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 go over which fruit and veggies are good for your dog, the ones that should only be given to them on occasion, and what kinds you need to avoid entirely. How Much Fruit/Vegetables Should My Dog Eat Each Day? To start, dogs don’t actually 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 is eating a nutritious and well-balanced diet, then 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 You’re welcome to use our images, but we require you link directly to this site for credit (ex. Image from Pet Keen)
The 9 Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can Eat
- Apples Image Credit: Ulrike Leone, Pixabay
Good for: Vitamins A and C, high fiber, low fat
Prep: Cut out core and remove seeds before serving
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
- Blueberries Image Credit: Free-Photos, Pixabay
Good for: Vitamins C and K, low calorie, high fiber, antioxidants
Prep: Cut larger berries up if you have a small dog
Be sure to wash them thoroughly, and they can be given fresh or frozen.
- Cucumbers Image Credit: Krzysztof Jaracz, Pixabay
Good for: Vitamins C, K, and B1, magnesium, low in carbs, calories, and fat
Prep: Cut into small bites
Cucumbers are great for overweight dogs as they are super low in calories and contain about 96% water.
- Peaches Image Credit: Pixabay
Good for: Vitamins A and C, high fiber, antioxidants
Prep: Remove pit and cut around the pit area
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 as well. Cut them up into chunks, or they can be given frozen as well.
- Pears Image Credit: AD1981, Pixabay
Good for: Vitamins C and K, high fiber, copper Prep: Remove seeds and core
Cut the pears into bite-sized chunks and be sure to remove the core and seeds (cyanide again).
- Watermelon Image Credit: Dimitris Vetsikas, Pixabay
Good for: Vitamins A, C, and B6, potassium
Prep: Remove the rind and seeds
Watermelon is an excellent way to hydrate your dog as it’s 92% water! Be sure to remove the rind and all seeds as they can potentially cause intestinal blockage.
- Carrots Image Credit: tommileew, Pixabay
Good for: Vitamin A, beta-carotene, high in fiber
Prep: Cut into bite-size pieces
Carrots are low-calorie, and their crunchiness makes them great for your dog’s teeth.
- Celery Image Credit: McJapid, Pixabay
Good for: Vitamins A, B, and C, antioxidants
Prep: Cut into small pieces
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.
- Green Beans Image Credit: pixel1, Pixabay
Good for: High fiber, low calorie, protein
Prep: Cut into pieces
Green beans can be served frozen, fresh, or even canned, as long as they don’t contain any salt.
The 9 Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can Enjoy in Moderation
- Bananas Image Credit: Pixabay
Good for: High in potassium, vitamins, fiber, copper Prep: Peel and cut into small chunks
Bananas are a great snack for a dog, but they do have a high sugar content so bananas should only be given as an occasional treat.
- Cantaloupe Image Credit: Dennis, Pixabay
Good for: Vitamins A, B, and C, high fiber
Prep: Remove skin and seeds
Cantaloupe should be cut into small chunks, but it is high in sugar, so avoid feeding it to diabetic or overweight dogs.
- Cranberries Image Credit: Pixabay
Good for: Vitamin C, high fiber, manganese
Prep: Can be raw, cooked, or dried
Cranberries are great for urinary tract infections. They are very acidic, however, so too much can upset your dog’s stomach.
- Strawberries Image Credit: Alexas_Fotos, Pixabay
Good for: Vitamin C, high fiber
Prep: Remove stem and cut into pieces
Strawberries are tasty, healthy, and can whiten your dog’s teeth, but they are high in sugar.
- Broccoli Image Credit: Auntmasako, Pixabay
Good for: Vitamin C, high fiber
Prep: Give your dog the florets, cooked or raw
Broccoli is super healthy, but too much can be a choking hazard and can cause severe gastric irritation.
- Brussel Sprouts Image Credit: Matthias Böckel, Pixabay
Good for: Vitamins C and K, antioxidants
Prep: Cooked until soft and cut into small pieces
Be sure the sprouts are small enough to not cause choking, and too much can cause a lot of gas. The same goes for cabbage.
