Table of Contents
- The Fruits Dogs CAN Eat
- Other Fruits Dogs Can Eat
- The Vegetables Dogs CAN Eat
- The Fruits Dogs CAN'T Eat
- The Vegetables Dogs CAN'T Eat
- Human Foods That Are Dangerous To Dogs
- What Dogs Can Eat and Frequently Asked Questions
- Fruits And Vegetables Dogs Can And Can't Eat Final Thoughts
As the pet owner, of course, we'd like to spoil our cute dogs. It can be from dog treats, table scraps, or a healthy diet like fruits and vegetables. So what are fruits and vegetables dogs can and can't eat?
Some of these healthy human foods can cause the opposite effect on our dogs since dogs don't have the same metabolic system and digestive systems as we do. Remember that certain types of fruits and vegetables can be toxic to them.
Fruits and vegetables are a good source of natural vitamins and minerals for humans. It is the same with dogs, but not all of them.
For instance, there are amount of sugars in fruits for dogs. This is because we don't share the same metabolic condition as canines. Below, we'll discuss the safe fruits and vegetables good for dogs.
So what are safe fruits and vegetables for dogs? Let's start with fruits and vegetables that dogs' CAN eat.
The Fruits Dogs CAN Eat
Apples
First on our Fruits And Vegetable Dogs Can And Can't Eat list are apples.
Have you ever heard of “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”? Well, that's great for humans, but one whole apple a day for dogs can be too much because it contains about 19 grams of sugar.
But yes, Apple is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants for dogs. Apples can also help by maintaining their weight while also helping with their digestion.
How many apples can dogs eat?
Feeding them a slice or two is good enough to satisfy their cravings. Too much of this fruit can lead to bellyache or diarrhea, so it's recommended to serve them in moderation.
Bananas
It's safe to say that almost all dogs like bananas. Maybe because of the large amount of sugar, it's essential only to give them bananas moderately because too much banana can upset their stomach.
Bananas are low in cholesterol, sodium, and saturated fats. It is also a good source of vitamin B6 and C, potassium, and dietary fiber.
How much banana can a dog eat?
Bananas are an occasional treat and should never be a replacement for their regular meals.
A good rule of thumb with large dogs is that they can eat 1/2 of a banana a day and two to three small pieces for small dogs per day.
Watermelon
Similar to bananas, watermelons are very low in saturated fats and cholesterol. Watermelons also contain a fair amount of potassium and vitamins like vitamins A, B6, and C.
Watermelon is composed of up to 92% water, meaning it is can be a great way to hydrate your pup. If you're planning to feed your dog this fruit, remember to remove the rind and the seeds to avoid complications.
How often can a dog eat watermelon?
Watermelons are great for the occasional treat and should only be 10% of their diet. This is to avoid obesity and diabetes.
Too much of this fruit can also upset their stomach leading to constipation or diarrhea.
Strawberries
Next on the list is strawberry. It is one of the most popular fruits that dogs eat due to the delicious flavor and the health benefits they can gain from it.
It can be a source of folate, potassium, vitamin C, and magnesium. It is also low in calories and high in nutrient content.
How often can a dog eat strawberries?
Small dogs can eat one strawberry (cut into pieces) per day, you can feed medium dogs about 3-to 4 per day, and large dogs can eat up to 5 strawberries per day.
Always remember that these fruits are only significant as treats and should not be a replacement for their meals.
Blueberries
Due to the vast amount of antioxidants in blueberries, it is one of the best fruits or berries a dog can eat. These antioxidants prevent free radicals from causing sickness by harming tissue and DNA.
If you're teaching your dogs specific commands or treats, blueberry is an excellent alternative for store-bought treats.
How often can a dog eat blueberries?
Like any fruit or berries, blueberries should only be a treat and be 10% of your dog's diet. Due to their small sizes, small-sized dogs can tolerate up to 10 blueberries, and large dogs can go above 10.
Oranges
Yup, dogs can also eat oranges. But some dogs don't really like oranges due to the strong smell of citrus.
On the other hand, it is excellent potassium, vitamin C, and fiber source. Vets recommend removing the peel and seeds and only feeding your dogs the flesh of the orange.
How often can a dog eat oranges?
Again, fruits like oranges should be no more than 10% of their daily calories. But in general, most dogs don't like citrus due to the bitter flavor.
Citrus also contains many acids that can cause diarrhea and even vomiting.
Mangoes
Yes, dogs can eat this sweet treat filled with vitamins A, B6, C, and E. Mangoes contain high amounts of sugar, meaning it's only suitable for the occasional treats.
This fruit might be delicious but remember to remove the pit as it contains small amounts of cyanide.
How often can a dog eat mangoes?
One-quarter cup of fresh mango once or twice a week for large dogs is suitable for dogs. Feeding them too much mango can lead to diabetes and obesity due to the high sugar content.
Peaches
Peaches are good for vitamins A and C. It also contains high fiber and antioxidants. But similarly to apples, remember to remove the pit as it contains cyanide and can also be a choking hazard.
How often can a dog eat peaches?
Most experts only recommend one or two slices of peaches occasionally. As the dog owner, you are responsible for consulting first with your vet or veterinary nutritionist for food-related questions.
Other Fruits Dogs Can Eat
Since we discussed above a few of the fruits that dogs can eat, here is a quick list of other fruits that are safe for dogs:
- Cantaloupe
- Cranberries
- Honeydew
- Figs
- Kiwi
- Pears
- Pineapple
The Vegetables Dogs CAN Eat
Carrots
First on our list of vegetables dogs can eat is Carrots. This vegetable is low in saturated fats and cholesterol. It is also an excellent source of thiamine, vitamins A, B6, C, and K, potassium, and dietary fiber.
