Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can and Can't Eat
Feeding your pups fresh veggies and fruits can provide them with an added boost of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, but be careful with what you share as not all of them are safe for canine consumption. Here are some common veggies and fruits you can give your dog and some to avoid:
Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can Eat
CARROTS, SWEET POTATOES, PUMPKIN
Contain vitamin A which helps to boost dogs' immune system and keep their skin and fur healthy
BLACK BEANS, EDAMAME
Great source of fibre and some protein, can help to regulate your dogs' blood sugar level.
BROCCOLI, BRUSSEL SPROUTS, KALE
High in fibre and sulforophanes, but it also contains a chemical compound called isothiocyanates which can cause potential gastric irritation in some dogs.
BANANAS
Excellent sweet treats that are low in calories compared to other fruits. In addition to that, bananas help support healthy digestion for dogs.
BERRIES
Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries and blackberries are easy to chew and packed with antioxidants.
MELON
Great choice for hydration on hot days. Remember to remove the seeds before feeding it to your dog to prevent intestinal blockage.
CULTIVATED MUSHROOMS
Mushrooms that are safe and beneficial to eat can be found in stores and markets, including shiitake, white button and turkey tail.
TOMATOES
Ripe red tomatoes are low in calories and rich in potentially beneficial phytochemicals like lycopene. The green parts must be avoided however as they contain the toxin solanine and can cause gastrointestinal upset and other health conditions.
Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can't Eat
AVOCADO
The skin and pit contain the toxin persin, which can sometimes contaminate the fruit as well. This can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.
ONIONS
Poisonous to most pets and can cause vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea and even rupture of red blood cells.
WILD MUSHROOMS
While cultivated mushrooms from markets might be safe, avoid feeding wild mushrooms and wild fungi to dogs in general due to the risk of intoxication.
GRAPES, RAISINS
They are very poisonous to dogs that eating them can lead to sudden kidney failure within 12-24 hours.
STONE FRUITS
The toxin cyanide in cherry pits and stems can cause gastrointestinal upset or even poisoning in dogs, while pits from apricots and plums can cause intestinal blockage. The fruits are safe, but must be pitted before offering to dogs.
MACADAMIA NUTS
Not a fruit or vegetable, but toxic enough to warrant discussion anyways. Never feed macadamia nuts to dogs as they can cause weakness, hyperthermia, vomiting and tremors.
While it's a good idea to feed your dogs safe veggies and fruits to keep them thriving, be sure to practice moderation to avoid excessive sugar intake.