Fruits 🍉& Vegetables🌿 Dogs🐶 Can & Can’t Eat

Fruits  & Vegetables
Dogs Can and Can’t Eat

🍎🌽🍉🌿🍎🌽🍉🌿

As dog owners, it’s not uncommon to want to spoil your four-legged family members by sharing table scraps or your favorite snack with them. After all, if it is safe for you to eat, it must be OK for them as well, right? Not necessarily. While many human foods, especially fruits and vegetables, are perfectly safe, some are very unhealthy and downright dangerous to dogs. Dogs digest differently than humans, and eating the wrong foods can lead to long-term health problems and, in extreme cases, even death. As carnivores, they have no need for fruits and vegetables as part of their diet, but an occasional fruit or veggie as a treat is OK.

Read below to find out which fruits and vegetables are OK for sharing in moderation and which should be avoided.
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Apples  
Yes, dogs can eat apples. Apples are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber for your dog. They are low in protein and fat, making them the perfect snack for senior dogs. Just be sure to remove the seeds and core first. Try them frozen for an icy warm weather snack  Read More

"Do not feed the seeds to your dog as they contain cyanide, a toxic substance. (Some also advise keeping the stem from your pet, too.) And do not give the core to your dog, as it can be a choking hazard. Cut the apple in slices so it's easier for your dog to eat.
Also, like in people, eating too many apples can cause a dog to have a bellyache and diarrhea, so serve them in moderation."

Bananas  
Yes, dogs can eat bananas. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They’re high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog’s regular diet. Read More
Yes, dogs can eat bananas. Actually, many veterinarians even recommend this potassium-rich fruit as a healthy alternative to fatty, salty treats. Other benefits? Bananas are high in fiber, which can help if your dog is having gastrointestinal problems, and magnesium, which promotes bone growth and helps the body produce protein and absorb vitamins.
Ways To Feed Your Dog Banana:
    you can mash it up with his food
    mix it with a little yogurt or peanut butter
    stuff it in a Kong, and freeze it
    freeze, peel, and slice (this is the least messy option)

Broccoli  

Yes, broccoli is safe for dogs to eat in very small quantities and is best served as an occasional treat. It is high in fiber and vitamin C and low in fat. However, Broccoli florets contain isothiocyanates, which can cause mild-to-potentially-severe gastric irritation in some dogs. Furthermore, broccoli stalks have been known to cause obstruction in the esophagus.Read More

Broccoli Is Safe in Small Amounts, But It Can Be Harmful

Unlike humans, dogs don't need large amounts of fruits and vegetables to live healthy lives. Certain fruits and vegetables do make suitable treats on occasion, and can even provide health benefits. Find out what fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs.

Broccoli is high in fiber and vitamin C and low in fat. On the surface, this makes it an appealing choice for dog owners looking for a healthy dog treat, but broccoli also contains a potentially harmful ingredient. According to Dr. Klein, broccoli florets contain isothiocyanates, which can cause mild-to-potentially-severe gastric irritation in some dogs. He also states, "broccoli is considered safe in dogs if the total amount ingested is less than 10 percent of their daily intake. Over 25 percent is considered toxic."

Brussel Sprouts  

Yes, dogs can eat brussels sprouts. Brussels sprouts are loaded with nutrietns and antioxidants that are great for humans and dogs, alike. Don't overfeed them to your dog, however, because they can cause lots of gas. Read More

Carrots

Yes, dogs can eat carrots. Carrots are an excellent low-calorie snack that is high in fiber and beta-carotene, which produces vitamin A. Plus, crunching on this orange veggie is great for your dog’s teeth. Read More

Carrot sticks are widely considered to be a healthy alternative to traditional dog treats, and with good reason. With obesity rates in dogs as high as 53 percent in the United States, many dogs could benefit from a low-calorie treat that doesn’t add inches to their waistline.

Benefits Of Carrots For Your Dog
Carrots offer dog owners an affordable and nutritious snack, perfect for rewarding their dogs for good behavior, without the calorie count associated with biscuits and other treats. Some vets even recommend cold carrots for teething puppies as a way to relieve teething discomfort, and large frozen carrots make cheap and edible chew toys. Chewing on carrots can even help improve your dog’s dental health. More importantly, carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, potassium, and fiber, among other vitamins, all of which play an important role in canine nutrition.

