Vegetables for dogs: which ones they can eat from A to Z
Vegetables for dogs: which ones they can eat from A to Z
Written by Silvia Capelli
September 7, 2023
Feeding your dog well is not just an act of love, but also, along with daily exercise, the best way to ensure a long and perfectly healthy life.
Kibble is balanced and greatly simplifies our task when it comes to meals, and a homemade diet is not difficult to prepare.
However, dogs often become quite insistent when they see us eating, and it's hard to resist giving them at least a small bite.
While it's true that most vegetables are good for our four-legged friends, there are some that are not recommended.
When it comes to giving vegetables to dogs, which are the best, and how should they be administered?
We have compiled a small guide with the most common vegetables, their properties, and methods of administration.
This way, you can know without mistakes which vegetables dogs can eat. Some are recommended only if certain precautions are taken, so read the entire paragraph carefully, not just the first line!
And to know which are not recommended, or what the side effects of those recommended with precautions are, read here!
We have compiled a small guide with the most common vegetables, their properties, and methods of administration.
This way, you can know without mistakes which vegetables dogs can eat. To know which ones they should not eat, read here!
Can dogs eat garlic?
The topic of garlic is one we have covered in various articles, to the point of including it in both the recommended and not recommended vegetables.
We believed for a long time that it was harmful to dogs and could even be fatal for our pets.
Today, there are studies that have reassessed this vegetable, and it seems that not only can dogs eat garlic, but it also has several benefits.
So how should one proceed? Can I give garlic to dogs or not?
Recommended garlic doses for dogs
The maximum dose tolerated by a dog's body corresponds to about 0.5% of its body weight, or at least that's what we are told today.
That is, a 10 kg dog would have to eat as much as 50 grams of garlic to show symptoms of toxicity.
While it's true that this is a rather large amount, it's also true that garlic is very indigestible and often poorly tolerated by those with delicate stomachs.
To learn more about why garlic is harmful to dogs in some cases, read here.
Beets for dogs: can they eat them?
No doubt about it, you can give red beets to dogs without any problems, as they are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, in particular:
Vitamin B, C
Potassium
Iron
Calcium
Phosphorus
Sodium
However, they should be given in moderate quantities, as some dogs digest them poorly and it could cause vomiting or diarrhea.
They should be served boiled, baked, or steamed. They must be well cooked and served without salt, spices, or seasonings.
Can I give broccoli to my dog?
If administered in moderate quantities, broccoli is an excellent vegetable for dogs. Not only are they rich in:
Vitamins A, B, C, E, K
Fibre
Phosphorus
Potassium
Sodium
Calcium
Magnesium
Zinc
Iron
but they also satisfy the feeling of fullness, and if integrated as part of a balanced diet, they can even help the dog follow a slightly hypocaloric diet.
However, the fact that they contain a lot of fiber can cause gastrointestinal problems in pets.
Dogs can eat broccoli raw, but since they are more difficult to digest, it's better to cook them steamed, boiled or mashed, and obviously without seasoning.
Can I give cabbage to dogs?
Dogs can eat cabbage, provided that the quantities are limited and it is not given daily.
This applies to:
Red Cabbage
White Cabbage (Cabbage Cappuccio)
Curly Kale
Black Cabbage
Cabbages are rich in:
Vitamins A, B, C, K
Iron
Potassium
Calcium
Copper
Manganese
Magnesium
Antioxidants
But they should be administered exclusively cooked, as raw they are very indigestible for our four-legged friends.
Dogs can eat cabbage exclusively boiled, preferably mashed. Excessive cabbage in their diet can cause digestive problems and flatulence.
Can dogs eat artichokes?
The answer is yes. Dogs can eat artichokes, which bring many benefits to their diet.
Artichoke contains:
Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K
Antioxidants
Magnesium
Iron
Calcium
Potassium
Sodium
Moreover, this vegetable has purifying and diuretic properties, fights the action of free radicals, and protects against the onset of tumors.
Dogs can eat artichokes exclusively cooked, and only the pulp should be given: the stem, leaves, and spines could irritate the dog's stomach.
Artichokes are not recommended in case of:
Aerophagia
Abdominal bloating
Abdominal cramps
Digestive problems
Intestinal diseases
Irritable Colon
Do carrots benefit dogs?