- Peas Image Credit: jacqueline macou, Pixabay
Good for: Vitamin B, high fiber, potassium
Prep: Fresh, frozen, steamed, mashed
Don’t give your dog canned peas and only in the pod if it’s also safe for you to eat. Too much can cause stomach upset and gas.
- Pumpkin Image Credit: utroja0, Pixabay
Good for: Vitamins A, C, and E, high fiber, iron
Prep: Remove shell and seeds, cooked or canned
Pumpkin is excellent for a dog’s digestive system, but it’s high in calories. Avoid pumpkin pie filling as it will contain sugar.
- Sweet Potatoes Image Credit: Pixabay
Good for: Vitamins A, B6, and C, high fiber, calcium, iron
Prep: Remove skin and cooked and cut into small pieces
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
- Avocado Image Credit By: endriqstudio, pixabay
What to avoid: All (pit, flesh, skin, leaves)
Can cause: Diarrhea, vomiting
Avocados contain persin, a toxin that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. The flesh doesn’t have as much of the toxin, but it’s still too much for a dog.
- Cherries Image Credit: klimkin, Pixabay
What to avoid: Seeds, stems, leaves
Can cause: Cyanide poisoning, difficulty breathing
While the flesh doesn’t contain cyanide, there isn’t enough flesh on the small cherry to risk giving any to your dog.
- Grapes Image Credit: Pixabay
What to avoid: All (seed, flesh)
Can cause: Kidney failure
No part of the grape is safe, including raisins. A 50-pound dog can suffer from kidney failure by eating 15 ounces of grapes or 2 to 3 ounces of raisins.
- Tomatoes Image Credit: Couleur, Pixabay
What to avoid: Stems, leaves, unripe tomatoes
Can cause: Lethargy, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
The flesh of a ripe tomato is generally safe, but anything green on a tomato contains solanine, which causes tomatine poisoning.
- Mushrooms Image Credit: congerdesign, Pixabay
What to avoid: All
Can cause: Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, death
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.
- Onions Image Credit: Pixabay
What to avoid: All
Can cause: Diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain
All onions, including shallots, chives, and leeks, are poisonous to dogs. It can actually cause the red blood cells to rupture, which leads to anemia.
- Rhubarb Image Credit: MikeGoad, Pixabay
What to avoid: Leaves and stems
Can cause: Diarrhea, vomiting, mouth irritation, kidney failure
Rhubarb stalks might cause a small amount of 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 all that different from a typical food allergy. In most cases, the allergy won’t present as stomach upset but will show up on your dog’s skin and in his ears. The most common signs of a food-related allergy are:
Frequent ear infections
Constant scratching of itchy skin
Lesions on the skin (commonly caused by your dog’s constant scratching)
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 symptoms and you just suspect he might have eaten something toxic, you can 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 over the phone. However, if your dog starts exhibiting worrisome symptoms, take him to your vet or the closest emergency vet clinic immediately. Be sure to note what your dog has eaten and how much, and of course, remove any food so your dog doesn’t eat more. Image Credit: Mylene2401, Pixabay
Conclusion For the most part, your dog doesn’t really need fruit and veggies in his diet, but there are some definite 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 so you can check for any added preservatives, sugar, or salt. Giving your dog the occasional bite of apple or carrot will be just fine. But talk to your vet before you consider adding any to your dog’s regular diet, particularly if you’re trying to treat any mild health issues. We all want our dogs to live long lives and to stay healthy. See also:
Can Dogs Eat Nopales? Is It Safe? Can Dogs Eat Goji Berries? How Healthy Are They?
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
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 go over which fruit and veggies are good for your dog, the ones that should only be given to them on occasion, and what kinds you need to avoid entirely.
How Much Fruit/Vegetables Should My Dog Eat Each Day?