How to Prepare Carrots for Your Dog

Both raw and cooked carrots are healthy options for dogs and make a nutritious addition to home-cooked meals. While carrots are generally safe for dogs, it is important to cut whole carrots into bite-size chunks before feeding them to your dog. This helps to avoid choking, especially in small dogs. Keep an eye on your dog as he chows down on carrot sticks, and call your vet if you suspect your dog is choking or if he has an adverse reaction to the treat. Talk to your vet about the number of carrots you should feed your dog per day, and ask if there are any other health concerns associated with adding carrots to your dog’s diet.

Check out these links for more information about fruits and vegetables to feed your dog and human foods that dogs can and can’t eat.

Celery  

Yes, celery is OK for dogs to eat. In addition to vitamins A, B, and C, this crunchy green snack contains the nutrients needed to promote a healthy heart and even fight cancer. As if that wasn’t enough, celery is also known to freshen doggy breath. Read More

Dogs fed a complete and balanced diet don’t need fruits and vegetables the same way we do, but in moderation some fruits and vegetables make healthy treats. Low-calorie, low-fat fruits and veggies are a good treat option for pets struggling with obesity. Some human foods, however, can be toxic to dogs, which is why it is always a good idea to ask your vet questions like “can dogs eat celery?” before feeding them the food in question.

Celery is listed among the vegetables that are safe for dogs by multiple sources, including the veterinary websites Vetstreet.com and Clinician’s Brief, and is often recommended as a weight-loss treat. Celery is very low in fat and cholesterol and is an excellent source of fiber; vitamins A, C, and K; folate; potassium; and manganese. The crunchy veggie also might freshen up your dog’s breath, which is all the incentive some dog owners need.

Since your dog’s nutritional needs should be met by her dog food, your dog does not need the extra nutrients in celery to stay healthy. Celery should be fed as a treat and not as a meal replacement, unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian. But how much celery can dogs eat?
Treats should not make up more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily diet, especially if your dog is overweight, according to the AKC Canine Health Foundation. This makes it relatively easy to calculate how much celery to give your dog. All you have to do is figure out how many other treats your dog gets on a daily basis, and how much food you feed her. Calculating the exact percentage is probably not possible for most of us, as we don’t have the tools to figure out the dry weight of celery, but it does give us an idea of an appropriate serving size. For example, if your dog only gets a cup of food a day, feeding her a cup of celery is probably too much. You can also ask your vet about the appropriate portion size for your dog.
Risks of Feeding Celery to Dogs
Celery can pose a choking hazard, especially for small dogs. Make sure you cut the celery into bite-size chunks before feeding it as a treat – this will also make it easier to measure out your dog’s portion size. The AKC’s chief veterinary officer warns dog owners that it is always a good idea to introduce a new food item slowly into a dog’s diet. All dogs are unique, and just because celery is safe for dogs does not mean it is the best treat for your dog. When in doubt, the best thing to do is ask your vet.

Cucumbers  

Yes, dogs can eat cucumbers. Cucumbers are specially good for overweight dogs, as they hold little to no carbohydrates, fats, or oils and they can even boost energy levels. They’re loaded with vitamins K, C, and B1, as well as potassium, copper, magnesium, and biotin. Read More

Cucumbers are perfectly safe for dogs to eat, and offer a low-calorie, crunchy snack that many dogs love. Cucumbers only contain about 8 calories per one-half cup of slices, compared to the 40 calories in a single medium Milk Bone biscuit, and are very low in sodium and fat.

There are two potential risks of feeding cucumbers to dogs: overeating and choking. Feeding your dog too many cucumbers won't cause serious damage in most cases, but eating too much of any food item can cause gastrointestinal (GI) upset in dogs, especially if it is a new food your dog has not eaten before.

To prevent your dog from choking, always cut food down to a manageable size, especially for small dogs or for dogs that wolf down their meals. Feeding a whole cucumber is not advisable.

