“You’ve got to clear your plate before you can get up from the dinner table—veggies included!” Those were the good old days, weren’t they? If you were resistant to veggies when you were younger, you’ve probably since tried to enjoy them. So many of the vegetables that this earth has to offer are filled with wonderful nutrients. Perhaps you’ve wondered whether the same nutrients can benefit your furry babies? The answer is—yes! There are many vegetables Pomeranians can eat that are good for them. However, a few can be toxic. So, stick to a list of safe bets and give your Pommy a healthy treat every day.
One thing many Pomeranians love? Potatoes! However, raw potatoes can be dangerous for tiny dogs like Poms. Make sure you fully cook your taters, whether russet or sweet, before feeding them to your pup. Cooked sweet potatoes are especially nutritious for Pommys, as they contain vitamins E, A, B-6 and C along with calcium and iron.
There are some extra crunchy veggies that your Pom might enjoy with an added benefit—promoting healthy teeth. Give your pup celery and baby carrots to aid with better breath and healthier teeth. (But skip the dip. Dairy products can cause digestive issues in your Pom.) Carrots also contain a high amount of fiber, which is good your your Pom (and you!).
You know how doctors and health advocates are always telling us to eat greens? Well they’re onto something. And our Pommys need them to. Cucumbers are a good choice for overweight or lethargic pups because of their low calorie count and their energy boosting properties. Spinach is also a yummy option for tiny pups, providing iron and some cancer-fighting properties. Green beans are like the superfood for Poms. They contain an array of vitamins as well as large quantities of calcium and fiber.
Broccoli is also very nutritious for Poms. However, too much broccoli can actually be harmful. This veggie, along with others such as brussel sprouts, contains something called isothiocyanate. In excessive quantities, this can cause gastrointestinal troubles for our little four-legged friends. This can lead to vomiting, diarrhea or constipation with excessive gas… as well as cause dehydration, which is especially dangerous for Pomeranians. What is excessive when it comes to broccoli? Over 10% of the Pom’s daily intake. Unless you’re in a position to meticulously monitor the amount of isothiocyanate your pup gets, it may be wise to avoid these veggies all together.
While there are many vegetables pomeranians can eat, some are outright dangerous. Avoid corn, rhubarb, onions and garlic. When in doubt, play it safe.
You may wish to incorporate some of the vegetables pomeranians can eat in a home-cooking routine. Many of the dog food brands on the market contain high percentages of fillers—cheap, useless ingredients that give the companies more bang for their buck. For some pet owners, it works well to make their pup’s food from scratch. There are many recipes available to get your started, but as a general rule all of them will call for a lean meat and some of the delicious, nutritious veggies fit for your Pommy.