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Which Fruits and Vegetables Can Your Dog Eat?

Which Fruits and Vegetables Can Your Dog Eat?

If you are interested in expanding your dog’s diet or are simply curious about what food your dog can eat, below is a list of specific fruits and vegetables your furry friend can and cannot eat. 

Are all fruits and vegetables good for dogs?

Dogs are capable of eating meat and plant foods, but not all vegetables and fruits are safe for canine consumption. It is important to remember this especially if dog owners are interested in venturing into a diet outside of the traditional kibble. Dogs are okay with eating certain fruits and vegetables, but not all fruits and vegetables are safe. Below, we broke down and listed several specific fruits, berries, and vegetables that dogs can and cannot eat.

And as always, when introducing new food to your furry friend, it should be done with caution. Only feed them in small amounts until they get used to it. This way, you are ensuring that they do not have bad reactions like upset stomachs or allergic reactions. 

Can dogs eat bananas?

Answer: YES.

Bananas are not only tasty (and pair well with peanut butter), but it is also a great source of Potassium. Potassium is an important mineral that is responsible for regulating dogs’ fluids and bodily functions. As an electrolyte, potassium reacts well with water and produces positively charged ions. It sends signals to the brain to dictate body functions such as muscle contractions and heart rate. At the same time, when potassium works alongside sodium, it regulates fluid balance that allows for a healthier and livelier dog. 

Not only that, bananas are high in fiber which is good for dogs’ digestion. It’s good to note though that bananas are high in sugar, so only use them as a treat (with peanut butter, obviously).

Can dogs eat grapes?

Answer: Absolutely NOT.

Grapes are highly toxic for dogs. It is so toxic that even a single grape can cause fatal symptoms like kidney failure. In the last twenty years, professionals know this for a fact but fail to pinpoint exactly why. It was only recently when three veterinarians from ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) discovered that tartaric acid and potassium bitartrate could be the main reason why. They found the two toxins to have a uniquely high presence in grapes and tamarinds— both fruits that have caused renal failure in dogs. 

On the other hand, this is not to be confused with grape seed extract. Grape seed extract, although it bears the word ‘grape’ in it, is actually beneficial for dogs. It contains strong levels of antioxidants that support the immune system, so don’t panic when you see grape seed extract listed as an ingredient in dog foods. 

What about green grapes?

Nope. It does not matter the color of the grape; all grapes are deadly to dogs. It may have a different level of toxins in it but it is still very poisonous. 

What about cotton candy grapes?

Still no. Even though the cotton candy grape is a hybrid species, it still has the same effect as any other grape. 

Can dogs eat raisins?

No, dogs cannot eat raisins. This goes the same for sultanas. Raisins and sultanas are dried versions of grapes, so they still contain the same toxins. 

If your dog accidentally consumed grapes, raisins, or sultanas, immediately call a veterinarian.

can dogs eat carrots

Can dogs eat carrots?

Answer: YES.

Carrots are one of the healthiest vegetables you can give your dog. It is high in vitamins and minerals that help improve your dog’s overall health. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and Vitamin A. Both are responsible for improving eyesight, immune system, skin, and coat. Carrots are also high in fiber which helps your dog’s digestive system, and chewing it is beneficial to dogs’ dental health. 

Raw Carrots

Yes, you can feed raw carrots to your dogs, but they won’t be able to take in all of the nutrients, unlike cooked carrots do. It is, however, good for their teeth. Cut up and freeze carrots and give them to teething pups or adult dogs who need brushing. Frozen carrots gently scrape the teeth and remove plaque buildup. 

Cooked Carrots

Also yes. Cooked carrots are easier to metabolize, hence why dogs reap the benefits more than raw ones. Cut up carrots into bite-sized pieces and lightly cook it by steaming or poaching it in boiling water. 

Can dogs eat apples?

Answer: YES but NO SEEDS.

Apples are safe to eat for dogs as they contain Vitamin A, C, and fiber. The skin also contains phytochemicals that are said to combat cancer cell growth. All of these are good nutrients your dogs need so using apples as a treat is a good idea. As long as you remove the seeds before giving them a slice, your dog should be good. Apple seeds contain small amounts of cyanide.

Can dogs eat coconut?

Answer: YES without the husk.

Coconut is not only safe for dogs to eat but it is also very good for them. It contains Lauric Acid—a fatty acid that is good for fighting viruses like influenza, and infections like ringworms and Giardia. Coconut also contains Albumin which is known for the formation of red blood cells and is responsible for regulating blood volume. Dogs with hypoalbuminemia will benefit from a diet that includes coconut. Dog owners predominantly use coconut oil, but coconut paste, meat, and unsweetened milk or water will do just as well. 

