We've all been there... you open up your fridge and your pup comes over, staring at you longingly for a snack 🥺

And we know how hard it can be at times to resist those puppy dog eyes 👀 🐶

The first thing you might open is the fruits/veggies drawer... but what is safe in there for your pup?!

Ellie loves to taste food and we get those puppy dog eyes from her all the time. We know humans and dogs digest foods differently and we only want to let her taste food that is healthy for her.

To avoid confusion for you and any pain for your dog, we put together a list of 39 fruits and vegetables dogs can eat and can’t eat.

Remember…

Even with the “yes” fruits and vegetables, it is always important to check on your pup after trying a new food. This is especially true for puppies as their stomachs and growing bodies are often extra sensitive. It is always important to practice moderation when giving dogs and fruits or vegetables.

Another note for you dog parents, remember the 10% rule. Treats and snacks shouldn’t make up any more than 10 percent of your dog’s caloric intake.

Here are 39 different fruits and vegetables and if they are safe for dogs.

Alright, there’s a quick list of the veggies and yummy fruits dogs can eat and can’t eat.

Pro Tip: Print out this graphic below and hang it on your fridge for a quick reference at all times.

Download the PDF here.

Fruits and Veggies Dogs Can and Can't Eat

Now, let’s break down each fruit and vegetable that dogs can eat and can’t eat. And of course, in most cases, what veggies and fruits puppies can eat are the same as adult dogs!

BUT, before that... take our quiz!

Can Dogs Eat Fruit?

Quick Answer: It Depends On the Fruit

First of all, feeding your dog fruit can be a great way to get your pupper some extra vitamins and minerals, like with humans.

Most fruits are an ideal sweet treat for your pup, BUT some fruits are not safe for dogs.

It is important to note a few general rules of thumb about feeding your dog fruit.

Be aware that adding new foods (fruit included) to your dog’s diet should be done with caution and monitoring. Oftentimes new fruits (especially when given in large amounts) can sometimes cause upset stomachs, diarrhea, and occasionally more serious issues (see the breakdown of each specific fruit).
Any pit from fruits (think nectarines, peaches, etc.) can cause serious blockage and pain to your pup’s digestive system. Most fruit pits also contain cyanide which is extremely poisonous to dogs. Always avoid fruit pits.
Dogs digest food differently than humans and eating the wrong fruits can cause long-term problems for your fluff ball.
We’ll talk about grapes below, but we just want to add an extra BIG caution that grapes are EXTREMELY DANGEROUS and dogs shouldn't eat them.

Read below for information about which fruits dogs can and can’t eat.

Keep in mind dogs have different dietary needs and it is recommended you consult with your veterinarian with any questions.

Fruits Dogs Can Eat and Can't Eat

Apples - YES (But No Seeds)

Apples are a fantastic source of Vitamins A & C, and also fiber for your pup. It’s important to not let your pup eat the seeds or core, as they can be harmful and difficult to digest.

Low in fat and protein, apples make a great snack for dogs of all ages. Want an extra enjoyable treat for your pup on a hot summer day? Freeze some apples, they’ll love it!

Avocado - NO

Although there is some debate in the online world whether avocados are safe for dogs, our answer is no.

Here are some reasons we don’t feed avocados to our dogs.

Persin, a toxin found in avocados, can be toxic to your dog’s health. The symptoms often include vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of stool production. Although it's not necessarily poisonous and often takes large amounts to cause the above-mentioned issues, why would you take the risk?
The pit of avocados can be a serious choking hazard for dogs and can cause huge problems in their digestive tract.

Bottom line, although avocados are not technically poisonous for dogs, they should not be eaten by dogs.

Bananas - YES

In moderation, bananas can be a tasty low-calorie treat for your pup. Bananas are good for dogs because they are high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are also low in cholesterol and sodium, two more perks for your pup.

One word of caution. Bananas are high in sugar, so use them as a treat only sparingly.

Blackberries - YES

Blackberries can be a great snack, in moderation, for your pooch. Blackberries are chocked full of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins.

Check out some of the healthy nutrients in blackberries.

Vitamin C
Vitamin K
Manganese
Fiber

So the answer is yes, you can feed your pup blackberries! Try them frozen for a crunchy snack.

Blueberries - YES

This one is an astounding YES. Blueberries are a superfood that is full of antioxidants to help boost your pup's systems.

Blueberries are also a great source of fiber and phytochemicals. Again, try freezing them for a cool snack on hot days for your pup.

