Eat With Alphabets: Letter "B"
, by The Pet Belly, 8 min reading time
Let's Learn The Alphabet, Doggy Style!
Ever wondered what your dog can or cannot eat, especially from our Indian kitchens?
Our lists include fruit, vegetables, herbs, spices and grains to the best of our knowledge. Wherever in doubt of a food's suitability for a dog, it has been mentioned.
It's important to feed your dogs fresh and natural, but while knowing the pros and cons of every food item!
1. Bananas
- Benefits: Bananas are a great source of potassium, vitamins B6 and C, and fiber. They help support heart health, muscle function, and digestive health in dogs.
- Precautions: Bananas are high in sugar, so they should be given in moderation. Too many bananas can cause constipation, especially in dogs with sensitive stomachs.
2. Barley
- Benefits: Barley is a whole grain that provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It supports digestion, heart health, and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Precautions: Barley should be cooked before feeding, as raw barley is difficult for dogs to digest. It’s also high in carbohydrates, so it should be fed in moderation to prevent weight gain or when given to dog breeds sensitive to weight gain.
3. Basil
- Benefits: Basil is rich in antioxidants, vitamin K, and essential oils. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with digestion and skin health.
Precautions: Basil should be used in moderation. While it’s safe for dogs in small amounts, too much basil may cause digestive upset or kidney irritation in some dogs. Always feed fresh basil and avoid any processed versions with added chemicals.
4. Bay Leaves (for flavoring) (Tejpatta)
- Benefits: Bay leaves can add flavor when making homemade meals . They have mild anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
- Precautions: Never feed bay leaves directly to your dog. While used in cooking, the leaves themselves are not safe for dogs to ingest because they are sharp and can cause choking or digestive irritation. Remove the leaves from their food before feeding.
5. Beef
- Benefits: Beef is an excellent source of protein, iron, and zinc, which support muscle development, energy, and immune function. It's also rich in essential amino acids.
- Precautions: Beef should be fed in moderation, as it can be high in fat, which can contribute to obesity or digestive issues. Choose lean cuts and remove any bones before feeding to prevent choking hazards.
6. Beetroot
- Benefits: Beets are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins A and C, which support liver health, digestion, and immune function. They also help regulate blood pressure and improve circulation in dogs.
- Precautions: Beets can cause an upset stomach in some dogs due to their high fiber content. It's best to cook beets and serve them in small amounts to avoid digestive issues.
7. Bitter Gourd (Karela)
- Benefits: Bitter gourd is low in calories and high in antioxidants, which help with detoxification and blood sugar regulation. It may also have some anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Precautions: Bitter gourd has a very strong taste and can be difficult for dogs to tolerate. It should be served in small amounts, and some dogs may experience digestive upset. Always cook it before serving.
8. Blueberries
- Benefits: Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and fiber. They support immune health, help fight free radicals (which can cause cancer), and improve cognitive function.
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Precautions: Blueberries are low in sugar but should still be given in moderation to avoid any digestive upset. Overfeeding can cause stomach issues or diarrhea.
In case you dog doesn't like fresh Blueberries (like our dog!), you can find treats infused with fresh Blueberries from FSSAI certified companies on The Pet Belly website. Click Here to get straight to Blueberries!
9. Bread (Home-made or Dog Friendly)
- Benefits: Plain, non-yeast bread can be a fun treat for dogs. It provides carbohydrates and small amounts of fiber.
- Precautions: Avoid bread with added sugars, salt, or raisins (which are toxic to dogs). Bread should be served in moderation because it’s high in carbohydrates and can contribute to weight gain if overfed.
10. Broccoli
- Benefits: Broccoli is high in fiber, vitamin C, and calcium, and it supports immune health, digestion, and bone health. It's a low-calorie, nutrient-dense vegetable.
- Precautions: Feeding too much broccoli can cause gastrointestinal issues like gas or bloating. It should be served in small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking. Some dogs may have a sensitivity to cruciferous vegetables, so watch for signs of discomfort.
11. Brown Rice
- Benefits: Brown rice is a whole grain that provides a good source of fiber and B vitamins, supporting digestive health, energy levels, and heart health.
- Precautions: Brown rice should be cooked before feeding to your dog, as raw rice can be hard to digest. Also, too much rice can lead to weight gain, so serve it in moderation.
12. Bulgur Wheat (Dalia)
- Benefits: Bulgur is a whole grain that's high in fiber, B vitamins, and minerals, which support digestion, heart health, and overall energy.
- Precautions: Bulgur should be cooked before feeding to your dog. Some dogs may have sensitivities to grains, so introduce it gradually and monitor for any signs of gastrointestinal distress.
13. Butternut Squash
- Benefits: Butternut squash is rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber. It supports eye health, boosts the immune system, and aids digestion.
- Precautions: Butternut squash should be cooked and served in small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking. The skin can be tough, so it’s best to remove it. Some dogs may experience gas or diarrhea if fed too much squash.
Always feed new foods in moderation, and avoid any added salts, sugars, or harmful additives. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian to ensure these foods are safe and suitable for your dog’s unique dietary needs or get in touch with us at https://thepetbelly.com