Can dogs eat frozen vegetables?

Single-vegetable bags usually contain nothing but the vegetable. Mixed bags and stir-fry blends are where problems creep in: many include onion, leek or garlic, and some come with sauce sachets or seasoned butter. Steam bags labelled with herbs or butter are unsuitable.

Freezing locks in nutrients soon after harvest, so frozen vegetables are a good, affordable option.

Frozen peas and green beans are small and soft enough when frozen that most dogs crunch them easily. A handful scattered on the lawn becomes a sniffing game on a hot day. Frozen carrot coins and broccoli florets are harder; for small dogs or those with dental problems, thaw them first.

Whole frozen carrots are sometimes given to teething puppies, but choose a size too large to swallow and supervise.

Once a bag is open, reseal it tightly with a clip to prevent freezer burn and clumping. Pour out only what you need and return the bag straight away. Vegetables that have thawed and refrozen may be mushy and are best cooked rather than offered frozen. Use opened bags within about three months for the best texture.

For a softer topper, steam or boil frozen vegetables for three to five minutes and let them cool. Microwaving in a covered bowl with a splash of water also works. Skip butter and salt.

A tablespoon of mixed plain frozen vegetables is a fair topper for a medium dog. Small dogs need a teaspoon. Large amounts of peas and sweetcorn can cause gas and loose stools, and these two are starchier than green beans or carrots.