WHY GIVE YOUR DOG AN EDIBLE GARDEN?
Dogs enrich our lives so much. For everything they do for us, they deserve the best care. Nothing matters more than wholesome food for their well-being, and that is why fresh fruits and vegetables are a must! Here are 3 key points you need to ponder when planning a pet-friendly vegetable garden:
- The type of vegetables that are bad and good for your dogs
- The right choice of fertilizers and compost
- A safe garden design to avoid accidents
GROW A DOG-FRIENDLY GARDEN
In this article, you will learn how to manage these 3 important key points to create your dog-friendly garden.
Ok, let’s do it!
- MAKING SURE YOUR GARDEN IS NON-TOXIC
This is crucial! You want to check your garden for any toxic plants. If you grow any plants that may be harmful for your dog, make sure that the area is fenced and not accessible to your dog. Only growing non-toxic plants is recommended because you can never be fully sure that your dog won’t get access at some point (we all know how mischievous our furry friends can be!).
The ASPCA offers a list of toxic and non-toxic plants for your dog. Here are some examples of toxic plants:
- Grapes
- Avocados
- Tomato greens
- Onions
- Garlic
- Mushrooms
Grapes, raisins, and mushrooms are extremely harmful for your dog, as they can cause severe stomach issues and kidney damage if eaten. The skin, pit and leaves of avocados contain a toxin, persin, which causes diarrhea and vomiting in dogs. Dogs are fond of onions and garlic, but they are very dangerous. Consumption of these can cause vomiting, diarrhea and most importantly can rupture the red blood cells of your dog. Red tomatoes are safe for dogs; however, the leaves and green unripe tomatoes contain solanine, a toxic substance that will make them sick. As mentioned above, you can find the full list of poisonous plants on the ASPCA site. Be careful with what you grow, as there are many fruits and vegetables that are nutritious for us but terrible for our dogs.
Examples of dog-friendly fruits and vegetables are:
- Butternut squash
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Apples
- Zucchini
- Green Beans
- Spinach
- Watermelon
- Berries
Fortunately, there is a large list of fruits and veggies that are good for your pooch. Watermelon is a tasty treat for your pup that is packed with vitamins and potassium. Make sure to remove the seeds and rind. Watermelon contains almost all water making it an excellent way to keep your dog hydrated on those hot summer days. Your dog will love berries; they are high in fiber and full of vitamins and antioxidants! You can freeze or mash them into a paste and place in the fridge to give them a cool summer treat.
Raspberries are great for older dogs, as they contain anti-inflammatory properties that help with aging joints. However, they also have small amounts of xylitol. This is a sugar substitute that your dog’s pancreas will confuse with real sugar and release insulin to store it, making them weak and can potentially cause seizures. So, limit your pup to less than a cup of raspberries at each occasion. Green beans and spinach are full of iron and vitamins, but they are also high in oxalic acid, which blocks the body’s ability to absorb calcium if eaten in high amounts and can lead to kidney problems. Here is a link to some dog treats you can make with your home grown veggies: Fun Homemade Dog Treats
- ORGANIC IS ALWAYS BETTER
Whether you apply a spray-on or pelleted fertilizer, always check to see if the active ingredients are non-toxic and follow the instructions on the label.
Organic is always better. A common rule that applies not only to humans but is also true for dogs as well. By using organic fertilizers, composts and insect repellents you minimize the health risks for your pup greatly. These are usually plant or animal based.
It’s also possible to make your own natural and organic pesticides like salt sprays or citrus and cayenne pepper mix. The best way to get rid of mites and aphids is to spray your plants with a mix of canola oil, a few drops of liquid soap and water. The oil in the mixture will suffocate the bugs. If you have a rodent or rabbit problem the easiest solution is to soak a piece of cloth in peppermint oil and place them in the corners of your garden. Another natural way of protection is to add companion plants or to build a strong ecosystem in your yard. When you improve your soil, your plants will automatically become stronger, healthier and more resistant against pests and diseases.
- CHOOSE A SAFE DESIGN
Apart from choosing non-toxic plants, it may also help to put a fence around your garden to keep your dog out. This will protect both your carefully planted garden and your dog from either overeating or from eating parts of plants they shouldn’t eat.
If your space doesn’t allow for a fence, an alternative would be to hang pots or place containers on a stand where your dog can’t reach them. This is important for larger, active and curious dogs such as German Shepherds. These dogs can sometimes go on a “digging mission”. The result will make your garden look like a tornado just hit! The solution is a simple, cheap but effective chicken wire fence around the garden. For some dogs that is sufficient, but if yours is more mischievous you may need sturdier materials.
CONTAINERS OR RAISED BEDS
For dogs who can’t resist digging, container gardening is a great choice. This also limits your need for using weed and pest killers. The best solution would be to elevate or strategically place it in a way that your dog has less access. Raised beds are a terrific idea, they are an excellent way to grow vegetables as they make weed and pest control much easier as they clearly separate growing space from play space. Plus, with the additional use of chicken wire or other barriers you can achieve even better containment.
SELECT MATURE PLANTS
To ensure your dog doesn’t accidentally trample any seedlings, it might be worth the investment to purchase already matured plants. This is helpful for slow growing plants that are difficult to establish.
So, if your dog accidently happens to snap off a branch or two, the plants will most likely survive the next season. Larger plants also are more visual to dogs and they can’t easily overlook them when they chase a toy or squirrel.
MAKE YOUR GARDEN TIME PLAY TIME
As you spend more time outside, so will your dog. Try to keep them occupied with a chew toy or tennis ball when you garden. Now you are ready to start, and your dog will certainly be excited to see you working in the garden.
Enjoy ☺
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