Pugs love to eat and mixing their treats up is a great way to ensure they are getting the nutrients they need and they don’t get bored. Not to mention, having a bag of dog-friendly veggies is a lot cheaper than buying dog treats every day.
You’ll be amazed at how much Pugs will enjoy eating carrots and celery.
Can Pugs Eat Vegetables?
It depends is the answer to the question “can Pugs eat vegetables.” Dogs are omnivores and they can digest both plants and meat. Of course, some vegetables will be much better for your dog than others.
Many of the fruits and vegetables we consume will also be safe enough for your pooch. That being said, some can be extremely toxic for your four-legged friend and should be avoided altogether.
Let’s take a look at which vegetables are safe for your pooch and how to start implementing them into your Pug’s diet. Pugs are not vegetarians, and require protein to thrive.
Related: Fresh Cooked Food For Pugs
What Vegetables Are Good For Pugs?
Root Vegetables
These are vegetables that grow underground and absorb a great number of nutrients from the soil. These veggies include; carrots, sweet potatoes, beets, carrots and etc.
Many of these veggies can be found at your local supermarket. Not all root vegetables are safe for your dog.
Talk to your veterinarian before feeding adding any type of vegetables to your Pug’s diet.
Never Feed Your Pug Alliums
If you’re thinking about feeding your Pug vegetables, avoid feeding them any type of alliums or bulb vegetables such as shallots, chives, onions, garlic, and leeks.
They are extremely toxic to dogs and can cause your dog’s organs to shut down.
Legumes & Beans
Some legumes are safe for dogs, while others should be avoided. The Food Drug and Administration (FDA) has been trying to alert pet owners about canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs that have eaten dog food brands that contain peas, potatoes, lentils, and other legumes as their main ingredients.
You should always monitor your dog’s consumption of legumes and make sure you’re feeding them the right kind.
Healthy Legumes
- Green Beans or String Beans
- Black Beans
- Lima Beans
- Pinto Beans
- Chickpeas
- Kidney Beans
- Soybeans
- Butter Beans
Which Beans to Avoid
- Canned Beans: These are loaded with chemical preservatives and sodium.
- Chili Beans
- Raw Red Kidney Beans
- Refried Beans
- Coffee Beans
While most beans are not toxic to pets, it can cause gastrointestinal discomfort in pets.
Always talk to your veterinarian before making any changes to your Pug’s diet. They will be able to tell you which veggies are best and how to monitor for allergic reations.
Huge List Of Vegetables Dogs Can Eat And Shouldn’t Eat
As I mentioned above, some veggies will be much better for your pooch than others. Opt for fruits and vegetables that are low in calories and provide vital nutrients that will benefit your pooch.
Here are some great healthy snacks your Pug may enjoy:
1. Sweet Potatoes
Yes. This is a root vegetable that is high in fiber and contains vitamin B6, Vitamin C, beta carotene, and other beneficial minerals that can help protect against cancer and heart disease. Pugs can eat sweet potatoes, but there are some things you should know about.
2. Asparagus
Yes, but you shouldn’t feed it to them. While asparagus is packed with vitamins and minerals and is NOT toxic for dogs. It is a tough vegetable and can be very difficult for your dog to chew.
If you do decide to feed your Pug asparagus, make sure you cook it, as it can help improve digestibility. Also, know that your dog’s feces can become green if they eat too much of it.
3. Broccoli
Yes. Broccoli is a flower vegetable that has been shown to have anti-cancer effects, aid in fighting infections, treat skin and heart problems and your pooch should be eating this veggie on an occasional basis.
Related: Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?
4. Brussel Sprouts
Yes, Brussel sprouts are good for dogs. These veggies are rich in fiber and antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation in your dog’s body and improve blood circulation.
They are also loaded with vitamins. potassium, manganese, and folate.
5. Carrots
Yes. Carrots are great for dogs because they are high in fiber, low in calories, and a great source of beta carotene and Vitamin A.
Related: Are Carrots Good For Pugs?
6. Celery
Yes, dogs can eat celery. This low-calorie crunchy snack contains tons of vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for your pooch.
Celery contains 95% water, which makes it a great snack for your Pug, especially in the summertime.
7. Cauliflower
Yes, but don’t expect your dog to measure up to broccoli or other leafy green veggies. Cauliflower is good for Pugs and it is a good source of folate, potassium, fiber, calcium, vitamins K, and Vitamin C.
Pugs can eat cucumbers, and they are actually a fruit not a vegetable.
8. Cucumbers
Yes, Pugs can eat cucumbers and they are a great low-calorie snack for dogs that need to lose a few pounds. This can be a great way to provide your pooch with extra hydration, as they consist of 96% water.
9. Edamame
Yes, edamame is a safe crunchy treat for your pooch, as long as they are fed in moderation. This veggie is rich in omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid, which has been shown to promote healthy skin and hair.
Edamame is a great healthy protein snack for your four-legged friend.
10. Green Beans
Yes. This veggie contains Vitamins A, C, & K, fiber, magnesium, calcium, and Vitamin B6 which can help your Pug feel full when they are dieting.
Green beans can be a great alternative to other doggie biscuits. Just make sure you stick with fresh organic veggies and avoid the canned green beans with added salt. Pugs can eat green beans and there are several reasons you should consider feeding them.
11. Peas
Yes, Pugs can eat peas, sugar snap peas, snow peas, or English peas. Peas are quick and easy to feed your pooch. They are a good source of protein, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, zinc, and vitamins C & K.
