Have you ever wondered if you can share your veggies and fruits with your furry friend? While some human foods are safe and beneficial for dogs, others may cause health issues. Here is a list of safe fruits and vegetables for dogs to consume and provide lots of nutritional benefits.
Some should be avoided. Some are awesome. The crunchiness can even be used as a low-calorie replacement for heavy treats.
To take the guessing game out of the equation, we have compiled a quick list of 10 fruits and vegetables to enrich your dog's diet and mind!
Are Fruits and Vegetables Safe for Dogs to Eat?
Yes, fruits and vegetables can be a great addition to your dog’s diet as long as they are safe to consume. Some vegetables and fruits are high in vitamins, minerals and fibre, which can improve your dog’s overall health. However, some foods can be poisonous or harmful to dogs, so it’s important to check if the food is safe before giving it to them. It’s always best to consult with your veterinarian first if you have doubts about whether a particular fruit or vegetable is safe for your furry friend.
The canine nutritionist will point to around 10-20% to be a good veggie intake for your dog. That is why many modern delivery boxes for dogs contain cooked sweet potatoes, carrots or leafy greens. Mother Nature ingredients pack a great nutritive punch for our four-legged friends.
And this has even been proven scientifically. A study found that Scotties fed green and yellow-orange vegetables thrice a week were 70-90% less likely to develop bladder cancer. This was compared to Scotties, who haven't been fed any vegetables.
Remember to start slowly when introducing new food to your dog's diet. The digestive system may need to adjust, or your dog might be allergic to it. However, we believe some of the snacks below will be better to chew on than some toxic dog toys. Natural pet products win over synthetic ones any day!
Some important other points to consider before feeding your pup:
- Leave the seasoning and any oils out of it
- Wash your veggies or buy organic veggies and fruit
- Cut it into sized bite pieces to avoid a choking hazard
- Older dogs may prefer cooked veggies to reduce crunchiness on old teeth
Let's jump into the ten vegetables and fruit that will enrich your dog's life without further ado.
Carrots for dogs?
Isn't it great that Mother Earth gave us carrots?
As with all, moderation is key. But carrots pack some healthy vitamins and nutrients into every crunch, which your dog will love.
They can be given raw or cooked. The vitamin boost contains vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K, potassium, beta-carotene, calcium, niacin, phosphorus and magnesium.
Carrots are also rich in dietary fibre, which helps improve digestive health. However, that amount of fibre can also upset the tummy if consumed in high quantities. A puppy can eat around 1-2 carrots daily and be fine. Always introduce carrots in small amounts first.
Another benefit is that carrots can clean your dog's teeth and help with teething discomforts.
Broccoli for dogs?
Next on our list is Broccoli, the super green fruit. My enemy number 1 when I was 5! Good that dogs can't see the super healthy green colour; otherwise, they might also be put off.
Dogs can eat raw and cooked Broccoli in small quantities. Broccoli contains isothiocyanate, which can upset the digestive system if fed in too large amounts. But it packs a good amount of vitamin C, K, potassium and fibre into each bite which is excellent for the heart, bone density and immune system.
Bananas for dogs?
Sweet and fruity at the same time. That is good news for our four-legged friend. Peel the banana before giving it to your dog to avoid a digestive upset because of the skin.
Bananas pack a large number of fibres and are magnesium-rich. This helps absorb vitamins and boosts bone growth and protein making. Furthermore, Bananas hold healthy potassium and vitamins A and B.
It's worth being mindful of the contained fruit sugar. Bananas are not for the obese hooman friend.
Blueberries for dogs?
This superfood is an excellent antioxidant for your dog that can boost its immune system. Packed with vitamins and fibres, they can fight brain ageing, arthritis and even cancers. You can probably feed your dog a handful every day (8-10 berries).
They are relatively low in sugar compared to other fruits, so they can even be suitable for obese dogs as training treats. As they're small, they also don't pose a choking hazard.
