The Best Vegetables for Your Best Friend
Written By: Tiffany Ruiz Dasilva, VMD, cVMA | Professional Services Veterinarian, Wild Earth
There are a few vegetables that are quite good for dogs, and some of them are included in our Wild Earth dog food, treats and supplements!
Shop Wild Earth ProductsIt is important to pay attention to how vegetables are prepared before you give them to your furry friend. You do not want to prepare them with spices (this includes not adding salt or too much oil). Please remember: It’s important that you don’t go overboard on portion size with any vegetable, as large amounts of any food that your dog isn’t used to can lead to stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Some of the best vegetables for dogs are:
Peas
Yes, dogs can eat peas. Most types of peas including green peas, snap peas, sugar peas, snow peas, and garden peas should be safe for your dog as long as they are cleaned and properly served. Peas can provide protein, fiber, and multiple different vitamins to your dog. Avoid feeding any canned peas as they can be high in sodium.
Pumpkin
Yes, dogs can eat pumpkin. Even after Halloween jack-o-lanterns are long gone, pumpkin puree is commonly given to dogs suffering from diarrhea, because it helps with digestion thanks to its high fiber content. Pumpkin is a great source of vitamin C, vitamins A and E, iron, dietary fiber, and potassium. Avoid pumpkin pie filling as it has added sugars and seasonings that can disturb the digestive system — it is best to stick to pure canned pumpkin to maintain your dog’s digestive health.
Sweet Potato
Yes, dogs can eat sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes can be a great source of healthy fiber, calcium, protein, and vitamin A. Potatoes typically contain larger amounts of calories compared to other vegetables so it is recommended that you only feed your dog small amounts of sweet potatoes.
Beets
Yes, dogs can eat beets. Beets can be a safe vegetable to give your dog and can provide a wide variety of additional vitamins and nutrients to their diet. Before feeding, they should be cooked (roasted or steamed) without seasoning until tender to make them easy to chew. Avoid feeding canned beets as they can be high in sodium. Beets contain high amounts of Vitamin C, Manganese, potassium, folate, and more.
Bell Peppers
Yes, dogs can eat bell peppers as long as they are clean and the stem and seeds are removed. Bell peppers can provide high levels of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and other nutrients. It is important that the bell peppers don’t have any additional seasonings or ingredients that could be dangerous for your dog.
Brussels Sprouts
Yes, dogs can eat brussels sprouts. Brussels sprouts are low in calories and loaded with vitamins A, C, B1, B6, fiber, and antioxidants. They’re as good for your dog as they are for you! Try steaming or boiling brussels sprouts for your dog, making sure to let them cool before feeding them to your dog. And don’t overdo it — even a small amount can cause your pup to have gas, and too many can make your pup sick.
Carrots
Yes, dogs can eat carrots. Carrots are safe for your dog to eat, and they work well as a low-calorie snack. Plus, carrots provide a good source of vitamin A, fiber, and potassium. Just make sure you cut carrots into bite-sized pieces to avoid the choking hazard when feeding them to Fido.
Cauliflower
Yes, dogs can eat cauliflower and, in fact, it is a great source of fiber, calcium, folate, potassium, and vitamin C. It is best to give your dog raw cauliflower or steamed cauliflower. Do not add any spices or seasoning to cauliflower as that can be dangerous for your dog.
Celery
Yes, dogs can eat celery. Celery is another good choice if you’re trying to substitute regular dog treats for something that is low in calories. Celery is low in fat and cholesterol but high in vitamins C and A, potassium, and folate. Remember to cut celery up into small chunks so it’s safe for your dog.
Cucumbers
Yes, dogs can eat cucumbers. Cucumbers are mostly water, so they make a tasty, crunchy, low-calorie treat for dogs. They’re especially helpful for dogs who need to lose weight.
Edamame
Yes, dogs can eat edamame as long as it doesn’t contain added salt or other ingredients that can be dangerous for dogs. Plain edamame can provide your dog with additional nutrients such as protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. Dogs who are allergic to soya should not be fed edamame.
