18 Fruits & Vegetables Dogs Can Eat (with Infographic)

In general, fruits and vegetables are healthy for humans, but not all of them are actually good for our dogs. Of course, dogs love a good human snack, and it’s fun to give them a treat now and then, but it’s critical to know what is good and what is bad for your dog.

We’ll discuss which fruits and veggies are suitable for your dog, which should be given to them only occasionally, and which you should avoid entirely.

How Much Fruit & Vegetables Should My Dog Eat Each Day?

To start, dogs don’t require any fruit or veggies as a part of their diet. If given the right kind of vegetables and fruit, it won’t hurt them as a snack, but it shouldn’t be more than 10% of the daily calories for your dog.

As long as your dog eats a nutritious and well-balanced diet,  extra fruit and veggies are unnecessary, so it’s best to use them for a treat rather than as a part of your dog’s diet.

Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can Safely Eat

The 9 Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can Eat

1. Apples

The core and seeds contain small amounts of cyanide, so it’s very important to cut as much of the core out as possible.

• See also: Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs: 9 Uses & Benefits

2. Blueberries

Be sure to wash the blueberries thoroughly, and they can be served fresh or frozen.

3. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are great for overweight dogs since they are low in calories and contain about 96% water.

4. Peaches

Like some of the other fruits on our list, the pit contains cyanide, so it’s important to remove the pit (which can also be a choking hazard) and cut the flesh out of the pit area. You can cut them up into chunks, or you can serve them frozen.

5. Pears

Cut the pears into bite-sized chunks, and be sure to remove the core and seeds (cyanide again).

6. Watermelon

Watermelon is an excellent way to hydrate your dog since it’s 92% water! Be sure to remove the rind and all seeds, as they can cause intestinal blockage.

7. Carrots

Carrots are low-calorie veggies, and their crunchiness makes them great for your dog’s teeth.

8. Celery

Celery is great for doggy breath, but it needs to be cut into small pieces because the strings in the celery can be a choking hazard for small dogs.

9. Green Beans

Green beans can be served frozen, fresh, or even canned, as long as they don’t contain any salt.

• Also Read: Can Dogs Eat Kidney Beans? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

The 9 Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can Enjoy in Moderation

1. Bananas

Bananas are a great snack for dogs, but due to their high sugar content, they should only be given as an occasional treat.

2. Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe should be cut into small chunks, but it is high in sugar, so avoid feeding it to diabetic or overweight dogs.

3. Cranberries

Cranberries are great for urinary tract infections. They are very acidic, however, so too much can upset your dog’s stomach.

4. Strawberries

Strawberries are tasty, healthy, and can whiten your dog’s teeth, but they are high in sugar.

5. Broccoli

Broccoli is super healthy, but too much can be a choking hazard and can cause severe gastric irritation.

6. Brussel Sprouts

Be sure the sprouts are small enough not to cause choking. Too many can cause gas, and the same goes for cabbage.

7. Peas

Canned peas usually contain too much sodium, but you can use fresh, frozen, steamed, or mashed ones. However, too many can cause stomach upset and gas.

8. Pumpkin

Pumpkin is excellent for a dog’s digestive system but is high in calories. Avoid pumpkin pie filling since it’s loaded with sugar.

9. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are high in carbs, and caution should be used if your dog is overweight or diabetic.

The 7 Fruits and Vegetables Dogs That Are Toxic for Dogs

1. Avocado

Avocados contain persin, a toxin that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. The flesh doesn’t have as much toxin, but it’s still too much for a dog.

2. Cherries

While the flesh doesn’t contain cyanide, there isn’t enough flesh on the small cherry to risk giving any to your dog.

3. Grapes

No part of the grape or raisin is safe for dogs. A 50-pound dog can suffer from kidney failure by eating 15 ounces of grapes or 2 to 3 ounces of raisins.

4. Tomatoes

The flesh of a ripe tomato is generally safe, but anything green on a tomato contains solanine, which causes tomatine poisoning.

5. Mushrooms

Not all mushrooms can be toxic for dogs, but as a general rule, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You should prevent your dog from eating any wild mushrooms while out for a walk.

6. Onions

All onions, including shallots, chives, and leeks, are poisonous to dogs. They can rupture red blood cells, leading to anemia.

7. Rhubarb

Rhubarb stalks might cause an upset stomach, but the leaves are very toxic. They can cause tremors and coma.

Detecting Allergies to a Fruit or Vegetable

If your dog is allergic to any fruits or vegetables, it isn’t that different from a typical food allergy.

The most common signs of a food-related allergy are:

These allergic reactions can occur at any time in your dog’s life and are diagnosed when all other causes of the allergic reactions have been ruled out.

What Should I Do If My Dog Has Eaten a Toxic Fruit or Vegetable?

If your dog isn’t showing any signs and you suspect they might have eaten something toxic, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

There’s also the Pet Poison Helpline for the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean, and the PDSA Animal Poison Line for the UK.

Your best bet is to call your vet and speak to them. However, if your dog starts exhibiting worrisome signs, immediately take them to your vet or the closest emergency vet clinic.

Be sure to note what your dog has eaten and how much, and of course, remove any food your dog hasn’t eaten so they don’t eat more.

Final Thoughts

For the most part, your dog doesn’t need fruit and veggies in their diet, but they have some advantages. It should always be in moderation, even those that we have listed in our “safe” list.

Do not give your dog any canned fruit, particularly if it’s been packed in syrup. Double-check the ingredients for any added preservatives, sugar, or salt.

Giving your dog the occasional bite of apple or carrot will be just fine. However, talk to your vet before you consider adding any to your dog’s diet, particularly if you’re trying to treat minor health issues. We all want our dogs to live long lives and stay healthy.

See also:

• Can Dogs Eat Nopales? Is It Safe?
• Can Dogs Eat Goji Berries? How Healthy Are They?
• Can Dogs Eat Lettuce? Vet Approved Facts & FAQs
• Can Dogs Eat Jam? Vet-Reviewed Potential Health Risks

Featured Image Credit: Pixabay