Dog Food Insider

The Inside Scoop On Dog Food

Leafy Greens For Dogs

Leafy Greens For Dogs

This post may contain affiliate links. We are compensated for referring customers to our affiliate partners.

Dogs are carnivores by nature, but veterinary nutritionists recommend a well balanced dog food diet containing vegetables. One of the healthiest vegetables that a dog can eat are leafy greens.

Leafy greens are loaded with phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals, and are often a key ingredient in the healthiest dog food brands. So when you are shopping for a great dog food, consider a food that contains leafy greens.

Benefits of Leafy Greens For Dogs

Dark leafy greens are considered superfoods. They have a dense nutritional profile and can provide a variety of great benefits to your dog. They are rich in glucosinolates which inhibit the growth of certain cancers. They have lots of magnesium which is great for your dog’s brain and heart health. Leafy greens also contain iron which helps deliver oxygen to the blood which promotes energy and wellness. Finally, leafy greens are loaded with soluble fiber which can help your dog if they have sensitive digestion.

What Leafy Greens Should You Look For?

There are several varieties of leafy greens, however there are some that are especially helpful to support dog nutrition. When shopping for the healthiest dog food, look for these leafy greens on the ingredients panel:

 

 

 

  • Kale: Kale is one of the most nutrient dense dog-friendly vegetables. It is loaded with tons vitamins and minerals that can support your dog’s health and well being. Kale contains high levels of vitamin A which helps support eye and skin health, vitamin C for immune system function, and vitamin K which support blood clotting and healing. It also has loads of calcium to support bone health and a potassium for heart health.

 

 

 

 

  • Spinach: Spinach is another leafy green powerhouse. It contains a ton of vitamin A for clear eyes and healthy skin, vitamin C to bolster the immune system, and folate for cellular support. Spinach also contains a lot of calcium for bone health and iron for energy.

 

 

 

 

  • Swiss Chard: Swiss chard is a unique leafy green because the colorful stem is also rich in phytonutrients and are loaded with soluble fiber for digestion. Swiss chard is rich in vitamins A and E for skin health and a silky, shiny coat. It also has lots of vitamin C for immune support. Swiss Chard is also extremely mineral rich and has lots of calcium for bone development, iron for energy, potassium for heart health, and magnesium for nervous system function.

 

 

 

 

  • Collard Greens: Collard greens are one of the darkest leafy greens so they tend to be extra rich in nutrients. Collard greens contain vitamin A for skin and eye health, vitamin K for blood and bone health, vitamin C for immunity, and a range of B vitamins for energy. They also contains high levels of manganese which helps control blood sugar and supports energy production and calcium for bone health.

 

 

 

 

  • Broccoli: People do not often think of broccoli as a leafy green, but it broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable and is directly related to the other dog-friendly leafy greens. Broccoli is a high protein vegetable that also contains a lot of fiber. Broccoli has high levels of vitamin K for blood support, vitamin C for immunity, vitamin E for healthy skin and coat, and vitamin B6 that supports brain and nervous system function. Broccoli also has chromium which helps dogs regulate their blood sugar and manage their weight.

 

 

 

Best Dog Foods Containing Leafy Greens

There are many dog food manufacturers that incorporate leafy greens into their recipes. Here is a list of dog foods that contain the most beneficial leafy greens for your dog:

Dog Foods That Contain Kale:

Spinach:

Swiss Chard:

Collard Greens:

Broccoli:

How To Supplement Your Dog’s Diet With Leafy Greens

If you cannot find a dog food that your dog likes that contains leafy greens, you can also consider supplementing their diet. You can feed your dog leafy greens as a snack or a treat. Some leafy greens contain oxalates which in large quantities can be harmful to your dog, so it is recommended that you cook the greens before feeding them to your dog to release any oxalates. The best way to cook leafy greens is to lightly steam them so they still retain their nutritional value.

If you find that your dog does not like leafy greens but you still want your dog to benefit from the nutritional value, there are many manufacturers that make treats containing leafy greens. These are a great option because they are usually paired with other nutrient rich foods. Here are some of the great treats that contain leafy greens:

Finally, there are green and superfood supplements that contain a range of healthy greens that you can give your dog so they get all the benefits of these amazing vegetables.

Leafy Greens are incredibly nutrient rich vegetables that can add a healthy boost to your dog’s diet. Many dog food manufacturers now include these superfood ingredients to create the healthiest dog foods. Leafy Greens can also be feed directly to your dog as a treat to help bolster their nutrition. So regardless if they get their greens from their dog food or as a treat, leafy greens are a great food for dogs.