Avoid feeding your Pug canned peas which are high in sodium.
12. Bell Peppers
Yes, bell peppers are sare for dogs and contain essential vitamins and nutrients that are beneficial for dogs.
Try feeding your dog red bell peppers as they contain the highest amounts of vitamins, antioxidants, beta-carotene, and Vitamins A & C.
13. Cabbage
Yes, it’s safe, even purple cabbage. It is not only safe, but improves your dog’s digestion, maintains healthy skin, and is cancer-fighting.
The next time you make coleslaw, take some of that raw cabbage and cook it for your pooch. Just don’t add any spices of any kind to it.
14. Spinach
Yes. This is a leafy green vegetable that is loaded with tons of benefits for both humans and dogs. Spinach is full of manganese, folate, iron, fiber, calcium, potassium, and Vitamins A, B, C, and K.
15. Zucchini
Yes, it’s safe to feed your dog small amounts of zucchini. It is low in fat and cholesterol, which can help keep your Pug nice and trim.
It is also rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
16. Mushrooms
No. Talk to your veterinarian before feeding your Pug mushrooms, as some (Button mushrooms) will stimulate your dog’s immune system and help with allergies.
Other types of mushrooms can be toxic or even poisonous for your pooch. NEVER feed your Pug wild mushrooms, always stick with the ones you buy from the supermarket.
Personally, I’d recommend skipping the fungi for Fido. There are several other beneficial vegetables that will be much safer.
17. Beets
Yes. If fed in moderation, these root veggies can be a great source of Vitamin C, manganese, folate, and fiber. These vitamins and minerals are great for aiding in your dog’s digestion and immune system as well as maintaining healthy skin and coat.
18. Rhubarb
No. This root vegetable is popular among people who love baking because it can make a great tasting pie. You should avoid giving this to your pooch, as it can deplete the calcium levels in your dog’s body.
This can eventually cause renal failure and other medical issues for your four-legged friend.
19. Watermelon
Yes. While this is considered both a fruit and vegetable, it is a great snack for your pooch. It is low in calories and packed with nutrients, magnesium, beta-carotene, and potassium.
Your pooch will love it, especially, on those hot summer days!
Just make sure that you remove the seeds and rind before giving it to your dog.
20. Beets
Yes, beets are safe for dogs and a great source of Vitamin C, manganese, fiber, folate, and potassium.
This veggie can aid in your dog’s digestion, immune system and help keep your pet’s coat and skin healthy.
21. Tomatoes
Yes, tomatoes are generally safe for dogs to eat. Even though tomatoes can be classified as either a fruit or veggie, it is rich in nutrients that can benefit your dog.
They contain lycopene, which helps promote strong bones and reduces the risk of heart disease. Just make sure that you avoid feeding them the plant part of the plant such as the stems and vines as they contain a toxin called solanine.
Related: Can Pugs Eat Tomatoes?
22. Rutabagas and Turnips
Both are a great source of calcium and folate and are low in calories. These veggies are a great source of calcium and folate,
Tips for Feeding Veggies To Your Dog
Veggies can be a great healthy snack option for your pooch, especially, if you want to get them to lose weight.
If you’re considering feeding your Pug vegetables, follow these tips to keep them safe.
Use Moderation
Always feed your dog in moderation when feeding your dog fruits or veggies. Too much of a good thing can lead to gastrointestinal irritations (GI) such as vomiting, diarrhea or other health issues.
Snacks should only consume 10% of your dog’s diet.
Starchy Vegetables
Try to avoid starchy vegetables such as peas, legumes, white potatoes, sweet potatoes, and winter squashes.
These types of veggies don’t provide a lot of nutritional value for dogs and need to be cooked to be digested properly by dogs.
Not only that, but Pugs have a tendency to gain weight easily, and these veggies may cause them to gain excess weight.
Does Your Dog Like It?
While it’s true that Pugs love to eat, not all dogs will enjoy eating fruits and veggies.
Monitor your dog and if they enjoy eating veggies, there’s no reason not to continue feeding it to them.
If they don’t like it, then stop feeding them immediately. Don’t force your dog to eat vegetables. Instead, opt for a high-quality dog food that will provide them with a complete and balanced diet they need.
Frozen Vegetables
Whenever you see them go on sale, be prepared to stock up on your Pugs favorite veggies. You can store them in an airtight Pyrex or Tupperbowl in the freezer.
Use It As A Reward
Try making snacks and treats fun and exciting by using a treat puzzle game. This can keep your pooch busy for hours and best of all the edible treats are low in calorie and beneficial for your pooch.
Final Word On Feeding Your Pug Veggies
There are several fruits and vegetables that are safe for your pooch to eat.
You can add veggies to your dog’s diet, regardless of whether you have them on a homemade cooked diet, raw food diet, or they eat regular dog food.
Feeding your Pug veggies on occasion can be extremely beneficial for your pooch and lead to a healthy happy life.
References and Further Reading
Pet Health Network – Dr. Justine A. Lee, DVM, DACVECC – Dogs And Mushrooms: Are They Poisonous
Pub Med – Raghavan M., Knapp DW, Bonney PL., Dawson MH, Glickman LT. – Evaluation of the effect of dietary vegetable consumption on reducing the risk of transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder in Scottish Terriers.
Pet Poison HelpLine – Are Tomatoes Poisonous To Dogs?