Gardening for dogs

May Long Weekend is past, our snow from said long weekend is now gone as well. This made me think of all the gardeners out there itching to get some plants growing for the fall harvest. For those who planted already hope the ones you put in before the snow are all okay.

For those of you who love to grow but run out of people to feed, don't forget the dogs! Granted some dogs might be less than enthralled that you grew them some veggies (mine come to mind here) but others might be thrilled. For those of you feeding raw or home cooked foods this is a good way to stock up on veggies to save yourselves a few buck in the winter when veggies are expensive, long distance travelers.

So what veggies should you be growing for these canines? Here are a few choices that I would opt for myself but this list is anything less than exhaustive.

Pumpkins - yes and lots of them, its great for loose bowels brought on by any number of things dogs might get into.

Zucchini - a great and productive plant and a nice fibre-y veg to add to a mix.

Carrots - many dogs like these as treats - Caramel says they're crazy.

Lettuce - any type will do, less so the iceberg variety and I might avoid the salad mixes as some of the more bitter and pungent greens could make for a reluctant pooch.

Beets - not so much beets for the dog but beet greens are great, if you don't take them all for yourself, but c'mon, you've already got the beets for you, give a little something to the canine!

That was just a small list of possible options - now a few caveats - do not, under any circumstances, feed onions to your dog. Also keep in mind that some veggies are better for them lightly cooked, eg steamed beet greens. It doesn't need to be much but it will help them digest some of the fibre and breaks down some of the anti-nutrients in the plant material.

Any questions about specific vegetables you might want to try just send us a message!