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What Vegetables Can Dogs Eat? 14 Vet-Verified Healthy Options

Written by: Keri-Beth Clur

Last Updated on March 27, 2024 by Dogster Team

Head portrait of a golden retriever dog eating pumpkin slice

What Vegetables Can Dogs Eat? 14 Vet-Verified Healthy Options

VET APPROVED

Dr. Ashley Darby Photo

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Ashley Darby

BVSc (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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As dog owners, we have our dog’s best interests at heart and want to keep them safe. One of the biggest risks to their health is what they put into their bodies because some foods are dangerous for dogs and can be fatal if eaten in large quantities. Most people know that chocolate, xylitol, and caffeine aren’t good for dogs, but what about healthy foods? This may leave you asking questions like, “Can dogs eat celery and carrots?” and “What about cucumbers and tomatoes?”

Although some of the foods on our list, such as pumpkin, cucumber, and bell peppers, are technically fruits, we’re going to ignore the debates and discuss all the most commonly known vegetables your dog can eat.

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The 14 Vegetables That Dogs Can Eat

1. Broccoli

Healthy Raw Green Broccoli Ready to Cook
Image Credit: Brent Hofacker, Shutterstock

Broccoli looks like mini trees, so they’re right up your dog’s alley. They’re green vegetables that are packed with fiber and antioxidants. They’re made up of vitamins and minerals such as vitamins K, C, A, and B-6. They’re a digestible plant protein, but they can cause gas, so it’s important to feed only small quantities to your dog.

This vegetable is low in calories and can be eaten cooked if your dog likes soft food or raw for a healthy crunch.


2. Brussels Sprouts

Another tasty, green vegetable that is good for dogs is Brussels sprouts. Although they’re not always a human favorite, dogs tend to love them. They contain important minerals and vitamins such as manganese, folate, potassium, vitamins C, K, A, B1, and B6. They boost the immune system and are good for bone density.

These green balls can make your dog quite gassy, so moderation is necessary. When serving them to your dog, cook them and slice them up.


3. Carrots

diced carrots on a wooden table
Image Credit: itor, Shutterstock

Carrots are an important orange vegetable that is high in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A and potassium. They’re low in calories. Carrots are hard and crunchy, which might help remove plaque from the teeth when dogs chew on them.

They can be eaten cooked, raw, frozen, whole, chopped up, or grated for variety. Dogs love carrots for their sweet taste, but they contain around 5% sugar, so they’re not the best vegetable for diabetic dogs.


4. Celery

Another crunchy, tasty vegetable that can be given to your dog chopped up or in stick form is celery. They’re packed with vitamins A and C as well as potassium.

Celery is a great snack option for overweight dogs because it’s very low in calories and contains a lot of water, making them a great treat on a hot summer’s day.


5. Green Beans

chopped green beans in a glass bowl
Image Credit: Nadia Yong, Shutterstock

Green beans are a safe treat for dogs that can be served cooked, frozen, or raw. They are low in calories, so they’re a good snack alternative for dogs that need to slim down a bit. Green beans contain protein, calcium, iron, and various vitamins and minerals.

They also contain fiber that will keep your dog full for longer. It’s important to only give plain green beans to your dog as garlic seasoning isn’t safe for dogs.


6. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes contain vitamins and minerals like potassium, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and B6. When serving them to your dog, remove the skin and boil them so that they’re soft and easy to eat. You can also mash the sweet potatoes and mix them in with your dog’s kibble.


7. Spinach

Fresh baby spinach leaves in a bowl on a wooden background
Image Credit: Sunny Forest, Shutterstock

Spinach is high in iron and folate, two important nutrients for the functioning of the body. It also contains calcium and vitamins K and A, which are used in the blood clotting cascade and vision respectively. You can give it to your dog raw or cooked, but it should be given in moderation.

Although spinach is safe for dogs, if eaten in large amounts, it can block your dog’s body from being able to absorb calcium, which can lead to kidney problems.


8. Peas

Peas are commonly found in dog food and can also be enjoyed on their own. Their small size makes them a great treat to reward your dog with during training, and they contain fewer calories than commercial dog treats, making them a healthier alternative.

