SmokeyBear: some people advise avoiding veggies from the nightshade family (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and eggplant)
Other members of the nightshade family which are toxic to dogs are onions, chives and garlic. Logically, I would have thought Leeks would be in there aswell, as I think they are part of the onion family, although I have never seen them listed anywhere as being toxic.
Nightshade vegetables have been linked to skin problems, arthritis, stiff legs, calcium problems, small sores in and around mouth area, aggravation of gastrointestinal problems, increase of intestinal gas and cause indigestion.
This is the list I work with, with good and bad listed. I know some of the items on the list will be contentious wth others on this forum, so please make up your own mind as to it's validity!!
VEGETABLES
ASPARAGUS: Green asparagus tips are a good source of beta carotene. Asparagus is also a good source of chlorophyll which is said to help build the blood and is also said to be a general kidney stimulant. However, evidence suggests that too much asparagus can be irritating to the kidneys, especially if used during kidney inflammation.
BEET: Beets are said to benefit both the digestive and lymphatic system. Beets have a natural purging action and help in elimination, although can turn the urine or stools red. With beets, it’s best to start off small and then gradually increase the amount used.
BROCCOLI: An excellent source of calcium. One pound of broccoli can have as much as 360 mg of calcium. The fiber in broccoli assists the colon.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS: A good source of sulphur which is said to help both with blood circulation and skin problems. Also a good source of ascorbic acid (vitamin C).
CABBAGE: Also a good source of sulphur and so is said to help with blood circulation as well. Also, cabbage is a source of calcium, phosphorus, chlorine, iodine, sodium, and potassium.
Sauerkraut, fermented (or rotten) cabbage, is a very good source of vitamin C. If feeding sauerkraut get it made without salt or use home made. Use unpasteurized sauerkraut. Pasteurizing kills all the beneficial properties of sauerkraut and other fermented foods.
CARROT: An excellent source of beta carotene. The roughage helps with constipation. Carrots generally have a nice sweet taste that most dogs like.
CAULIFLOWER: Another member of the cabbage family, so a good source of fiber and sulfur. Cauliflower itself does not contain a lot of calcium, but the greens around the cauliflower do.
CELERY: Celery is naturally rich in chlorine, sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Celery helps to purify the blood and is a natural diuretic. It is said that celery leaves are beneficial for those who are nervous. Celery seed is said to help with arthritis.
COLLARD: One of the oldest members of the cabbage family and closely related to kale. Collards are rich in calcium, beta carotene and vitamin C. Collard is said to help most parts of the body including the skeletal system, respiratory system, digestive system, lymphatic system, eliminative system, urinary system, and nervous system.
DANDELION: Dandelions are looked upon as a weed to most people. Dandelion leaves have long been used to help the liver detoxify, increase the flow of bile and for stimulating glands. Dandelions are an excellent source of calcium and have more vitamin A than most other vegetables. The bigger the leaves, the more bitter the taste so it’s best to harvest the leaves in the spring.
GARLIC: It should be noted, that as good as garlic is, garlic is reported to be toxic to dogs in larger doses. Garlic is a member of the onion family and onions are toxic to dogs. There is a compound in onions that causes damage to the red blood cells. However, it is reported that garlic is less toxic than onions and would need to be consumed in larger amounts for there to be a problem. Many people do and have added garlic to their dog's diet without any problem. While this may be the case, I prefer to not take the chance and as mentioned, most dogs don't like the taste of garlic.
KALE: Both kale and collard closely resemble wild cabbage. Kale, like other members of the cabbage family is high in sulphur. Kale is also a good source of calcium and iron and is said to help the digestive and nervous system.
KOHLRABI: Kohlrabi is German for “cabbage turnip”. Kohlrabi is high in vitamin C. As with many foods that are high in vitamin C, kohlrabi is said to help the skeletal system (bones), plus the digestive, and lymphatic system.
OKRA: Okra is high in sodium and is said to be soothing to the intestines.
PARSLEY: High in iron, parsley is also a good source of copper, manganese, and chlorophyll. Although too much parsley can irritate the kidneys, especially if already inflamed, parsley is a natural diuretic and can also help the kidneys.
PARSNIPS: Parsnips are high in fibre and can help to improve bowel action. Some say parsnips have a beneficial effect on the liver.
PEAS: This prehistoric vegetable is said to have no special therapeutic value. Peas are a good source of magnesium, but if the pea pods are used, then your dog gets the added benefits of chlorophyll and calcium. Fresh peas have a nice, sweet taste to them.
PUMPKIN: Pumpkin is a very good source of potassium and sodium; and it contains a fair source of vitamin B and C. Pumpkin is extremely high in vitamin A and has a taste that appeals to many dogs. Canned pumpkin not only helps firm up stool's on dogs it also helps when they are constipated (a strange thing - it helps in both ways). Canned pumpkin is usually already ground into a very nice purée.
RUTABAGAS: It is suggested that rutabagas should not be used when kidney troubles are present. However, rutabagas are said to help in cases of constipation.
SQUASH: Squash is said to help with the eliminative system. There are five general types of squash which are: hubbard, turban, mammoth, banana, and summer. Squashes, including pumpkin, may need to be slightly cooked before feeding in order to soften the rind.
SWEET POTATO: Sweet potatoes are extremely high in vitamin A and is said to assist the eliminative system and is a good source of niacin.
SWISS CHARD: Containing a great deal of vitamin C and A; potassium, sodium, and calcium, Swiss chard is said to benefit the digestive system.
TURNIP: It is said that turnips have been used in bronchial disturbances. Turnip leaves supposedly help the body in controlling calcium.
ZUCCHINI: This excellent cleanser is smooth on the system and readily available.
FRUITS
APPLE: Said to help calm the digestive system and help the body absorb calcium and iron from other foods. If your dog doesn't like apples then try feeding it with the peel removed. Some dogs won't eat apples unless the peel is removed.
AVOCADO: Low in sugar and with no starch, avocados contain quite a bit of fruit oil. Avocados are said to help regulate body functions and stimulate growth.
BANANA: Bananas are interesting because they are said to add natural acidophilus bacteria to the bowels although probably in small amounts only. Bananas are also a good source of potassium which benefits the muscular system. Their sweetness usually makes them a favourite of dogs.
BLACKBERRY: A good source of iron, blackberries are said to be one of the best blood builders. Blackberries may cause constipation though.
BLUEBERRY: Fruits that have a peel around them like blueberry are hard for your carnivore friend to break down so you may want to slice them in half before feeding. It is said that blueberries are a good source of silicon which can help rejuvenate the pancreas.
CHERRIES: Cherries are high in iron and said to be both a laxative and blood builder. Cherries can assist with elimination and help remove toxic substances. Cherries are also said to help the glandular system.
GRAPES (RAISINS): It is said that both grapes and raisins are potentially damaging to the kidneys in dogs. In some pets, raisins and/or grapes have been reported to kill the pet.
KIWIS: This particular fruit is exceptionally high in vitamin C. You can try feeding the kiwi with or without the peel intact. Some dogs won't eat kiwi unless the peel is removed.
MELONS: Melons are an excellent source of naturally purified water. This in turn is said to help the kidneys and elimination.
PAPAYA: A good source of vitamins A, C, and E; calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Papaya is said to be a good source of digestive properties to soothe the stomach. Dehydrated papaya is like candy to them!
PEACHES: Peaches are said to have a laxative effect although can help eliminate toxins. The sweetness is appreciated by dogs.
