Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can or Can't Eat

Dogs enjoy variety, just like humans. They are omnivores by nature, but dogs can also enjoy human foods in moderation.

We are obligated as dog parents to ensure that our pets are safe from any food that is not strictly a dog’s diet. This will ensure that they don’t suffer from intestinal distress or worse.

Although we can give our dogs a wide variety of nutritious and healthy treats in small quantities, certain fruits and vegetables should be avoided.

This list will help you determine which fruits and veggies are safe to feed your best friend in small amounts. While most are safe, it is a good idea to remember dangerous foods and keep this handy in case you need to avoid natural treats that may not be approved for dogs.

Good Fruits For Dogs

1) Apples – Apples are a great treat for dogs and can be enjoyed in moderation. You can give them either as a natural treatment or freeze them for a special summer treat. Be sure to remove any seeds as they may contain a little cyanide. Although a few seeds won’t cause any harm to a dog, it is better than nothing.

2) Bananas – Small amounts of bananas make great snacks for dogs, as they are rich in vitamins, potassium, and fiber. They are high in sugar, so be careful.

3) Blackberries – are high in antioxidants and have a lot of fiber and vitamins A and K.

4) Blueberries – They are small and have an interesting texture. They are high in antioxidants, contain phytochemicals such as polyphenols, and also have a lot of fiber.

Cantaloupe – Another good fruit for dogs, it is rich in hydrating fiber and water. Cantaloupe is high in sugar, making it less appealing for overweight dogs or dogs with diabetes.

6) Coconut – This combination of form and texture is another treat for dogs. It is low in carbohydrates but high in fat. Coconut is high in protein, fiber, iron, and copper, as well as small amounts of vitamin A. It does not contain many other vitamins.

7) Cranberries – Dog treats in small quantities of natural or dried cranberries are available. These cranberries can be quite tart or tangy, so it is important to get them to settle with your dog before you give them more.

8) Mango – Mangos, although high in sugar, are a healthy treat for Fido. Mangos contain vitamins A, B6, C, and E. They also have a good amount of potassium. Because they contain cyanide in their seeds, make sure you remove the pit before eating.

9) Nectarines – These sweet treats are full of vitamin C and make a wonderful treat for dogs. You can simply remove the seeds from the nectarines and peel them.

10) Oranges – Some dogs may not enjoy the citrus scent of oranges, but others will. They are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. However, you should only give them moderate amounts. Like all seeded fruits, before giving some to your dog, remove the seeds.

11) Peaches – These fruits are a good source of vitamin A and fiber and can be enjoyed by our furry friends, both frozen and natural.

12) Pears – are an excellent treat for dogs as they contain a lot of vitamins C, K, and fiber. Pears also contain seeds, so make sure you remove them.

Related: Can Dogs Eat Asian Pears?

13) Pineapple – A sweet treat for dogs, this delicious fruit contains fiber, minerals, and vitamins. When you are using fresh pineapples, make sure to remove the outer rind and only use the inner flesh.

14) Pumpkin– A pumpkin’s vitamin punch is its high vitamin E, potassium, and beta carotene levels. Pumpkin can help with constipation and diarrhea in dogs.

15) Raspberry – Although low in sugar, raspberries are rich in antioxidants which can help dogs reduce their exposure to harmful free radicals. Raspberries are also anti-inflammatory and can be helpful with arthritis joints. You should be aware that raspberries naturally contain the all-natural sweetener xylitol, which can cause problems for dogs if consumed in high quantities.

16) Strawberries – Strawberry is a favorite among both humans and animals. They are rich in vitamin C and fiber and contain an enzyme called malic acid that encourages disintegrating teeth staining particles from dogs’ teeth.

17) Watermelon – Watermelon is a great summer treat for dogs, with its 92% water content. Watermelon is rich in vitamins A, B-6, and C and contains potassium. Be sure to take out the seeds and rind before giving watermelon to your dog.

Related: What Berries Can Dogs Eat?

Bad Fruits For Dogs

18) Avocado – Dogs should not be allowed to eat avocados. Persin is a naturally occurring toxin that protects avocados but can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. It can be found in the skin, seed, and avocado leaves. Persin is less in the edible avocado, but it’s still too much for dogs to handle.

19) Cherries – The cherry fruit is edible, but it isn’t easy to eliminate all the seeds. It’s best not to give cherries to dogs. The cyanide in the seeds can disrupt oxygen transport within cells, causing dogs to have difficulty breathing as their blood cells don’t get enough oxygen.

20) Currants – Black, red, and white currants can be toxic for dogs. Even small amounts can cause problems.

21) Grapefruit – Grapefruit is very acidic, bitter, and unlikely to be tempting for dogs. It also contains psoralen, which can be toxic to dogs. Psoralen is most concentrated in the skin, pith, and seeds. However, the flesh also contains some. Your dog should avoid grapefruit.

22) Grapes – Grapes and their dried counterpart, raisins, are big no-nos for dogs. Both are extremely toxic and can cause kidney failure in dogs very quickly. This fruit should be off-limits.

23) Lemons – Lemons are similar to grapefruits in their acidic nature and can cause intestinal problems in dogs. Although they contain vitamin C, they won’t cause any serious harm to dogs. However, due to their acidic nature, Fido can eat better snacks. Lemons are not recommended as a treat for dogs.

24) Lime – Same for limes. These are too acidic to be enjoyed by dogs and can cause intestinal problems. It is better to give snacks that are more easily tolerated.

25) Persimmons – These fruits are rich in vitamins A and C and can be an excellent addition to any dog’s diet. Although the seeds and pit are not toxic, they can obstruct the intestines. If you are going to treat your dog with persimmons, it is a good idea to remove the seeds.

