We all know that having a well-balanced diet is the key to a healthy body. It applies to all living organisms, including us, animals, and plant lives. While nutrition can differ in each organism, humans and animals are so similar that we often feed what we eat to them! The best example of an animal eating similar meals as us is dogs.
As a dog owner, feeding and keeping our furry friend healthy as much as possible is our top priority. We buy them premium dry foods, treats, and even supplements. Others may prefer making homemade meals for their lovely pups consisting of different types of food like meat, vegetables, and sometimes fruits.
One particular vegetable for dogs is often questioned by many, and that is the cauliflower. Are they safe to feed our pups? If so, what nutritionally value can a dog get from it? In this article, I will briefly explain cauliflower, what it does to your dog, the nutritional value, and the foods that are harmful to them.
Dr Marty Pets is a well-known provider of pet supplements, alongside companies like Ultimate Pet Nutrition, which offers the “Nutra Thrive” supplement. Pets are our greatest friends. They’re always with us, good cuddlers, provide endless amusement and entertainment, and never let us down. It’s only natural that we repay them by doing all we can to give them the best possible care. Dr Marty Pets products are available in the market with high-quality food for their health. This nutrient combination supports your dog’s health from nose to tail.
All About The Cauliflower
Cauliflower is one of several vegetables belonging to the Brassica oleracea species. The inflorescence meristem (read more), also known as the “flower” or “curd” of the head, is the edible part of the vegetable. Inflorescence means a cluster of flowers composed of a complicated arrangement of branches.
Nutritional Values Of Cauliflowers
The raw cauliflower is composed of water, taking 92% of it. Others include proteins occupying 2%, carbohydrates take 6%, and a negligible amount of fats. Every 100 grams of raw cauliflower provides 25 kilocalories of food energy. They also give a lot of fiber, Vitamin C, moderate amounts of Vitamin B complex and Vitamin K, and small amounts of dietary minerals.
Are They Good For Your Dogs?
Now that we know the basic information about cauliflowers, it is time to answer the questions. First, can dogs eat cauliflower raw? Well, yes, in fact, the nutritional values are not degraded when eaten raw, as long as you wash them thoroughly and offer them in small amounts. Cooked cauliflowers are also safe for them with the exchange of some nutrients. Nonetheless, it is great food for your dog!
Are they harmful to your dog? Well, yes, in a perspective of giving them too much of it. The cauliflowers are safe to eat in moderate amounts. It can also be harmful if not prepared properly, like not cutting and removing the thick stems. The thick stems can choke your dog, so please be careful.
How You Normally Prepare And Cook Them
You can cook them by boiling, roasting, grilling, and steaming. You can also make pickles of it or eat them raw if preferred. Cauliflowers are a great alternative for rice, which shares similar nutritional values. They are also gluten-free and make them a popular food alternative.
When preparing it for dogs, make sure to discard the thick stem. The leaves are safe to eat and have some extra nutrients from them. Do not feed your dog with frozen, canned, and pickled cauliflowers. It can make them very sick. Also, take note of the foods that are toxic to dogs so you would not mix them with the cauliflower recipes while making homemade dog food.
Toxic Ingredients For Dogs That You Might Mix In With Your Recipes:
- Garlic
- Onion
- Mushrooms; and
- Raisins
- Plenty of salt
Benefits They Can Enjoy
Besides the nutrition they can get, dogs can enjoy several benefits that improve their well-being. Here is a list of benefits they can enjoy!
- Antioxidants
- Reduced Inflammations
- Low-calorie intake
- Healthier stomach
3. Lastly, add the olive oil and allow them to cool off before dividing into freezer-safe containers.
Nutritional Requirements For Dogs 
The nutritional requirements for dogs differ from each breed. The basis for their food requirements is their age, size (link: https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/feeding-your-adult-dog-faq#2), and how much they exercise each day. Fortunately, food charts are floating around the internet and pet food labels. Here is an example of a chart to give you an idea about how many calories they can consume each day according to their weight.
- 5 lbs = 185 – 235 calories/day
- 10 lbs = 305 – 390 calories/day
- 15 lbs = 415 – 530 calories/day
- 20 lbs = 515 – 650 calories/day
- 25 lbs = 600 – 780 calories/day
- 30 lbs = 700 – 900 calories/day
- 40 lbs = 860 – 1100 calories/day
- 50 lbs = 1020 – 1300 calories/day
Another Dog Food Recipe With Cauliflower
This recipe is composed of a complete balance of fat, protein, and carbohydrates perfect for your furry best friend. It has a prep time of about 10 minutes and a cooking time of 10 minutes, totaling 20 minutes! It sounds exciting so let us get into it.
Food Recipe Name: Turkey And Veggie Dog Food by Gale Compton
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 cup of cauliflower florets
- 1 cup diced green beans
- 2 lbs of lean ground turkey
- two coarsely chopped medium carrots
- two tablespoons of finely diced chicken liver
- two tablespoons of olive oil
Instructions:
1. Add 1 ½ cup of water into a double boiler. Place the vegetables in a steamer basket over the pot, then cover. Heat until you see it boil, reduce heat to a low boil and continue to steam until the vegetables are tender. That should be around 10 minutes on the clock!
2. While the veggies are steaming, cook the turkey and the liver in a large skillet on medium heat until done. Drain the fat or oil and discard it before serving. Chop the veggies or use a food processor and add them to the cooked turkey and liver.
3. Lastly, add the olive oil and allow them to cool off before dividing into freezer-safe containers.
