Last Updated: March 31, 2023
Which fruits and vegetables are safe and healthy for dogs that they will gladly munch on waging?
Your adorable pooch might be a voracious eater but you just can’t let it gobble anything as it can lead to serious health hazards.
In the confusion of what dogs can and cannot eat, we often ignore the beneficial ones and feed them fruits and vegetables that are not so dog-friendly.
To help you include the right food in your dog’s diet plan, Dr. Sarah Wooten has shared her insights on what dogs should consume.
Dr. Sarah Wooten is a graduate of UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, and a member of the American Society of Veterinary Journalists. She is a vet expert at Pumpkin Pet Insurance. Dr. Wooten has 16 years of experience in small animal general practice, and 10 years experience in writing and speaking (you may have seen her speak at veterinary conferences in the states or internationally, including Fetch, VMX, AAHA, AVMA, Canwest, or WVC to name a few).
This article covers details about fruits and vegetables that can contribute to your dog’s healthy growth.
Are you excited to know what all can you include in your dog’s diet plan?
Let’s find out.
Fruits & Vegetables Dogs Can Eat In Moderation (Both Fresh & Dried)
Dr. Wooten recommends giving the below fruits and vegetables (both fresh and dried) to dogs in small quantities as overconsumption can result in stomach upset or diarrhea, just like in humans.
Dogs Can Eat Apples
Try serving this crunchy red fruit to your dog and see how well it regulates their intestine.
Apples are rich in fiber coupled with other health-boosting factors like Vitamin A and C.
According to Dr. Wooten, this low in calorie and limited protein fruit gets easily digested making it an ideal snack for mature dogs.
But remember to scrape out the cyanide-infused seeds before slicing the apple in chewable portions as per your dog’s size.
Though apple is highly nutritious, feed them in moderate quantity as overfeeding can lead to serious stomach upset in dogs.
Peel Cucumbers Before Serving
Another crunchy addition to the list of healthy fruits that dogs can eat and why not when it assists your overweight pooch in shedding some kilos?
Cucumbers are a powerhouse of vitamin C & K, and minerals like magnesium, copper, and biotin which help in maintaining and restoring the glossy fur and claws of your dog.
If you want to start feeding cucumber to your dog, don’t ever put a wholesome on their plate.
Always peel and chop them in standard slices as per your dog’s breed and size.
Giving this fruit in summer will keep your pooch hydrated without any side effects.
Carrots Keep Dog’s Tummy Full
Carrots are not only a match made in heaven for bunnies.
Even dogs can greatly benefit from this root vegetable.
We all know the fondness of dogs for meat but do you know that Vitamin A in carrots is more beneficial in promoting liver and kidney health in dogs than regular meat and rice.
Just like apples, carrots too are low in calories and high in fiber that aids in digestion without any fear of weight gain.
Freshly diced raw carrots have enormous health benefits for the pups.
Carrots help improve dental health and keep your pup’s tummy full.
Dogs Can Eat Bananas Without Peel
Instead of including bananas in your dog’s main diet give this low-calorie fruit as treat in a moderate amount.
You can feed your dog banana cut in slices or mashed but always without the peel.
Though banana peel has no medical evidence of toxicity, accidental ingestion can cause an intestinal blockage as dogs struggle to digest.
If you have been skeptical if your dog can eat a banana, we hope that now your doubt is clear.
Go ahead and start giving this healthy fruit to your dog to eat, as high potassium and magnesium in bananas along with fiber and essential vitamins help in relieving canines’ constipation and promote skeletal health.
Dogs Can Eat Berries
Looking for a safe source of antioxidants for your dog?
Get a handful of berries like strawberries, blackberries, or blueberries to end your search.
All the above-mentioned berries are high in fiber and antioxidants that help to prevent premature cell damage and keep your dog energetic.
You can feed both fresh and frozen berries in moderation as they are high in sugar content.
Do you know that a certain enzyme in strawberries can whiten your dog’s teeth?
So without any second thought start feeding berries and remember to chop the strawberries in small sizes to protect your pup from choking.
Watermelons Without Seeds & Rind Are Safe For Dogs
Watermelons are a healthy summer treat for dogs due to their high water content almost 92% besides other essential vitamins and minerals.
Watermelons are safe and healthy fruits for dogs unless you forget to remove the seeds and rind as they can block their digestive tract.