Always ask your vet before feeding your dog human foods. They can advise best on recommended servings based on your dog's breed, size and weight.
Apples for dogs?
How do you like them apples? If we were a dog, we would like them apples! Yes, apples are good for dogs. They are a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium and antioxidants.
They are also great for teething puppies to reduce discomfort and as a low-calorie snack. Maintaining a balanced intake and starting with small chunks is essential for all snacks. All in all, apples can also improve your dog's dental health!
Do not feed the seeds or the core to your furry friend. They can be a choking hazard, but they also contain small amounts of cyanide, which can be harmful in large doses. Apples also contain sugar, so serve them in moderation.
Celery for dogs?
Can dogs eat celery? Yes, they can! Raw, cooked or steamed doesn’t matter. Celery is 95% water, so this crunchy snack can be ideally enjoyed during the hot summer months. On top of that, the crunchy feeling can be very satisfying to your pup.
Celery carries a lot of essential nutrients, like vitamin A, potassium, vitamin K, calcium and magnesium. Vitamin A is excellent for healthy fur and skin!
Too much celery can cause an upset tummy and more gas than usual as it’s fibre-rich. Try different ways of serving celery. After a while, you will learn what your pup prefers.
Brussels sprouts for dogs?
One of the vegetables that people love or hate. You might feel inclined to share the love with your dog if you're a fan. Brussel sprouts are also a clear yes when it comes to healthy treats.
However, don’t feed them raw to your dog. Instead, make sure you steam, boil or microwave Brussel Sprouts. They contain vitamin K, which helps blood clotting and protects the heart.
Apart from that, they also contain vitamins C, A, B1 and B6. Again, the downside is that it is high in fibre, so be cautious with the serving size. There are no toxins in it, though! So while preparing them for your dog, ensure you have some too. Brussel Sprouts are good for canines and hoomans.
Beetroot for dogs?
Beetroot is excellent if you’re a bit anaemic. Dogs can also benefit from this root vegetable because it is enriched with potassium, folate, manganese, fibre and vitamin C.
If your dog has stomach issues or fur loss, then beetroot can soften these issues. Raw beets are okay, but it might be better to cook, steam or boil them to make them easier digestible.
They’re considered sweet veggies, so they can replace treats high in salt and sugar or contain ingredients that hoomans can’t pronounce.
Strawberries for dogs?
Who doesn't love a nice cold strawberry smoothie in summer? We wouldn't say no! Yes, your dog can have a few, too, whilst you're preparing a smoothie for yourself. Who could resist those pleading puppy eyes anyway? No one!
There is a lot of goodness in a strawberry. They're high in minerals like potassium, magnesium and folic acid. Vitamins C, B1, B6 and K can strengthen the immune system. And then there is an enzyme that can also whiten your pup's teeth!
Strawberries are high in fruit sugar, so if you have an obese dog, this snack should be swapped out with a celery stick instead. At the very least, it should be fed in small portions.
Cucumbers for dogs?
Another great watery snack for summer! They contain a whopping 96% of water. Cucumbers are perfect for overweight dogs as they barely hold carbs, fats or oils. They’re also low in salt and are crunchy vegetables that will keep your dog occupied and contain vitamins and minerals.
Remember: Always consult your vet
Some of the above fruity treats can be very high in fibre. Too much fibre is not advisable; all treats must be enjoyed in moderation. Vets usually say treats shouldn't exceed 10% of a dog's daily food intake. If you feed your dog a balanced diet, they should get all nutrients already.
When you try new human food on your dog, start with a small sample first. If in doubt about portioning, then your vet can answer all questions.
Did you enjoy this post? We can't wait to try all these new treats on our dogs! If you like natural treats and try to keep nasties and cheap synthetics out of your dog's diet and mouth, read our article about the danger of toxic dog toys. Natural pet products are the way forward.
We can prolong our best friends' lives and improve their quality of life by being mindful of what we feed them.
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Health Disclaimer: The information provided through this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If your dog may have a health problem, you should consult your vet.