In addition, coconut is also great for inflammation and arthritis. That is why Dogsnob’s ZOOMIES Mobility Chews are coconut-flavored. The anti-inflammatory properties of coconut help soothe joint and muscle pain. 

Although coconut is a very versatile plant, dogs cannot consume the husk/shell because it could cause intestinal irritation and even blockage. 

Can dogs eat mango?

Answer: YES but no PITS.

The sweet and delicious mango fruit is safe for canine consumption. But because of its high sugar content, it is advisable to do it in moderation. If you plan to feed mangoes to your furry best friend, only use the inner fruit because the skin is hard to digest and the fruit pit is a choking hazard that contains cyanide. 

can dogs eat berries

Can dogs eat berries?

Answer: YES but NOT ALL.

Berries are high in antioxidants that are great for dogs’ immune systems. Most berries are safe to eat like strawberries, blueberries, and cranberries. Other berries like raspberries and blackberries are also safe but should be eaten in moderation due to the small amounts of xylitol found in the berries. Xylitol is a natural sweetener that can be toxic to dogs if consumed in large amounts.

It also goes without saying that you should never feed wild berries to your pets. If your dogs accidentally snacked on some wild berries in the forest or park, call your veterinarian right away.

Strawberries

Yes, strawberries are safe to eat. This sweet summertime berry is full of antioxidants, has high water content, and contains a lot of vitamins! Vitamins C, B-6, K, and E are only among the few nutritional benefits strawberries can offer. Not only that, strawberries can even whiten your dog’s teeth! Think of it as nature’s teeth whitening strips!

Currants

The short answer is no. And the long answer is confusing. 

Basically, true currants, which are usually black, red, and white currants that grow on bushes, belong to a plant group that is technically safe to eat in moderation. However—and this is where it gets confusing—dried currants that are commonly sold in the USA are actually dried black grapes. This type of currant is called Zante currant and is commonly found in trail mixes and baked goods. And since we know that grapes are very toxic and fatal to dogs, it would be advisable to simply avoid all types of currants altogether.  

Cranberries

Yes. Cranberries are safe to eat just like any other berries. Dogs can eat it fresh or dried, in moderation.

Can dogs eat spinach?

Answer: Maybe.

Technically, spinach is not that bad for dogs. It contains a lot of nutritional benefits like vitamins A, B, C, K, antioxidants, and beta-carotene. However, American Kennel Club dubbed this vegetable “controversial” due to its high content of oxalic acid. Oxalic acid blocks calcium absorption in the body which can lead to kidney damage, though a lot of sources say that dogs need to eat a large amount of spinach before this can happen. 

With that being said, a few amounts of spinach here and there couldn’t hurt but it’s best to avoid it nonetheless. 

Can dogs eat avocado?

Answer: YES and NO

Avocado is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, but it has Persin, an agent that is toxic for dogs. Dogs can eat avocadoes as long as they don't eat the leaves, stem, pit, seeds, or skin. In this detailed article we cover all the parts of avocado that's edible and not for your pet.

Vitamins for dogs

As a dog owner, if you are worried about the vitamins your dog needs, providing them with supplements is the easiest way to go.

Dogsnob offers 5-in-1 Complete Care multivitamin toppers that help fill in the nutritional gaps left by most traditional kibble. Our supplements are made with high-quality ingredients with no additives. With active ingredients that contain vitamins C, E, and A, Dogsnob supplements make for a great addition to your furry friend’s diet. In less than 10 pumps per day, your doggie best friend can enjoy the benefits of having healthy skin and coat, heart, digestion, muscles, and improved immune system. Not to mention that they are deliciously flavored with Smoked Turkey and Steak & Salmon!

You can learn more about Dogsnob’s healthy and science-backed ingredients here.

Summary

Eating some fruits and vegetables, just like us humans, can have nutritional benefits for dogs. Fruits and vegetables are a great source of vitamins and minerals that dogs need for growth and maintenance. Particularly, vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, B-complex, C, D, E, K, Choline, Calcium, Potassium, and Phosphorus are great to have. Unlike humans, however, dogs can take vitamins in different amounts than we do. With that in mind, it is important to manage how much of these nutrients your dog eats. This can be done by slowly adding fruits and vegetables to their diet or by using dog vitamin supplements.

Lastly, when introducing new food to your dog, do it with caution and monitor them closely in case they have a bad reaction to it. Ultimately, ask your veterinarian first about which food is good for your dog.