Lettuce
Yes, dogs can eat lettuce. Lettuce is over 90% water so it can be a great low-calorie treat especially for overweight dogs. Many dogs seem to love the crunch involved with lettuce and the overall texture.
Zucchini
Yes, dogs can eat zucchini. Zucchini can be a good alternative for dogs who have a sensitive stomach as it is low in acidity and is made up of a large percentage of water. The vegetable can provide a tasty snack for your dog and provide them with additional vitamins and minerals.
Corn
Yes, dogs can eat corn. Corn is often included in pet food and it can offer some nutritional value. Just like the other vegetables in this category, though, it’s important to keep the portion size small. Never let your dog eat corn on the cob because dogs can easily choke on corn cobs.
Green Beans
Yes, dogs can eat green beans. Green beans offer plenty of nutrients like vitamin K, vitamins C, A, and B6, and fiber. When preparing green beans for your dog, make sure to avoid spices and seasonings. If you want to give your dog green beans, make sure they’re plain and cut them into bite-sized chunks.
Vegetables That Are Just Okay For Dogs
There are some vegetables that your dog can eat but they don’t typically provide your dog with many meaningful health benefits.
Asparagus
Yes, dogs can eat asparagus, but it doesn’t typically provide many nutrients to their diet. Raw asparagus can be difficult or unsafe to consume.
Broccoli
Yes, dogs can eat broccoli in moderation when prepared correctly. Broccoli is easy for dogs to choke on, and broccoli florets are known to cause gastric irritation in some dogs. In very small amounts, broccoli can work as an occasional treat, and is a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C.
Cabbage
Yes, dogs can eat cabbage. Cabbage can provide dogs with antioxidants, vitamins, and additional minerals. But it is worth noting that some dogs will experience gas or an upset stomach if they eat too much cabbage.
Radishes
Yes, dogs can eat radishes as long as it is done in moderation. Radishes can provide your dog with fiber, potassium, and Vitamin C. Some dogs may experience gas or an upset stomach if they eat too many radishes which is why it is only recommended to give them to your dog in moderation.
Add Superfood Nutrients to Your Dog's DietVegetables That Dogs Should Avoid
There are a handful of vegetables that your dog shouldn’t eat because they could be dangerous for their health or because they don’t provide any nutritional benefit to your dog. Below is a list of vegetables that your dog should not eat.
Garlic
Any home cook loves chopping up some fresh garlic or adding garlic powder to a dish. There are benefits of garlic for us humans, but that is not the case for your pup. Garlic is found in the same plant family as onions, the Allium family, which includes garlic and onions, chives, leeks, scallions, and shallots, all of which are toxic to dogs. Even small amounts of garlic are toxic.. Japanese dogs like the Shiba Inu are even more sensitive to garlic toxicity than American dogs or other breed families. If dogs eat garlic, they should be taken to the vet immediately.
Pickles
No, dogs should not eat pickles. Pickles may be fine for your dog in moderation but since many pickles contain large amounts of sodium and are typically acidic, it isn’t recommended to give your dog pickles.
Onions
No, dogs should not eat onions. Onions are some of the most dangerous vegetables out there for our canine companions. They’re toxic to dogs because they cause oxidative hemolysis of the red blood cells. This means that they damage your pet’s red blood cells, possibly resulting in anemia.
Mushrooms
No, dogs should not eat mushrooms. While, white, cooking mushrooms may be safe for dogs to eat, wild mushrooms can be dangerous for your dog to eat. This is why it is important to watch what your dog is eating especially during damp periods when wild mushrooms may grow outside.
Feeding Your Dog Vegetables
Here’s the bottom line when it comes to feeding your dog vegetables: Check with your veterinarian first to make sure that it’s a safe choice for your pooch and keep the portion size small. Remember that large quantities of new foods, no matter what they are, can make almost any dog sick. Once it’s been cleared with your vet, safe fruits and veggies are a great way to provide your beloved pet with a fun snack, and some extra nutrition at the same time.
