Fruits and Vegetable Dogs Can or Can’t Eat

Various fruits and vegetables can benefit dogs, offering a rich supply of vitamins, fiber, and other nutrients. However, some can pose a serious threat to their health. Here is a more detailed and nuanced guide on which fruits and vegetables dogs can and can’t eat.

Fruits and Vegetable Dogs Can Eat 🍅🥦

Apples 🍎

The answer is yes if you’ve ever wondered if your dog can eat apples. Apples are like a sweet, crunchy surprise for your furry pal. Not only do dogs typically love the taste, but apples are also full of beneficial vitamins like A and C, which are crucial in keeping your dog healthy and boosting their immune system.

Apples are also great for your dog’s digestion, thanks to the fiber they contain. Plus, their crunching while eating an apple can help clean their teeth. Remove the seeds and core because they’re not good for your pup.

Bananas 🍌

Bananas can be a hit with dogs, too. They’re a bit high in sugar, so you don’t want to go overboard, but they’re also full of good stuff. They’ve got potassium, a key player in heart and kidney health, nerve function, and muscle health. Bananas also contain vitamins C and B6, which contribute to healthy skin and coat and support your dog’s immune system.

Blueberries 🫐

Blueberries are small, but they’re mighty regarding their health benefits. These little berries contain antioxidants that help fight diseases and counteract aging. They’re also a good source of fiber, which aids digestion, and vitamin C, which supports immune health. Plus, they’re low in calories and make a great healthy training treat.

Carrots 🥕

Whether served raw or cooked, carrots are a fantastic snack for dogs. These orange veggies are loaded with beta carotene, which becomes vitamin A in the body, playing a big part in maintaining healthy vision. Also, they’re high-fiber food, supporting a healthy digestive system. And if you’re looking for a low-calorie chew toy that doubles as a tooth cleaner, look no further than a raw carrot.

Pumpkin 🎃

If your pup is experiencing some tummy troubles, canned pumpkin might do the trick. It’s high in fiber, which can help firm up their stool or alleviate constipation. Plus, pumpkin has a high water content, so it’s super hydrating, which is especially helpful for dogs with kidney issues. But the benefits don’t stop there. Pumpkin is a nutritional powerhouse with beta-carotene, antioxidants, and vitamins A, C, and E.

Sweet Potatoes 🍠

Sweet potatoes can make your dog’s mealtime extra yummy. They’re fiber-packed, making them a good choice for dogs with digestive issues. They also offer a lot of vitamin A, supporting eye health, skin health, and the immune system. Additionally, they provide a nutrient called manganese, which is involved in many processes in the body, including aiding in the digestion of carbs and protein.

Strawberries 🍓

Strawberries are a sweet, safe treat that dogs can enjoy in moderation. They’re bursting with antioxidants, high in fiber and vitamin C, and contain a compound that can help to fight off cancer. They contain an enzyme that can help whiten your dog’s teeth. However, because of their sugar content, it’s best to feed strawberries to your dog in limited amounts.

Cucumbers 🥒

Cucumbers are another healthy snack option for dogs. They’re mostly water, making them a refreshing and hydrating snack, especially on hot days. They’re also low in calories, so they’re perfect for dogs who need to watch their weight. On the nutrient front, cucumbers offer vitamin K, an essential nutrient for bone health and blood clotting.

Peas 🌱

Peas are a great veggie option for dogs. They’re often found in dog food because they’re high in protein. They also provide fiber for digestion and vitamins for overall health. Avoid canned peas, though, as they often contain added salt.

Watermelon 🍉

Watermelon can be a sweet, hydrating treat for your dog, particularly in the summertime. It’s packed with vitamins A, C, and B6 and potassium, supporting many body functions. Just be sure to remove the seeds and rind before sharing with your furry friend.

Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can’t Eat 🚫

Avocados 🥑

Avocados, beloved by humans for their healthy fats and creamy texture, are unfortunately unsuitable for canine consumption. This fruit contains a toxin known as persin, which can induce vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.

Additionally, the high-fat content in avocados could lead to weight gain or pancreatitis, a condition causing inflammation in the pancreas. Even more, the large pit in the center of the avocado presents a choking risk and can cause blockages in the gastrointestinal tract if ingested.

Grapes and Raisins 🍇

Grapes and their dried counterparts, raisins, are highly toxic to dogs. These seemingly harmless fruits can lead to sudden kidney failure, a condition that can be life-threatening. Signs of grape or raisin toxicity in dogs can range from vomiting, decreased appetite, lethargy, and even collapse. Therefore, even small amounts should never be fed to dogs.