The best rule of thumb for determining how much cucumber to feed your dog is the 10 percent rule. Veterinarians recommend that treats should only make up 10 percent of your dog's daily diet. This means that the amount of cucumber you feed your German Shepherd Dog will vary greatly from the amount you feed your Chihuahua. As with any new food, introduce cucumbers slowly into your dog's diet and keep an eye out for any adverse reactions.

Are Cucumbers Good for Dogs?

Cucumbers are an excellent, healthy treat for dogs. They are especially good for dogs that need to lose weight, as their low-calorie content offers some rewards without the rolls.

Cucumbers also have high water content. This crunchy vegetable is actually 96 percent water, which makes it a tasty and hydrating summer treat after a vigorous walk.

Combined with exercise and a weight-loss diet plan, cucumbers and other safe fruits and vegetables can be a great way to help your dog lose weight without cutting out rewards, especially if your weight-loss plan involves training for a fun new dog sport or if your dog needs encouragement to improve her leash manners.

However, leave the pickle jar on the shelf. Pickles contain added spices and salt that can be harmful at worst and unnecessary at best. While a bite of pickle probably won't hurt your dog, stick with plain cucumbers as a regular treat and avoid feeding pickles of any variety to dogs.

Green beans  

Yes, dogs can eat green beans. Chopped, steamed, raw, or canned –- all types of green beans are safe for dogs to eat, as long as they are plain. Green beans are full of important vitamins and minerals and they're also full of fiber and low in calories. Read More

Green beans may just be the perfect low-calorie treat substitute we've been waiting for.

Chopped, steamed, raw, or canned — all types of green beans are safe for dogs to eat, as long as they are plain. Green beans themselves are not only safe for dogs, veterinarians also recommend them as a healthy treat. Best of all, dogs seem to love them.

Sometimes, green beans are prepared with other ingredients. This can make them not only less healthy and even dangerous. Here are some green bean hazards to avoid:

    Canned beans with added salt
    Green beans cooked with oils and spices
    Green beans cooked with harmful vegetables, such as garlic and onions
    Feeding large, whole green beans to dogs, which can be a choking hazard

Green beans are full of important vitamins and minerals, such as protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins B6, A, C, and K. Green beans are also full of fiber and are low in calories, which can help dogs and humans feel full when they are dieting.

Your dog does not necessarily need these extra nutrients, if he is already eating a complete and balanced commercial diet, but it is nice to know that green beans offer a nutritional alternative to dog biscuits -- and can make us feel less guilty about cutting out unhealthy treats and scraps from our dogs' diets.

If, however, you are just looking for a healthy, low-calorie treat to feed Fido, green beans are an excellent option. As with any treat, try not to exceed 10 percent of your dog's daily diet, and watch for any signs of stomach upset or allergic reactions.

Check out these other fruits and vegetables to find out which are safe for dogs to eat and which are not.

Pears  

Yes, dogs can eat pears. Pears are a great snack because they’re high in copper, vitamins C and K, and fiber. It’s been suggested that eating the fruit can reduce the risk of having a stroke by 50 percent. Just be sure to cut pears into bite-size chunks and remove the pit and seeds first, as the seeds contain traces of cyanide. Read More

Just because pears are safe for dogs to eat does not mean your dog should eat a lot of pears on a regular basis. In moderation, pears are a healthy snack, full of vitamin C, vitamin A, and fiber. However, just like with any food you give your dog, too many pears could lead to an upset stomach. So how much is too much? Veterinarians recommend limiting your dog’s treat intake to 10 percent of his daily food intake. For small dogs, this means that one slice of pear every now and then is plenty, and a whole pear is probably too much. When in doubt, ask your vet.

Pear seeds contain traces of the toxin cyanide. As tempting as it is to toss your dog your leftover pear core, refrain from giving your dog the parts of pears with seeds in them, as not only are they toxic in large quantities, but seeds can also cause choking.

Canned pears are not good for dogs, just like most canned fruit. Canned pears contain too much sugar, which can irritate your dog’s digestive tract and lead to obesity. Fresh, ripe pears are the best pears to feed to dogs.

