Show Reviewed by Amy Flowers, DVM on May 05, 2021 You know you need veggies and fruits to keep your diet healthy. But does your dog? Dogs are omnivores, which means they can eat meat and plants. Many commercial dog foods are made with vegetables and fruits along with meat and grains. These products are also made to include all the nutrients a dog needs to be healthy. So even though your pooch doesn’t really need extra vegetables and fruits in their daily diet, they won’t hurt them, either. Some fresh and canned produce can be part of good doggie nutrition. You just need to know which ones to give. Many pet parents give produce as treats for their pups. Some can have extra nutritional benefits: While it’s fine to give your dog these healthy foods, watch how much you dole out. Treats should make up 10% or less of your dog’s calories for the day. If you have a dog who might be carrying some extra pounds, low-salt, low-sugar vegetables and fruits can be a good way to help them lose weight. For example, you can replace some of their dog food with green beans. This decrease calories consumed but keeps them full. But don’t start a new diet for your dog without talking to your veterinarian first. A sudden change can upset their digestion. Your vet can tell you how to mix in produce to make the transition easier for your pup. A balanced diet is important no matter how much your dog weighs. Never give your dog corn cobs or fruit pits (like from peaches or avocados) -- they may get stuck in their throat or intestines. A dog’s primary dietary need is meat, so it can be hard for them to be on a strict vegetarian diet. It takes a lot of preparation and planning to provide a dog or puppy the right nutritional balance it needs without meat. Many home-prepared vegetarian diets just don’t supply enough nutrients. If it’s important to you that your dog doesn’t eat meat, the best thing to do is talk to your veterinarian about ways to provide the right balance for them.
When it comes to dogs and human food, it’s usually best to steer clear. After all, there are a lot of human foods that can make our dogs very poorly, or even kill them. Alcohol, chocolate and foods containing the sweetener xylitol can all be deadly to our four-legged friends. As a general rule, it’s safest to stick to feeding your dog a commercially available, good quality, complete dog food. This way you know your dog will get the right balance of nutrients and it will only contain safe ingredients. However, if you want to give them a treat, your dog may love some safe fruit and veg as a healthy snack. If you’d like more information on what to feed your dog and keeping them in shape, visit our free guides:
How much fruit and veg should I feed my dog every day?
As long as you’re feeding your dog a complete and balanced diet appropriate for their age (your vet or vet nurse can help you with this) then they don’t actually need extra fruit and veg every day. Complete dog foods contain all the nutrients your dog needs to keep them happy and healthy. We wouldn’t recommend feeding fruit and veg as part of your dog’s daily diet. Some fruit and veg, on the other hand, make great treats! Just like our favourite snacks, commercial treats from the pet shop or supermarket can sometimes be quite fattening and contain a lot of additives. If you’re looking for a tasty treat for your dog, safe fruit and vegetables can be a great, healthy option. Which vegetables can my dog eat?There are a few different vegetables our dogs are fine eating (but remember, a little for us is a lot to our dogs so keep treat sizes small!). Any veg you give to your dog should be raw or boiled/steamed with no extra oils, butter or flavourings. Always cut it into bite-sized pieces to avoid choking and feed in moderation, especially if your dog isn't used to eating fresh veg. Dog-safe vegetables include:
Just like veg, there are a number of fruits our dogs can eat safely. However, most fruits have more sugar then vegetables so they’re best given as an occasional treat. Make sure they’re plain (with no sugar or chocolate coatings) and cut into bite-sized pieces to avoid choking. If you are giving your dog a bit of fruit, it should be alongside their normal diet - don’t forget to reduce their daily food allowance that day to account for the extra calories. Dog-safe fruit includes:
Which fruit and vegetables are NOT safe for dogs?
Although feeding your dog any new fresh food can give them a tummy upset, especially if you give them too much at once, there are a number of fruits and veg that you really shouldn’t feed your dog. At all. These can be toxic, cause a blockage, or just cause a very big stomach upset. If they accidentally eat some, it’s probably best to call your vet for advice to be on the safe side! Unsafe fruit and veg includes:
Our vets give their advice on what to feed your four-legged friend and the best dog food. Which food is best?
A few too many treats can make our pups pile on the pounds! Read our vets' advice on overweight dogs. Staying in shape
Along with eating healthy, your dog will need to stay active to stay in shape and happy. Keeping active |