Vegetables for your dog are a bit of a mixed bag. While not all veggies are appealing to dogs, it's good to find out which ones they prefer! Some vegetables, however, are definitely not and can be harmful. Read our list below of the vegetables that are off-limits.
Veggies that are harmful to dogs
Garlic
For reasons similar to onions, garlic can be toxic in large amounts. Ingesting them can make red blood cells burst, leading to anemia. This leads to loss of energy, weakness, and collapse. If your pet ingests any garlic and is showing any of the signs above, please contact your veterinarian.
Mushrooms
Wild mushrooms are very toxic and should never be given to dogs. While store-bought mushrooms may be less harmful to dogs than wild mushrooms, it is still not a good idea to give these to your pup.
Onions
These are a definite no for dogs because they are highly toxic. Onions can cause red blood cell destruction and result in anemia. Please contact your vet right away if your dog ingests some and you notice your dog has dark yellow urine, decreased energy levels, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
Veggies that are safe for dogs
Here's a list of vegetables that are safe to feed to your dog!
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers of all colors (green, orange, red, and yellow) are a great source of hydration and they’re low in fat! Bell peppers are also high in beta-carotene, as well as vitamins A and C. These are great fresh or cooked, as long as they are cooked plain. When feeding your dog bell peppers, just make sure you remove the stem and seeds!
Brussel Sprouts
Loaded with both antioxidants and vitamins A, B, C, and K. Brussel sprouts are best when plain, fresh, and cooked (and washed thoroughly). If you choose to cook them for your dog, make sure they are cooked without added oils and spices including garlic and onions. Brussel sprouts are a great treat for your pup just make sure to only give small amounts in moderation.
Carrots
These are a good source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin A. Make sure to cut them into small pieces to avoid a blockage hazard. Carrots are best when fresh but if they are canned, just make sure you get the no-salt-added cans!
Celery
Not only is celery packed with vitamin K, vitamin C, and vitamin A but it’s also a good source of zinc. For young or small pups, just make sure to cut it up into small pieces to prevent a choking hazard. You can even top off your dog’s regular food with some celery pieces or add it to another one of their favorite snacks!
Green Beans
Green beans are packed with protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins B6, A, C, and K. This veggie can be served cooked, boiled, and even from a can. Just make sure that the green beans are cooked without added oils and spices including garlic and onions. If you’re getting canned ones, just make sure you get the no-salt-added kind. You can add these to your pup’s food for an added treat!
Lettuce
Lettuce is high in vitamins A, K, and C, and is a great addition to any dog's diet. It is also low in calories and high in fiber. Since lettuce is mainly made up of water, it can help boost your dog’s hydration especially if paired with cucumbers! Just make sure to feed your pup plain lettuce without added dressing or seasonings.
Peas
Peas are high in vitamins A, B, and K, as well as zinc, iron, and potassium. Whether they’re fresh or frozen, their small size makes peas a good training treat. Make sure that they are not shelled as this can cause a choking hazard. If you’re getting canned ones, just make sure you get the no-salt-added kind. You can add these to your pup’s food for an added treat!
Potatoes & Sweet Potatoes
Potatoes are nutrient-dense vegetables that provide a good source of vitamin C, B6, iron, and magnesium. These nutrients can have positive effects on your dog’s immune and nervous systems. Raw potatoes contain solanine which is harmful to dogs so please wash and cook potatoes before feeding to your pup. It’s best to give your dog Plain, boiled, and well-cooked. Just keep in mind that you should only give your dog potatoes on special occasions!
Zucchini
Zucchini is full of antioxidants and rich in vitamins A, C, B6, and K. You can feed your dog cooked, plain zucchini by boiling it or steaming it. Just taste-test the zucchini before you cook and feed it to your dog (if it’s bitter, do not eat it or feed it to your dog as it can be toxic). You can add some zucchini pieces to your pup's food for an added treat!
Erring on the side of caution
We’re putting these here because while they are deemed safe for dogs, there are some things to know about them before you decide to feed them to your pup.
Broccoli
While broccoli makes for a great treat due to it being low in fat, it is not recommended to add to your dog’s regular diet. This is because isothiocyanates, which are found in the florets of this vegetable, can cause mild to severe gastric irritation in some dogs. You should feed your dog only small amounts of broccoli.
Cabbage
This vegetable is high in vitamins C, B1, B6, and K. Though safe in small quantities, its high fiber content can cause diarrhea. Just don’t overfeed to avoid gassy problems. Some dogs can also have a cabbage allergy which causes them to be nauseous, vomit, have a fever, and be lethargic. Please visit your veterinarian if your dog shows any of the signs above after ingesting cabbage.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower should always be thoroughly washed and cooked before feeding to dogs. While it can help lower cholesterol levels in dogs, it may cause severe gas production. This is due to the fact that dog stomachs are unable to break down the sugars in cauliflower as effectively as human stomachs. Should cauliflower be on the menu for dinner, feed only small, cooked amounts to your dog.
Eggplant
This vegetable is ok for dogs to eat in its raw or cooked form. Unfortunately, eggplant has been linked to allergic reactions in some dogs. Eggplant can have inflammatory effects that could worsen arthritis or other inflammation problems in your dog. It’s best to avoid eggplants just to be safe!
Radishes
Dogs can eat radishes, just not whole. Swallowing a whole one can cause intestinal blockage. While radishes are non-toxic for dogs, they don't provide many nutrients for your dog but can even cause excess gas. Your dog may or may not like the taste of radishes so that is something to consider as well. So if you'd like to try giving radishes to your pup, just make sure they're cut up into small pieces and only feed rarely in small quantities.
We're confident that your dog will enjoy the tasty selection of dog-friendly vegetables. So the next time you're cooking a meal, and want to share it with your pup, you'll know exactly what to give them and what to avoid!
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References:
Proud Dog Mom. “Food Facts: Can Dogs Eat Zucchini?” Proud Dog Mom, 19 June 2020, https://www.prouddogmom.com/food-facts-can-dogs-eat-zucchini/.