Since canines have different dietary needs and digest food differently, it’s important to know which fruits and vegetables dogs can eat. When it comes to supplementing your pet’s diet, fruits and vegetables offer wholesome and natural snacks. While there are many human foods that are safe and healthy for dogs to have, others can be toxic and dangerous when consumed, even in small amounts.
Some owners may want their dogs to have fruits like apples and oranges for their vitamins and vegetables like broccoli and celery for their dietary fiber. Although your canine companions can enjoy these healthy treats safely, pet owners should also learn to avoid grapes and mushrooms since these are toxic to dogs. With so many different foods to consider, it can be a challenge knowing which options are good and offer health benefits. To help you learn, we’ve compiled this list of fruits and vegetables dogs can and can’t eat. From bananas and strawberries to carrots and spinach, explore these human foods to find good treats for dogs to have.
Fruits Dogs Can and Can’t Eat
Apples
Yes, dogs can eat apples. While canines love the satisfying crunch and sweetness, this fruit is also a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A and dietary fiber. Apples are safe for dogs to have without the seeds and core, providing a nice treat that is low in calories and high in antioxidants. As with most human foods, apples should only be given to canines in moderation since too many or too frequently may cause gastrointestinal issues. The seeds and core also contain small amounts of cyanide, so make sure to cut and clean this snack.
Avocado
Yes, dogs can have avocado, but you’ll need to peel this healthy food and remove the pit before feeding your pet. Canines can safely eat avocado in small amounts since this fruit does contain persin, a fungicidal toxin. When ingested, this toxin is known to cause health issues like stomach upsets and myocarditis. When consumed in large quantities, this fruit is toxic and deadly. The high-fat content can also lead to gastrointestinal health issues and pancreatitis, which should be avoided at all costs.
Bananas
Yes, dogs can eat bananas. This great sweet treat for dogs is low in calories and high in vitamin B, potassium and magnesium. Although dogs can eat banana skins, you’ll want to peel a banana first to avoid an overload of fiber in their digestive tracts. As with any food high in sugar, bananas should be fed to your dog in moderation to avoid weight gain and diarrhea. In the summer, frozen bananas are a tasty snack for pets.
Blueberries
Yes, dogs can eat blueberries. This fruit is a superfood and can be a healthy snack for dogs. Packed with vitamins, antioxidants and phytochemicals, blueberries will aid your dog’s nutrition and ability to fight against certain cancers. The antioxidant properties in blueberries are also highly beneficial, as they prevent cellular damage in dogs. If you have a senior dog, it’s well worth incorporating blueberries into their cycle of treats as this fruit can help them fight against age-related brain deterioration.
Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe is safe for dogs to eat in moderation. Cantaloupe is another fruit that your dog can eat safely. Full of fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin A and niacin, this watery, sweet melon is perfect for keeping your dog’s hydration levels up. If your dog struggles with constipation, then the fiber content in a couple of slices of cantaloupe may even get things moving again. It’s best to remove the rind and seeds before feeding this food to your dog. Although these parts of the fruit won’t harm them, the tough skin may cause choking and a stomach upset if ingested.
Cherries
Dogs should not eat cherries because this fruit is unsafe and toxic. Cherry pits and stems both contain cyanide which is highly toxic to dogs in large quantities. An accidentally ingested cherry or two is unlikely to cause major issues but actively choosing to feed your dog cherries simply isn’t worth the risk. If your dog does consume cherries by accident, keep an eye out for vomiting and blockages and prepare for a vet visit if these symptoms arise. Although the flesh of cherries isn’t toxic to dogs, this part of the fruit can cause nasty stomach upsets and is best avoided.
Cranberries
Cranberries are fine for dogs to eat in small amounts. As this fruit can cause stomach issues when consumed in large quantities, cranberries should only be fed to dogs in moderation. However, the occasional cranberry will provide your dog with a healthy dose of vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K1 and manganese.
Cucumbers
The cucumber is one of the safest human foods for dogs to eat. Low in calories and full of water, cucumbers are a hydrating treat for dogs that they can eat year-round. The combination of crunchy skin and a mushy interior is appealing to pups, so don’t be afraid to give them a decent portion as a reward for good behavior. As this food is essentially water and vitamins in a neat package, there’s no risk involved with feeding cucumbers to your dog.
Grapes
No, dogs should not eat grapes since these fruits are toxic and bad. Although this food may look like a juicy treat to dogs, the toxins in grapes can easily cause kidney failure in even the toughest dog breeds. Grapes and raisins are believed to be two of the most dangerous foods that your dog can consume. Therefore, you should steer clear.
Mango
Yes, dogs can eat mango. Loaded with vitamins A, C, E and B6, mangoes are good and safe for dogs to have as treats. When giving them this sweet fruit, you’ll want to remove the pit and peel since both are choking hazards. Mangoes are high in sugar, so keep portions small and don’t feed them to your dog too frequently.
Oranges
Yes, dogs can eat oranges. While not every canine will like the citrusy taste of an orange, these fruits are safe for dogs to have. Along with potassium and fiber, this vibrant citrus fruit provides plenty of vitamin C that will boost your dog’s immune system. Although oranges aren’t as sugary as other fruits like bananas, they should still be limited to just being a treat. When serving, remove the peel beforehand. The peel isn’t toxic but it can be tough to digest and may cause gastrointestinal issues.
Peaches
Yes, dogs can eat peaches. Fresh peaches offer dogs plenty of vitamin A, C and fiber and are also said to improve kidney and liver function. Before feeding peaches to your dog, give the fruit a good wash to remove trace levels of pesticides or herbicides. Like other pitted fruits, you’ll want to remove the pit before feeding any peaches to your dog. This is because these pits contain cyanide. The hard pit can also cause issues with your dog’s teeth and jaw if chewed.