It is always a good idea to ask your veterinarian before starting your dog on a new treat. Your veterinarian has years of experience and knowledge that can help you keep your dog safe from harmful people foods, and she can also help you find other healthy snacks that are safe for dogs to eat.

Peas  

Yes, dogs can eat pears. Green peas, specifically: snow peas, sugar snap peas, and garden or English peas are all OK for dogs. Peas have several vitamins, minerals, and are rich in protein and high in fiber. You can feed your dog fresh, frozen, or thawed peas, but do not give him canned peas, which have a lot of added sodium. 

Spring is the season for fresh peas, straight from the garden or farmer’s market. And this is one vegetable that you can safely share with your dog. Keeping in mind that fruits and vegetables aren’t necessary to a dog’s diet and should only be an occasional treat, there’s nothing wrong with adding some peas to your dog’s food or offering them as a treat. In fact, peas are often an ingredient in high-quality dog food.
We’re talking about green peas, specifically: snow peas, sugar snap peas, and garden or English peas. You can feed your dog fresh, frozen, or thawed peas, but do not give him canned peas. Like many canned vegetables, canned peas typically have a lot of added sodium, which is harmful to dogs (and humans).

As far as pea pods go, as a rule of thumb, if humans can eat the pod, so can your dog. Garden peas, of course, must always be shelled. But be cautious with pods, because they can get stuck in your dog’s throat and cause choking. And as with any new food, watch for adverse reactions, such as diarrhea or vomiting.

The good news is that peas are among the healthiest human snack for your dog. They’re a great source of vitamins, including A, K, and the B vitamins. They’re packed with minerals like iron, zinc, potassium, and magnesium. They’re also rich in protein and high in fiber. Peas contain lutein, an anti-oxidant good for skin, heart, and eye health.

Of course, as with any human food, peas can have drawbacks. Don’t give them to dogs that have kidney problems. Peas contain purines, a naturally occurring chemical compound, also found in some food and drinks. Purines produce uric acid that’s filtered through the kidneys. Too much uric acid can lead to kidney stones and other kidney conditions.

Dogs don’t need fruits and vegetables in their diet the way humans do. They’re carnivorous in the wild, eating vegetation when meat sources are scarce. But as an occasional snack or treat for your dog, peas are a healthy low-calorie option. So, both you and your canine pal can enjoy them while they’re fresh and abundant.

Learn more about human foods dogs can and can't eat here.

Read More

Potatoes  

Yes, dogs can eat potatoes. It’s fine to give your dog plain potatoes every once and a while, but only if they’re cooked, as raw potatoes can be rough on the stomach. A washed, peeled, plain boiled, or baked potato contains lots of iron for your dog.  

Avoid mashed potatoes because they often contain butter, milk, or seasonings.  Read More  

 

Sweet potatoes  

Yes, dogs can eat sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients, including fiber, beta carotene, and vitamins B-6 and C. Just like with regular potatoes, only give your dog washed, peeled, cooked, and unseasoned sweet potatoes that have cooled down, and definitely avoid sugary sweet potato pies and casseroles. A great source of vitamins E, A, B-6 and C, as well as calcium, iron, folate, potassium, copper, thiamine and iron, sweet potatoes are a wonderful (and super tasty!) addition to any pooch’s dinner bowl.  Read More

Spinach  

Yes, dogs can eat spinach, but it's not one of the top vegetables you'll want to be sharing with you pup. Spinach is very high in oxalic acid, which blocks the body’s ability to absorb calcium and can lead to kidney damage. While your dog would probably have to eat a very large amount of spinach to have this problem, it might be best to go with another vegetable.

Of all the discussions about which human foods are safe for dogs, spinach may be one of the most controversial.