26) Plums – A substance called hydrogen cyanide is why plums should not be given to dogs as a treat. Most cyanide is found in the roots, pits, and leaves. However, there is enough cyanide in the flesh to cause digestive discomfort if plums are consumed too often.

27) Tomatoes – Yes, tomatoes can be considered a fruit as they are grown from the flowers of tomato plants and contain seeds. Dogs shouldn’t be concerned if they eat tomatoes in moderation, but it is better to avoid them all, as the solanine in the tomato plants’ green leaves can cause serious health problems for dogs.

Good Vegetables For Dogs

28) Beets – Another snack you can add to your menu is beets. They provide vitamin C, folate, and manganese. Beets aid in digestion, support a dog’s immune system and promote healthy skin and a healthier coat.

29) Bell Peppers – This is a great treat for dogs, as bell peppers are high in nutrients. Limit the amount to ensure that they don’t upset your dog’s stomach.

30) Broccoli – Broccoli in small amounts is a tasty treat, just like bell peppers. Broccoli is low in fat, high in fiber, and rich in vitamin C.

31) Brussels sprouts – These delicious, nutritious vegetables are a great treat for man’s best friend. Don’t overdo the good things, as too much can lead to unwanted gas.

32) Butternut squash – This butternut squash is rich in vitamins A and C and contains potassium and fiber.

33) Cabbage – Purple cabbage is rich in antioxidants and a tasty treat for dogs when used in moderation. It can also cause gas like Brussels sprouts. It is good for your skin and can help fight cancer.

34) Carrots – Both raw and cooked carrots are high in fiber, potassium, and beta-carotene and make an excellent addition to your dog’s diet. Frozen carrots are great for teething young dogs or as a cool treat in the middle of summer.

35) Cauliflower – This vegetable is rich in nutrients and a favorite of many dogs. It makes a great addition to any dog’s diet. To avoid gas or diarrhea, feed once per week.

36) Cereal – This is another great dog snack. It is low in calories, crunchy, and high in vitamins A and C, which help fight cancer and promote healthy hearts. Celery is also said to help dogs’ breath smell fresher.

37) Cucumbers – are an excellent and crunchy snack for dogs; cucumbers contain lots of water and are rich in nutrients. It is safer to slice a cucumber than feed it to your dog.

38) Green Beans – All types of green beans are great for dogs, whether cooked or raw. They are high in vitamins and minerals, low in calories, and high in fiber. They are also low in calories and will help your dog feel fuller without adding many calories. Low salt is preferred if your pooch prefers to eat from a can.

39) Kale – Kale is rich in vitamins K, A, and iron. It makes a great snack option. Kale is good for vision and bone health in dogs.

40) Lettuce – Another great treat for dogs is lettuce. It’s high in vitamins A, C, and K, low-calorie, and has beneficial fiber. Although it isn’t as effective as red cabbage, it’s still an excellent alternative to bread and other baked human treats.

41) Parsley – Parsley, rich in vitamin K, is a great dog treat. It is toxic to consume large quantities of “Spring Parsley”.

42) Peas – All kinds of peas, including snap, sugar, snow, and garden peas, can be nutritious additions to dogs’ diets. Peas are high in vitamins, minerals, and protein. Peas frozen in the freezer make great snacks for hot days. Peas should not be seasoned with salt.

43) Potatoes – Your pooch can enjoy a variety of treats, including baked, steamed, or other types of potatoes. Don’t give raw potatoes to your dog. Uncooked potatoes contain the toxin solanine, but it is eliminated when potatoes are cooked.

44) Spinach – Another option for your canine companion is to add spinach. It is high in oxalic acids, which can cause kidney damage and disrupt the body’s ability to absorb calcium. This would only be possible if you gave your dog a lot of spinach. Limit the amount of spinach you give if this is a treat you want.

45) Sweet Potatoes – This is another tasty treat that dogs can enjoy, but the skin should be removed and the food cooked. Sweet potatoes are high in the antioxidant beta-carotene.

46) Zucchini – A favorite vegetable snack among canines, zucchini is full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It is crunchy and has a delicious flavor. It’s low in calories, so it’s great to give to obese dogs.

Bad Vegetables For Dogs

47) Asparagus – While it is safe for dogs, the asparagus is very tough, so it is not recommended. Because it’s so difficult to chew, it can be harder for dogs to digest. It can also cause digestive problems and gas. It may help to first cook asparagus for your dog to soften it. The disadvantage of giving asparagus to your dog is that its pee may smell different when it consumes it.

48) Garlic – Unfortunately, not all vegetables can be eaten by dogs. Garlic is not allowed for dogs because it belongs to the allium family, along with onions, shallots, and leeks. In large quantities, garlic can be toxic and cause damage to the blood vessels, leading to anemia. Garlic should be kept away from dogs as much as possible to prevent them from eating large amounts.

49) Mushrooms – Wild mushrooms can be dangerous for dogs and humans. It is best to avoid including mushrooms in your dog’s food or snack. Mushrooms are hard to identify. If you give a store-bought mushroom plain with nothing on it, that’s safer, but overall, avoid mushrooms because there are so many other veggies available.

50) Onions – All parts of onion are toxic for dogs, including the skin, flesh, juice, leaves, and pulp. Concentrated garlic and onion powders can be more dangerous than natural garlic and onions.

You can see that there are more than 36 good fruits and vegetables that our canine friends can enjoy. There are only 14 bad fruits and vegetables to be aware of. Dogs eat a lot of dry food, which is why their diet can be quite boring. It is important to give them healthy snacks or a varied diet.

The 50 Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can and Can’t Eat list is useful, and you can use it to spice up your dog’s diet. It’s worth it to make some changes and add healthy foods to your dog’s food. The extra variety that you offer will be a blessing to man’s best friend.