Cantaloupe - YES

Nothing says picnics and warm days quite like some cantaloupe, okay maybe watermelon does…

Either way, cantaloupe is okay for your dog to eat! Cantaloupe is loaded with nutrients and is a great source of water and fiber. Another perk is that cantaloupe is low in calories, making it a good snack for your pup.

One word of caution, cantaloupe is high in sugar, so be sure to limit your dog’s consumption. This is especially true for any diabetic or overweight doggos out there.

Cherries - NO

You should NOT feed your dogs cherries. Technically, the fleshy part of a cherry is safe for a dog, but other parts contain cyanide which is toxic to dogs. For that reason, we recommend not giving your dog any cherries.

Coconut - YES (But No Husk)

Coconut actually has some powerful advantages for dogs. Coconut oil is even known for improving dogs’ coats, aiding in digestion, and helping to prevent infections in canines.

Here are some other benefits of coconut for dogs.

Coconuts contain lauric acid, which helps fight viruses and gives a boost to dog's immune systems
Albumin helps in the formation of red blood cells
Helps with skin issues like fleas and itchy skin
Can help your puppy's breath smell fresher

Sometimes dealing with a whole coconut can be difficult (I mean who even knows how to cut one up?). You can use these alternatives (always choose unsweetened varieties), and remember to monitor your dog when feeding them anything new.

Coconut chips
Coconut paste
Coconut oil
Coconut milk or water (unsweetened, of course)

Cranberries - YES

Your dog can eat cranberries, but some dogs simply don’t like the taste!

You can try feeding them both regular and dried cranberries. Remember to practice moderation as too many cranberries can cause upset stomachs for dogs.

Grapefruit - NO

Grapefruit contains essential oils and psoralens that are toxic to dogs. If a dog consumes grapefruit it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other issues. So, grapefruit is a NO.

Grapes - NO

As we mentioned at the beginning of this post, you should never let your dogs have grapes. Grapes are extremely toxic to dogs. This also includes raisins. If your dog eats any grapes, call your vet.

*One important distinction is grapes versus grape seed extract. Grape seed extract is actually beneficial to your pup, whereas grapes are extremely poisonous.

Lemons - NO (Unless in small amounts of juice)

Just like grapefruits (and any citrus for that matter), lemons are a NO. The acidic nature of lemons can cause some seriously upset stomachs, vomiting, and other issues.

BUT with that being said, small amounts of lemon juice is found in some treats and foods and is safe for your dog's consumption.

Limes - NO (Unless in small amounts of juice)

Limes are a NO.

BUT with that being said, small amounts of lime juice is found in some treats and foods and is safe for your dog's consumption.

Mango - YES (But No Pits)

Dogs can eat mangoes, yummy. This sweet fruit is loved by most pups, just be sure to get rid of the hard pit as it can be a choking hazard and can contain some cyanide which is poisonous for dogs.

Mango skin can be tough for your dog to digest, so it’s best to just feed them the inner fruit. Another thing to be aware of is the high sugar content in mangoes. Sugar can cause weight gain and potentially diabetes when consumed regularly.

So the final word, mangoes are safe for dogs in moderation and be sure to not give your dog access to the pit.

Nectarines - YES (But No Pits)

If you haven’t heard before, the pits of fruits can be toxic to dogs. So, as long as you just give your pup the fruit and leave the pit out, you are safe to feed your dog nectarines.

Here are some benefits of nectarines for dogs

Beta-carotene and Vitamin A help your dog’s skin, teeth, and bones
High-fiber aids in healthy digestion
Potassium is great for general health and wellbeing

Again, please remember to monitor your dog closely whenever giving them a new fruit or vegetable.

Oranges- YES

Dogs can eat oranges, but it’s best to only give them the inside of the fruit and not the peel. Orange peels can be difficult for dogs to digest and should be avoided.

Some orange benefits are below.

High in Vitamin C
Potassium
Fiber for digestion help

Just remember to limit the quantities of oranges for your dog. And like always, monitor your pup when they start eating a new fruit or vegetable.

Peaches - YES (But No Pits)

Just like nectarines, peaches are safe for dogs as long as you remove the pit. Peach pits are a choking hazard and contain cyanide, which is poisonous for dogs. Also, be sure to steer clear of canned peaches as they typically contain extremely high amounts of sugary syrups.

Small amounts of cut-up peaches have some great benefits for dogs. Here are some peach benefits.

