Amazing Brain Benefits of Vegetables- Even for Dogs

By Suzanne Holman • June 5th, 2010

I am hoping you are finding value in these posts focused on cognitive problems/ Alzheimer’s Disease in dogs and how to treat them.

I admit I am just a bit obsessed about dogs after adopting my Shih Tzu Shaiming on April 23rd after not having a dog for quite a few years. He’s six years old and came from a neglectful home so I am doing my very best to give him every nutritional advantage to get him more energetic and excited about life.

Know that this focus on dogs will not be an ongoing theme. This is the week devoted to dogs and Alzheimer’s and what to do about it. Anything that promotes brain health is helpful in preventing cognitive dysfunction and Alzheimer’s Disease, both in humans and animals.

Not only are vegetables essential for human brain health; they are also really beneficial for the health of dogs as well. Vegetables have powerful antioxidants that may help to reduce chronic disease and slow down the rate of aging.

Some standard and even some premium dog foods do not have all the nutrition that your dog needs.
Almost all vegetables, cooked enough for digestibility, are good for your dog. The only vegetables that are a problem for dogs are onions and garlic due to the chemical called thiosulphate which is known to be toxic to dogs. When dogs are given this chemical, they can develop hemolytic anemia, a condition affecting the red blood cells. Onions in particular are dangerous because of the high quantities of the chemical in it. It literally causes the red blood cells to burst, reducing the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood.

If your dog enjoys the taste of vegetables, vary his antioxidant exposure by adding different vegetables that are good for him. Anything that promotes brain health is helpful in preventing cognitive dysfunction and Alzheimer’s Disease, both in humans and animals.

Vegetables that are good for dogs include green beans, cabbage, carrots, green beans, broccoli, squash, and most other green, leafy vegetables. Not only do these vegetables add healthy antioxidants to your dogís diet, they also are a significant source of soluble fiber and roughage which can promote intestinal health in your dog.

I am finding that with my new rescue 6 year old Shih Tzu, he is always wanting to eat. He loves the vegetables I prepare lightly cooked and that is filling for him. He is only 13 pounds so his calorie requirement is low. Feeding the lower calorie veggies to him allows him to eat more quantity of food without getting overweight.

If you are having a problem getting your dog to eat veggies, you can try pureeing them i a blender and mixing them in with his regular food.

Be looking for my upcoming short report on Feeding Your Dog for Optimum Brain Health!

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