Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can and Can’t Eat

It’s always tempting to give your canine companion a little taste of whatever it is you’re eating. After all, it’s hard to resist those imploring eyes and that wagging tail. Of course, some human foods are better for dogs than others. Your pet is an omnivore, so they can derive nutrition from both animal and plant sources.

What plant sources are safe for dogs?

It simply depends on the fruit or vegetable. Some can serve as a healthy snack and act as a good source of nutrients — and others are downright dangerous for your canine friend. This guide to fruits and vegetables for dogs will help you sort out which produce items you can feed to your fur child.

What Fruits Are Best for Dogs?

You might eat fruit as a quick snack, a dessert, or as part of a salad. Fruit is a great choice for humans, but is it something that you can offer to your dog? Just like vegetables, it all depends on the fruit. Some can prove hazardous to your dog’s health, while others offer health benefits.

Fruits Dogs Can Eat

Apples

Yes, dogs can eat apples. Apples are a common snack for dogs as it can provide them with a healthy amount of fiber, vitamin A, and Vitamin C. It is important that you only feed your dog apple slices without seeds and without the apple core.

Avocado

Yes, dogs can eat avocado but it is best if they are only given in moderation. The inside of avocado can provide healthy fats to help improve your dog’s skin but avocado pits, skins, and leaves contain persin which can be harmful to your dog.

Bananas

Yes, dogs can eat bananas. They provide plenty of helpful nutrients like vitamins B6 and C, potassium, fiber, and biotin. However, bananas have high sugar content, so they should be given in moderation. 

Blueberries

Yes, dogs can eat blueberries. Blueberries are considered a superfood for humans, and it turns out that they’re also beneficial for dogs. They boost the immune system with antioxidants and also contain plenty of vitamin C and fiber. They’re also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. Try substituting your dog’s normal treats with the occasional blueberry.

Cantaloupe

Yes, dogs can eat cantaloupe. Cantaloupe contains a large number of different vitamins and minerals that can be beneficial for dogs. Cantaloupe is low in calories which is great for dogs but does contain natural sugar so it should be given to dogs in moderation.

Cranberries

Yes, dogs can eat cranberries. Your dog may enjoy the tart flavor of cranberries but some dogs might not like the flavor. Moderation is key as too many cranberries can cause your dog to have an upset stomach.

Figs

Yes, dogs can eat figs and they can be a great source of dietary fiber. This fiber can help to improve the health of your dog’s digestive system. It is important to note that fig plants, leaves, and stems aren’t safe for dogs to eat, but the fruit if it is cleaned and properly prepared can be a good snack for dogs in moderation.

Honeydew

Yes, dogs can eat honeydew safely. Honeydew is made up of up to 90% water which makes them safe and also a great source of hydration for your dog. When feeding honeydew to your dog you should remove the rind as well as the inside core and seeds. Dogs should only eat the soft inside part of the fruit.

Mangoes

Yes, dogs can eat mangoes. The mango is an excellent source of vitamins C, A, B6, and E. The pit, like the peach, contains small amounts of cyanide, so you’ll want to have your dog avoid it. And remember: Keep the portion size small.

Oranges

Yes, dogs can eat oranges. The orange is one of the best citrus fruits for dogs as long as you get rid of the peel and seeds, which can cause digestive problems. Oranges are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

Kiwi

Yes, dogs can eat kiwi but they should only consume the soft inside of the fruit and not eat the skin of the kiwi. Kiwi should only be given in moderation because of its high natural sugar levels and its high fiber levels. In small amounts, kiwi can be a great source of additional vitamins and minerals to the health of your dog.

Peaches

Yes, dogs can eat peaches. The fruity flesh of the peach is safe for your dog and provides nutrients like vitamin A and fiber. The pit is dangerous, though, as it contains a sugar-cyanide known as amygdalin that can prove toxic to dogs. Canned peaches have too much sugar, so avoid them.

Pears

Yes, dogs can eat pears. Pears are known to be high in beneficial vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, Vitamin K, fiber, iron, copper, and magnesium. It is important to not let your dog eat the seeds or the core of the pear and only to eat small slices of the fruit.

Pineapple

Yes, dogs can eat pineapple. When you feed pineapple to your dog you should only give them the soft inside part of the fruit and never give them to tough outside peel. This fruit will provide them with a tasty snack and also provide them with beneficial vitamins and minerals.

Raspberries

Yes, dogs can eat raspberries. Raspberries can provide a sweet flavor but also helpful antioxidants and minerals to your dog’s diet. The anti-inflammatory properties of this fruit can be beneficial for older dogs or those who struggle with joint pain.

Strawberries

Yes, dogs can eat strawberries. Strawberries are one of the most popular fruits that is given to dogs because of its delicious flavor but also because of the beneficial vitamins they can provide to your dog’s diet. Strawberries are full of fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and more!

Watermelon

Yes, dogs can eat watermelon as long as they avoid the seeds and the rind of the watermelon. Watermelon is made up of mostly water and a few additional nutrients which makes them a great snack that can hydrate your dog. Watermelon can be frozen during the summer to provide a unique texture that your dog will love.