Yes, dogs can eat carrots without any problem; they are indeed among the best vegetables to include in their diet.
Carrots are good for dogs because they contain vitamins, minerals, and valuable antioxidants:
Vitamins A, B, C, K
Carotene
Iron
Magnesium
Calcium
Potassium
Manganese
Sodium
Dogs can eat carrots raw (they are an excellent snack for dental cleaning), or boiled or steamed.
They can make up the entire vegetable portion in a homemade diet for dogs, as they can be consumed in larger quantities than many other vegetables.
Can dogs eat Brussels sprouts?
Yes, giving Brussels sprouts to dogs is completely safe. This cruciferous vegetable is rich in:
Vitamin A, B, C, E, K
Potassium
Calcium
Phosphorus
Magnesium
Sodium
Copper
Iron
Manganese
These vegetables have many benefits, but there is one contraindication: like cabbages in general, Brussels sprouts can cause aerophagia in dogs.
Therefore, it's good practice to administer them in modest quantities and only occasionally, obviously well cooked and without any seasoning.
Can dogs eat cooked cauliflower?
Cauliflower can be eaten both cooked and raw, but it's preferable to boil or steam it to make it more digestible.
This delicious vegetable contains:
Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, C, K
Potassium
Calcium
Phosphorus
Magnesium
Sodium
Copper
Iron
Zinc
And is rich in antioxidants, valuable for preventing the formation of tumors and strengthening the immune defenses.
Dogs can eat cauliflowers in moderate quantities and like all other vegetables, unsalted and unseasoned.
Excess can have unpleasant consequences, as it might cause flatulence. Therefore, limit it to moderate and occasional consumption.
Can dogs eat cucumbers?
Although cucumbers are not normally a vegetable that is given to dogs, as it should be consumed raw, giving cucumber to a dog is completely safe.
It is composed almost entirely of water and can be offered as a snack on very hot days to refresh the animal.
Cucumbers contain many phytochemicals and phytonutrients, useful for eliminating oral bacteria and reducing the risk of halitosis in dogs.
They are an excellent source of:
Vitamins A, B, C, E, K
Manganese
Iron
Magnesium
Calcium
Potassium
Manganese
Sodium
Fluoride
As mentioned, cucumbers should be consumed raw, but both the seeds and the skin, which can be spiky in some cases, should be removed.
And we are obviously talking about fresh cucumbers, not those preserved in oil, vinegar, or other types of seasonings.
Can I give chickpeas to dogs?
Yes, dogs can eat chickpeas, but always with limitations regarding quantities, and only cooked and without salt or seasonings (avoid canned ones!)
Chickpeas are a precious aid in case of diarrhea and promote the health of the bacterial flora.
They also contain:
Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K, J
Copper
Iron
Magnesium
Calcium
Potassium
Manganese
Sodium
Fluoride
They also have an excellent satiating effect, but although they are a great source of protein, they should never replace animal proteins.
Be careful with calories: chickpeas are good for dogs only if administered in a homemade diet in place of carbohydrates, and not proteins.
And even though they are a protein food, never replace animal proteins with plant proteins, which should always correspond to a minimum of 50% of the daily food mix.
Beans for dogs: are they healthy?
Yes, dogs can eat beans, provided that they are well cooked, and even better if mashed. Unfortunately, as we well know, beans can cause gas buildup in the stomach.
Therefore, it's better not to exaggerate with quantities, to avoid finding yourself living in a gas chamber, while the dog writhes between one abdominal cramp and another.
They are very caloric, so there are limits even if they are integrated into a well-balanced diet. Absolutely avoid canned beans or spicy preparations like Mexican sauces.
Otherwise, they contain:
Vitamins A, B, C, E
Iron
Calcium
Potassium
Phosphorus
Zinc
In excess, they can cause:
Diarrhea
Gastrointestinal problems
Aerophagia
To learn everything about how to give beans to dogs (and all other legumes), read here!
Fennel for dogs: is it safe?
Yes, dogs can eat fennel safely. In fact, this vegetable, if liked, helps regulate digestion and reduce gas accumulation in the stomach.
But that's not all! It's a rich source of valuable antioxidants to improve the animal's health, and contains:
Vitamins A, B, C, E, K
Zinc
Iron
Magnesium
Calcium
Potassium
Selenium
Phosphorus
However, it should be administered with caution at least at the beginning, to ensure that the animal tolerates it well if it is served raw.