Besides the rind and seeds, most dogs enjoy slurping the crunchy and juicy watermelon slices that have zero fat and cholesterol.
Simply chop the melons in chewable slices to offer your dog nutritious hydration treats.
Considering its nutrients watermelons are undoubtedly the safe and easily digestible fruit for senior dogs and puppies.
Cranberries Can Be Served Both Fresh & Dried
These berries when given to dogs in moderation promote their oral health but feeding it in excess may lead to stone formation in their bladder.
Dogs can eat both fresh and dried cranberries as they are a rich source of essential nutrients, Vitamin C, and antioxidants that help to boost their immunity.
Dr. Wooten suggests feeding only fresh berries and strictly avoiding the canned cranberry juice and sauce as they contain artificial flavoring and high sugar.
Though not medically proven, still some believe that cranberries can cure canine urinary tract infection, which you must consult with your vet before starting feeding your pooch.
Dogs Can Eat Oranges After Removing Seeds & Peel
Citrus essence is a dog repellent but your dog may allow oranges in their food plate.
Start with a limited quantity to see their reaction and then you can either continue or decline the idea of feeding oranges.
If your dog likes eating this healthy fruit, consider adding it to their diet as oranges are packed with Vitamin C, potassium, and a decent level of fiber to support your dog’s immunity.
However, you must feed only the pulp without seeds and peel as it will upset their stomach.
Feed orange as a snack treats to your dog as its moderate sugar content may adversely impact your dog’s health if given in excess quantity.
Dogs Can Eat Mangoes Occasionally
Just like you, your dog loves mango too but you must feed this sugary fruit occasionally.
This summer fruit is a powerhouse of fiber and essential vitamins that your dog can eat as a special treat in a moderate amount.
Dice them into chewable slices and remove the pit and peel to protect your dog from gastrointestinal blockage.
Feeding too much of this fruit will lead to diarrhea and weight gain. So share only a small amount with your dog.
The pit of mango has some amount of cyanide which may not have any toxic effect on your dog but can choke their digestive tract if accidentally ingested.
Pear Are Safe For Dogs
Dogs can eat pears and enjoy this crunchy treat freshly diced in chewable chunks.
Though the pet food segment in the supermarkets is brimming with canned pear juice or in other forms, they always have a side effect on your beloved pooch sooner or later.
Pears are loaded with essential minerals, vitamins, and fiber that have proven to relieve cardiovascular conditions, especially in senior dogs.
But here’s the catch, before giving this healthy fruit to your dog to eat remove the pit as it contains a little amount of cyanide that is harmful to your pet’s health.
Swipe your canine’s daily diet with pears in a moderate amount.
Fresh Peach Is A Tasty Treat For Dogs
Go for this delicious fruit to give your dog the ultimate summer bonanza.
Feeding fruits to a dog is optional unless you want them to taste and churn some fruity benefits.
Peaches hold benefits for canines being a powerhouse of fiber and Vitamin A.
As Dr. Wooten recommends, stay away from artificial canned peach juices as they are loaded with sugar content that can upset your pooch’s stomach.
Try feeding them fresh seasonal peaches, cut them in bite-size, and don’t forget to remove the pit which can choke their digestive tract.
Pineapple Is A Healthy Fruit For Dogs
Feeding pineapple to dogs is generally safe but you must follow certain cautions to make it a safe treat.
First thing first keep your dog away from preserved, and canned pineapples as they contain artificial flavor and sweetener.
Fresh pineapples are considered healthy fruits for dogs to eat but better serve it as a treat and avoid overfeeding to prevent stomach upset.
Remember to remove the core and peel and dice a pineapple in chewable chunks as the core is hard for a dog to digest.
This vitamin, minerals, and folate enriched fruit help in boosting canine immunity.
Melons Are Safe For Dogs To Eat
All melons whether cantaloupe, watermelon, and honeydew are safe for dogs if fed in moderation as an occasional treat.
These antioxidants enriched fruits are a great summer treat for dogs in keeping them hydrated.
Your dog can get a sufficient amount of essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber from melons and beta carotene from cantaloupe that helps in strengthening their immune system.
Though melons are beneficial for canine’s health but overfeeding can lead to serious conditions in senior dogs with diabetes.
Before feeding, cut melons into chewable size by removing the rind and seeds to protect your pooch from gastrointestinal blockage.
