As a pet-parent, you're sure to have searched whether some foods are safe for your pets to consume before letting them indulge. So, because a lot of sites say many different things oftentimes, it can become quite stressful trying to find the right balance between foods to give your pets the best home-cooked meals.
At Ugaoo, we believe in the beauty of everything organic. So, when it comes to our pets, why wouldn't we want to give them the best? So, here are 10 produce plants that are beneficial for your pets!
• Pets and Plants: 10 Produce Plants That Benefit Your Pets
1. Broccoli
Moderation is key for everything. So, when feeding your dog homegrown produce, remember that things are good when given in small amounts. Broccoli is highly beneficial for dogs and even cats.
If you have a vegetable outdoor or kitchen garden, Broccoli is a great option to grow as it is safe for pets - namely cats and dogs - upon consumption and provides them with a myriad of benefits. It boosts immune system, can prevent cancer, soothes stomach issues, and even protects against heart diseases. It is also safe to let your furry babies wander around the plant as it does not contain any harmful or toxic parts.
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2. Carrots
Another great addition to your home garden of pet friendly plants can be carrot. With Vitamin A present in them, carrots can boost and enhance your pet's vision. They provide a plethora of other benefits for pets while also being a great addition for the whole family, and a facilitator in your organic gardening process.
Carrots improve dental health also by removing any gunk or dirt that could be stuck in your pet's teeth. Got a fussy fur-baby that doesn't let you brush their teeth? Carrots have you covered with their teeth cleaning properties that also strengthen their teeth. Regular carrot consumption can also reduce cholesterol levels.
Buy Carrot Seeds
3. Bell Peppers
While all colors of bell peppers are non-toxic to pets, the red and yellow ones are specifically beneficial. When it comes to dog, the best kind of bell peppers to feel them are the red ones as they contain the highest levels of antioxidants and vitamins.
Red bell peppers can also be slightly sweeter than yellow capsicum and the green ones, but since cats lack a sweet taste receptor, it will hardly matter to them! However, all colors of capsicum are good for your cats and dogs, and the plants are thus also not harmful to them.
However, do not keep this plant easily accessible to your pets as the pepper plant consists of parts that can be toxic to pets.
Buy Capsicum Seeds
4. Oranges
Another plant that can produce parts toxic to dogs and cats is the orange plant. So, if you have super curious fur-babies, you should probably avoid growing these in your personal garden or you should grow them out of reach of their exploring paws.
While citrus fruits like oranges are good for dogs, they are toxic to and thus harmful for cats. So, remember to not allow your cat to indulge in citrus fruits. However, for dogs, these fruits offer a variety of benefits. Oranges are low in sodium and high in fiber. They also contain high amounts of vitamin C which means they boost dogs' immune systems. When given in moderation, like 2-3 segments per day, oranges make for great, nutritious snacks for dogs!
5. Cucumber
With its wonderful, soothing vegetables, the Cucumber plant offers a myriad of benefits and doubles as a pet friendly plant for your home garden. This means, you can grow your own cucumber plant and reap its benefits.
Cucumbers are also beneficial not just for dogs, but also for cats. When fed in moderation daily, these watery vegetables can provide various benefits. Cucumber is rich in manganese which helps keep your pet's bones and joints healthy. The main benefit of cucumber, however, is the amount of water they contain, while also providing additional vitamins and minerals.
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6. Pumpkin
Whether raw or cooked, Pumpkin is safe for dogs to consume, provided you cut them up into pieces that eliminate choking hazards. But the plant produces leaves that are rather prickly and can cause issues if ingested. So, apply the same logic as with orange plants to this one.
Pumpkin is a great source of a myriad of vitamins and minerals. Containing vitamins like A, C, and E, and a bunch of other minerals like potassium and iron, Pumpkin becomes a great food to feed your pets. For both cats and dogs, it acts as a natural laxative while simultaneously working well for animals with diarrhea.
Buy Red Pumpkin Seeds
7. Basil
A herb that works really well for cats and dogs is basil. Known for its various culinary uses, this human food doubles as a great addition to pet food as well. This leafy herb is a safe and pet friendly plant, which means that even if your pets' curious paws find these plants, there will be no adverse effects.
Basil contains antioxidants that work to potentially avoid serious illnesses like cancer. It is also anti-inflammatory and rich in vitamins like A, K, and C.
Buy Basil Seeds
8. Ginger
The ginger plant is generally safe for dogs and cats as it does not produce any harmful toxins, which means that you can safely grow it in your home garden as a pet friendly plant.
Ginger offers various health benefits to cats and dogs. Its anti-inflammatory properties can alleviate joint pain, making it beneficial for pets with arthritis. Additionally, ginger aids digestion, reduces nausea, and may alleviate motion sickness. Its antioxidant content supports overall immune health and all these properties can be extracted when you give your pets ginger in moderation.
9. Coriander
Another addition to pet friendly indoor plants (or even outdoor) is coriander. This culinary herb can be a great addition in moderation for your pets.
Coriander provides health benefits for cats and dogs with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It aids digestion, alleviates gastrointestinal issues, and can help manage symptoms of arthritis. Rich in vitamins and minerals, coriander promotes overall well-being in pets.
Buy Coriander Seeds
10. Rosemary
Another herb considered non-toxic for pets is Rosemary. While your pets may not necessarily stray to a Rosemary while exploring, its still important to know that this plant is fully pet friendly, so Rosemary plants and pet are a go if you're planning to grow the herb!
Rosemary benefits cats and dogs with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, promoting overall health. It may improve digestion, alleviate respiratory issues, and act as a natural flea deterrent. The herb's antimicrobial qualities can support oral health, while its rich aroma stimulates mental alertness. When used in moderation, incorporating rosemary into pet diets or grooming routines enhances their well-being.
