Can I Feed My Basset Hound Vegetables? (Yes, and no)

I have been around basset hounds for over a decade. My basset hound is 6 years old. Before I got my first basset hound, I asked around what kind of food they eat. I didn’t know if I should only feed my basset hound with dog food. I wanted to feed my basset hound with vegetables, but I wanted to make sure that it was a healthy choice.

I knew that there is no way all vegetables are okay for a basset hound, so I did research on which vegetables are okay and which are not. I really didn’t want to feed my basset hound with something that could make him sick.

After my detailed research, here is what I found out.

Can I Feed My Basset Hound Vegetables?

You can feed your basset hound with vegetables, but not all vegetables are healthy for them. Basset hounds are natural carnivores and their digestive system is different from that of a human. Feeding them the wrong kind of vegetables will have a negative effect on their health.

Feeding your basset hound with vegetables can lead to health problems if done too often. We as humans see asparagus, broccoli, green beans, and carrots as healthy, but it might not be the case for our pets. As I said before, basset hounds are natural carnivores and their primary diet is meat. Their body registers meat as healthy food.

Adding vegetables to their diet should be done occasionally to ensure they are as healthy as possible throughout their life. Some basset hounds enjoy eating vegetables, some don’t. My first basset hound got vegetables as treats and he loved them, the second one not so much. However, there are some vegetables that they shouldn’t eat.

For all of the health-conscious dog owners out there, make sure you are feeding your basset hound the meat they need and add just a little bit of vegetables to its daily diet. You can use vegetables as treats, but do not make it their primary diet.

Basset Hounds are carnivores which means their primary diet is and should be meat.

Being carnivores means that their digestive system reacts differently when they are fed vegetables. It doesn’t necessarily mean that if you feed your basset hound with a lot of vegetables it will get sick. But, it can cause belching and excessive flatulence which can be uncomfortable for the dog.

Keeping safe vegetables to a minimum is probably the best option.

What Vegetables Are Not Healthy To Feed My Basset Hound

There are a lot of vegetables that are NOT okay to feed your basset hound. It is best if you keep these vegetables out of your dog’s reach to prevent them from eating them.

These vegetables can cause problems in the digestive system which can lead to other serious health issues.

Asparagus

Although raw asparagus is healthy for humans, it can be quite challenging for your basset hound’s digestive system. Asparagus is a hardy vegetable and when cooked, it becomes stringy and can still cause issues in the digestive system.

Not all basset hounds will have issues with asparagus. So, you can try and give them a very small piece of asparagus and see if they have any issues. If all goes fine, you can feed your basset hound asparagus on occasion.

Mushrooms

If your basset hound accidentally eats a wild mushroom, it is very important that you take them to the vet immediately. Consuming wild poisonous mushrooms can be devastating for both humans and basset hounds.

You can feed your basset hound with mushrooms from the grocery store, but I would suggest you do it in small amounts.

Onions

Vegetables of the Allium family are toxic to basset hounds. These vegetables include chive, garlic, leek, onion, and are harmful to basset hounds. 

If your basset hound eats onions, it can cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and in some cases diarrhea. Apart from the discomfort your basset hound might feel, there is a chance for more devastating health issues. Usually, the red blood cells get destroyed.

Please avoid feeding your basset hound with onions, no matter if they are raw or cooked.

What Vegetables Are Okay For My Basset Hound?

Luckily, there are a lot of vegetables that are healthy for your basset hound:

Basset Hounds can safely eat broccoli

Basset Hounds can safely eat broccoli. Broccoli has many benefits for bassets, such as a high Vitamin C content not found in commercial dog food. While some dogs enjoy a bite of the nutritious vegetable now and then, for basset hounds – as with any other breed – it is important to feed them in moderation.

As with any food given to your pet, always check with your veterinarian beforehand and make sure there is no sign of gastrointestinal upset after eating broccoli. If you decide to give your basset hound a bit of this crunchy green, introduce a small amount at first and increase the portion size based on the dog’s reactions.

With the right precautions, allowing your furry friend to nosh on one of nature’s powerhouses is perfectly safe.

Brussels Sprouts/Cabbage

Brussels sprouts and cabbage are great healthy treats for a basset hound. Just make sure you chop them into small pieces. They contain antioxidants which are great for basset hounds because they tend to get overweight easily.

Carrots are great for Basset Hounds

Carrots can be a healthy treat for Basset Hounds because they are rich in antioxidants and beta-carotene which helps promote their eye health. Plus, their crunchy texture makes them great for promoting dental health.

As with any treat, moderation is key in order to maintain a healthy diet for your pup. Carrots contain some essential vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for all dogs, such as fiber, calcium, and provitamin A.

This vegetable can even help to clean your dog’s teeth by providing natural scraping action against plaque buildup on the surface of their teeth. However, it is important to make sure that you cut carrots into small enough pieces so your pup won’t choke.

Offering carrots as a special treat can be an excellent way to show your basset hound some extra love and provide them some necessary nutrients for good health.

Celery

Celery is a great vegetable that you can feed your basset hound with. Apart from having vitamins A, B, and C, celery also acts as a breath freshener. Make sure to remove the strings because your basset hound won’t enjoy that part.

Green Beans

Your basset hound might not love green beans, but they are certainly very healthy for them. If they do enjoy green beans, you can add a tablespoon of cooked green beans.

Peas

Peas contain a lot of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals which makes them a healthy snack or treat for your basset hound. But not all basset hounds fancy peas. You will notice this if they empty the bowl leaving only the peas. In that case, find some other healthy vegetables.

I Grow My Own Vegetables, Are The Plants Toxic For My Basset Hound

If you are growing your own vegetables, you should definitely put a fence high enough to keep your basset hound out because some plants are very dangerous for your dog. If your basset hound eats a potato plant (not the actual potato) it can cause serious issues in the digestive system. Other vegetables(fungi) like mushrooms, onions, and other vegetables from the Allium family are considered to be toxic for your basset hound.