Veggies for Dogs: Which Ones They Can and Cannot Eat

Your dog’s health and well-being are highly dependent on their diet. We control most of what our dogs eat, so it is important to make sure they get everything they need. It is also important we do not give them anything that could make them sick. Vegetables can be a great addition to your dog’s diet. Here is all the information you need about which vegetables your dog can eat!

Many vegetables are great for your dog. It is very important to get educated about anything you want to try feeding them. Some veggies are already in their food and should be given in moderation. Some need to be cooked. Some are safer when chopped up, and some are just plain bad for them. This is list will give you the information you need on the most commonly eaten vegetables.

If you want to feed your dog asparagus, start in small quantities. It contains a plethora of vitamins and minerals including vitamins C, K, A, E, and B6. Asparagus is also high in fiber, potassium, folic acid, and phosphorous. Your dog can get all the same benefits from asparagus as humans. However, if you give them too much, it can upset their stomach. Asparagus can also be a choking hazard so make sure you cut it into small pieces. If your dog has trouble digesting raw asparagus, you can try cooking it a bit, but without any oils or seasoning.

Beets are great for your dog’s digestion, skin, and immune system. However, they are starchy and contain sugar so you don’t want to give them too much. Beetroot can sometimes be found in dog food. Be mindful of what your pet’s food contains and don’t feed them too much beetroot if their food already has it. If you do want to treat your pup to some beetroot, try giving it to them mashed or shredded.

Dogs can eat all parts of broccoli. They can eat it raw or cooked, as long as you don’t cook it with any oils or seasoning. The only limiting factor you should consider with broccoli is quantity. It contains Isothiocyanate which can severely upset your pup’s belly. It also contains vitamins K and C, as well as fiber, and folic acid which are great for your dog.

Brussels sprouts are a great veggie high in antioxidants. They can be good for your dog in moderation. They tend to make dogs gassy but can also lead to more severe symptoms if given too much. Dogs can eat them cooked or raw.

Celery is a dog favorite. It has a great crunch, similar to that of a stick or bone. It also has great health benefits like high levels of Vitamin K, which is great for your dog’s skin and coat. Try to remove the leaves before giving celery to your dog, and always in moderation!

Like celery, carrots have a good crunch to them that dogs love. They are also high in fiber and low in calories so they are good for dogs on a diet. Carrots can be enjoyed raw or cooked, and most dogs prefer them cut into bite-size pieces.

Due to their high water content, cucumbers are a great summer snack for your dog! They can aid in hydration when your dog is playing in the heat. (They can also be enjoyed for the other seasons.) Cut them into slices or dice them for your pup. Do not give your dog pickled cucumbers.

Green beans are highly recommended by vets for dogs that struggle with hunger between meals. They are a great snack raw, cooked, or even canned. Make sure canned green beans are still plain.

Peas are high in vitamins and minerals, as well as protein. They are low in calories as well, making them an all-around great snack for your dog. You can give your dog cooked, raw, frozen, or even canned peas as long as they are plain.

Spinach contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are great for your dog. It also contains oxalic acid which is dangerous in high quantities. Like any other food, give spinach to your dog in moderation.

Pumpkin is another vet favorite for dogs. It is great when your dog has an upset stomach, or as a special treat. Dogs can eat fruit, pulp, and seeds. They can also have pumpkin puree from cans, but make sure it doesn’t contain any added sugars or spices.

Cooked potatoes, preferably without the skin, are safe for your dog. They are starchy so overweight dogs should avoid potatoes. Healthy dogs can enjoy cooked potatoes in moderation.

Onions contain a toxin called N-propyl disulfide that is very bad for dogs. It causes a breakdown of red blood cells that can lead to anemia. All parts of onions are toxic to dogs, as well as onion powder. Be sure to avoid giving your dog any onion products.

Leeks, even in very small quantities, are poisonous to your dog. They can cause severe gastrointestinal distress. They can also cause anemia and organ failure.

Shallots are part of the onion family and are entirely toxic to dogs. All parts, raw or cooked can cause stomach issues and more severe problems like anemia and gastroenteritis.

Garlic contains contain compounds called disulfides and thiosulphates which are highly toxic to your pup, even in small quantities. Risks are similar to those of onion consumption, but garlic is considered much more concentrated, requiring a smaller quantity to cause serious damage.

With such a large variety of mushrooms species – literally thousands, it is safest to avoid feeding your dog any of them. The wrong type can cause an upset stomach or poisoning of your dog.

Raw potatoes contain solanine which is very bad for dogs. They are part of the nightshade family and should be kept away from dogs. Fried potatoes are also very bad for dogs.

Giving your dog vegetables can be great for your dog. You can use the listed healthy choices in place of treats to make them feel special while keeping them healthy! Avoid dangerous items and you will keep your dog happy and safe!