Most dog owners have a habit of giving their dogs exactly what they eat, including fruits and vegetables. Though the intention is to be nice to their dogs, as canines dogs can do without fruits and vegetables. However, fruits and vegetables contain important nutrients that can contribute to your dog's optimal health.
While some fruits and vegetables are harmful to your dog, there are others that are rich in nutrients and are extremely beneficial to all dogs.
Fruits Dogs Can Eat
Apples
Yes, your furry friend can eat apples without any health risks. Apples are one of the few fruits that’s a good source of vitamin A and C for dogs. However, the seeds may worry your dog’s metabolic system so do well to remove these before giving apple as a treat to your dog.
Bananas
Yes, your dog can safely eat bananas. This tropical fruit is rich in vitamins, fiber, potassium, and copper. It’s good to feed your dog with banana but because of its relatively high sugar content, give this to your pooch as a treat and it shouldn’t be given daily. Bananas are low in sodium and cholesterol which is good for dogs.
Blueberries
Yes, blueberries can be consumed by dogs. It contains an essential substance called antioxidant which is much needed by dogs for optimal health. Antioxidants contribute greatly to your dog’s bodily defensive mechanism.
It destroys and expels radicals that are harmful enough to cause diseases to your dog. Blueberries are rich in fiber which aid in digestion and phytochemicals which are a good source of important nutrients that your dog needs.
Cantaloupe
Yes, dogs can eat cantaloupe. If you’re looking for one of those fruits with low calories and super-rich in nutrients, then cantaloupe is just the right fruit for your furry friend. Because of its high sugar content, it’s not advisable to frequently feed it to your dog.
Cranberries
Yes, your dog can safely consume cranberries. Whether they are dried or in its original state, dogs derive numerous benefits from eating it. Some dog owners have reportedly raised concerns about their dogs having stomach upset after eating cranberries. So do not feed it to your dog daily. You can give it as a treat to your pooch.
Coconut
Yes, dogs can drink coconut water and eat its white fruit. Coconut water is packed with numerous nutrients that can heal and prevent diseases in both humans and dogs.
Watermelon
Yes, dogs can eat watermelon. It’s full of vitamin A, B6, C, and potassium. But the seeds are not safe for your dog, so remember to remove every single seed before you feed watermelon to your dog. On an extremely hot day, feed your dog watermelon because its ‘water’ content helps your furry friend to hydrate better and prevent overheating.
Mango
Yes, your dog can safely eat mango and derive nourishing nutrients to boost their immune system and overall health. Mango contains vitamins A, B6, C, and E. The outer part should be removed before giving the fruit to your dog.
Since you’re concerned about your dog’s health, it's always best practice to cut the mango into small bits so that your dog can pick them from its bowl.
Oranges
Yes, your dog can have oranges. Oranges are a great source of vitamin C for all dogs. However, just like any other fruit, never let your dog chew on the outer part. Always peel it before tossing it to your pooch. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that reduces inflammation and cognitive aging in dogs.
Peaches
Yes, peaches are safe for your dog to consume. However, don’t let your dog eat the peel because it contains traces of cyanide which is harmful to your dog. Peaches contain vitamin A which is good for your dog’s skin and vision.
If your pooch doesn’t get enough of vitamin A as required, it could suffer from night blindness and you’ll notice that its skin is becoming rough and unhealthy.
Raspberries
Yes, dogs can eat raspberries. There are significant amounts of antioxidants found in raspberries that could help your dog fight inflammation. It contains fiber, magnesium and vitamin C which are essential nutrients required by your dog for optimal health.
Raspberries also have low sugar and calories so your dog won't become diabetic from eating it. However, there are traces of the toxin Xylitol in raspberries so limit the number of raspberries given to your dog. Consult your vet to know the daily required amount of raspberries you should give to your pooch.
Strawberries
Yes, your loyal furry friend can consume strawberries. They are also rich in vitamin C. It strengthens your dog's immune system Do not give your dog too much of it because it contains high levels of sugar which isn’t good for your dog. Strawberries can help whiten your dog’s teeth.
Pineapple
Yes, your dog can eat pineapples as much as it wants but give them in moderation. It’s packed with nourishing vitamins and fiber. If your dog has constipation, pineapple is one of the fruits you can give it at home to remedy the situation. It contains the enzyme bromelain that helps your dog absorb complex proteins. Do not give pineapple to your dog as a whole or its main meal, rather feed it to him as treats.
Fruits Dogs Can’t Eat
Avocado
No, you shouldn’t feed avocado to your dog. According to AKC, avocado contains a toxin called persin which causes diarrhea and vomiting. It has a high-fat content that could lead to pancreatitis in your furry friend.