High in fiber to aid in digestion
Rich in Vitamin A

Most dogs love the taste of peaches, again, just be sure to remove the pit.

Pears - YES (But No Seeds or Pits)

Dogs can eat pears, yes! Just like other fruits though, be sure to remove the seeds and pit as they contain cyanide which can be poisonous for dogs.

Pears can be a great snack because of the following benefits.

Copper
Vitamin C & Vitamin K
Fiber

Be sure to not feed your dog too large of pieces as they can be a choking hazard. And a second reminder, remove all seeds and pits before giving your dog any pears.

Pineapple -YES

Pineapples are a YES for your dog. One note, don’t give your pup the prickly outer skin of a pineapple. I mean, you wouldn’t want to eat that, would you?

One of the main advantages of pineapple for dogs is bromelain, an enzyme that helps dogs to absorb protein.

Pineapples can be a fantastic choice for a sweet treat for your pup. Again, practice moderation and monitor your pup when he or she first try pineapple.

Plums - NO

Okay, so for most other fruits with pits we said yes, but for plums, we are saying NO.

Here’s why.

Plums are much more difficult to remove the pit and some people get lazy and try to give their dog plums with the pit still intact. This is a big no-no.

Like we’ve mentioned before, pits in fruit, like plums, are toxic to dogs because of a cyanide. So, play it safe and just stay away from plums for your pup.

Raspberries - YES (But Limit Consumption)

Dogs can eat raspberries in moderation. One thing to be aware of is that raspberries contain small amounts of Xylitol, so don’t give your pup more than a cup of raspberries at a time.

Raspberries have loads of benefits for your four-legged friend. Here are some good reasons to feed your dog raspberries (again, in moderation).

Low in sugar and calories
High in fiber for digestion
Full of Vitamin C
Contain anti-inflammatory properties which can ease the pain and pressure of your dog’s joints
Raspberries have many other antioxidants to help with overall health

Bottom line, raspberries are a healthy treat for your dog in moderation.

Strawberries - YES

Dogs can eat strawberries in moderation. Strawberries contain lots of sugar, so be sure to not overfeed them to your pup.

Nothing says summertime quite like strawberries, and most dogs love the taste of this sweet fruit. Some benefits include:

Fiber for digestion
Vitamin C
Teeth whitening properties (not like Crest White Strips, but still better than nothing!)

Go ahead and add strawberries to the list of fruits dogs can eat, just remember to practice moderation.

Tomatoes - NO

Although the red flesh of a ripe tomato is fine for dogs, the green parts are toxic. With that being said, we recommend playing it safe and just avoiding tomatoes all-together.

If you have tomatoes in your garden, we recommend fencing it off or closely supervising your pup around these plants. Some signs of a dog ingesting the green parts of a tomato include:

Upset stomach
Loss of coordination
Muscle weakness
Tremors
Seizures

Again, just play it smart and do NOT give your dog tomatoes.

Watermelon - YES (But No Seeds or Rinds)

Watermelon can be consumed by dogs safely. Just be sure to not let your pup eat the seeds or rind. Also, watermelon rinds can cause digestive issues in dogs.

Watermelon is loved by most doggos and is actually a pretty healthy treat. The amount of water in watermelon (fitting name, huh?) helps keep pups hydrated on warm summer days.

Bottom line, go ahead and share some watermelon with your pup at the summer picnic as long as you take out the seeds and rind.

Recap of Fruits Dogs Can Safely Eat

As you've seen many fruits can be safely consumed by dogs, while others should be avoided.

With all safe fruits, practice moderation when feeding them to your dog. Our pups handle new foods much differently than us humans, so keep that in mind!

Can Dogs Eat Vegetables?

Quick Answer: It Depends on the Vegetable

I’m probably not the only one who was forced to eat vegetables growing up, so why not pass that on to our dog ‘children’?

I’m only joking, sort of.

Some vegetables dogs can eat (and will love) while others can be dangerous and should be avoided. Here are a couple of general notes about feeding your dog vegetables.

Adding new foods, vegetables included, to your dog’s plate should always be done with close monitoring and caution. New veggies (even the safe ones) can cause upset stomach and diarrhea when consumed by your dog in large amounts.
If growing vegetables in your garden, certain parts can be dangerous although the finished product can be safe. The safest route is to keep your garden fenced off or otherwise inaccessible to your pups.
Dog’s digestive tracts are quite different from humans, and eating the wrong vegetables can cause long-term issues for your floofer.