Fruits Your Dog Should Avoid

Avocado

No, dogs should not eat avocado. The inside of avocado can provide healthy fats to help improve your dog’s skin but avocado pits, skins, and leaves contain persin which can be harmful to your dog. For this reason, you must be very careful when giving your dog avocado.

Cherries

No, dogs should not eat cherries. The pits, stems, and leaves of cherries contain cyanide, so you’ll want to keep your dog far away. Most dogs probably won’t go after these tart fruits, but it’s always best to be cautious.

Grapes

No, dogs should not eat grapes. Grapes and their dried counterparts, raisins, are a big no-no for dogs. It’s still not known exactly why these fruits can prove poisonous to some dogs, but they can be toxic nonetheless. Clinical signs of grape and raisin toxicity include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, problems with urine production, and kidney failure.

If you know or suspect that your dog has been eating grapes or raisins, contact your local animal poison control center to find out how to proceed. Activated charcoal may need to be given to slow the toxin’s absorption in the stomach, and intravenous fluids may be necessary to prevent complete renal failure. Seek immediate treatment so your dog has the best chance.

Tomatoes

No, dogs should not eat tomatoes. The debate still rages over whether the tomato is considered a fruit or a vegetable. Either way, it’s potentially dangerous for our canine companions. The stem and leaves of the tomato plant are the most hazardous, as they contain a toxin called solanine. To be safe, don’t feed your dog tomatoes.

What Vegetables are Safe for Dogs? 

There are several vegetables that dogs can eat. It’s important to pay attention to how vegetables are prepared before they’re given to dogs because you don’t want to give your dog a lot of oil or charred material along with grilled or sautéed veggies.

And remember: It’s important that you don’t go overboard on portion size with any vegetable, as large amounts of any food that your dog isn’t used to can lead to stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea.

The Best Vegetables for Dogs

There are a few vegetables that are quite good for dogs, and some of them may even be included in certain varieties of dog food. Some of the best vegetables for dogs are:

Beets

Yes, dogs can eat beets. Beets can be a safe vegetable to give your dog and can provide a wide variety of additional vitamins and nutrients to their diet. Some dogs may not like the taste of beets but they can provide your dog with additional Vitamin C, Manganese, potassium, folate, and more.

Bell Peppers

Yes, dogs can eat bell peppers as long as they are clean and prepared accordingly. Bell peppers can provide high levels of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and other nutrients. It is important that the bell peppers don’t have any additional seasonings or ingredients that could be dangerous for your dog.

Brussels Sprouts

Yes, dogs can eat Brussels sprouts. Brussels sprouts are loaded with vitamins A, C, B1, B6, fiber, and antioxidants. They’re as good for your dog as they are for you! Try steaming or boiling Brussels sprouts for your dog, making sure to let them cool before feeding them to your dog. And don’t overdo it — too many can make your pup sick.

Carrots

Yes, dogs can eat carrots. Carrots are safe for your dog to eat, and they work well as a low-calorie snack. Plus, carrots provide a good source of vitamin A, fiber, and potassium. Just make sure you cut carrots into bite-sized pieces to avoid the choking hazard when feeding them to Fido.

Cauliflower

Yes, dogs can eat cauliflower and it can be a great nutrient for their overall digestive health. Cauliflower is a great source of fiber, calcium, folate, potassium, and multiple different vitamins. It is best to give your dog raw cauliflower or steamed cauliflower. Cauliflower with a lot of seasoning or spices can be dangerous for your dog.

Celery

Yes, dogs can eat celery. Celery is another good choice if you’re trying to substitute regular dog treats for something a little healthier. It’s low in fat and cholesterol but high in vitamins C and A, potassium, folate, and other nutrients. Remember to cut celery up into small chunks so it’s safe for your dog.

Cucumbers

Yes, dogs can eat cucumbers. Cucumbers are mostly water, so they make a tasty, crunchy, low-calorie treat for dogs. They’re especially helpful for dogs who need to lose weight. Just keep the portion size small, and your dog will be fine.

Edamame

Yes, dogs can eat edamame as long as it doesn’t contain added salt or other ingredients that can be dangerous for dogs. Some individuals will add extra salt or soy sauce to add flavor to edamame but with these ingredients, it can be too unhealthy for dogs. Plain edamame can provide your dog with additional vitamins and minerals.

Lettuce

Yes, dogs can eat lettuce and it can be a great source of nutrients in a low-calorie form. Lettuce can provide your dog with vitamins and fiber while being incredibly low in calories which makes it a great snack for dogs on a diet. Many dogs seem to love the crunch involved with lettuce and the overall texture of the veggie.

Peas

Yes, dogs can eat peas. Most types of peas including green peas, snap peas, sugar peas, snow peas, and garden peas should be safe for your dog as long as they are cleaned and properly served. Pea can provide protein, fiber, and multiple different vitamins to your dog.

