation with other foods should be recommended by a veterinarian.