It’s tempting to show your dog extra love by feeding it human food instead of a canine treat. The logic goes like this: if it’s good enough for you to consume, it must be OK for your dog to eat, too. The opposite is true. It’s important to know which fruits and vegetables dogs may eat since although many human foods are OK for them, some are harmful or even deadly.
Dogs have a very different digestive system than people do, and feeding them the incorrect things may cause serious health issues or even death. Dogs, being omnivores, don’t have a genuine dietary need for fruits and vegetables, although the odd indulgence of one is OK. Pre-portioned fresh dog foods also include fresh vegetables. Continue reading to learn which produce items may be shared moderately and which should be avoided.
Fruits Dogs Can and Can’t Eat
Apple
Dogs can, in fact, eat apples. In addition to providing fiber, apples are a great source of the vitamins A and C that your dog needs. Their low protein and fat content make them an ideal treat for geriatric canine companions. Make sure the seeds and core are taken out first. When the weather becomes hot, try eating them cold. Also, it’s a common component in dog treats with an apple taste.
Avocado
Avocado is not safe for canine consumption. Although avocados may be a nutritious treat for humans, they should never be fed to dogs. Persin, a toxin found in avocado pits, skins, and leaves, is known to make dogs sick to their stomachs. However, even though the fruit’s fleshy inside contains less persin than the plant itself, it is still toxic to dogs.
Bananas
Bananas are safe for dogs to consume. Bananas, in moderation, are a terrific low-calorie treat for dogs. They’re a good source of potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. Even though they’re low in cholesterol and salt, bananas should be considered a treat and not a regular component of your dog’s food due to their high sugar level.
Blueberries
Blueberries are safe for dogs to consume. Antioxidants found in abundance in blueberries protect human and canine cells from harm. They include a wealth of beneficial phytochemicals and dietary fiber. Practicing the art of tossing goodies to your dog. If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to processed snack foods, blueberries are worth a try.
Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe is fine for canines to eat. Cantaloupe is an excellent source of both water and fiber, and it has little calories. However, because to its high sugar content, it should be given to dogs sparingly, particularly those who are overweight or suffer from diabetes.
Cherries
Dogs shouldn’t eat cherries, sorry to say. Aside from the fleshy portion around the seed, all parts of the cherry plant contain cyanide and are harmful to dogs. Your dog’s blood cells won’t be able to acquire enough oxygen because cyanide affects cellular oxygen transport. Watch for symptoms of cyanide poisoning, including dilated pupils, trouble breathing, and red gums, if your dog consumes any cherries.
Cranberries
Cranberries are completely dog-friendly. When given in moderation, fresh or dried cranberries are acceptable for canine consumption. As to whether or not your dog will like this sour snack, that’s anyone’s guess. Since with any treat, it’s best to limit your dog’s exposure to cranberries, as they have the potential to cause an upset stomach if consumed in large quantities.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are safe for canines to consume. Cucumbers are great for overweight dogs since they contain almost no carbs, fats, or oils and may even increase activity levels. They include high levels of biotin, potassium, copper, magnesium, and vitamins K, C, and B1.
Grapes
Do not give your dog grapes under any circumstances. Regardless of the dog’s breed, sex, or age, eating grapes or raisins (dried grapes) may be fatal. In fact, the toxicity of grapes may cause rapid renal failure. This is a fruit that should never be given to a dog.
Mango
Mangoes are safe for dogs to consume. This refreshing summer delicacy is a good source of vitamins A, B6, C, and E. They are a good source of potassium and alpha- and beta-carotene. As is the case with the vast majority of fruits, the cyanide-containing hard pit must be removed before the fruit is eaten to prevent suffocation. Mango should be consumed in moderation due to its high sugar content.
Oranges
It’s true that oranges are safe for dogs to consume. Veterinarians agree that oranges are safe for dogs to consume, although they may have a negative reaction to other strongly scented citrus fruits. The juicy flesh of orange makes for a healthy treat for your dog since it’s high in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. You should give your dog simply the orange’s flesh, without the peel or the seeds, according to your vet’s recommendations. Because of the abrasive nature of orange peel on their digestive systems, your dog may actually turn up his nose at it.
Peaches
Peaches are safe for canines to consume. Peaches, whether fresh or frozen, are high in fiber and vitamin A and may even aid in the fight against infections when consumed in moderation; nevertheless, like cherry pits, peach pits contain cyanide. If you take the time to carefully remove the pit, fresh peaches are a delicious summertime snack. In most cases, canned peaches will have excessive levels of sugary syrups that you should avoid.
Pears
Dogs can, in fact, eat pears. The fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K content and copper content in pears make them a healthy snack option. Fruit consumption has been linked to a 50% lower incidence of stroke. Remove the pit and the seeds from the pear before eating it, since the seeds may contain cyanide. Avoid the sweet canned pears.
Pineapple
Canines may safely consume pineapple. The sweet flesh of the pineapple, after the thorny outer peel and crown have been removed, is a delicious treat for dogs. Tropical fruit is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapples that aids in protein digestion for canines.