Onions and Garlic 🧄

Allium vegetables, such as onions, garlic, shallots, leeks, and chives, pose significant dangers to dogs. These contain compounds that can damage dogs’ red blood cells, leading to a condition called hemolytic anemia. This condition may result in the dog appearing weak and lethargic, with symptoms including pale gums, increased heart rate, and breathlessness.

Mushrooms 🍄

Mushrooms are tricky because while some varieties are safe for dogs, others can be highly toxic. Some mushrooms contain toxins that can cause various symptoms, ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to more severe effects like seizures, liver and kidney damage, and even death. Therefore, avoiding feeding your dog mushrooms altogether is best to prevent accidental poisoning.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb, while delicious in human desserts, is harmful to dogs. The leaves of the rhubarb plant contain soluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause drooling, vomiting, tremors, and in severe cases, acute kidney failure. Therefore, it is best to keep your dog away from this plant.

Tomatoes 🍅

Tomatoes, in their ripe form, are generally safe for dogs. However, the green parts of the plant, including the stems and leaves, contain a substance called solanine, which is toxic to dogs. Ingesting solanine can cause nausea, an abnormal heart rate, muscle weakness, and difficulty breathing. So, while a small, ripe tomato may not harm your dog, keeping them away from the plant itself is best.

Cherries 🍒

Cherries, like many pitted fruits, can be harmful to dogs. The pits, stems, and leaves of cherries contain cyanide, a poison that prevents blood from carrying oxygen throughout the body. In addition to the risk of cyanide poisoning, the high sugar content in the fruit can cause upset stomach or diarrhea.

Apricots

Much like cherries, apricots have pits, stems, and leaves that contain cyanide. Even though the fruit’s flesh is safe, it’s best to avoid feeding apricots to your dog entirely to prevent accidental ingestion of these toxic parts.

Peaches and Plums 🍑🍈

Similar to cherries and apricots, peaches and plums pose a risk to dogs because of their pits. The pits can become a choking hazard and, if swallowed, can obstruct the digestive tract. Furthermore, like the pits of cherries and apricots, peach and plum pits also contain cyanide, a deadly poison.

Citrus Fruits 🍊🍋

In small quantities, citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes are typically safe for dogs to consume. However, the peel, leaves, and stems of citrus fruits contain essential oils and citric acid, which can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs, including symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. For this reason, it is best to feed your dog citrus fruits sparingly and ensure they do not consume peel, leaves, or stems.

Remember, the fruits and vegetables listed in the ‘can eat’ section should be given as treats, not meal replacements. They should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. If you’re considering a significant diet change or if your dog exhibits any unusual behavior after eating new food, consult your veterinarian immediately.

FAQs

My dog ate a fruit/vegetable that’s not on either list. What should I do?

If your dog consumes a fruit or vegetable not listed, and you’re unsure of its safety, it’s best to contact your vet. Monitor your dog for any signs of distress or illness, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in behavior.

Can fruits and vegetables help with my dog’s weight management?

Yes, certain fruits and vegetables can be excellent low-calorie treats that can help if your dog needs to lose weight. Foods like cucumbers, carrots, and apples are high in fiber and low in calories, making them a healthy choice. However, remember to introduce any new foods gradually and in moderation.

Can I use fruits and vegetables as training treats for my dog?

Absolutely! Many fruits and vegetables can be healthy, low-calorie treats perfect for training. Just remember to cut them into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking and keep the overall amount in moderation to maintain a balanced diet.

Can dogs eat canned fruits and vegetables?

It’s best to avoid canned fruits and vegetables for dogs as they often contain added sugars, salts, or other preservatives that can be harmful to dogs. Fresh or frozen is typically a better choice.

What should I do if my dog is allergic to a fruit or vegetable?

Signs of a food allergy in dogs can include itching, skin irritations, ear infections, and gastrointestinal upset. If your dog shows any of these symptoms after consuming a new fruit or vegetable, stop feeding it and consult your vet immediately.

Is it okay for my dog to eat fruit or vegetable peels?

Some peels, like those on cucumbers or apples, can be beneficial due to their high fiber content. However, others may be hard to digest or contain toxins (like green potato skins). When in doubt, remove the peel.

Can I feed my dog a vegetarian or vegan diet using these safe fruits and vegetables?

Dogs are omnivores, and while they can consume certain fruits and vegetables, they also require specific nutrients found primarily in animal products, such as certain proteins and fats.