20 Fruits and Veggies that are Good for Dogs

Many dog foods include certain fruits and vegetables in the recipe because there are quite a few that have all sorts of nutritional benefits for your dog. Plus, many dogs love fruits and veggies as treats! They’re a great low calorie treat option or a way to supplement a dog’s meal for some added flavor and nutrients. As with anything else, fruits and vegetables should be fed in moderation regardless of their low-calorie count.

When feeding your dog fruits and vegetables always be aware of the ones that are dangerous for dogs to consume. When it comes to fruit, avoid cherries, grapes, raisins, and anything in the citrus family. Also be aware of any fruits that may contain Xylitol since this is toxic to dogs. Fruit typically contains more sugar than what is found in vegetables, so moderation is key, and it should be mostly avoided for dogs where weight control is a concern. As for vegetables, avoid onions and garlic, and consider steaming or boiling the cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, especially if it’s a larger amount, as they are easier to digest that way.

Now, time to hit the refrigerator with your dog and break out the healthy snacks!

 

1. Carrots

Carrots are high in fiber and chewing on them is a great way to naturally clean your dog’s teeth as they help scrape off plaque and bacteria. They also contain beta-carotene, which assists in the maintenance of skin and eye health.

 

2. Green Beans

These are a great source of iron and protein. Green beans are also a good option for pets that need assistance with weight management since they contain so few calories. They can even be given as rewards for training throughout the day.

 

3. Broccoli

This vegetable is high in fiber and Vitamin C, however, too much broccoli can cause stomach irritation for some dogs. It’s best fed in small pieces, and boiled or steamed if possible to make digestion easier.

 

4. Brussels Sprouts

These contain a lot of Vitamin C and Vitamin K. Always be sure that they are cooked soft enough and broken in small enough pieces for your dog to handle swallowing them safely.

 

5. Zucchini

This is a great source of Vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium. You can even shred this healthy vegetable on top of your dog’s normal meals for added vitamins and nutrients.

 

6. Spinach

Spinach is known as a superfood, for both pets and humans. It contains almost every vitamin and mineral and could assist in all areas of health for overall wellness.

 

7. Cucumber

Cucumbers are a great choice for dogs that need assistance with weight loss or weight control. They have very little fats or carbohydrates, and they contain Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and magnesium.

 

8. Asparagus

This vegetable is high in fiber and potassium. Asparagus is best served to dogs in bite-sized pieces and softened by steaming for easier chewing, swallowing, and digestion.

 

9. Peas

Peas contain potassium, thiamin, and Vitamin B, which could contribute to bone health and more energy for your pup.

 

10. Pumpkin

Pumpkin is loaded with health benefits for dogs. It is full of fiber, rich in minerals and vitamins, and contains large amounts of water. Pumpkin can also aid dogs that are experiencing either diarrhea or constipation. When selecting pumpkin for your dog, ensure that it is pure pumpkin and not a pie filling that contains added sugar and spices.

 

11. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes contain plenty of water, fiber, and nutrients. They are also a source of thiamine and niacin. Sweet potatoes can potentially aid digestion, and they have much greater nutritional value than white potatoes.

 

12. Apples

These are a great source of fiber, Vitamin A and C. Apples can assist in maintaining bone and tissue health, and they are a good snack for older dogs or those who may be overweight due to their low fat and specific health benefits. Always remove the core and seeds of an apple before feeding to your dog since they contain cyanide.

 

13. Banana

Bananas have a high content of sugar, so they should be fed to dogs as an occasional treat, not in excess. They are a great source of potassium, which can support kidney and liver function.

 

14. Watermelon

As the name of this fruit would suggest, watermelon is very high in water content, so it is a great way to keep hydration levels up. It contains a host of vitamins that are beneficial for dogs including A, C, B-6, and potassium.

 

15. Blueberries

Blueberries are specifically beneficial for their antioxidant properties. They are also a great source of Vitamin C and fiber.

 

16. Cranberries

When feeding cranberries to your dog, always make sure they are in their natural form or have no sugar added like those that come in juice or sauce. Cranberries can be found in many pet foods as they contain Vitamin C, fiber, and manganese. They may also assist dogs experiencing issues with the urinary tract.

 

17. Cantaloupe

The skin and seeds of a cantaloupe should always be avoided, but the melon itself contains many vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, B, and C. When cut into small pieces, this is a nutritious treat for dogs.

 

18. Mango

Mangoes are packed with vitamins and fiber and are best served in small pieces. With any pitted fruit, always be sure to remove the pit and never let your dog lick or eat it. Pits contain toxic amounts of cyanide and must be avoided.

 

19. Pineapple

Remove the skin and core before feeding pineapple to your dog in small bite-sized pieces. This fruit is also served best sparingly due to its amount of sugar. It contains tons of vitamins and minerals including folate and zinc and can help support the immune system.

 

20. Pear

Always remove the seeds from pears before feeding. This is the best practice with any fruit that you feed to your pet that contains pits and seeds due to cyanide. Pears are full of fiber, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C to make for a beneficial snack for your pup!

 

 

Shay Siegel is a young adult author, freelance writer, and editor from Long Island, NY. She has a BA from Tulane University and an MFA in Writing from Sarah Lawrence College. Always a lover of animals, Shay had several cats growing up. She's now a dog mom to the snuggliest rescue pit bull, Bernie. She enjoys writing on a variety of topics and sharing her love and knowledge of animals with others!