15 Veggies That Are Safe For Most Dogs

Dogs are omnivores, so historically they ate both meat and plant based food sources to sustain their bodies. The same principle is true today. They need a range of vitamins and minerals in addition to macronutrients such as fats and proteins for good health. Fruit can be a good source of nutrients for dogs, but many vitamins and minerals are readily available in vegetables, especially cooked vegetables. 

Sadly, not all vegetables are safe for dogs to eat, and some can be highly toxic. If you are looking to feed vegetables to your dog, it’s important to know which ones are nontoxic, and which will not make your dog unwell when consumed. Let’s look at some of the most common veggies you can safely try with your dog, in moderation.

Broccoli 

Broccoli has an interesting texture for dogs and you can feed both the head and stalk of the brocoli if cooked through. The stalk actually contains more fiber than the heads of the broccoli!

Broccoli is a good source of vitamins C and K, is low in calories and high in fiber. Some of the compounds broccoli contains are thought to help reduce the risks of cancer. 

Carrots 

This vegetable is known to help with eyesight, but did you know they also contain retinol, biotin and lycopene which boost skin health. Carrots are a great veggie to dice up small and use as training treats or rewards when out on a walk. Dogs love the taste of carrots, and will happily accept them as a healthy treat alternative. 

You can serve carrots raw for a satisfying crunch that doubles as a mini dental scrub, or lightly steam them to soften for puppies and senior dogs. Frozen carrot sticks also make an excellent soothing chew for teething pups. Just stick to bite-sized pieces to avoid choking, and remember moderation. One to two medium carrots a week is plenty for most dogs.

Mushrooms 

Shop bought mushrooms are safe for dogs, be cautious about wild foraging if you don’t know what you are looking for as they can be fatal. Mushrooms are a low calorie, high fiber tasty treat. Mushrooms contain antioxidants, which are helpful in preserving nerve and brain function. 

Skip the butter, oil, garlic, and onions that usually come with sautéed mushrooms, since those ingredients can be more dangerous to dogs than the mushrooms themselves.

Peas 

A lot of commercial grain-free dog food diets use peas as their carbohydrate source, so you may find your dog is eating peas already in processed form. You can feed peas cooked as snacks or mix in with their main meal.

Feeding large amounts of peas has been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM – a dangerous heart condition) in dogs, so stick to using them as a treat unless you have consulted a vet first. Peas do have good health benefits in small amounts. They contain iron, protein and are packed with vitamin C – good for nail and skin function. 

Pumpkin 

Pumpkin is an excellent source of fiber, and is a common feeding suggestion by veterinarians for dogs who suffer from diarrhea, constipation or anal gland issues.

Adding a tablespoon of cooked pumpkin to your dog’s diet daily can keep their bowel motions regular. It’s important to feed cooked pumpkin as this is more easily digestible than raw. Avoid canned pumpkin, or pumpkin pie mix as they can have artificial sweeteners that are toxic to dogs. 

As well as its high fiber content, pumpkin is high in vitamin A and is a source of antioxidants, which help combat inflammation in the body. 

Celery 

Celery has a great crunch and it is enjoyable for most dogs to eat. Be careful not to feed pieces big enough to get stuck in the esophagus and cause a choking hazard. Depending on your dog’s size you will need to cut pieces to suit.

Smaller is always better! Celery is a source of vitamin K, needed for blood clotting mechanisms, and is a good source of fiber. It has practically no calories so is perfect for dogs on a restricted diet. 

Bell Peppers 

Vitamins A and C, and antioxidants are found in bell peppers. They can be fed cooked or raw, just remove the seeds and stalk. Their bright colors make these vegetables perfect meal toppers, helpful if your dog gets bored of their regular kibble day after day. 

Red bell peppers pack the most nutrients of the bunch, with nearly 10x the beta-carotene of green ones, making them the top pick if you’re choosing just one. Start with a few small strips to make sure your dog tolerates them well, as the skin can be tough on sensitive stomachs.

Sweetcorn

Cooked sweetcorn kernels are safe for dogs when fed as individual kernels. Do not feed corn on the cob, as this can cause life threatening gastrointestinal blockage, needing surgery to remove the stuck corn cob. 

Sweetcorn is a source of fiber, potassium, Vitamin B6 and magnesium. When feeding cooked sweetcorn, feed it plain without sauces such as butter, oils or garlic as this can cause tummy upsets in dogs. 

Kale 

Considered one of the superfoods for its nutritional value per gram fed. It’s a natural source of antioxidants, to reduce inflammation and repair damage in the body. Kale has compounds which act as prebiotics, good for gut health.

This powerful super green even has sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol which is said to be beneficial in reducing the risks of cancers. Kale supports heart health and vision. From this list it’s clear to see why it’s considered a superfood with all the wonderful health benefits it brings! 

Dogs with urinary issues, or those with bladder stones should avoid eating kale, as kale contains calcium oxalate, which is a compound that can contribute to bladder stones. For all other dogs, feeding in small amounts can reap the benefits without the small risks of side effects. 

Sweet Potato 

Sweet potato does have a higher calorie count than most veggies on account of its high carbohydrate concentrates. That fact aside, it’s a wonderful and tasty source of fiber. It is packed with beta-carotene, an important molecule for maintaining a healthy immune system. As sweet potato is low in fat, its a good option for dogs who suffer from pancreatitis, a common condition in smaller dogs. 

Feed sweet potato cooked and mashed, as cubed raw sweet potato can be a choking hazard for dogs. A tablespoon daily is about the right amount to add to food. 

Cucumber 

Cucumber is mostly made of water, so can be a hydrating snack for dogs in the summer months. Its calorie content is very low, and there are small amounts of copper, phosphorus and magnesium, important in body growth and repair. Wash and slice the cucumber well to reduce choking hazards.

Green Beans 

Green beans are low in calories, and high in fiber. You can feed around one third of a cup of green beans a day to your dog, helping to maintain the sensation of satiety, or feeling full. Green beans contain iron, magnesium and calcium, important elements in bone repair and growth. 

Eggplant (aka Aubergine)

Your dog can eat cooked aubergine or eggplant as part of a balanced diet. It’s a rich source of B vitamins and its high fiber content can help your dog feel fuller for longer, helpful if you’re trying to get them to lose weight or maintain a slim figure. It’s safe for dogs to eat both the skin and flesh of the aubergine or eggplant. 

Beetroot 

Beetroot contains uridine, a mood boosting substance, and helps maintain brain health. Beetroot contains compounds that help lower blood pressure, and have a cardioprotective effect on the heart, so may help pets with cardiac disease or hypertension.  This dark red vegetable is a good fiber source, and helps draw water into the intestines reducing risks of constipation

Don’t panic if your dog’s urine is red or pink tinged for up to 24 hours after feeding them beetroot. This is just the body getting filtering out some of the pigments present in beetroot and not a sign your dog has blood in their urine. It should go away on its own within 24 hours. 

You should feed beetroot cooked and plain with no sauces etc and either mash or puree the beetroot to a soft texture as hard chunks can get stuck in the digestive tract.

Spinach 

A natural source of iron, this vegetable is a good choice if your dog has anemia, or low red cell count. It’s also full of vitamins such as vitamin C, important for wound healing and repair.

Too much of a good thing can be bad though, feeding spinach in large amounts can cause gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea or vomiting. Spinach is best given in small amounts and always feed your dog spinach that has been cooked through. 

Frequently Asked Questions