 Let’s start by remembering that dogs in the wild are carnivorous. If meat sources are scarce, they may eat vegetation to supplement their diet. But dogs do not need vegetables. However, some vegetables have useful nutrients and can also serve as a low-calorie snack. Here are the two sides of the spinach controversy:
Pros
Spinach contains large amounts of vitamins A, B, C, and K. It also contains iron, antioxidants, beta-carotene, and roughage, which stimulate the digestive tract. Presumably, you feed your dog a healthy, nutritious dog food that contains everything he needs, but small amounts of spinach can provide benefits.
Cons
Spinach is very high in oxalic acid, which blocks the body’s ability to absorb calcium and can lead to kidney damage. There’s some science to back this up. Soluble oxalates, which contain oxalic acid, bind with magnesium and calcium in the blood, which limits the availability of these electrolytes. It leads to a low level of blood calcium, which can cause a sudden metabolic imbalance. Calcium oxalate is excreted through the kidneys and a large amount can cause kidney damage, even kidney failure.

Many sources agree that a dog would have to eat very large quantities of spinach to cause damage. Dogs that have healthy kidneys can easily process small amounts of soluble oxalates. But long-term consumption can cause kidney stress, muscle weakness, abnormal heart rhythms, and even respiratory paralysis.  Read More

Watermelon  

Yes, watermelon is OK for dogs to eat. It’s important to remove the rind and seeds first, as they can cause intestinal blockage, but watermelon is otherwise safe for dogs. It’s full of vitamin A, B-6, and C, as well as potassium. Watermelon is 92 percent water, so it’s a great way to keep your dog hydrated on hot summer days.  Read More

Everybody loves watermelon, even dogs. But is it safe for them to eat?

The fruit itself is a health-food powerhouse, low in calories and packed with nutrients—vitamins A, B6, and C, and potassium. 

According to the National Watermelon Promotion Board, the fruit has only about 50 calories a cup and 92 percent water, so it’s great for hydration on a hot day. It also has no fat or cholesterol, so it’s pretty much guilt-free.

The answer is yes, with a couple of precautions. Seeds could cause an intestinal blockage, so make sure you remove them. It’s also probably not a good idea to allow a dog to chew on the rind, because it can cause gastrointestinal upset. 

Pumpkin
Feed your dog pumpkin to load him up on fiber, vitamin A and anti-oxidants to help alleviate diarrhea and constipation and to promote his overall cardiovascular health.

Green Beans

Getting your dog to eat his green beans will probably be easier than getting your kids to do the same. Green beans are good for your pooch because of their omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, C, and K. They’re also a good source of calcium, copper, fiber, folic acid, iron, niacin, manganese, potassium, riboflavin and thiamin, as well as beta carotene. Essentially, they’re the superpower of vegetables for your pooch. Shop Natural Vitamins and Supplements

Potatoes

• Preparation: Wash thoroughly, and slice into narrow wedges. Don’t peel the potato. Coat with a little olive oil and place on cookie sheet. Roast in oven (425 degrees Fahrenheit) for at least 20 minutes on each side. Roast longer if your dog likes them crispier.
  Try Dog-Friendly Potato Skins.
• Dog treat portion size: 1 or 2 wedges, depending on dog’s size
• Benefits: Good source of vitamins C and B6, potassium, manganese and fiber.

Asparagus

• Preparation: Remove the fibrous ends from the asparagus spears and wash them thoroughly. Toss them with olive oil and grill 30 to 60 seconds on all sides.
• Dog treat portion size: Cut into bite size pieces. Feed one to two pieces.
• Benefits: Great source of Vitamin K. Good source of Vitamins A, B1, B2, C and E, folate, iron copper, fiber, manganese and potassium.

Broccoli Florets

• Preparation: Cut broccoli into small florets and wash thoroughly. Place in a steamer and follow the directions. Using a stove, put florets in an open vegetable steamer in a pot with boiling water and cover. Steam for about 6 to 8 minutes until crisp yet tender and bright green. You can also microwave them by putting 2 cups of broccoli florets in a microwave-safe container along with an inch of water for about 5 minutes.
• Dog treat portion size: One or two bite size florets
• Benefits: Great source of Vitamins C and K. Good source of Vitamin A, folate, manganese and fiber.