Grapes
No, don’t give grapes to your dog because they’re highly toxic to your dog. No matter the type of dog breed you have or the age of your dog, they can’t eat grapes. It can lead to kidney failure which is fatal so just don’t feed it to your dog. If your pooch is an active dog that’s always sniffing and looking for things to eat from your kitchen, then you have to make sure you keep the grapes from its reach.
Tomatoes
No, dogs should not eat tomatoes. If it’s all ripe and red then it may be safe for your dog but the problem is, if it still has some green parts. Those green parts contain a toxic substance called solanine, which could be dangerous for your dog when it consumes a large amount of it.
Plums
No, dogs can’t and shouldn’t eat plums. Unfortunately, small amounts of the poisonous substance, cyanide, is found in plums. So totally avoid giving plums to your dog as treats.
Cherries
No, dogs shouldn’t be fed cherries. Though the fleshy part is safe for consumption by your dog, other parts are not. Just like other fruits that contain poisonous substances, cherry contains cyanide. Because your pooch stares at you with those innocent eyes when you’re enjoying cherries, doesn’t mean you should be kind and considerate to give it as a treat. It’s harmful so just avoid giving it to your dog.
Vegetable Dogs Can Eat
Broccoli
Yes, broccoli is good for your dog so don’t hold back from feeding it to your pooch. It contains vitamin C and fiber. Its low-fat content makes it okay to feed it to pups and senior dogs. However, do not feed too much of it to your furry friend because it’s known to cause an unexplained obstruction in the esophagus.
Some dog owners have reported that their dogs slightly suffer from gastric irritations when then they feed it broccoli. For this reason, avoid including broccoli in your dog’s meal.
Brussels Sprouts
You can feed your dog brussels sprouts but not too often. The only reason you may not want to feed your dog with this vegetable frequently is that it causes gas to accumulate in your dog’s stomach. This makes your dog uncomfortable. It has some really good nutrients in it so you can plan your dog’s meal and include brussels sprouts from time to time.
Carrots
Yes, dogs are not bunnies but they can eat carrots. Carrots are good for your furry friend especially, for their eyesight. It contains vitamin A which promotes good vision. Senior dogs are more prone to develop poor vision in their eyes so including carrots in their meal would help them to maintain good eyesight.
Green beans
Yes, your dog can eat green beans without any health risks. It’s extremely rich in important nutrients that contribute significantly if your dog is going to have optimal health.
Celery
Yes, you should give your dog celery. If your dog has bad breath, try this home remedy by giving it celery. Amazingly, celery is one of the unprocessed veggies that can fight against cancer. Additionally, it contains vitamins and even promotes good heart health. Because of the enormous benefits of celery, you should include it in your pooch’s planned weekly meal.
Peas
Yes, you can feed your dog all types of peas. However, avoid canned peas that contain sodium. Peas are fortified with all types of nutrients including minerals, vitamins, proteins, and fiber. And all these are good for your dog’s health.
Spinach
Yes, spinach is good for your dog and you should include it in its meals. Because of this special vegetable, your dog’s metabolism can be greatly improved. It contains a substance called oxalic acid which may inhibit your dog’s body from absorbing calcium. And this can lead to kidney damage.
Because of the oxalic acid, reduce the amount of spinach you include in its meal and do not feed it to him daily.
Vegetable Dogs Can’t Eat
Asparagus
No, you should avoid giving asparagus to your cherished dog. Not that it contains any harmful substance but because it’s hard and tough to chew. And it needs to be cooked for quite a long time to soften it. Because of the long cooking period, it loses all the nutrients in it that are beneficial to your furry friend. There is no point in feeding this to your dog while there are other beneficial alternatives.
Mushrooms
No, avoid giving your dog mushrooms. There are several mushroom species and amongst them, wild mushrooms are poisonous and can be instantly fatal. The mushrooms you buy from your local supermarket isn’t harmful to your dog but the other ones which you might not know about are.
Not feeding your dog mushrooms won’t cause it to be deficient in any essential nutrient so just avoid it.
Onions
No, dogs can’t and shouldn’t eat onions. Onions contain a substance called Allium which is highly poisonous to all dog breeds. According to petMD, Onions can cause your dog’s red blood cells to rupture which would lead to internal bleeding.
Internal bleeding is fatal and can kill your dog. Onions can cause stomach-ache, nausea, and diarrhea. If your pooch is fond of eating anything, then place your onions at a safe spot in the kitchen.
Conclusion
Remember to give every fruit and vegetable in moderation to your dog. There might be certain fruits that your pooch may like more than others and if this is the case, do not be tempted to give more of those fruits to your furry friend. And do not let your dog have fruits as their main meal unless you’ve been advised to do so by a vet.