Are frozen peas and carrots good for dogs

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Your dog’s diet consists of a balance between proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vegetables and fruits. Fresh vegetables provide vitamins and minerals essential for optimal health for both you and your dog. While fresh is best, it is not always an option. Frozen vegetables offer nutritional benefits with added convenience.

Healthy Vegetables

When it comes to your dog’s diet, vegetables offer vitamins and minerals that other food sources do not provide adequately. For example, green beans are low in calories and provide fiber, manganese and vitamins C and K. For weight loss, replace 1/3 to ½ of your dog’s regular kibble with green beans. Your dog will feel full with fewer calories. Sweet potatoes offer dietary fiber, beta-carotene, manganese and vitamins B6 and C. Carrots offer fiber, potassium, calcium, iron and vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K. Other vegetables that benefit your dog include celery, broccoli, squash, kale, Brussel sprouts, okra, turnips, asparagus, lettuce, peas and lima beans.

Fresh vs. Frozen or Canned

While fresh vegetables are the best option for you and your dog, seasonal growing cycles do not always allow for fresh vegetables. When fresh is not an option, your choices are frozen or canned. Unfortunately, canned vegetables frequently have added salt, which is not good for your pooch. Vegetables frozen right after harvesting offer the same healthy nutrients as fresh, without the added salt.

Freezing Vegetables

While your grocery store offers pre-packaged frozen vegetables, freezing your own requires just a few steps and allows you to freeze them in portions and bite sizes made just for your dog. Buying vegetables in season and freezing them keeps costs down as well. To freeze your own vegetables, trim and cut your vegetables and wash in cold water. Blanch your vegetables by placing them in a pot of boiling water for one to two minutes. Blanching removes dirt and bacteria while slowing the vitamin and mineral loss. Remove from the boiling water and place in cold water until chilled. Place in freezer bags and freeze.

Toxic Vegetables

Onions, chives and garlic contain a toxic compound that breaks down red blood cells and can lead to a specific anemia known as Heinz body anemia. When choosing pre-packaged frozen vegetables, look for ones that do not contain these. Vegetables from the nightshade family -- potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and eggplant -- can increase inflammation and aggravate arthritis. Tomato and potato plants contain the toxin alpha-tomatine, which is toxic to your dog. As these vegetables and fruits ripen, the toxic compound reduces. Avoid feeding your pooch any green tomatoes or potatoes.

References

Writer Bio

Deborah Lundin is a professional writer with more than 20 years of experience in the medical field and as a small business owner. She studied medical science and sociology at Northern Illinois University. Her passions and interests include fitness, health, healthy eating, children and pets.

• Dogs can eat carrots, as long as they're properly cut and washed.
• Carrots are cheap, low-calorie and nutritional treats for your pet.

Feeding your pet human food off your plate seems harmless and, in many cases, it can be. Still, owners should make sure their scraps are healthy and safe for their dogs to enjoy. 

Foods such as chocolate, almonds and onions are dangerous for dogs, according to the American Kennel Club, because of either their toxicity or their risk for choking.

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Yes, dogs can eat carrots, says the AKC. They are safe and low on calories, making them a healthy treat to reward your pup.

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Carrots are cheap, low-calorie and nutritional treats for your pet, containing vitamin A, potassium and fiber. The AKC explains how cold or frozen carrots can help teething puppies and lessen their associated discomfort.

AKC also says large, frozen carrots can be used as an edible chew toy. Be careful your pet doesn’t choke on it. 

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How to feed your dog carrots safely

The AKC recommends pet owners cut up carrots into smaller, safer bite-size slices that won’t pose a health risk to their dogs. Additionally, you should wash any fruits or vegetables you feed your furry friend, the same as you would for yourself.

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Check with your vet to make sure adding carrots to your canine’s diet is OK and healthy. Should any health concerns regarding carrots or other foods appear, contact your vet immediately.

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If carrots make a tasty treat for dogs, which others make the list of vegetables that are safe for pup consumption? Here are the fruits the American Kennel Club says are safe, or toxic, for dogs:.

• Broccoli
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• Carrots
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• Peas
• Spinach

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• Asparagus
• Mushrooms
• Onions

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