To start, dogs don’t actually 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 is eating a nutritious and well-balanced diet, then 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
Good for: Vitamins A and C, high fiber, low fat
Prep: Cut out core and remove seeds before serving
The core and seeds contain small amounts of cyanide, so it’s very important to cut as much of the core out as possible.
Good for: Vitamins A and C, high fiber, low fat
Prep: Cut out core and remove seeds before serving
Good for: Vitamins A and C, high fiber, low fat
Prep: Cut out core and remove seeds before serving
See also: Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs: 9 Uses & Benefits
2. Blueberries
Good for: Vitamins C and K, low calorie, high fiber, antioxidants
Prep: Cut larger berries up if you have a small dog
Be sure to wash them thoroughly, and they can be given fresh or frozen.
Good for: Vitamins C and K, low calorie, high fiber, antioxidants
Prep: Cut larger berries up if you have a small dog
- Good for: Vitamins C and K, low calorie, high fiber, antioxidants
- Prep: Cut larger berries up if you have a small dog
3. Cucumbers
Good for: Vitamins C, K, and B1, magnesium, low in carbs, calories, and fat
Prep: Cut into small bites
Cucumbers are great for overweight dogs as they are super low in calories and contain about 96% water.
Good for: Vitamins C, K, and B1, magnesium, low in carbs, calories, and fat
Prep: Cut into small bites
- Good for: Vitamins C, K, and B1, magnesium, low in carbs, calories, and fat
- Prep: Cut into small bites
4. Peaches
Good for: Vitamins A and C, high fiber, antioxidants
Prep: Remove pit and cut around the pit area
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 as well. Cut them up into chunks, or they can be given frozen as well.
Good for: Vitamins A and C, high fiber, antioxidants
Prep: Remove pit and cut around the pit area
- Good for: Vitamins A and C, high fiber, antioxidants
- Prep: Remove pit and cut around the pit area
5. Pears
Good for: Vitamins C and K, high fiber, copper Prep: Remove seeds and core
Cut the pears into bite-sized chunks and be sure to remove the core and seeds (cyanide again).
Good for: Vitamins C and K, high fiber, copper Prep: Remove seeds and core
Good for: Vitamins C and K, high fiber, copper
Prep: Remove seeds and core
6. Watermelon
Good for: Vitamins A, C, and B6, potassium
Prep: Remove the rind and seeds
Watermelon is an excellent way to hydrate your dog as it’s 92% water! Be sure to remove the rind and all seeds as they can potentially cause intestinal blockage.
Good for: Vitamins A, C, and B6, potassium
Prep: Remove the rind and seeds
- Good for: Vitamins A, C, and B6, potassium
- Prep: Remove the rind and seeds
7. Carrots
Good for: Vitamin A, beta-carotene, high in fiber
Prep: Cut into bite-size pieces
Carrots are low-calorie, and their crunchiness makes them great for your dog’s teeth.
Good for: Vitamin A, beta-carotene, high in fiber
Prep: Cut into bite-size pieces
- Good for: Vitamin A, beta-carotene, high in fiber
- Prep: Cut into bite-size pieces
8. Celery
Good for: Vitamins A, B, and C, antioxidants
Prep: Cut into small pieces
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.
Good for: Vitamins A, B, and C, antioxidants
Prep: Cut into small pieces
- Good for: Vitamins A, B, and C, antioxidants
- Prep: Cut into small pieces
9. Green Beans
Good for: High fiber, low calorie, protein
Prep: Cut into pieces
Green beans can be served frozen, fresh, or even canned, as long as they don’t contain any salt.
Good for: High fiber, low calorie, protein
Prep: Cut into pieces
- Good for: High fiber, low calorie, protein
- Prep: Cut into pieces
The 9 Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can Enjoy in Moderation
1. Bananas
Good for: High in potassium, vitamins, fiber, copper Prep: Peel and cut into small chunks
Bananas are a great snack for a dog, but they do have a high sugar content so bananas should only be given as an occasional treat.