Dogs Can Eat Broccoli
This tree of doom is a great source of fiber and vitamin C and is considered safe for canine consumption.
As recommended by Dr. Wooten, you can feed broccoli to your dog in moderate amounts as raw, blanched, or steam to see how your pooch is reacting to it.
Generally, the florets have no side effect on dogs but the isothiocyanates in them can lead to some reaction if given in excess.
Broccolis don’t need extra seasoning to be an edible choice for dogs.
In fact, they are perfect as a vegetable snack that you can feed once or twice a week.
Celery Should Be Fed In Moderation
Your dog generally doesn’t need human food if it is thriving on a vet-recommended diet.
But still, if you are wondering whether dogs can eat celery, then yes this crunchy vegetable is ideal for obese dogs due to low fat and cholesterol.
These greenies are rich in fiber, vitamin A, C, K, and other vital minerals.
You can feed finely chopped raw celery stems without the leaves or mix them with dog food.
As a practice try including this vegetable slowly in your dog’s diet plan.
Remember excess feeding of celery can cause urinary complications in dogs.
Green Beans Are Safe For Dogs
Dr. Wooten recommends adding green beans to your dog’s diet due to high nutrients.
In fact, some commercial pet care brands are selling green beans infused specially formulated dog food.
Green beans are a powerhouse of fiber, omega 3 fatty acids, iron, potassium, beta carotene, and other essential nutrients.
But don’t simply jump to give your dog green beans rather start slow by including it in a lesser amount with the usual dog food and then proceed accordingly to their reaction.
Simply chop both sides of the stringy ends and cut them into bite-size to convince your dog to eat this healthy vegetable.
Dogs Can Eat Peas
This fiber-rich legume is an excellent source of carbohydrates, protein, and antioxidants that are nutritious for your dog and is easily digestible.
You can either include fresh blanched peas or feed frozen peas but never pick the canned ones.
Peas are safe healthy fruits for dogs that aids in maintaining a healthy weight and also boost skin, eye, and heart health.
Always remove the pod as it can choke your dog’s throat.
However, if your dog is already diagnosed with kidney issues, it’s better you strictly avoid peas as prevention to further health deterioration.
Spinach In Cooked Form Are Safe For Dogs
Dogs can eat spinach but make sure it is cooked.
This leafy vegetable is safe for dogs to eat for a change in their regular diet and is totally optional.
Feeding dogs a small amount of blanched spinach helps in regulating their digestive tract.
Spinach is packed with iron, beta carotene, roughage, and vitamins that support your dog’s overall health.
However, you must be cautious not to overfeed this leafy powerhouse of nutrients as it has oxalic acid which interrupts their calcium absorption leading to skeletal and kidney disorders.
You can happily avoid spinach for your healthy dog to block any possible health complications.
Dogs Can Eat Brussels Sprouts
This vegetable is quite a healthy treat for your dog and comes with very few side effects.
Brussels sprouts are loaded with antioxidants, fiber, and Vitamin K that aid in a healthy heart and bone development and also regulate blood circulation.
Considering the drawbacks of other vegetables, Brussels sprouts seem to be comparatively safer but wait, excess feeding is again a big no as it will terribly upset your dog’s stomach leading to gas formation.
So moderation is the key to churning maximum benefits from this nutritious vegetable which will help in healthily stimulating their intestinal tract.
Papaya Is Healthy For Dogs
Dogs can eat papaya.
You can start giving this delicious and healthy fruit to your dog to eat by mixing small cubes (approx. 4 to 5 cubes) with their food.
But remember to remove the seeds and peel as it can cause intestinal blockage.
Also, avoid giving dried papaya and canned papaya juice to your dog as they are high in sugar content.
You can, however, extract fresh papaya juice to feed your dog.
Frozen papayas are also a healthy treat for your canine.
Remember to give papaya in small quantities to your dog as overconsumption can cause diarrhea.
Fruits & Vegetables Dog’s Cannot Eat
Dogs Cannot Eat Avocados
The plain sight of this exotic fruit that makes you feel healthy even before you eat is not so friendly for your dog.
Renowned vet Dr. Wooten has cited possible reasons behind why it’s better to discard avocado from your pet’s diet.
Besides a potent nutritious and tasty fruit, avocados are high in persin, a naturally occurring toxin that is present in every part of the avocado tree.
