Although dogs are pure carnivores and require mainly meat in their diet, certain vegetables may be a healthy addition. However, as most canned veggies are generally high in sodium, one should be aware of what is healthy and what is not.
Can dogs eat canned vegetables?
Although feeding your dog canned veggies as an occasional treat or snack is fine, regularly feeding them should be avoided. This is because many brands of canned vegetables are rich in sodium which can make a dog dehydrated or even risk salt poisoning.
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When fed as a snack or meal topper, many vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and peas are a healthy addition to a dog’s diet. These veggies are rich in antioxidants, minerals, and fibers that are not present in just a meat-based diet.
However, canned vegetables tend to be higher in sodium as salt is used to preserve the inner contents. Although dogs do require sodium to maintain normal body functions, excess salt can lead to dehydration and even sodium ion poisoning.
Therefore, regularly feeding dogs canned veggies should be avoided and instead be given sparingly. Low-sodium canned vegetables can also be a safer and healthier option.
Pumpkin:
Canned pumpkin devoid of any added fillers, sugars, or ingredients are fine for a dog to consume. Plain canned pumpkin is generally a healthy and safe vegetable for canines, although only 100% canned pumpkin puree should be provided.
Green beans:
As long as it is fed plain without any additives, green beans are nutritional in all forms including chopped, raw, steamed, or canned. Not only are they safe, but vets also recommend green beans as a healthy snack.
Corn:
Although canned corn is safe for your dog to eat in moderation, it should not be fed as a regular treat or snack.
This is due to its high sodium content which can cause a dog to become dehydrated. Ingesting too much salt over time may also result in chronic illnesses.
Anchovies:
Anchovies are bite-sized fish that is a perfectly healthy snack for dogs. Smaller dogs can eat up to three anchovies a day while larger breeds can consume up to five. However, canned anchovies are not safe for a dog due to its high sodium content.
Asparagus:
Canned asparagus is not a toxic vegetable for dogs so they can safely consume it occasionally. However, in its raw form, asparagus is difficult to chew for dogs and should be cut and cooked before serving. It should also be provided in small amounts.
Peas and carrots:
Canned peas and carrots are safe vegetables that you can add to your dog’s diet as a meal topper or tasty snack. Fresh peas and carrots or their frozen counterpart are recommended over canned due to their to lower sodium content.
Beans:
Black beans are rich in fiber and protein which can be a nutritional addition to a canine’s diet. However, canned beans are not a healthy choice for your dog because of the added chemical preservatives along with a high sodium content.
Carrots:
Carrots are considered one of the healthiest vegetables to feed your dog and are often already added to canned dog food and kibble. Canned carrots should only be fed sparingly as the excess salt can lead to chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure.
Chickpeas:
Dogs are able to consume chickpeas as long as it is served cooked and plain. Canned chickpeas are also safe and healthy for them to feed on, provided that there is no extra saltwater added for preservation.
Chili:
Canned chili contains many ingredients that dogs cannot digest. Canned chili also contains a high content of sodium as a preservation chemical which may become toxic over time. Overall, chili in general is not a safe veggie for canines.
Diced tomatoes:
Tomato products such as its juices, soups, and sauces are not healthy for dogs and do not add any nutritional value to their diet. Moreover, the added salts and sugars, along with artificial flavors and chemicals can be toxic for your pet when fed regularly.
Jalapeno peppers:
As canines are not equipped for handling any spicy foods, jalapeno peppers should not be fed even occasionally. This goes for canned jalapenos as well because dogs may go from gastrointestinal issues later in life even if fed sparingly.
Kidney beans:
Although canned kidney beans will not make your dog ill immediately, it is not a healthy canned product as it may take a toll on their digestive system if fed regularly.
However, feeding them canned kidney beans as an occasional snack will not harm them as long as it is served cooked.
Lentils:
Canned lentils are a safe and healthy legume for a dog’s diet as it is a great source of plant-based protein, iron, and fiber. They can be fed in small amounts alongside a balanced diet.
Potatoes:
Although dogs do not benefit from eating too much starch, it is a safe food for them to eat.
However, many brands of canned potatoes have added sweeteners and artificial ingredients which should be avoided. Water is the only acceptable and safe added ingredient in canned white and sweet potatoes.
Red beets:
Regular beets are healthy for dogs to eat in moderation as the vegetable is filled with Vitamin C, fiber, folate, and potassium.
Canned beets, on the other hand, are not recommended by vets as most brands add high amounts of salt for preservation which may be a potential hazard in the long term.
Olives:
Olives that are plain and pitted do not cause any harm when fed in small amounts. However, canned and pickled olives contain excessive salts which can be unhealthy for dogs and may even lead to dehydration or salt poisoning.
Mushroom:
Regular canned mushrooms are not hazardous for dogs when fed sparingly. Dogs are able to consume all species of mushrooms that humans can. However, mushrooms should always be served cooked and plain without any added ingredients or seasoning.
Artichoke hearts:
While artichokes are healthy for canines due to high amounts of vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants, vets do not recommend feeding them jarred or canned artichokes. This is because canned artichokes are generally filled with oils, seasonings, and salts that may be hazardous for dogs.
Canned vegetable soup:
Although most jarred and canned vegetables are healthy for dogs to consume in small amounts, any brand of vegetable soup should not be added to their diet regularly.
Aside from the high sodium content, any spices and seasons may cause kidney issues in the future if fed daily.
Are canned vegetables good or harmful for dogs?
Canned veggies can be good and bad at the same time. Over feeding them can be harmful to them. But occasionally giving them can be beneficial.
Pros:
Provides plant-based nutrients:
Although canines are generally considered pure carnivores, meaning they only need meat in their diet, many vegetables can be a healthy addition to create an even more balanced diet by providing extra nutrients and vitamins.
Canned vegetables such as peas, chickpeas, and lentils are excellent sources of plant-based protein and are easy for dogs to digest. In fact, dog food brands have been adding these plant-based proteins to their products for years.
Cheaper alternative:
Not only are numerous vegetables very healthy for dogs and provide them with a boost of nutrients, fiber, and protein, canned vegetables cost much less than traditional meat-based dog food brands.
Moreover, most dog food brands, both canned and kibble, include many vegetables and lentils in their products for a complete and balanced diet.
Cons:
Too much added salt:
Despite being a healthy snack, the majority of canned veggies brands contain high amounts of sodium for preservation which can become toxic for dogs over time. The high sodium content may lead to dehydration and even sodium ion poisoning.
Contains artificial ingredients:
Although some added ingredients in canned vegetables such as fillers and water will not harm dogs and are perfectly safe, artificial preservatives and flavorings may add a substantial risk of toxicity to canines.
Many canned and jarred veggies such as mushrooms, olives, and artichokes contain high amounts of oil, seasonings, and even spices in some cases. These additives do not provide any nutrition and rather cause digestive issues in the future.
How much canned vegetables can dogs eat?
A recipe with less than 15 percent of canned vegetables such as carrots, peas, and lentils is a nutritional addition to a dog’s diet. This is because a canine’s diet should be around 80% meat-based and around 10% vegetables.
However, even plain and cooked vegetables should be fed as a meal topper or occasional treat and should occupy their everyday diet. Therefore, all canned vegetables including low-sodium veggies should be provided sparingly.
Final thoughts
Canned vegetables such as plain pumpkin, green beans, peas, and lentils are a safe and healthy addition to a dog’s diet. However, they should only be fed in moderation as an infrequent snack or as a meal topper. This is due to the high amounts of added salt that may dehydrate dogs in the long term.