Good for: High in potassium, vitamins, fiber, copper Prep: Peel and cut into small chunks
Good for: High in potassium, vitamins, fiber, copper
Prep: Peel and cut into small chunks
2. Cantaloupe
Good for: Vitamins A, B, and C, high fiber
Prep: Remove skin and seeds
Cantaloupe should be cut into small chunks, but it is high in sugar, so avoid feeding it to diabetic or overweight dogs.
Good for: Vitamins A, B, and C, high fiber
Prep: Remove skin and seeds
- Good for: Vitamins A, B, and C, high fiber
- Prep: Remove skin and seeds
3. Cranberries
Good for: Vitamin C, high fiber, manganese
Prep: Can be raw, cooked, or dried
Cranberries are great for urinary tract infections. They are very acidic, however, so too much can upset your dog’s stomach.
Good for: Vitamin C, high fiber, manganese
Prep: Can be raw, cooked, or dried
- Good for: Vitamin C, high fiber, manganese
- Prep: Can be raw, cooked, or dried
4. Strawberries
Good for: Vitamin C, high fiber
Prep: Remove stem and cut into pieces
Strawberries are tasty, healthy, and can whiten your dog’s teeth, but they are high in sugar.
Good for: Vitamin C, high fiber
Prep: Remove stem and cut into pieces
- Good for: Vitamin C, high fiber
- Prep: Remove stem and cut into pieces
5. Broccoli
Good for: Vitamin C, high fiber
Prep: Give your dog the florets, cooked or raw
Broccoli is super healthy, but too much can be a choking hazard and can cause severe gastric irritation.
Good for: Vitamin C, high fiber
Prep: Give your dog the florets, cooked or raw
- Good for: Vitamin C, high fiber
- Prep: Give your dog the florets, cooked or raw
6. Brussel Sprouts
Good for: Vitamins C and K, antioxidants
Prep: Cooked until soft and cut into small pieces
Be sure the sprouts are small enough to not cause choking, and too much can cause a lot of gas. The same goes for cabbage.
Good for: Vitamins C and K, antioxidants
Prep: Cooked until soft and cut into small pieces
- Good for: Vitamins C and K, antioxidants
- Prep: Cooked until soft and cut into small pieces
7. Peas
Good for: Vitamin B, high fiber, potassium
Prep: Fresh, frozen, steamed, mashed
Don’t give your dog canned peas and only in the pod if it’s also safe for you to eat. Too much can cause stomach upset and gas.
Good for: Vitamin B, high fiber, potassium
Prep: Fresh, frozen, steamed, mashed
- Good for: Vitamin B, high fiber, potassium
- Prep: Fresh, frozen, steamed, mashed
8. Pumpkin
Good for: Vitamins A, C, and E, high fiber, iron
Prep: Remove shell and seeds, cooked or canned
Pumpkin is excellent for a dog’s digestive system, but it’s high in calories. Avoid pumpkin pie filling as it will contain sugar.
Good for: Vitamins A, C, and E, high fiber, iron
Prep: Remove shell and seeds, cooked or canned
- Good for: Vitamins A, C, and E, high fiber, iron
- Prep: Remove shell and seeds, cooked or canned
9. Sweet Potatoes
Good for: Vitamins A, B6, and C, high fiber, calcium, iron
Prep: Remove skin and cooked and cut into small pieces
Sweet potatoes are high in carbs, and caution should be used if your dog is overweight or diabetic.
Good for: Vitamins A, B6, and C, high fiber, calcium, iron
Prep: Remove skin and cooked and cut into small pieces
- Good for: Vitamins A, B6, and C, high fiber, calcium, iron
- Prep: Remove skin and cooked and cut into small pieces
The 7 Fruits and Vegetables Dogs That Are Toxic for Dogs
1. Avocado
What to avoid: All (pit, flesh, skin, leaves)
Can cause: Diarrhea, vomiting
Avocados contain persin, a toxin that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. The flesh doesn’t have as much of the toxin, but it’s still too much for a dog.