Read below for some more information on what vegetables dogs can eat and can’t eat.

Keep in mind dogs have different dietary needs and it is recommended you consult with your veterinarian with any questions.

Vegetables Dogs Can Eat and Can't Eat

Asparagus - NO

Asparagus is technically not poisonous for dogs, but we wouldn’t recommend it as a first-choice vegetable snack for your doggo.

Here’s why.

If consumed raw, asparagus is too tough for dogs to chew and digest safely. Additionally, once it’s cooked, asparagus loses much of its nutritional value, so another more nutrient dense fruit or vegetable may be a smarter and healthier option.

A couple additional points about asparagus and dogs.

Don’t cook it in butter, oil, or other seasonings as they can cause digestive problems for your doggy.
Asparagus fern, the non-edible portion of the asparagus plant, are toxic to dogs and can cause severe intestinal discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhea. So fence off any asparagus plants in your garden!
Large pieces of asparagus can be a choking hazard for dogs.
Do you personally love asparagus? If so, you’re familiar with its effect on the smell of your urine… the same rings true for pups. Careful! ;)

Bottom line, avoid asparagus for your four-legged friend.

Bell Peppers - YES (But Limit Consumption and Beware of Seeds)

Bell peppers are technically okay for dogs, but be aware that bell peppers, especially in large amounts, can cause stomach pain for some dogs. Also, be sure to avoid the seeds.

The exterior skin of bell peppers can be tough for dogs to digest, so be sure to cook or puree bell peppers before giving them to your dog.

With all of that being said, bell peppers can be a very healthy treat for your dog when fed in moderation. Here are some important nutrients in bell peppers that can help your dog.

Vitamins A (beta-carotene), B, C, E & K
Capsaicin
Phosphorous
Magnesium
Manganese
Carotenoids
Fiber

To recap, bell peppers are a vegetable that dogs can eat just remember to practice moderation, soften the skin through cooking or pureeing and remove the core and seeds before feeding them to your pup.

Broccoli - YES (But Limit Consumption)

Broccoli is safe for dogs, but should only be consumed in small quantities.

Some of the benefits of broccoli for dogs are

High in fiber
High in Vitamin C
Low in fat

But, dog owners should be aware that broccoli florets (the top part) can cause some mild to severe stomach issues for some dogs. When you first feed your dog broccoli, be sure to keep an eye on their stool and overall health.

Another pro tip for feeding your dog broccoli is to cut it into small pieces to avoid any choking or digestion problems for your doggo.

Brussel Sprouts - YES

Even if you aren’t a fan of brussel sprouts, your pup likely will be! This vegetable is great for dogs and is full of antioxidants and nutrients for your little fluff ball.

Again, be sure to avoid cooking it with oils, spices, or butter when feeding it to your pup.

Be aware, limit your dog’s consumption of brussel sprouts as they are known to cause gas.

Carrots - YES

100% yes, your dog can eat carrots. Let’s start with all the benefits.

Rich in beta-carotene which leads to improved skin and coat
High-fiber helps to solidify your dog’s stools
Low-calories & low-fat
Full of antioxidants to help your pup’s systems
Don’t forget, improved vision for your dog
Chewing on carrots can help your dog’s teeth

Wow, that was a whole load of benefits. And, if your pups are anything like mine, they will scarf down carrots any chance they have! Because they are high in fiber, be sure to not overfeed carrots to your pup.

Want an extra cool treat? Try freezing carrots for your dogs in the summer, or when you have a little pup going through the teething stage.

Celery - YES

Another vegetable option for your pup is celery!

Celery is another loud and clear YES for dogs. It is a very affordable, safe, and healthy treat for dogs. Here are some celery benefits.

Rich in Vitamins A, C, & K
Full of folate, potassium, and manganese
Contains nutrients that help fight cancer
Low-calorie and low-fat, great for weight loss
Promotes a healthy heart
Can even freshen your little floof’s breath

With all that being said, celery should still be used sparingly and not to replace a dog’s normal food. Also, be sure to chop up the celery into bite-sized pieces to avoid any choking.

Cucumbers - YES

Do you have a dog who could afford to lose a few pounds? Then cucumbers are a perfect snack. A ½ cup of cucumber slices only has 8 calories, compared to the 40 calories in a single Milk-Bone biscuit. We all want a health doggo, right?

Not only are cucumbers low in fat, carbs, and calories, but they’re loaded with the following vitamins and minerals.

