A List of Fruits and Vegetables That are Safe for Your Fur Friends to Eat

Nothing beats a tropical fruit salad on a warm day, but as you enjoy those sweet pieces of melon and pineapple, you notice Fido staring lovingly into your eyes for a tasty morsel. Before you decide to share your fruit and vegetables with your fur friend, is it really safe for them to eat? 

To help you pick beneficial natural foods for your dog, in this guide, we take a closer look at the types of greens that are safe for your fur companions to consume and which ones you should definitely avoid. 

Is It Safe for Dogs to Eat Vegetables and Fruit? 

Whether you want to give your dog a healthy snack or you’re thinking about adding vegetables to their regular diet, it’s important to learn which veggies and fruits are safe to feed them. 

Veggies and fruits for dogs are simple ways to introduce vitamins and fiber into their diet, but dogs cannot digest whole fruits and vegetables, so they should always be fed in small amounts or in proportion to their weight. 

Always feed vegetables and fruit to pets in moderation

Certain types of natural foods are not suitable for pets, and with good reason. Garlic is a popular immune booster; however, garlic is potentially toxic to dogs because it contains disulfides and thiosulfates that are known to damage red blood cells. It can also lead to gastrointestinal upset and toxicity if consumed in large amounts. To help you give your fur companion a nutritious diet or a natural snack, I’ve researched a list of the vegetables and fruits that are safe for dogs to eat. 

A List of Fruits and Vegetables for Dogs 

Before we get to our list of canine-approved vegetables and fruits, remember to always introduce these whole foods slowly and in accordance with your dog’s weight and healthcare needs.

Broccoli is a great vegetable to introduce to your pet’s diet because it contains a multitude of vitamins, including those with cancer-fighting properties. However, when broccoli florets are fed in excess, it can lead to digestive upset, such as stomach cramps and diarrhea. Feeding a small amount every alternate day or gradually introducing broccoli can prevent digestive issues. 

The Best Vegetables for Dogs

The following list of vegetables contains essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them suitable additions to your dog’s daily diet: 

• Broccoli – In moderation, as large amounts will cause stomach upset in dogs. 
• Spinach – Only in small amounts as a source of fiber because it is high in oxalic acid and can prevent calcium absorption. 
• Potato – In moderation because of its high starch content
• Sweet potato – A good source of fiber
• Pumpkin
• Squash – Both pumpkin and squash are excellent sources of fiber
• Carrots
• Peas – Exercise precaution with peas, as dogs that consume food quickly can aspirate on a pea. It is best prepared in a mash. 
• Green beans 

Vegetables Not to Feed Dogs

• Corn on the cob – The cob can lodge in the gut and lead to bloat or perforation. Corn is considered a filler and is present in many pet foods; however, it is difficult for dogs to digest and shouldn’t be added to their meals.
• Avocados – Especially not the skin and pit, which are toxic to pets
• Tomato – Dogs can eat ripe tomatoes in small amounts. Avoid feeding green or unripe tomatoes, as it is highly acidic and will cause digestive upset. 
• Garlic – Contains disulfides toxic to dogs 
• Lettuce – Difficult to digest
• Asparagus – Hard to digest in raw form 
• Mushrooms – While technically not a vegetable, it is best to avoid the fungus, as many mushroom species are toxic to dogs. 

The Best Fruits for Dogs

I’ve seen many pet owners feeding their dogs apples, watermelon, and even strawberries, but is fruit really safe for them to eat? 

For dogs that enjoy fruit, they offer a natural source of fiber with vitamins C and A, and beneficial minerals. Perhaps fruits are best served as a healthy treat once in a while.  Let’s look at the best fruits for dogs below:

Fruits Dogs Can Eat

• Apples – Apples are great for dogs, but the core should not be fed to canines because it can become lodged in their throats and stomachs and cause major complications such as gastrointestinal blockages. 
• Blueberries – Yes, a great source of antioxidants.  
• Bananas – A good source of potassium, but must be fed in moderation because of their high sugar content. 
• Cucumber – You can add cucumber to the canine diet because it is low in fat and high in vitamins C and K, along with potassium, biotin, and essential minerals. 
• Oranges – while some suggest that oranges can be consumed by dogs, fresh citrus can lead to digestive problems. For dogs to really reap the rewards of vitamin C, I was advised by a holistic veterinarian to provide it to them in a water-soluble vitamin C that is gentle on digestion. Water-soluble vitamin C is also a good addition for pets diagnosed with cancer because it naturally boosts the immune system, improves energy, and can ease symptoms such as nausea. 
• Peaches – Yes, but not the pip 
• Pears – Yes, but not the pip 
• Mango – Yes, it is high in vitamins C, E, and A. 
• Strawberries – Yes, but feed in small amounts because of the high sugar content 
• Watermelon – Yes, but without the seeds to avoid intestinal problems. 

Fruits That Should Not Be Fed to Dogs 

• Grapes – The tartaric acid in grapes and sultanas can poison dogs and cause symptoms such as vomiting and stomach pain. The toxic dosage of grapes for dogs is around 4 grapes per kg of body weight.

• Any type of pit from fruit – Most pits contain cyanide, and the pit itself can cause an intestinal blockage. 
• Pineapple — While your canine companion can eat peeled pineapple, it is very high in sugar and best avoided. 

Why Give Fruits and Vegetables to Pets?

By adding vegetables to your pet’s diet, you’re providing extra vitamins, minerals, and fiber. All dogs can benefit from veggies, but for those with ailments, the nutritional support can aid their immune systems.

Dogs suffering from constipation can be fed small amounts of spinach and broccoli or steamed/boiled pumpkin and squash as a natural source of fiber.

Fruit typically has high sugar content, so it should be fed in moderation. Bananas, watermelon, mango, and apples make great low-fat treats, but always remove the pits before giving them to your fur friend.

Now that you’re familiar with some of the best fruits and vegetables to feed your dog, you can safely introduce these greens to your pet’s diet. But remember, if your pooch enjoys a crunchy apple or a ripe strawberry, you’ll definitely have to share your next fruit salad with them!