Most dogs love it when you offer them something different from their usual diet, and what could be better than healthy treats like veggies? But certain seemingly harmless vegetables can pose health risks to your beloved dog. For example, dogs can safely eat small amounts of bok choy, but you do need to take a few precautions if you decide to give this vegetable to your dog.
Let’s take a closer look at the benefits and risks of bok choy for dogs, along with a few tips for incorporating treats into your furry friend’s diet.
What Are the Health Benefits of Bok Choy?
Bok choy, a cruciferous vegetable from the Brassica family, has a host of health benefits for humans which our four-legged friends may benefit from too.
Bok choy is loaded with vitamins and minerals. Rich in vitamins C and K, it helps support the immune system and blood health.
It also contains vitamins A and B9 (folic acid), calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus.
It is packed with antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that can help protect cells against free radicals. Free radicals may play a part in the development of heart disease, cancer and other diseases.
This cruciferous vegetable is high in dietary fiber and low in calories: 1 cup of raw bok choy contains only 9 calories, making it an ideal treat for dogs that tend to gain weight easily.
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What Are the Cons of Bok Choy for Dogs?
May cause gas. Bok choy is a variety of cabbage that is in the same category as kale, Brussel sprouts, and broccoli. Some dogs may have difficulty digesting these high-fiber foodswhich can cause bloating and gas.
May present a choking hazard. Bok choy has long, fibrous leaves that some dogs can choke on, especially small pups and those that tend to gulp down their food.
Even if your pup doesn’t seem to have any digestive issues after ingesting bok choy, don’t make it a regular part of their diet. Keep in mind that treats (even nutritious ones) should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily food intake.
How to Give Bok Choy to Your Dog
Be sure to follow basic precautions if you choose to feed bok choy to your pup:
Wash it thoroughly to remove any chemical or pesticide residue.
If it’s raw, cut it into small pieces to avoid a choking hazard.
You can cook bok choy before giving it to your dog, but avoid adding seasonings. Certain seasonings, like onion and garlic, are toxic to dogs.
Image By: yuchinutrition, Pixabay
Tips for Incorporating Treats Into Your Dog’s Diet
Treats can be great training tools because they help create a positive association in your pet’s mind. You can also offer treats for the sole purpose of pleasing your dog, provided that you follow a few precautions:
Do not give them table scraps.
Choose treats specifically for dogs, such as chew bones, strips, or sticks rich in vitamins and minerals.
When in doubt, check the ASPCA’s list of toxic dog foods.
Ask your veterinarian for advice if your dog has special nutritional needs.
One of the main reasons to incorporate treats into your dog’s diet is to increase the chance that a specific behavior will occur. But you can also give your pet yummy food outside of training, as long as you don’t overdo it.
Conclusion
Bok choy is a delicious, low-calorie veggie that is rich in nutrients and antioxidants. But this cruciferous vegetable is also fibrous, which can sometimes upset a dog’s tummy and cause bloating and flatulence. So, if your dog is sensitive to high-fiber foods, it’s best to skip the bok choy and choose another, easier-to-digest option.
Genevieve is a science writer and biologist. Her deep love for capuchin monkeys, pumas, and kangaroos has taken her worldwide to work and volunteer for several wildlife rehabilitation centers in Bolivia, Guatemala, Canada, and Australia. As a Canadian expat, Genevieve now lives in Argentina, where she wakes up every morning to horses and cows saying hello from the vast plain next to her home office window. She is the proud mom of three rescued dogs, Lemmy, Nala, and Pochi, and a curious kitten, Furiosa. Having the privilege of sharing her knowledge and passion for animals of all kinds is what makes her fulfilled and happy.