Peas contain important nutrients such as zinc, potassium, magnesium, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and K. They also contain plant protein. They can be served cooked, fresh, or frozen.


9. Bell Peppers

Colorful bell peppers sliced ​​on cutting board
Image Credit: WS-Studio, Shutterstock

Bell peppers have a unique taste and a crunchy texture that dogs love. Although there are several different colors, they’re all safe for your dog to enjoy. Bell peppers are water-dense, making them a hydrating snack, and they contain vitamins A, B6, and C. They also contain several minerals, such as potassium and phosphorus.

Before serving bell peppers to your dog, remove all the seeds as well as the stem and chop them up into small pieces that are easier to eat.


10. Zucchini

Zucchini is another low-calorie and cholesterol vegetable that can be enjoyed by dogs. They are high in vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Zucchini can be enjoyed by your dog raw, but it must be sliced into smaller pieces.

If served cooked, you can mash it or mix it in with your dog’s kibble. This vegetable is high in fiber and, therefore, may make your dog gassy.


11. Cauliflower

Cauliflower
Image Credit: Hans, Pixabay

Cauliflower has a similar shape and texture to broccoli but differs in color. It is low in calories, full of fiber, and contains vitamins C, and K, as well as antioxidants, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. There is a lot that you can do with cauliflower when serving it to your dog, as it can be eaten raw, boiled, and roasted.

It can also be given as a rice alternative. As with other high-fiber vegetables, cauliflower can make your dog gassy.


12. Corn

Although corn often gets a bad rap when found in dog food because it is considered a filler, it does have nutritional benefits and deserves to be on this list. Firstly, corn contains fiber that helps with digestion and prevents constipation. It is a carbohydrate that provides your dog with energy, and it contains linoleic acid, which helps maintain your dog’s coat and skin.

You can serve corn raw or cooked, in pieces to your dog, but you should never give your dog corn on a cob because it is a choking hazard, as well as a common intestinal foreign body.


13. Pumpkin

pumpkin slices on parchment paper and the whole pumpkin
Image Credit; Regesha Iryna, Shutterstock

Pumpkin is tasty, safe, and healthy for dogs. It is high in fiber, which aids in good digestion and combats diarrhea and constipation. Plain boiled pumpkin, roast or puree is the best way to serve pumpkin to your dog. This veggie contains vitamins A, B1, B6, and C, as well as copper, folate, and manganese.


14. Cucumbers

Although cucumber is technically a fruit, it is used as a vegetable in the culinary world. This water-dense food is low in calories, high in fiber, and contains antioxidants, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins C and K. Although many people enjoy pickled cucumbers, those should not be shared with your dog because they contain a lot of salt and can be mixed with toxic ingredients such as onions or garlic.

You can serve fresh, plain cucumber to your dog in chunk form or sliced.

What Foods Should My Dog Avoid?

Now that we’ve discussed some popular vegetables that are safe for your dog to enjoy, let’s touch on some that your dog should avoid. Some of these might surprise you!

  • Green potatoes and tomatoes. Although when skinned and cooked, white potatoes are safe to eat, green potatoes are dangerous for dogs because they contain solanine. Similarly, cooked ripe tomatoes are fine but raw green tomatoes are not.
  • Wild mushrooms. Although all mushrooms aren’t dangerous to dogs, many species are. Therefore, it is safer to keep your dog away from wild mushrooms growing in the park, in the field, or even in your backyard.
  • Leeks, garlic and onions. These are toxic to dogs and can have serious effects if eaten. They contain sulfur compounds that cause damage to red blood cells.

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Conclusion

There are many vegetables (and some vegetables that are actually fruit) that are safe for dogs to eat. Some common examples are sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, carrots, bell peppers, and cucumber. Vegetables are good for dogs, have many health benefits, and are often found in dog food.

As with anything, it’s important to give vegetables to your dog in moderation because too much fiber can cause an upset stomach.


Featured Image Credit: Kasefoto, Shutterstock

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