I just got the newest issue of Animal Wellness magazine, and they have an article listing the top 10 vegetables for dogs! Here goes:
1. Carrots - provitamin A, vitamins B, C, D, E, and K, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, potassium, phoshporus, sodium, iron, magnesium, manganese, sulphur, copper and iodine. Support immune system, aid digestion, and are glandular tonic, skin cleanser and eye conditioner.
2. Broccoli - low glycemic (does not cause rapid rise in blood glucose), vitamin C, A, and D and beta carotine. Cancer fighting and immune boosting.
3. Green Beans - Excellent source of vitamin A, also include C, K, calcium, copper, fiber, folic acid, iron, magnesium, manganese, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, protein, riboflavin, thiamin, Omega 3 fatty acids.
4. Pumpkin - Remedy for both constipation AND diarrhea. Stool softener, but high in fiber, so also absorbs water.
5. Sweet Potatoes - Great source of Vitamin E, also vitamins A, B-6, and C, calcium, iron, folate, potassium, copper, thiamine, and iron. Complex carbohydrate and rich in beta carotene (could be cancer reducing), good source of dietary fiber and promote healthy gastrointestinal system.
6. Tomatos - 72 studies showing tomatos lower risk to some cancers, this is from the lycopene. Tomatoes that have been cooked actually have MORE lycopene because of the breaking down of cellular walls. Also an excellent source of vitamins A and C.
7. Apples - One apple contains equivalent of about 1500 mg of vitamin C. Red delicious apples are higher in antioxidants than any other apple. Pectin (from apple skins) ferments in the intestines which helps prevent growth of harmful bacteria and supports cells of intestinal lining. Cancer fighting. Organic apples may contain up to one third more antioxidants than regular apples.
8. Blueberries and Cranberries - contain significant levels of resveratrol, a natural compound found to have anti-cancer qualities, reduce risk of heart disease. Blueberries are FULL of antioxidants (comes from the pigment that makes them blue). Both help to prevent urinary tract infections because they contain condensed tannins. *a sprinkle a day keeps the UTI's at bay*
9. Cantaloupe - excellent source of vitamin A, high concentration of beta-carotene, help support good vision. Also a good source of vitamins B-6, C, fiber, folate, niacin, and potassium. Considered a safe fruit because it is not commonly allergenic, doesn't contain measurable amounts of goitrogens, ozalates, purines or pesticide residues.
10. Watermelon - has MORE lycopene than tomatoes (40% more!), also contains vitamins A, B-6, C and thiamin.
(This was not the exact text from the magazine. I paraphrased to type it out because it was a LONG article!) Hope this helps!