Vitamin K, C & B1
Potassium
Copper
Magnesium
Biotin

Again, please note that feeding too many cucumbers to your dog can cause stomach issues. So just be aware and monitor your pup when first giving them cucumbers.

Green Beans - YES

Dogs can eat green beans. Whether steamed, canned, raw or chopped, green beans are safe for your fluffy friend. Just remember to keep them plain, don’t prepare them with any oils, herbs or spices.

My dog buddy loves green beans. Plus they have some important vitamins and minerals which makes me more than happy to give them to my good boy.

Lettuce - YES

A simple answer is, yes dogs can eat lettuce.

Less simple answer (okay it’s still pretty simple), dogs won’t gain much nutritional benefit from lettuce. If you are wanting your pup to get some “greens benefits”, try out something like green beans.

Mushrooms - NO

Some mushrooms can be toxic and deadly for dogs. If you are anything like me
(and 95% of people, probably) and can’t tell the difference between different mushroom species, it is a million times more safe to just avoid mushrooms completely.

If your dog eats a mushroom, you should contact your vet.

Onions - NO

Dogs should never eat onions. As well as leeks and chives, onions are poisonous to dogs.

Onions can cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and other issues in dogs. NO onions for dogs.

Peas - YES

Peas are another vegetable dogs can eat. Dogs can eat peas like snow peas, sugar snap peas, garden peas, and english peas. The main thing to avoid is canned peas, as they are often full of added sodium which can be harmful to dogs.

Also, be sure to monitor that your dog doesn’t choke on peas, especially the pods.

Many types of peas have some great nutrients. Here are some.

Vitamin A, K & B
Iron
Zinc
Potassium & Magnesium

So while peas aren’t a necessity for a dog’s diet, they can be a healthy low-calorie treat option for your pup.

Potatoes - YES

Potatoes are okay for dogs. Here are some ‘rules’ though for feeding your dog potatoes.

Do NOT feed them raw potatoes, as it can be hard on dogs’ stomachs
Avoid cooking the potatoes with any milk (think mashed potatoes), butter, or seasonings. All these add-ins can cause stomach problems for your pup

Potatoes are actually rich in iron, which is a nice perk for your pup.

Bottom line, potatoes are a yes for dogs to eat.

Spinach - YES (But Limit Consumption)

Technically speaking, your dog can eat some spinach. BUT, the oxalic acid in spinach can cause kidney issues if a dog consumed a large amount. Most sources are in agreeance that a dog would have to eat very large quantities to have kidney problems.

So, our advice is to just stay away from spinach and maybe give your pup some carrots instead.

Sweet Potatoes - YES

Just like regular potatoes, sweet potatoes are a YES for dogs. Also, be sure to only give your dog cooked sweet potatoes as raw ones can be rough on dogs’ stomachs.

Again, be sure to avoid any sugary dishes, milk, or butter in preparing the sweet potatoes for your dog.

Most of all, when you follow these guidelines, sweet potatoes can have some fantastic benefits for your dog. Here are a few.

Fiber for digestion
Beta-carotene to improve eyesight
Vitamins B-6 and vitamin C

Your pup can have sweet potatoes, just make sure they are cooked and don’t have added oils, butter, sugars, or milk. Freeze dried sweet potatoes are great options for dogs!

Check out our sweet potato training treats your pup will love to work for!

Dogs love the taste, plus they are super healthy. Each treat is less than 1kcal and is made with pure freeze-dried sweet potato!

Wrap-Up of Fruits & Veggies Dogs (and Puppies) Can Eat & Can't Eat

So there you are, 39 fruits and vegetables dogs can eat and can't eat.
As with any food for your dog, be sure to practice moderation when giving your pup safe fruits and vegetables.
Remember, you can download the PDF guide to hang on your fridge here. It's the easiest way to get a quick snapshot of what is or isn't safe for your dog!
What's your dog's favorite fruit or vegetable? Tell us in the comments!

About the Authors

Pupford is a Utah-based company driven to help you raise a happy, healthy and well-behaved dog. Their dream is to give every pup parent out there access to the best training resources and nutrition products available. Article originally featured on the Pupford website, check it out here!

Kevin Bubolz is the founder of Golden Retriever Life, an online community with a mission to spread smiles. You can check out his TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and Pinterest to see first-hand the special bond he shares with Ellie and Emma. See a recap of Ellie’s inaugural 2022 Taste Tournament.

39 Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can Eat and Can't Eat