Author: Natalie Szymiczek
With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, you can feel the buzz for all things green building up. From parades to shamrock decorations, the excitement is contagious and the festivities are kicking into high gear. But why should humans have all the fun?
This St. Patrick’s Day, let’s include our beloved furry companions in the celebration with a delightful array of green foods and treats tailored just for them. From nutritious snacks to delectable chews, we’ve created a list of canine-friendly delights that will have your dog leaping for joy like a leprechaun.
Green Foods That Are Safe for Your Dog
Here’s the good news: unlike the green foods humans typically consume on St. Patrick’s Day, like doughnuts with green frosting and perhaps a green beer, the green foods listed below are both safe and healthy for dogs. Here’s some ideas to serve individually, or perhaps all together in a chow-cuterie board:
Green beans: Plain, cooked green beans are a healthy and safe option for dogs. They're low in calories and rich in vitamins. Make sure they do not have any seasonings, and if you use canned, make sure they do not have any salt, garlic, or onions.
Spinach: Spinach is safe for dogs in moderation. It's a good source of vitamins and minerals, but should be fed in small amounts due to its oxalic acid content. It is best served steamed, as raw spinach is hard for dogs to digest.
Zucchini: Cooked or raw zucchini slices are safe for dogs and provide them with additional fiber and nutrients. Again, make sure that you are serving it plain and without any oils or seasonings.
Peas: Plain, cooked peas can be a tasty and safe treat for dogs. They're rich in vitamins and minerals.
Cucumber: Slices of cucumber are low in calories and also delicious! They can be a refreshing treat, especially on warmer days. Some dogs really like the crunchy texture of cucumber, while others pass on it. You won’t know until you try!1
Broccoli: Broccoli florets, in small amounts, can be a healthy addition to your dog's diet. Make sure to cook it lightly to aid in digestion.
Celery: Celery sticks can be a crunchy and low-calorie snack for dogs. Just be sure to cut them into appropriate sizes to prevent choking.
Apples: Green apple slices are safe for dogs and can offer them a sweet and crunchy treat. Make sure to remove any seeds first.
Homemade St. Patrick’s Day Dog Treat
Another fun option is to let your creativity soar with homemade dog treats! Check out the recipe below for a fun and tasty DIY treat.
St. Pawtrick's Day Shamrock Dog Treats
Ingredients:
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1/2 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato (substitute with pureed green beans or spinach for a green color!)
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (with no xylitol)
- 1 tablespoon pure honey
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the oat flour, mashed sweet potato, peanut butter, honey, and cinnamon (if using). Mix well until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, you can add a splash of water or more puree to moisten it.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Use shamrock-shaped cookie cutters to cut out treats
Place the treats on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the treats are golden brown and firm to the touch.
Remove from the oven and cool completely before letting your dog chow down!
What NOT to Feed Your Dog on St. Patrick’s Day
There are several foods that are NOT safe for dogs to digest and can be harmful to their health.
- Grapes and raisins, even in small amounts, can cause kidney failure in dogs.
- Onions and garlic can lead to anemia by damaging red blood cells.
- Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in some sugar-free products, can cause hypoglycemia and liver failure in dogs.
- Avocado, particularly the pit and peel, can be toxic to dogs and cause gastrointestinal upset.
- Macadamia nuts can lead to weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs.
St. Patrick’s Day Dog Bones and Chews
Okay, so they might not be completely green in color, but these all-natural chews contain green ingredients and are completely natural, making them the perfect treat for St. Patrick’s Day!Natural Farm Natbones offer a delightful combination of a chewy protein exterior with a rich blend of superfoods inside.
Chicken Natbones contain superfoods like broccoli, sweet potato, and chia seeds, which makes them great for brain and skin health. If your pup doesn't fancy plain broccoli, they might find the taste and texture of Natbones more appealing!
Beef Natbones contain a superfood filling of spinach, flaxseed, and carrots, which support both brain health and muscle function. Don't worry if your pup isn't keen on a plate of steamed spinach—many humans share that sentiment! By combining it with other delectable ingredients and crafting it into a dual-texture chew, dogs will be hooked!
In traditional Irish culture, braids symbolize good luck and can be seen adorning everything from clothing and jewelry to Celtic artwork and architecture. LUCKILY, Natural Farm has several braided dog chews that bring a touch of Irish charm to your furry friend's chew session.
Braided Bully Sticks contain three bully sticks braided together, and are the perfect long-lasting chew for vigorous chewers.
Braided Collagen Sticks are made from all-natural beef skin, and contain 95% collagen for skin, coat, and joint health. Keep your dog busy (and away from leprechaun traps) with these long-lasting chews!
Visit our store page today to discover the variety of all-natural dog bones, treats, and chews, guaranteed to keep tails wagging on St. Patrick’s Day.
