15 Best Low Phosphorus Vegetables for Dogs

Phosphorous is a critical mineral in the maintenance of good canine bodily functions.

It is responsible for proper motor functions like chewing and walking, allows for energy transfer and storage, and helps with kidney health.

While phosphorous is a vital agent in a dog’s body, it is harmful to a pooch with kidney disease.

 Too much of it causes renal failure by calcifying the kidneys.

As more of it goes through the body, it causes micro-calcification of the tubules, ultimately depressing renal function.

 In some cases, phosphorous can cause fatal heart attacks.

If you have a doggie with kidney disease or kidney failure, your best bet is to feed him low-phosphorus foods. Learn more here: What to Feed a Dog with Kidney Failure Who Will Not Eat

Since it can be difficult to know which foods are best, here’s a list of 15 low-phosphorous vegetables.

1. Carrot

Carrot is the number one crunchy and delicious treat for our furry friends.

They are fun to chew on while packing a punch in terms of nutrition. The best part is that they are low in phosphorous.

Feel free to feed them to your dog raw, cooked, or canned. Just make sure to slice them into bite-size pieces first.

2. Celery

Raw or cooked celery is also a good vegetable option for a dog that doesn’t need a lot of phosphorous in its system.

Like carrots, celery stalks are crunchy and thus appealing to doggies.

Besides keeping your dog’s kidneys healthy, celery promotes his dental hygiene and adds water to his body.

3. Kale

Kale is a super vegetable for humans and dogs alike.

It offers a ton of benefits including fighting arthritis, heart disease, urinary tract infections, and allergies.

For a dog with kidney disease, kale makes sure the kidneys are not overwhelmed.

Feel free to add some dried or steamed kales to your doggie’s plate.

4. Cauliflower

Cauliflower is another vegetable with low levels of phosphorous.

 It is also safe for your dog in different preparation methods—roasted, riced, and raw, and steamed.

Cauliflower has antioxidants to help reduce inflammation making it great for dogs with joint pain.

5. Cabbage

Whether it is green or red, cabbage is low in phosphorous.

Oppositely, it is high in vitamins C, K, B1, and B6.

Cabbage is also choke-full of fiber and essential minerals such as potassium, copper, and manganese.

6. Cucumber

Here’s another low-phosphorous vegetable for your pup.

 Cucumbers are high in water and are great for hydrating your doggie.

When temperatures hit the roof, they add water to your doggie’s body along with other minerals and vitamins as well.

7. Collards

Collards are in the same family as kales except they are slightly different from them.

Whereas kale leaves are curly and colored green-violet, collard green leaves are plain and have a light green to dark green color.

Collards are also low in phosphorous and perfectly safe for your pooch.

8. Potato

Boiled or mashed potato is among the top favorite foods for all dogs.

Canines cannot resist digging into all that fluff and goodness.

The great thing is that it has low levels of phosphorous and is incredibly versatile.

You can make soups with it, add it into stews, serve it as a snack, and more.

9. Tomato

While unripe tomato is toxic for your dog, the ripe version is harmless for him.

They are good when cooked or raw.

Dog owners can feed it as an independent snack or add it to their doggie’s food.

Either way, they are low in phosphorous.

10. Lettuce

Lettuce is everybody’s favorite veggie. It is delicious while being low in calories.

It is also very versatile. You can use it for sandwiches, salads, layer it over your spring rolls, make lettuce soup, you name it.

Turns out it is also among the many vegetables that are low in phosphorous.

11. Bell Peppers

Thanks to their crunchy textures and delicious flavors, bell peppers are beloved snacks and treats for our canine buddies.

 You can serve them raw, steam, or throw a few pieces in your doggie’s food.

12. Beets

Beetroots are great sources of fiber, Vitamin C, folate, manganese, and potassium.

All these work in hand to boost your dog’s immune system.

Beets are not only nutritious but also low in phosphates.

13. Radish

Radish is yet another amazing vegetable for your doggie.

Besides boosting his energy level, it has a rough texture and can help remove tartar buildup from your doggie’s teeth.

14. Green Beans

In addition to being naturally sweet, green beans consist of many nutrients such as calcium, iron, vitamins A, K, C, and B6, and protein.

 Sauté them on the pan or bake them shortly in the oven to soften the texture and feed them to the dog.

You can also incorporate green beans into your pooch’s plate of food.

15. Broccoli

It is no coincidence that broccoli comes last on this list.

While it is low in phosphorous, broccoli can cause gas, diarrhea, and bloating if consumed in large quantities. It is also very fibrous and can choke your doggie.

 It is however a good veggie if eaten moderately.

Closing Thoughts

Vegetables play an important role in a dog’s body.

Low-phosphorous options add a plethora of benefits to your doggie without introducing too many phosphates to their bodies.

Now you have a long list of veggies to choose from for your furbaby.