There is no perfect way to feed a dog, whether we are talking about homemade diets or commercial prepared foods, however, if we are concerned about his nutrition and want to add a few extras, we can consider offeringvegetarian recipes on an occasional basis to our best friend.
In this article we will talk about vegetarian food, which can be useful to complement the carnivorous diet of our dog. With them we will offer you an extra "green" food rich in vitamins. Don't know where to start? Continue reading this article from our site where we will help you enter the canine vegetarian world, with some vegetarian recipes for dogs
Can dogs be vegetarian or vegan?
Before starting a dog on a vegetarian or vegan diet, we must be very aware of the nutritional needs that will allow us to Our pet is in good he alth. For this we must take into account the large macronutrients, such as protein, fats or carbohydrates, but also some organic components such as vitamins and minerals.
Just like excess energy, energy deficiency can lead to nutritional deficiencies:
- Lack of calcium can cause secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism.
- Vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets.
- A consecutive excess of taurine would lead to dilated cardiomyopathy.
These three examples show us why a poor (or excessive) diet can be so dangerous and that is why any homemade diet should be supervisedoccasionally by a veterinarian.
However, on the market we can find specific products for people who want to feed their pets vegetarian and vegan. It's not hard to find vegetarian dog food and even vegetarian canned food, yes, You should review the composition of the product to ensure that it is nutritionally complete, an indication that appears on any package that meets the nutritional needs of our dog.
Below we offer you 4 examples of vegetarian recipes for dogs that you can prepare yourself at home, discover them!
1. Vegetable Stew
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 large sweet bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 medium yellow squash, sliced
- 1 medium eggplant, peeled and diced
- 1 potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 teaspoon oregano or basil
Remember that garlic is not harmful to dogs if it is in small proportions, on the contrary, garlic is an excellent internal dewormer.
Indications:
Heat the oil, add the garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then add all the vegetables and mix well. Bring the mixture to a boil, lower the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes. Add seasonings to taste. Cook over low heat for another 15 minutes and let cool. If you wish, you can add a touch of grated gluten-free cheese.
two. Rice and apple balls
Ingredients:
- 1 beaten egg
- 1/3 cup applesauce
- 1 cup soft cooked vegetables (which can be mashed with a fork). You can use vegetables such as zucchini, carrots or potatoes.
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 tablespoon yeast
Indications:
Mix all the ingredients well in a bowl. Then grease a tray. With your hand or a teaspoon you must collect the mixture, make small balls and place them on the tray. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 12 minutes, or until lightly browned and firm. Let them cool and then store in the fridge. This will be quite a treat for your pet.
3. Vegetarian cookies
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup plain margarine
- 3 tablespoons of honey
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup of carob powder (very he althy and special for desserts)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Indications:
Mix the margarine with the honey very well. Add the remaining ingredients and beat until the mixture is smooth. Have the tray ready, oiled and at hand. With your hand or a teaspoon take the mixture, make small balls or give it the shape you like best and place them on the tray. Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees. Let them settle and cool completely.
4. Carrot Delight
Ingredients:
- 3 cups chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup carrots, chopped very fine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 tablespoons bran
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 to 1 cup of water
Indications:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a large baking sheet. Mix carrot and oil. On the other hand, combine all the dry ingredients (flours and powders) and add to the vegetables. Gradually add 1/2 cup of water, mixing well. Make a moist dough that is not wet. If necessary, add a little more water. Knead for a couple of minutes.
Next, roll out the dough to 1.5 cm thick. Cut out the shapes (you can use a cookie cutter or glass) and transfer them to the baking tray. Bake for 20-30 minutes until golden brown and the cookies have hardened slightly. (Don't worry, they will harden more as they cool.) Remove the treats from the oven and quickly store in an airtight container. Remember that you can give them the shape you want!
Tips
- Remember that dogs are carnivorous animals, all these recipes are complementary to a normal he althy diet.
- Consult your veterinarian whenever you have any doubts.
- Do not offer these diets to your dog if he is suffering from an illness of any kind
- Avoid s alt and seasonings.