Pumpkin
To answer your question, pure pumpkin is a fantastic and nutritious treat for canines. Also, it’s fantastic for digestion and may treat both diarrhea and constipation, so it’s a win-win for your dog’s overall health. You should remember that pumpkin pie filling is toxic to dogs. Check the label to be sure the pumpkin you purchase is indeed a pumpkin. Supplements and dog treats made from pumpkin are also widely available.
Raspberries
Raspberry consumption by canines is OK. Eaten in moderation, raspberries pose no health risks. Antioxidants included in them are beneficial for canine health. Their high fiber, manganese, and vitamin C content more than makes up for their low sugar and calorie content. Due to its anti-inflammatory qualities, raspberries are particularly beneficial for elderly dogs. Because of the xylitol content, though, you shouldn’t give your dog more than a quarter of a cup at a time.
Strawberries
Strawberry consumption with canines is OK. Fiber and vitamin C may be found in abundance in strawberries. They also include an enzyme that may whiten your dog’s teeth as he or she chews them. They should be given in moderation due to their high sugar content.
As a general rule, it’s best to keep your dog away from tomatoes. Tomatoes are normally safe for dogs to eat after they have matured, however the green sections of the plant contain a poisonous chemical called solanine. Even though a dog would have to consume quite a bit of the tomato plant for it to make him or her ill, it’s best to avoid feeding him or her any tomatoes as a precaution.
Watermelon
Canines are allowed to enjoy some refreshing watermelon. Watermelon flesh is okay for dogs, but the peel and seeds must be removed first since they might cause intestinal obstruction. It’s a good source of potassium and vitamins A, B-6, and C. Due to its high water content, watermelon is an excellent summertime treat for your dog. (You may now purchase doggy treats in the form of watermelons.)
Vegetable Dogs Can and Can’t Eat
Asparagus
Asparagus is not safe for canine consumption. For all that, there’s really no need to feed your dog asparagus. Asparagus loses many of its beneficial compounds when cooked to a mushy consistency more suitable for canine consumption. Sharing a more nutritious vegetable is the way to go if you’re going to share a vegetable.
Broccoli
It’s true that dogs may safely eat broccoli as a treat on occasion, but only little amounts at a time. It has a lot of fiber and vitamin C and is low in fat. However, the isothiocyanates included in broccoli florets might cause gastrointestinal discomfort ranging from moderate to severe in certain dogs. Additionally, the esophageal blockage has been linked to eating broccoli stems.
Sprouts from Brussels
Brussels sprouts are safe for canine consumption. The minerals and antioxidants in Brussels sprouts are beneficial for both people and pets. Don’t give your dog too many of them at once, either, since doing so may lead to excessive flatulence. The same gassy caution applies to cabbage, which is likewise safe for canines to eat.
Carrots
Carrots are safe for dogs to consume. With their high fiber content and beta-carotene (from which vitamin A is derived), carrots make for a healthy and filling snack without the hefty calorie count. Plus, many commercial dog meals use this exciting and healthy orange vegetable.
Celery
Yes, dogs may safely eat celery. This crunchy green treat is packed with heart-healthy minerals and cancer-fighting antioxidants, as well as vitamins A, B, and C. In addition, celery is often used to improve a dog’s breath.
Beans, green
In case you were wondering, the answer is yes; canines can consume green beans. Green beans in any form—chopped, steaming, raw, or canned—are OK for dogs to consume, provided they are unseasoned. Green beans are an excellent source of fiber and are both low in calories and low in fat. If you want to give your dog canned green beans, look for ones with little to no salt.
Mushrooms
To be clear, dogs are not supposed to eat mushrooms. Dogs should avoid eating any wild mushrooms. It’s estimated that about 50-100 of the 50,000 types of mushrooms found worldwide are toxic, but those that are may cause serious illness or even death in your dog. Even if you acquire white mushrooms from the grocery and wash them, it’s best to err on the side of caution and not feed them to Fido.
Onions
Onions are not safe for dogs to consume at any time. The Allium family of plants includes some common household irritants, including onions, leeks, and chives. As well as causing red blood cell rupture, onions may make your dog sick with vomiting, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, and nausea. The effects of onion poisoning are more severe in Japanese dog breeds like Akitas and Shiba Inus, but all dogs are at risk.
Peas
Can dogs eat peas? Why, yes! The occasional appearance of garden or English peas in a dog’s dish is perfectly OK. This also applies to green peas, snow peas, sugar snap peas, and any other kind of pea. Peas are a great source of nutrition due to their high fiber content, plentiful protein content, and plenty of essential vitamins and minerals. Fresh or frozen peas are OK for your dog to eat, however canned peas with additional salt should be avoided.
Spinach
Although spinach is OK for dogs to eat, it’s probably not the best vegetable to give your pet. The oxalic acid found in spinach may prevent the body from absorbing calcium, which can then harm the kidneys. Even if your dog would have to consume a lot of spinach for there to be any problems, it’s still definitely better to choose another veggie.