Brussels Sprouts

• Preparation: Choose Brussels sprouts that are green, feel firm and don’t smell too strong. Wash thoroughly and cut off the stems, leaving enough stem that the leaves are still intact. Some chefs advise cutting a little X to in the stem to help the core to cook. You can then microwave the sprouts with water for up to 8 minutes, steam them for 5 minutes or boil the sprouts for up to 10 minutes — a little less for more crunchiness.
• Dog treat portion size: 1/2 to 2 sprouts, depending upon the dog’s size
• Benefits: Great source of vitamins K and C. Good source of manganese, folate, fiber, potassium and vitamins A, B1 and B6.

Carrots

• Preparation: Remove ends and thoroughly wash. Cut into bite size treats and cook in a pot of boiling water for about 10 minutes or steam for two to six minutes until tender.
• Dog treat portion size: One or two bite size pieces
• Benefits: Great source of vitamin A. Good source of vitamins K and C, fiber and potassium.

Cauliflower

• Preparation: Wash thoroughly. To grill the cauliflower, leave a little stalk intact. Marinate the cauliflower for 30 minutes in olive oil and then grill for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until crisp yet tender.
• Dog treat portion size: 1 to 2 florets, depending on the dog’s size
• Benefits: Great source of vitamin C. Good source of vitamins K and B6, folate and choline.

Cucumbers

• Preparation: Wash thoroughly, peel, cut in half and remove seeds. Cut into bite size pieces. Place pieces into pot with boiling water for about 5 minutes. Empty pot into strainer. If the cucumbers are a bit bland, you can add dog-safe seasoning. (No salt)
• Dog treat portion size: 1 to 2 bite size pieces
• Benefits: Good source of vitamin K.

Edamame

• Preparation: Edamame is conveniently available as a frozen vegetable in your local food store. Steam these boiled green soy beans according to the directions on the bag.
• Dog treat portion size: One to five unsalted, out-of-shell beans. Note: Always watch your dog eat small food items as he could choke on them in his excitement to gobble them down.
• Benefits: Great source of protein, iron, fiber, vitamin K, Omega-3 fats, phosphorus, vitamin B2, potassium, copper and magnesium.

Green Beans

• Preparation: Wash thoroughly and cut off ends. Use a covered pot to cook green beans in boiling water for about 10 minutes. Serve when cool. You can also cook green beans, brown rice and chicken in chicken broth to serve dogs with an upset tummy.
• Dog treat portion size: 1 to 2 bite size pieces
• Benefits: Good source of vitamins C, K and A, manganese and fiber.

Peas

• Preparation: Fresh peas are usually available as snow, sugar snap or English peas. English peas must be shelled. Snow and sugar snap peas’ shells are edible. You can grill sugar snap and snow peas for about 3 minutes on each side, first lightly coating with olive oil if you prefer. For English peas, you need to shell them first. Cook the peas (minus their pods) in boiling water only two to four minutes until they turn bright green. Drain in a colander.
• Dog treat portion size: One or two Sugar snap or snow peas. For English, 1 or 2 tablespoons – depending on the dog’s size
• Benefits: Great source of vitamin K, and C. Good source of manganese, fiber, folate, phosphorus, protein, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, potassium and vitamins B1, A, B6, B3 and B2.

Sweet Potatoes

• Preparation: Sweet potatoes make a great chew if you dehydrate them. Cut them lengthwise, 1/4-inch thick. Just follow the vegetable dehydration instructions included your dehydrator. You can also feed your dog mashed sweet potatoes. To prepare, peel and wash potatoes. Cut into quarters. Put into boiling water in a large pot and simmer for about 20 minutes. Test potatoes with a fork. When they are fully tender, remove from pot, place in a heat-resistant container and mash with a potato masher.
• Dog treat portion size: Half or one dehydrated chew, depending on size of dog. Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of mashed sweet potato in dog’s dry dog food.
• Benefits: Great source of vitamin A. Good source of vitamins C, B6 and B5, manganese, potassium and fiber.

Remember, there are some vegetables you should not feed to your dog. Never offer your dog onions or fresh garlic. Talk to your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns regarding vegetables and your dog’s diet.
 

For more information on dogs and people food, read:

• Fruit for Dogs
• Pumpkin for Dogs

 

http://www.akc.org/content/health/articles/fruits-vegetables-dogs-can-and-cant-eat/