What to avoid: All (pit, flesh, skin, leaves)
Can cause: Diarrhea, vomiting
- What to avoid: All (pit, flesh, skin, leaves)
- Can cause: Diarrhea, vomiting
2. Cherries
What to avoid: Seeds, stems, leaves
Can cause: Cyanide poisoning, difficulty breathing
While the flesh doesn’t contain cyanide, there isn’t enough flesh on the small cherry to risk giving any to your dog.
What to avoid: Seeds, stems, leaves
Can cause: Cyanide poisoning, difficulty breathing
- What to avoid: Seeds, stems, leaves
- Can cause: Cyanide poisoning, difficulty breathing
3. Grapes
What to avoid: All (seed, flesh)
Can cause: Kidney failure
No part of the grape is safe, including raisins. A 50-pound dog can suffer from kidney failure by eating 15 ounces of grapes or 2 to 3 ounces of raisins.
What to avoid: All (seed, flesh)
Can cause: Kidney failure
- What to avoid: All (seed, flesh)
- Can cause: Kidney failure
4. Tomatoes
What to avoid: Stems, leaves, unripe tomatoes
Can cause: Lethargy, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
The flesh of a ripe tomato is generally safe, but anything green on a tomato contains solanine, which causes tomatine poisoning.
What to avoid: Stems, leaves, unripe tomatoes
Can cause: Lethargy, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
- What to avoid: Stems, leaves, unripe tomatoes
- Can cause: Lethargy, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
5. Mushrooms
What to avoid: All
Can cause: Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, death
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.
What to avoid: All
Can cause: Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, death
- What to avoid: All
- Can cause: Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, death
6. Onions
What to avoid: All
Can cause: Diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain
All onions, including shallots, chives, and leeks, are poisonous to dogs. It can actually cause the red blood cells to rupture, which leads to anemia.
What to avoid: All
Can cause: Diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain
- What to avoid: All
- Can cause: Diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain
7. Rhubarb
What to avoid: Leaves and stems
Can cause: Diarrhea, vomiting, mouth irritation, kidney failure
Rhubarb stalks might cause a small amount of upset stomach, but the leaves are very toxic. They can cause tremors and coma.
What to avoid: Leaves and stems
Can cause: Diarrhea, vomiting, mouth irritation, kidney failure
- What to avoid: Leaves and stems
- Can cause: Diarrhea, vomiting, mouth irritation, kidney failure
Detecting Allergies to a Fruit or Vegetable
If your dog is allergic to any fruits or vegetables, it isn’t all that different from a typical food allergy.
In most cases, the allergy won’t present as stomach upset but will show up on your dog’s skin and in his ears.
The most common signs of a food-related allergy are:
Frequent ear infections
Constant scratching of itchy skin
Lesions on the skin (commonly caused by your dog’s constant scratching)
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.
Frequent ear infections
Constant scratching of itchy skin
Lesions on the skin (commonly caused by your dog’s constant scratching)
- Frequent ear infections
- Constant scratching of itchy skin
- Lesions on the skin (commonly caused by your dog’s constant scratching)
What Should I Do If My Dog Has Eaten a Toxic Fruit or Vegetable?
If your dog isn’t showing any symptoms and you just suspect he might have eaten something toxic, you can 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 over the phone. However, if your dog starts exhibiting worrisome symptoms, take him to your vet or the closest emergency vet clinic immediately.
Be sure to note what your dog has eaten and how much, and of course, remove any food so your dog doesn’t eat more.
Conclusion
For the most part, your dog doesn’t really need fruit and veggies in his diet, but there are some definite 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 so you can check for any added preservatives, sugar, or salt.
Giving your dog the occasional bite of apple or carrot will be just fine. But talk to your vet before you consider adding any to your dog’s regular diet, particularly if you’re trying to treat any mild health issues. We all want our dogs to live long lives and to stay healthy.
See also:
- Can Dogs Eat Nopales? Is It Safe?
- Can Dogs Eat Goji Berries? How Healthy Are They?
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
