As summer winds down and gardens across the Pacific Northwest hit their peak, many of us are harvesting more veggies than we can use. The good news? Some of these garden goodies double as powerful health boosters for your dog! Antioxidants - those natural compounds that help fight cell damage, strengthen immunity, and support aging, are actually just as important for pups as they are for us.

What Are Antioxidants (and Why Dogs Need Them)

Antioxidants protect your dog’s body from free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells over time. This damage contributes to aging, inflammation, and even disease. By adding antioxidant-rich foods to your dog’s diet, you’re giving them some extra tools to stay healthy and resilient.

Dog-Safe Garden Veggies Packed with Antioxidants

Here are some seasonal favorites your dog can safely enjoy:

• Carrots – Crunchy, sweet, and great for eye health and dental benefits.

• Green peppers – Loaded with vitamin C and perfect for a hydrating snack.

• Broccoli – High in fiber and helps support detox pathways in the body.

• Ripe red tomatoes – In moderation, they’re a source of lycopene. (Never feed green or unripe tomatoes.)

• Kale – Rich in calcium, iron, and immune-boosting nutrients.

• Squash – Gentle on the digestive system and packed with beta carotene.

• Green beans – A crunchy, low-calorie snack full of fiber. Serve raw, steamed, or cooked plain.

• Beets – Rich in vitamins and minerals, but high in natural sugar. Best served cooked and in small amounts.

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How to Serve Them Safely

Dogs don’t need fancy prep! Offer veggies raw in small pieces for crunch, or lightly steam them to make digestion easier. Keep it simple always serve them plain. Skip the butter, oil, or seasonings. A few small bites are enough to add a nutrient punch without upsetting their tummy.

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Frozen Treat Ideas: Pop carrot sticks, green beans, or small cubes of squash in the freezer for a crunchy, cooling snack on warm days. You can also steam and mash safe veggies, then spoon them into an ice cube tray with a little water or low sodium bone broth. They are perfect for pups who like licking ice cubes.

🚫 Garden Foods to Avoid for Dogs

While many veggies are safe, some common garden harvests can be harmful for your pup. Watch out for:

• Onions – Toxic even in small amounts.
• Unripe or green tomatoes – Contain solanine, which can upset the digestive system.
• Grapes & raisins – Can cause kidney failure in dogs.
• Fruit pits & seeds (apples, peaches, plums, cherries) – Risk of choking and contain trace toxins.
• Corn cobs – Dogs love to chew them, but they can cause dangerous blockages.
• Mushrooms (wild) – Some varieties are highly toxic.

When in doubt, stick with the safe list: carrots, green peppers, broccoli, ripe red tomatoes, kale, and squash.

Wrapping Up

This harvest season, let your pup share in the garden bounty. Antioxidant-rich veggies add color, crunch, and health benefits to their bowl. They’ll love being part of the family feast.

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Which garden snack is your dog’s favorite? Share it with us! We’d love to hear or better yet, send a photo!

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