What Fruits and Vegetables Can Dogs Eat?

Dogs can eat many fruits and vegetables as treats, including apples, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, watermelon, carrots, green beans and pumpkin. A few are dangerous: grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, cherries, avocado and wild mushrooms should never be fed. Remove seeds, pits, cores and peels, cut everything into bite-size pieces, and keep all treats to about 10% of your dog's daily calories.

Below is the complete list of the fruits and vegetables dogs can eat, and which ones they should avoid, with how to prepare each one.

Keep in mind, as you're reading, that your dog won't thrive on a vegetarian diet. Dogs do best on a diet built on high-quality animal protein. Fruits and veggies are extras that add some vitamins, fiber and variety. If you're having trouble getting your dog to eat the right foods, check out our article on how to get your dog to eat everything you give them. And if your dog is underweight or a hard-gainer, consider supplementing their diet with a dog weight gainer.

Quick List: Safe and Unsafe Fruits and Vegetables for Dogs

If your dog eats something on the "avoid" list, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away, even if your dog seems fine.

Before we go further, a quick note on fuel: if your dog needs more strength and energy from the bowl, a meat-based, high-protein food is the simplest place to start.

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Fruits Dogs Can Eat

You aren't the first person to wonder: can dogs eat fruit? The answer isn't a simple "yes" or "no." Some fruits are perfectly safe and even healthy for dogs to eat, while others can be harmful. So, what fruits can dogs eat? We'll start with the fruits that are safe for dogs in small amounts:

Apples

A lot of people wonder, can dogs eat apples? Yes, you can feed your dog apple slices. Apples are a good source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants such as quercetin. Dogs won't eat around the core, so remove the core and seeds first. The seeds contain small amounts of compounds that release cyanide.

Bananas

Are bananas safe for dogs to eat? Yes, in small amounts. Bananas are a good source of potassium and fiber. They are high in sugar, though, so keep portions small. Remove the peel, which is hard to digest and can cause a blockage if swallowed whole.

Blueberries

Yes, dogs can eat blueberries. These little berries are packed with antioxidants and polyphenols. They're small and soft, so they are easy to add to your dog's food bowl or use as training treats.

Cantaloupe

Your dog can eat cantaloupe too. It has a high water content, so it makes a refreshing snack on hot days. Remove the rind and seeds, and don't overdo it, because cantaloupe is fairly high in sugar.

Cranberries

Cranberries are safe for dogs in small amounts, fresh or dried (without added sugar or raisins mixed in). Your dog may not like their tart flavor. Too many can upset the stomach.

Mangoes

Yes, your dog can eat mango. It contains vitamins A, C and E and beta-carotene. Remove the skin and the large pit first, because the pit is a choking hazard. Mango is high in sugar, so only feed it in moderation.

Oranges

Will oranges hurt dogs? No. A few peeled segments are fine for most dogs. Oranges are high in vitamin C and sugar, and the acid can upset some stomachs, so start with one or two pieces. Remove the peel and seeds.

Peaches

Fresh peach slices are a fine occasional snack. Peaches contain vitamin A and fiber. The pit is the problem: it contains compounds that can release cyanide and is a choking and blockage risk, so always remove it. Skip canned peaches in syrup.

Pears

Are pears good for dogs? Yes, in small slices. Pears contain fiber, copper and vitamins C and K. Remove the core and seeds, and give your dog fresh pears instead of canned ones packed in sugary syrup.

Pineapple

Will pineapple hurt dogs? No. A few small chunks of fresh pineapple make a sweet treat. Pineapple contains vitamin C and bromelain, a natural enzyme. Remove the tough skin and core, and avoid canned pineapple in syrup. It is high in sugar, so keep portions small.

Raspberries

Raspberries are fine for dogs in small amounts. They're lower in sugar than many fruits, high in fiber and contain antioxidants. They naturally contain a tiny amount of xylitol, so limit them to a small handful.

Strawberries

Can dogs eat strawberries? Yes. Strawberries are a good source of fiber and vitamin C and make a tasty treat for bullies and pit bulls alike. Wash them, remove the stems, and cut large berries into pieces for small dogs. Skip sweetened or frozen strawberries packed in sugar.

Watermelon

Will watermelon hurt dogs? No, as long as you remove the seeds and rind first. Watermelon is more than 90% water, so it is a hydrating summer snack.

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Fruits Dogs Can't Eat

Here's a short list of the fruits you should not give your dog. Each of these contains a substance that can be unhealthy or even dangerous for dogs.

Avocado

Avocado is a healthy fruit for humans, but not a good choice for your dog. It contains a substance called persin, and it is very high in fat, which can lead to diarrhea and vomiting in dogs. The large pit is also a serious choking and blockage hazard.

Cherries

The pits, stems and leaves of cherry plants contain cyanide-releasing compounds, and the pits can cause intestinal blockage. Cyanide poisoning stops cells from using oxygen and can cause dilated pupils, difficulty breathing and bright red gums. The flesh itself is not the problem, but it is hard to separate safely, so it is best to skip cherries.

Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins are an absolute no for dogs, in any amount. They can cause sudden kidney failure, even in small amounts, and some dogs are far more sensitive than others. Researchers now suspect tartaric acid in grapes is the cause. Keep grapes, raisins, currants and foods that contain them (like trail mix and raisin bread) away from your dog, and call your vet immediately if your dog eats any.

Tomatoes

The ripe red flesh of a tomato is generally safe for dogs in small amounts, but the green parts of the plant and unripe green tomatoes contain solanine, which can make your dog sick. If you grow tomatoes, keep your dog out of the garden. Because the benefit is small, it's simplest to avoid tomatoes in your dog's diet.

Vegetables Dogs Can Eat

Vegetables are low in sugar and calories and high in fiber and vitamins, so they make good treats for dogs that need to watch their weight. Serve them plain: no butter, salt, onion, garlic or seasoning. Here are the vegetables safe for dogs to eat.

Broccoli

Broccoli is nutritious and safe for dogs in small amounts. Cut it into small pieces, because the stalks can be a choking hazard, and keep portions small. Too much broccoli can cause gas and stomach irritation.

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a good choice for dogs. They're low in calories and loaded with vitamins and minerals. Cook them plain and cut them up to avoid choking, and expect some gas if your dog eats more than a few.

Carrots

Can dogs eat carrots? Yes. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. They're low in calories and crunchy, which many dogs love. Cut them into sticks or coins sized for your dog to prevent choking.

Celery

Celery is a good low-calorie snack for dogs. It has a high water content and some vitamins and fiber. Cut it into small pieces, because the stringy stalks can be hard to chew.

Cucumber

Cucumbers are safe, crunchy and almost all water, so they are a great snack for dogs that need to lose a few pounds. Slice them into small rounds. Skip pickles, which are high in salt and often contain garlic or onion.

Green Beans

Green beans are another good choice for dogs. They're a good source of vitamins A, C, and K and dietary fiber, and they are very low in calories. Serve them plain, raw or cooked. If you buy canned green beans, choose ones with no added salt.

Peas

Are peas okay for dogs? Yes. Green peas, snow peas and snap peas are all fine in small amounts. Fresh or frozen peas are easy to add to your dog's bowl. Skip canned peas with added salt.

Pumpkin and Sweet Potato

Plain cooked pumpkin and sweet potato are popular with dogs. Both are good sources of fiber and beta-carotene. Use plain canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which has sugar and spices. A spoonful of plain pumpkin is a common way owners add fiber to the bowl; see our guide on how to firm up your dog's stool.

Spinach

Spinach is generally safe for dogs in small amounts. It is nutritious, but it contains oxalic acid, which can be a problem in large amounts, especially for dogs with kidney or bladder stone issues. A little chopped spinach now and then is fine.

Asparagus

Asparagus is not toxic to dogs, but raw spears are tough and hard to chew. If you want to share it, cook it plain and cut it into small pieces. Keep dogs away from the asparagus fern in gardens, which can upset the stomach.

Vegetables Dogs Can't Eat

Vegetables aren't always a healthy choice. Here are the vegetables you should avoid giving your dog.

Mushrooms

Will mushrooms hurt dogs? Wild mushrooms can. Some wild mushrooms are highly toxic, and it is hard to tell safe from dangerous ones, so remove any mushrooms growing in your yard and call your vet right away if your dog eats one. Plain store-bought mushrooms are generally considered safe in small amounts, but they add little, so most owners skip them.

Onions, Garlic, Leeks and Chives

Never give your dog onions or other vegetables in the Allium family, such as garlic, leeks, shallots and chives. Raw, cooked or powdered, they can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Signs can include weakness, pale gums, vomiting and diarrhea, and they may show up days later. Watch for onion and garlic in leftovers, gravy, soups and baby food.

Raw Potatoes and Rhubarb

Raw potatoes and potato plants contain solanine. Plain cooked potato in small amounts is fine, but never feed raw potato or green potato skins. Rhubarb leaves contain oxalates that can be toxic, so keep dogs out of rhubarb patches.

How to Feed Fruits and Vegetables Safely

• Keep it under 10%. All treats together, including fruit and veggies, should be about 10% or less of your dog's daily calories.
• Remove the risky parts. Take out seeds, pits, cores, stems, rinds and peels.
• Cut to size. Small pieces prevent choking, especially for dogs that gulp.
• Serve plain. No salt, butter, sugar, onion, garlic, seasoning or sweeteners. Xylitol is toxic to dogs.
• Start small. Introduce one new food at a time and watch for an upset stomach.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the End: The Best Food for Dogs is Dog Food

The fact that you're researching which fruits and vegetables to feed your dog is great. In moderation, some of the choices above can be a healthy addition to your dog's diet.

But keep in mind that the best food for your dog is a complete and balanced dog food. Why? It has been formulated to contain all the most important nutrients your dog needs, in the right ratios.

Here at Bully Max, we make a high protein dog food with high-performance, meat-based nutrition in a chicken-based formula dogs love. It holds a 5/5 rating from Dog Food Advisor, and it's built to give your dog the energy they need to look, perform, and feel their best. For a healthy high-protein reward, try our beef dog treats.

For an everyday food built on high-performance, meat-based nutrition, here is the chicken formula mentioned above.

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