Good eats

I have always advised against giving people food to our pets, largely because it is too easy to seriously abuse this nutritional source and also because it often creates behavioral problems such as begging and counter surfing. However, some recent experiences have caused me to modify my opinions.

Recommended at Junior's last vet visit, lately I have been adding ¼ cup of either cooked or fresh vegetables to his twice-daily daily meals to introduce fresh vitamins and nutrients into his diet. This suggestion falls on the heels of two interesting articles in the most recent issues of Bark Magazine, which listed a number of foods readily available from the supermarket that provide a nutritious supplement to your dog's regular fare.

Be advised, none of these items stand alone as a complete and balanced offering, and if your dog has either special health or weight issues, you should first consult your vet before introducing them. Obviously, you don't want to throw in everything at once, so start by adding in small amounts to see what your pooch likes and if it agrees with his digestion, then vary your offerings as a supplement to regular food. Listed here are several choices recommended by Roschelle Heuberger, PhD, RD, author of the Bark articles.

Pumpkin- One of my personal favorites. Pumpkin is good for both digestion, diarrhea and as a nutritious filler for that fat dog. It is low in calories and high in soluble fiber. Select canned pumpkin, which is pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and salt.

Carrots- A terrific snack that most dogs love, carrots are heavy in carotenoids, fiber, Vitamins C, K and B and minerals. Introduce slowly. A crunchy treat raw, you can also soak lightly steamed carrots in chicken broth to increase their appeal.

Sweet Potato- Excellent source of nutrients, sweet potato is showing up more frequently as an ingredient in commercially prepared canine foods and treats. High in carotenoids, Vitamin C, pyridoxine, potassium, fiber, magnesium and essential minerals, copper, iron and manganese. Boil, then mash with a little good quality oil.

Banana- High in potassium, fiber, magnesium and B6, bananas also contain Vitamin C. Mash up a little and mix with regular food. The smell might be a turn off for some dogs.

Yogurt- Active cultures provide a source of other nutrients and B vitamins and may improve gut function. Add a dollop of non-fat yogurt to food.

Rutabaga- Related to the turnip, rutabagas have high levels of Vitamin C, potassium and cartenoids and aid immune system function. Good boiled, then mashed and add a little safflower or olive oil to jazz it up.

Flaxseeds- Known for their benefits to skin, coat, bone and brain function, flaxseed is also high in fiber and minerals. Most conveniently used as an oil, add a teaspoon to food to increase nutrient density.

Salmon- The Omega-3 fatty acids are excellent for skin, coat and brain function. Get enough for dinner to add some cooked tidbits to your dog's meal. Also available as an oil.

Blueberries- Available year-round fresh or frozen, blueberries contain potent antioxidants and also supply Vitamins C, E, manganese and fiber. Blueberries are also a popular addition to treats and commercial diets. Best used in small quantities.

Rosemary- Aromatic mint relative that many of us keep on our windowsills during the winter, rosemary provides some fiber, iron and calcium. Add minced needles to food.

Swiss Chard- Chard belongs to the same family as beets and spinach and has lots of nutrients with the potential to maintain bone health, blood vessel integrity, eye health and immune function. Offer blanched, chopped chard mixed with a bit of good olive oil.

Cranberries- An excellent source of Vitamin C, fiber and manganese, they also contain Vitamin K and phytochemicals beneficial to the urinary tract. When fresh they are quite tart and are best mixed with banana or ripe papaya.

Papaya- This tropical fruit contains papain, an enzyme often used as a meat tenderizer because it assists in the breakdown of protein and as such is considered to be a digestive aid. Scoop out a ripe papaya and serve as a snack, avoiding the edible but peppery seeds.

Parsley- Freshens breath but also has Vitamins C, K, B, carotenoids, iron and limonene, which kills bad mouth bacteria. Chop fresh and mix small amount with food.

Green Beans- Junior loves raw green beans and he always gets tossed one or two during the snapping process. Blanching preserves nutrients and makes for easier digestion. Excellent source of Vitamins K, C and B, fiber, carotenoids and minerals.

Sardines- Contains protein, amino acid tryptophan, Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamins B12, B3, D and A. Choose the low-sodium, water-packed variety. Discard obvious bones and mash well before adding. I

Jan Jaeger is owner of Geronimo's, Ltd., Nantucket's pet supply and gift shop, and is a member of DWAA and CWA (Dog and Cat Writer's Associations of America). Her pets at home are Junior, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever and Miz Edna kitty. At the shop are the cats, Messrs. Fish and Chips, Flower bunny and three budgies. Send e-mail to jan@geronimos.com.