With moderate amounts of this vegetable, carrots are considered a low-calorie treat. Moderation is needed as it contains high amounts of sugar.
In addition, the crunchiness of carrots makes them great for your dog's teeth.
Broccoli
Broccoli, either raw or cooked, in general, is safe to eat. Humans eat broccoli often as a side dish, but for dogs, it is best served as a treat and in small pieces only.
The broccoli plant has two parts: the florets and the stalks. Broccoli florets contain small amounts of isothiocyanates. This compound can irritate the dog's gastrointestinal system. That's why moderation is required.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are often found in human salads. But just like other fruits and vegetables, dogs can eat this in moderation. This vegetable is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K.
It is also low in carbohydrates and fats while providing pantothenic acid, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, and potassium. But remember to remove the seeds as they can cause gastric issues and diverticulitis.
Celery
Celery is a great natural dog treat. The vitamins present in celery are vitamins A, B6, C, and K. Celery also contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium.
This vegetable is an effective natural treatment for dogs suffering from arthritis.
Sweet Potatoes
Yes! Dogs can also eat sweet potatoes. It is an excellent source of healthy fiber, calcium, and protein.
Like any other fruits and veggies, it is recommended to be given moderately or as sweet potatoes contain large amounts of calories.
In addition, it's best to cook sweet potatoes first rather than giving them raw as it can greatly upset their stomach.
Other fruits that dogs can eat
- Green Beans
- Cauliflower
- Spinach
- Zucchini
- Brussels Sprouts
The Fruits Dogs CAN'T Eat
Avocado
First on the list is avocado. It would help if you did not feed your dogs avocados.
The avocado's pit, skin, and leaves contain persin. Persin is a toxin that causes dogs to vomit and even lead to diarrhea.
The insides of the fruit don't have much personality, but it is still too much for dogs.
Tomatoes
Yup, tomato is a fruit and should not be given to dogs. The most dangerous parts of tomatoes are the stem and leaves, as they contain a toxin called solanine.
Tomatoes can lead to lethargy, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins are a big no-no for dogs. These fruits can cause kidney toxicity in some dogs.
A few clinical signs of grape and raisin toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
Cherries
The pit and skin of cherries contain small quantities of cyanide. If a dog eats a whole bowl of cherries, there are possibilities that he can be poisoned.
Too many cherries could also lead to breathing difficulties. If ever your pup accidentally gets a hold of cherries, consult with your vet immediately.
The Vegetables Dogs CAN'T Eat
Onions
Starting the list of vegetables dogs cannot eat is onions. Onion is one of the most dangerous vegetables for dogs.
This vegetable is toxic to dogs because onions cause oxidative hemolysis of the red blood cells. In simpler terms, onions can damage your dog's red blood cells, resulting in anemia.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are tricky because not all of them can be toxic to dogs. But you know what they say? It's better to be safe than sorry.
It would help if you looked out for wild mushrooms when taking your dog for a walk or a hike. These mushrooms can be dangerous for them.
Mushrooms can cause diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and in rare cases, even death.
Garlic
Humans can benefit from garlic, but it's the opposite for our canine friends. Garlic is too risky to be fed to dogs.
Plants in the Allium family (onions, scallions, shallots, and more) are primarily toxic and potentially harm your dogs.
Human Foods That Are Dangerous To Dogs
Since the metabolic and digestive systems of us, humans are different from dogs. There are human foods that can be dangerous to dogs.
These human foods can cause minor irritations to their skin, nausea, or diarrhea. In some cases, overeating these dangerous human foods can be fatal.
In addition to fruits and vegetables dogs can and can't eat, here's a quick list of foods dogs should not eat:
- Chocolate
- Tea or Coffee
- Xylitol
- Yeast Bread
- Raw Fish
- Milk or other Dairy Products
- Macadamia Nuts
What Dogs Can Eat and Frequently Asked Questions
Are eggs good for dogs?
Yes, eggs are great for dogs! Eggs are rich in protein, and it's also a good source of linoleic acid and Vitamin A.
However, keep in mind that you should never give raw or undercooked eggs. Raw eggs can have Salmonella bacteria, which even very clean eggs can have.
Is Peanut Butter safe for dogs?
Most peanut butter is safe for dogs, but you should still give it moderately. Peanut butter is an excellent source of healthy fats.
If you want to feed your dogs peanut butter, the best and safest option is to give them unsalted peanut butter or dog-specific peanut butter.
On the other hand, some peanut butter manufacturers have switched to using Xylitol as their sweetener. Remember that Xylitol is so toxic to dogs that even small amounts can cause seizures, liver failure, or even death.
Is Honey safe for dogs?
Honey is safe for dogs but in small amounts. Honey contains high amounts of sugar that can cause diabetes, obesity, and immunodeficiency in dogs.
Most dogs can tolerate one teaspoon of Honey per day, but it will depend on their sizes. Too much Honey can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. Ensure to consult with your vet right away if these symptoms are present.
Fruits And Vegetables Dogs Can And Can't Eat Final Thoughts
Since there's a vast difference between a human's body to a dog's body, not all human food can be tolerated by dogs. That's why there are fruits, and vegetables dogs can and can't eat.
Examples of safe fruits for dogs are apples, bananas, watermelon, and strawberries. When it comes to fruits for dogs, it is essential to give them in moderation as too much of it can have negative consequences.
On the other hand, a few vegetable dogs can eat broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, and celery. These vegetables, good for dogs, should also be given moderately. Make sure to consult with your vet or dietitian to know the best food for your dog.
These fruits and vegetables can be a great source of different vitamins and minerals.
It is essential to know what fruits and vegetables dogs can and can't eat to make sure that we're giving the healthiest and safest foods out there.