The pit and peel of Avacado contain a considerable amount of this toxin which when accidentally ingested can lead to severe diarrhea and vomiting and in extreme cases can claim your beloved pet’s life.
Avoid Feeding Onions To Dogs
You may love onion dressing in salads or use them as seasoning but this root bulb has a compound known as N-propyl disulfide which can make your dog suffer from anemia by rupturing the red blood cells.
So if you are concerned about what human food can dogs not eat, strictly keep out onions whether raw, cooked, or processed powder to protect them from possible health problems like vomiting and diarrhea.
Other alarming indications are lethargy and panting due to lower oxygen in the bloodstream.
Most vegetables that belong to the Allium family like onions, garlic are dangerous for dogs and you must keep these vegetables including the whole plant out of their reach.
Dogs Should Not Eat Cherries
Sadly we have nothing to cheer you up when it comes to feeding cherries to your dog.
Cherries are in every way toxic for dogs due to their alarming level of cyanide and sugar.
This antioxidants-rich fruit is a strict no for your furry mate as it can trigger the chances of food poisoning.
Every part of a cherry including its flesh, pit, and stem bears cyanide which if given to dogs can lead to difficulty in breathing and dilating pupils and this is applicable for all dog breeds.
So keep aside the cherries and include dog-friendly berries that we have mentioned above.
Dogs Cannot Eat Grapes
If you are wondering what fruits dogs cannot eat then grapes are the answer.
Grapes with or without seeds or even raisins are highly fatal for dogs and lead to kidney failure.
Research is still on to know what ingredients in grapes cause dogs to pay their lives.
The even more alarming call is, till now most of the cases of dog poisoning that has been reported are somewhat linked to grape ingestion.
So if your dog playfully gulps down grapes or raisins it will start showing severe reactions like weakness or vomiting.
In such times, we recommend contacting your vet without any second thoughts.
Dogs Don’t Like Asparagus
Asparagus which is a healthy vegetable for us is not likely for the dogs.
Apparently, there is no fear of toxicity but the tough stalks are quite hard for dogs to chew and digest and that’s the reason dogs don’t really like them.
The situation becomes more complex when you offer it to them raw.
So if you want your dog to get the taste and health benefits of asparagus, cook to soften the stem or serve blanched.
You must also chop the strands in chewable size so that eating them doesn’t choke your dogs or block their digestive tract.
But still, if you want to feed your dog something similar to asparagus, you can gladly consider celery as a suitable alternative.
Tomatoes Are Not Safe For Dogs
Dr. Wooten has both good and bad news for you about feeding tomatoes to dogs.
While ripe tomatoes are healthy fruits for dogs to eat of course without the seeds which are hard to digest, avoid giving your pooch unripe green tomatoes.
If you have tomato plants in your garden you need to be extra cautious in keeping your dog safe from tomato poisoning.
Put a thorny fence around these plants to repel your dog from chewing the leaves, stem, and unripe tomatoes as they contain solanine which can lead to stomach upset, seizure, tremors, and severe diarrhea.
It’s better to discard tomatoes than being always alarmed preventing your dogs from eating them.
Dogs Cannot Eat Mushrooms
Another vegetable that dogs cannot eat.
These edible fungi that are extremely healthy for you can be fatal for your pooch.
We all know that not every species of mushroom is safe for humans to consume, so it’s better not to look for the types of mushrooms that will be suitable for dogs.
The best is to avoid feeding your dog any kind of mushroom available out there as there is always a risk of being unable to distinguish between the toxic and nontoxic variants which can otherwise lead to severe life-threatening situations and even death of your dog.
So if your dog has accidentally ingested wild mushrooms, take a sample and rush to the vet for immediate treatment.
Final Thoughts
Dogs have a curious mind to sniff new fruits and vegetables that they have never seen or smelled before.
Apart from grooming your pet at home and giving them training tips and tricks, as a parent, it’s obvious to be concerned about what dogs can and can not eat to ensure their healthy upbringing.
Dogs can definitely not eat every human food so it’s best to give only those healthy fruits and vegetables which have been recommended by Dr. Wooten.
To summarize dogs can eat fruits and vegetables like papaya, melon, apple, bananas, berries, cranberries, oranges, mangos, pear, peach, pineapple, cucumbers, carrots, broccoli, celery, green beans, peas, spinach, and Brussel sprouts.
We suggest that you understand your dog’s nutritional requirements for deciding on a healthier diet for your pet.
