I kept asking myself which fruits and vegetables were good for my dogs. After doing some research, I came up with this list of 32 Best Fruits and Vegetables Dogs can eat.
Moderation is the key when giving your dogs fruits and vegetables as treats. Even the healthiest of treats can cause stomach issues or weight gain.
Fruits have a natural abundance of sugar. I like to keep my dog's fruit cut into small bite-sized pieces. Even when adding fruits or veggies to their food bowls, I use it in moderation. Too much fiber can cause digestive issues, which leads to diarrhea.
I use less than ½ a cup of fruits or veggies most of the time. A ½ cup is a good measurement to provide some healthy snacks, while keeping any digestive issues at bay.
Of course, they love dehydrated chicken treats, meatballs and Pepperoni treats just as much as they enjoy eating fruits and vegetables in their meals.
A Few Tips for Feeding Fruits and Vegetables
- Always wash your fruit and vegetables.
- Remove any core’s in the fruit
- Take out every seed in fruit and vegetables
- Cut larger pieces into bite-sized chunks
- Keep a close eye on your dogs when eating stems such as broccoli, etc.
32 Best Fruits and Vegetables Dogs can Eat
Apples
Not only are apples full of vitamins A and C, they are a great source of fiber to help with the dog's bowels.
Always remove the apple core and seeds, as they are toxic for humans and pets. They are low in protein and fat, which makes them an excellent snack, especially for senior dogs.
You can serve apples frozen or include them as an addition to the topper on your dog's food.
Bananas
My dogs love bananas. During the afternoon they make a great treat for dogs. Bonus, they are low calorie treats high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber and copper.
Bananas are also low in cholesterol and sodium, making them a perfect treat.
Because bananas are also high in sugar, they should be given as a treat every once in a while in moderation and not part of their daily meal.
Bell Peppers ( Red, Orange, Green and Yellow)
These are great to feed to dogs. They contain beta-carotene, fiber and antioxidants that are good for dogs.
Cutting peppers into bite-sized pieces and removing the stems can help boost their immune system.
Blueberries
Letting your dog eat blueberries is as healthy for them as they are for humans. Blueberries are full of antioxidants, fiber and phytochemical.
Blueberries help to prevent cell damage in dogs and humans, therefore making them a safe daily treat.
I often mix blueberries in with my dog's food.
Broccoli
In small quantities, broccoli is good for dogs. I will say that it gives my dogs gas.
If you give your dogs broccoli, you’ll want to watch them as they eat it. The broccoli stalks can cause an esophageal obstruction.
Brussels sprouts
Just like broccoli, Brussels sprouts can cause gas in your dogs. They are good for humans and dogs. Full of nutrients and antioxidants, they are best served in moderation.
Cabbage
You can feed your dog a small amount of cabbage. Be warned! The gassiness afterwards will run you out of the house!
Cantaloupe
Great for dogs with diabetes or are overweight.
This is a low calorie, full of nutrients, fiber and water for our dogs. Cantaloupe is also full of sugar and should be given in moderation.
Carrots
Not only are carrots one of the healthiest vegetables for humans, they are for dogs. Carrots are a low fat and low-calorie snack for your dog. Here are some health benefits of feeding your dog a carrot:
- Dental Health! If you don’t brush your dog's teeth regularly, give your pet a carrot. Chewing on a carrot will remove the plaque from their teeth.
- Carrots are fiber and help to firm up a runny stool.
- Because of the high beta-carotene in carrots, it can improve eyesight.
- Vitamin A in carrots helps to boost your pet immune system.
The best way to feed a carrot is to boil it. As in most vegetables, dogs do not easily digest vegetables.
Cauliflower
Definitely safe in small quantities. My dogs prefer the cauliflower cooked. However, raw is also good for your dog's teeth.
Celery
Did you know that celery is great to freshen up bad doggie breath?
Not only that, it contains the needed nutrients to promote a healthy heart, and it’s been known to fight cancer. Celery is full of Vitamins A, B and C.
Corn
Corn is safe for dogs to eat. You’ll want to remove it from the cob as eating the cob can cause and obstruction.
Cranberries
My dogs don’t always care for cranberries unless they are mixed with something else in their food. Cranberries can be tart.
If you want to give your dog cranberries, feed them in small amounts as they can cause an upset stomach.
Cucumbers
Is your dog overweight? Cucumbers are wonderful for dogs because they have little to no carbohydrates, fat or oils.
Cucumbers help to boost a dog's energy levels, it fills them with Vitamins K, C and B1 and potassium, copper, magnesium and biotin.
Eggs
In previous years, everyone thought eggs were bad for humans and dogs because of their high cholesterol count.
That has now been proven false. Eggs are good for you and your dogs. Include them in your breakfast meals like these.
I usually boil some eggs or include them in an omelet or skillet to share with my dogs, Ruby and Callie. They think they’ve died and gone to heaven!
Eggs carry an abundance of amino acids, which are essential for protein production in dogs.
Protein helps build muscles, including amino acids for a great coat.
They are also a wonderful source of Calcium. We all know that calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth.
Eggs and Eggshells for Dogs:
- Did you know eggshells are good for your dog's teeth and bones? Grind up the shells and place it into their food.