Pears
Pears are safe for dogs to eat and they can even aid digestion due to their high levels of dietary fiber. Although pears are a good source of vitamins C, K and copper, this sweet fruit should only be given to your dog in small amounts. With a high sugar content, this treat can cause an upset stomach. Don’t forget to remove the pits and seeds in pears before feeding them to your dog. Canned pears are also best avoided as they contain sugary syrups and preservatives.
Pineapple
Pineapple is a great snack for dogs to eat since this sweet-tasting fruit contains thiamine, niacin, folate, manganese, magnesium and iron. With so many nutrients featured in such a small package, it’s unsurprising that pineapple is a popular food for owners to feed to their dogs. Before giving your dog pineapple, be sure to remove the tough core and rind for your pooch’s safety. In the summertime, a few chunks of frozen pineapple make a delicious, cooling treat.
Raspberries
As a rule, dogs can have raspberries safely. Compared to other fruits, raspberries are relatively low in sugar while offering an excellent vitamin and antioxidant profile. These antioxidants will not only aid your dog’s daily digestion but can reduce their chances of developing heart disease, cancer and arthritis. Although raspberries are safe for dogs to eat in moderation, they do contain trace levels of xylitol. Therefore, keep portions reasonable to avoid any issues.
Strawberries
Strawberries are one of the best fruits for dogs to eat safely. Packed with vitamin C, manganese and fiber, this fruit aids digestion and can even help whiten your dog’s teeth as they chew! Before feeding strawberries to your dog, you should thoroughly clean them to wash off any dirt. When preparing, cut the fruit into small pieces to reduce the possibility of choking. As with any sugary fruit, moderation is key.
Tomatoes
No, dogs should not eat tomatoes. Canines should avoid the tomato as the green part of the plant contains tomatine. Ingesting tomatine can cause gastrointestinal issues, muscle weakness and seizures in dogs. Although the occasional tomato is unlikely to bring these symptoms on, this food isn’t worth the risk.
Watermelon
Yes, dogs can eat watermelon safely. Canines love the sweet and satisfying taste of fresh watermelon and this fruit can be a healthy treat. High in fiber and water, watermelon will keep your dog pleasantly hydrated while giving them a boost of energy. As this fruit has a rind, be careful to only give your dog the red parts of the fruit to avoid intestinal blockages.
Vegetables Dogs Can and Can’t Eat
Asparagus
No, dogs should not have asparagus. While not toxic for dogs, but it’s a tricky food to prepare and can’t be consumed raw. Asparagus stalks are tough and dogs are unable to adequately chew these parts. Further, the cooking required to get stalks soft enough for dogs to eat leaves asparagus devoid of nutritional value. To minimize your dog’s risk of choking and stomach upset, it’s best to avoid feeding them asparagus. If you’re still unconvinced, asparagus can make your dog’s urine smell extremely pungent.
Broccoli
Yes, dogs can eat broccoli safely. Containing vitamin K, calcium, potassium and fiber, this vegetable is a nutrient-dense treat for canines. While dogs can have cooked and raw broccoli, you should only let them have this healthy food occasionally. Broccoli contains isothiocyanates, which can upset your dog’s digestive system. It’s also a good idea to cut up pieces of broccoli to avoid any esophageal blockages.
Brussel Sprouts
Yes, dogs can eat brussel sprouts. If your canine does not have excessive gas, then your dog can safely have brussel sprouts . This vegetable is delicious and full of nutrients but can cause unpleasant gas that lasts for hours. You should exercise caution for your own sake!
Carrots
Carrots are safe for dogs to eat and contain large amounts of beta-carotene and fiber. A carrot is an excellent alternative to more calorie-laden crunchy biscuits and treats. Although carrots are safe, you should aim to cut this vegetable into bite-size pieces to avoid any choking and blockages.
Celery
Celery is a delicious treat that dogs can eat. Rich in vitamins A and K, this low-calorie snack is ideal for dogs who are on a weight management program. Due to its crunchy texture and the time required to chew celery, this vegetable can also help to freshen your dog’s breath and keep their teeth healthy and strong. As celery is a fibrous veggie, it’s also best to keep chunks small to make chewing easier.
Green Beans
Cooked and raw, green beans are perfectly safe for dogs to eat. Low in calories yet high in iron, protein, calcium and vitamins, they are an amazing choice for dogs. Just be careful not to buy canned or cooked green beans. These tend to be seasoned with spices which may be harmful to your pup.
Mushrooms
Dogs shouldn’t eat mushrooms as they can be highly toxic. Although regular white mushrooms from the grocery store are unlikely to cause your dog harm, poisonous fungi found in the wild can quickly kill your dog. If your dog manages to get hold of a wild mushroom on a walk, be sure to report this to a vet immediately.
Onions
Onions are one of the most dangerous foods for dogs and should never be eaten by them. As onions are part of the allium family, this vegetable includes N-propyl disulfide which is incredibly toxic to dogs. No matter how onions are cooked or prepared, they pose a danger to your pooch and should be kept far out of reach.
Peas
yes, dogs can eat peas safely. For a healthy snack, canines can have all types of peas, including sugar snaps, garden peas and green peas. Peas are an excellent source of vitamins A, K and B as well as iron, potassium and magnesium. Since vegetables aren’t a necessary food group for your dog, owners should keep portions small as they can increase the levels of uric acid passing through your dog’s kidneys. You’ll also want to stick to fresh or frozen options since canned peas are often full of sodium, which can cause dehydration.
Spinach
Spinach is a food that dogs can eat, but there are much safer vegetables to consider. It can be tempting to boost your dog’s diet with the amazing vitamin profile found in spinach leaves, but it isn’t worth the risk. Spinach is high in oxalic acid which can lead to kidney damage when consumed in large amounts.