Pumpkin

Yes, dogs can eat pumpkins. Even after Halloween jack-o-lanterns are long gone, pumpkin puree is given to dogs suffering from diarrhea, because it helps ease digestion thanks to its high fiber content. There are lots of health benefits of pumpkin for dogs. Pureed pumpkin is a source of vitamin C, vitamins A and E, iron, dietary fiber, and potassium. Canned pumpkin is probably best since it’s easiest for your dog to eat and easily goes through the digestive tract. Avoid pumpkin pie filling as it has added sugars and seasonings that can disturb the digestive system — stick to pure pumpkin to maintain your dog’s digestive health.

Sweet Potato

Yes, dogs can eat sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes can be a great source of healthy fiber, calcium, protein, and other nutrients for your dog. Potatoes typically contain larger amounts of calories compared to other vegetables so it is recommended that you only feed your dog small amounts of sweet potatoes.

Zucchini

Yes, dogs can eat zucchini. Zucchini can be a good alternative for dogs who have a sensitive stomach as it is low in acidity and is made up of a large percentage of water. The vegetable can provide a tasty snack for your dog and provide them with additional vitamins and minerals.

Vegetables That Are Just Okay For Dogs

Asparagus

Yes, dogs can eat asparagus but the vegetable doesn’t typically provide many nutrients to their diet. Raw asparagus can be difficult or unsafe to consume and when asparagus is thoroughly cooked it will lose most of its nutrients through the cooking process. This means it won’t provide much to your dog’s diet. Typically, the vegetable is completely safe for your pup to eat but doesn’t provide many benefits.

Broccoli

Yes, dogs can eat broccoli in moderation when prepared correctly. Broccoli is easy for dogs to choke on, and broccoli florets are known to cause gastric irritation in some dogs. In very small amounts, broccoli can work as an occasional treat and is a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C.

Cabbage

Yes, dogs can eat cabbage. Cabbage can provide dogs with antioxidants, vitamins=, and additional minerals. But it is worth noting that some dogs will experience gas or an upset stomach if they eat too much cabbage.

Corn

Yes, dogs can eat corn. Corn is often included in pet food and it can offer some nutritional value. Just like the other vegetables in this category, though, it’s important to keep the portion size small. Never let your dog eat corn on the cob, because it’s probably drenched in butter and salt, and dogs can easily choke on corn cobs or corn kernels. And remember: Some dogs are allergic to corn, so check with your vet to make sure your pet won’t have an allergic reaction.

Green Beans

Yes, dogs can eat green beans. Green beans offer plenty of nutrients like vitamin K, vitamins C, A, and B6, and fiber. Feeding your dog a whole green bean could present a choking hazard, though, and green beans are often prepared with other unhealthy ingredients like salt, oil, spices, and garlic. If you want to give your dog green beans, make sure they’re plain and cut them into bite-sized chunks.

Prunes

Yes, dogs can eat prunes but they don’t provide many beneficial nutrients or vitamins to your dog’s diet so they aren’t as beneficial as other types of vegetables. Prunes can be dried to create a crunchy snack that your dog might enjoy more.

Radishes

Yes, dogs can eat radishes as long as it is done in moderation. Radishes can provide your dog with fiber, potassium, and Vitamin C. Some dogs may experience gas or an upset stomach if they eat too many radishes which is why it is only recommended to give them to your dog in moderation.

 

Vegetables Dogs Should Avoid

Garlic

Any home cook loves chopping up some fresh garlic or opening up garlic powder and adding it to a dish. There are benefits of garlic for us humans, but it’s not the case for your pup. Garlic is found in the same plant family as onions, the Allium family, which includes garlic and onions, chives, leeks, scallions, and shallots.

All are toxic to dogs, but any amounts of garlic are the most potent. Japanese dogs like the Shiba Inu are even more sensitive to garlic toxicity than American dogs or other breed families.

If dogs eat garlic, they should be taken to the vet in case they have garlic poisoning. Even using garlic around your dog presents a risk in case it’s dropped and your dog eats it. Avoid cooking with too much garlic so your dog avoids it at all costs.

Pickles

No, dogs should not eat pickles. Pickles may be fine for your dog in moderation but since many pickles contain large amounts of sodium and are typically acidic, it isn’t recommended to give your dog pickles.

Onions

No, dogs should not eat onions. Onions are some of the most dangerous vegetables out there for our canine companions. They’re toxic to dogs because they cause oxidative hemolysis of the red blood cells. This means that they damage your pet’s red blood cells, possibly resulting in anemia.

Mushrooms

No, dogs should not eat mushrooms. White, cooking mushrooms may be safe for dogs to eat, but wild mushrooms or other types of mushrooms can be dangerous for your dog to eat. This is why it is important to watch what your dog is eating especially during damp periods where wild mushrooms may grow outside.

Feeding Your Dog Fruits and Vegetables

Here’s the bottom line when it comes to feeding your dog fruits and vegetables: Check with your veterinarian first to make sure that it’s a safe choice for your pooch, and keep the portion size small. Remember that large quantities of new foods, no matter what they are, can make almost any dog sick. Once it’s been cleared with your vet, safe fruits and veggies are a great way to provide your beloved pet with a fun snack, and some extra nutrition at the same time.