- The best way for dogs to absorb the nutrition from eggs is by cooking them. Either boiling or sauteing them. Feeding raw eggs can inhibit digestion and cause biotin deficiency.
- Eggs should only be fed twice a week. Some suggest that organic eggs are best and by boiling the eggs before feeding you can sterilize them.
Green Beans
Best vegetable for dogs! No matter how you serve them, chopped, steamed, raw or canned, they are safe for dogs as long as they are served plain. No spices or additions.
Green beans are full of important vitamins and minerals and fiber and low in calories. Dogs should enjoy green Beans plain. No spices.
The nice thing about green beans is dog can be enjoy them raw, steamed or even canned. As long as they don’t contain any spices. Plain green beans are best.
If feeding from a can, make sure they are a low-salt version. Green beans make a wonderful low-calorie snack.
Mango
As with apples, you’ll want to remove the pit of the mango before feeding to your dogs. The pit contains cyanide and is dangerous for your dogs.
My dogs love mango. Although they like to experiment with it first before eating. This sweet fruit is filled with Vitamins A, B6, C and E.
Oranges
We all know that oranges are an excellent source of Vitamin C, potassium and fiber. Oranges are great for dogs, if they’ll eat it. A lot of dogs literally turn up their noses at the strong smell of citrus and won’t eat it.
Peas
Yes, dogs can eat peas if fresh or frozen. Always avoid peas in cans as they contain added sodium.
Peaches
A small amount of peaches is okay for dogs. I like to freeze mine and give them to my dogs. They are full of Vitamin A and can help fight infections. Be sure to remove the pit as it contains cyanide.
I prefer to skip the canned peaches as they contain a high amount of sugar. Organic peaches are best to give to our furry friends.
Pears
By cutting the pears into bite-sized pieces and removing the pit and seeds, pears are good for our dogs.
High in copper, Vitamin C and K, plus fiber some sources report that pears can reduce the risk of stroke by 50%.
Pineapples
A few chunks of pineapple are a sweet treat for dogs, if they’ll eat it.
Many dogs don’t like the citrus taste and will play with the fruit instead of eating it.
Always remove the outside peel and the top crown before giving pineapple to your dog.
Pumpkin
Great for dogs who are having bouts of diarrhea. Never feed your dog pumpkin pie filling. Always choose 100% pure pumpkin. Or cut you and bake your Halloween pumpkin. Your dog will love it.
Does your dog have diarrhea? Pumpkin is a wonderful source to help control diarrhea in your pets. I've had this issue with both my dogs, Ruby and Callie.
Here are the diarrhea recipes I used that included pumpkin Mini Pumpkin Bites for yourself! Or how about some Pumpkin Mousse? Why should the dogs have all the fun.
Raspberries
Dogs can eat raspberries, but need to be limited to less than ½ a cup. Raspberries contain a small amount of natural xylitol, which can upset a dog's stomach. They are fine in moderation only.
Snap Peas
Yes! Snap peas are like peas and are great for your dogs. By serving raw or slightly cooked, with no spices, your dogs will love this addition to their food.
Snow Peas
Yes, part of the pea family. They are full of protein and high in fiber. Serve them raw or cooked.
Spinach
While you can feed your dogs spinach, I’ve never found it to be a favorite of my dogs. You’ll want to keep this to a small amount to avoid stomach issues.
Squash
Squash is good for dogs. Like pumpkin, it can help with diarrhea when your dog has an upset stomach. Always remove the seeds as they do contain cyanide.
Strawberries
Yes, by feeding in moderation, dogs can eat strawberries. They are full of fiber and Vitamin C and contain an enzyme that helps to whiten dog's teeth.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes have similar effects as pumpkin or squash with dogs. It’s a great option, especially if your dog is having gastric distress. Full of nutrition that contains vitamins, thiamine, niacin and copper.
Watermelon
Another fruit my dogs love! I always remove the rind and seeds first. If not removed, they can cause intestinal blockage.
Watermelons are full of Vitamin A, B6 and C and are 92% water. Good for keeping your dog hydrated, especially in the summer months.
Zucchini
A great source of Vitamin C, magnesium and potassium, zucchinis are a good option for our pets.
I like to shred it on top of my dog's food as it’s helpful for infections, cancer and even cardiovascular disease.
Can I add Vegetables to Dog Food?
Yes, absolutely. Not only do I love to add carrots, green beans, and broccoli to my dogs food, I often make a dog food topper containing these vegetables like this recipe.
Can Dog's Digest Vegetables?
Dogs digest vegetables differently than humans. For humans vegetables provide a lot of nutrition. For dogs, they provide little nutrition and are not necessarily needed for a dog's diets. So, fruits and vegetables should make up only 20% of your dog's diet.
Dogs are carnivores and require meat and protein. However, the occasional vegetables or fruit is great for a dog. Especially as a treat.
Can I Dehydrated Fruits and Vegetables for my Dogs?
Definitely! I use my dehydrator all the time for my dogs.
They make a healthy alternative to store-bought treats and help to control dogs diabetes and obesity.
Here’s a list of my favorite fruits and vegetables you can dehydrate:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Green Beans
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Strawberries
- Sweet Potatoes
- Zucchini
Simply cut or slice them, wash them and place them into the dehydrator for 3-5 hours.
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