Why spend a buck on processed treats when the very best is in your garden? Fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients for a robust body and mind, and we’re sure your dog will appreciate a little variation. However, pups have different sensibilities than humans, and certain substances beneficial to people can mean organ failure and sometimes death for dogs. We’ve compiled a list of common fruits and veggies so you can be sure you’re treating your dog to a healthy snack and not a toxic trip to the vet. 

What Fruits and Vegetables Can Dogs Eat? 

Can dogs eat strawberries?

Strawberries are full of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants and are known to strengthen dog’s immune systems as well as actually whiten their teeth. Sounds pretty good to us! Wash carefully before serving, and try blending strawberries into a pureé for small or senior dogs. 

Can dogs eat blueberries?

Blueberries are often touted as a delicious and nutritious superfood, and this extends to your furchild as well! Your dog can enjoy the benefits of phytochemicals, fiber, and antioxidants to repair cell damage and keep them on their feet. 

Can dogs eat bananas?

When it comes to nourishing your pups, the riper the banana, the better! Bananas are low-cal and heralded as a perfect snack for healthy heart, eyes, and skin. Although famously high in potassium and fiber, they also have a high sugar content. Use bananas as a once-a-week surprise, not everyday chow.

Can dogs eat cucumbers?

Cucumbers are ready to accompany your pooch on their weight loss journey. They are super hydrating and contain almost no fats, oils, or carbs. Start your pup’s day off with a cucumber slice boasting vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin B1, potassium, copper, magnesium, and biotin.

Can dogs eat celery?

Back-to-back with cucumbers, we have another fantastic option for overweight pooches. Celery is packed with vitamin A, vitamin B, and vitamin C, while containing little to no fat, oil, or sodium. Elevate heart health and, get this, refresh their breath with a stick of celery!

Can dogs eat apples?

An apple a day… Apples are a great choice for a quick treat. They are high in fiber and antioxidants, as well as providing vitamin C and vitamin A. Freeze an apple slice for a nutritious snack on a summer day. Be sure to core the apples properly, you don’t want any seeds or stems slipping in there! 

Can dogs eat peas?

Fresh or frozen, peas are totally packed with protein. They also contain vitamins A and B and well as nutrient coumestrol, to aid in reducing inflammation in conditions like arthritis. This makes peas a prime candidate for a senior dog snack, however, do not feed peas to pups with kidney problems as they contain uric acid. 

What can dogs not eat?

Can dogs eat onions?

Onions, scallions, and chives all belong to a group of vegetables called allium – and they are all very poisonous for dogs. Consuming onions can cause the rupture of red blood cells in dogs, as well as induce vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Needless to say, keep your dogs far, far away from onions. 

Purr Tip: Onions and other allium veggies are incredibly toxic for cats as well – be careful!

Can dogs eat grapes?

Grapes and raisins have been known to cause acute kidney failure in dogs, so we feel confident putting them on the no-go portion of this list. Feel free to give a grape to your bird or hamster as a sweet treat, but keep them far away from your canines. 

Can dogs eat avocado?

You might think the healthy fats of a delicious avocado would benefit your pup, but unfortunately they’ll have to find it elsewhere. Avocados contain persin, a toxin that makes dogs sick by inducing vomiting and diarrhea. Although the leaves, skin, and pit are the worst offenders, the ‘meat’ of the avocado still presents enough persin to cause discomfort.

Can dogs eat tomatoes? 

The green parts of the tomato plant contain solanine, which is very toxic for dogs. You could take a chance on some super ripened red tomato flesh, but we’d advise against it. 

Can dogs eat cherries?

The actual ‘meat’ of a cherry is technically safe for dogs, yes. But the rest of the plant, including the seed, is so very poisonous for your pup that you should steer clear of cherry trees and keep the fruit off reachable counters. 

Can dogs eat mushrooms?

There are thousands of mushroom strains, and about a hundred are fatally toxic for dogs. Although some thoroughly washed grocery store mushrooms might pass through your pup with issue, it’s simply not worth the risk.

Consult A Vet

While we as pet parents try our best to protect our furkids, accidents happen. You pup snags food off the table, snatches something off the ground on a walk, or you simply made the mistake of feeding them a grape thinking it’s harmless. Don’t be too hard on yourself, but get your pooch to a veterinarian ASAP. Even if you’re feeding safe fruits and vegetables to your dog on a regular basis, it’s still worth consulting your vet in case they have a differing opinion and can provide context in terms of your dog’s individual health. 

Don’t want your pup to miss out on the snacking action? Check out Pep & Pup’s 16 Awesome Dog-Friendly Patios in Vancouver.