Of course, it can be boiled, and cooking makes it more palatable in terms of taste and more digestible. As always, no excesses.
Can dogs eat green beans?
Green beans bring many benefits to dogs, and can be served both raw and cooked; generally, our animal friends like them very much.
They can be integrated into meals as part of the vegetable portion of the diet, but always in non-excessive quantities. And, of course, only occasionally.
They are a good source of:
Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K
Copper
Iron
Magnesium
Calcium
Potassium
Manganese
Selenium
Phosphorus
And they are also rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, useful for preventing tumors and for the overall well-being of the dog.
Lettuce for dogs: can they eat it?
Although it's not typically an item we normally feed our four-legged friends, dogs can safely eat lettuce.
It's edible in all its varieties, and if administered in small quantities, it presents no problem for our animals.
Lettuce provides:
Vitamins A, B, C
Zinc
Iron
Sodium
Calcium
Potassium
Phosphorus
Obviously, it's not the type of vegetable that we'll use to supplement Fido's meals, but if he asks for some while you're eating it, feel free to give him some!
Lentils for dogs: can they eat them?
Lentils can be given to dogs safely. Dogs can eat lentils, provided that they are not administered in large quantities.
These legumes are a good source of protein, and also contain vitamins and minerals that bring many benefits to dogs:
Vitamin B
Copper
Iron
Magnesium
Calcium
Potassium
Sodium
Selenium
They should be served only well-cooked and unsalted (unlike canned ones), and should never replace animal proteins, but only be an occasional addition to meals.
If the dog consumes too many, it could suffer from:
Flatulence
Gastrointestinal problems
Diarrhea
Corn for dogs: are there any contraindications?
Corn kernels are edible for dogs, but since consuming the product has some contraindications, we've included it in the list of not recommended items.
This cereal contains:
Vitamins A, B, E, K
Iron
Magnesium
Calcium
Potassium
Sodium
Zinc
Phosphorus
To learn more about why dogs can eat corn, but it's better to avoid it, read here!
Eggplant for dogs? Is it recommended?
Eggplant contains solanine, best known as the substance that causes toxicity in potatoes.
Also, in this case, toxicity occurs if consumed in large quantities, but there are factors due to which we have included eggplant in the article on vegetables that are instead not recommended.
While it's true that it contains:
Vitamins A, B, C, E, K
Iron
Magnesium
Calcium
Potassium
Sodium
Zinc
Phosphorus
Antioxidants
It's also true that its solanine content is much higher than that of potatoes, and the toxin is especially concentrated in the skin, which is generally consumed.
Therefore, technically, the cooked pulp is allowed in small quantities, but why give Fido a product that is not 100% beneficial for him? There are better and equally good vegetables!
Potatoes for dogs: good or bad?
The answer is yes, dogs can eat potatoes, but it depends on a simple condition: cooking.
Potatoes contain solanine, a substance toxic to dogs, and also to humans. This alkaloid in severe cases can cause disturbances at the nervous, hepatic, cardiac, motor, and digestive levels.
Cooking and removing the skin and green parts significantly reduce the level of toxicity, making the potatoes edible.
It’s therefore important that the potato to be cooked is fresh, free of sprouts and leaves, peeled, and boiled until tender. It should not be underripe or shriveled.
If these conditions are not met, or if they are consumed undercooked, potatoes are bad for dogs.
These roots provide:
Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K, J
Iron
Magnesium
Calcium
Potassium
Manganese
Sodium
Zinc
Phosphorus
Betacarotene
However, they are very caloric and although listed with vegetables, if integrated into the daily diet of the dog they must replace carbohydrates, and not vegetables.
And they should be administered occasionally and in small doses. In case of toxicity, the symptoms of intoxication are:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
General weakness
Lethargy
To learn more about how to integrate the dog's diet with potatoes without mistakes, read here!
Sweet Potatoes for Dogs
Giving sweet potatoes to dogs (or American potatoes, as they are often called) is possible, provided that they are served cooked.
These roots are rich in:
Vitamins A, B, C
Calcium
Potassium
Magnesium
Iron
Betacarotene
They are therefore highly recommended for strengthening the dog's immune defenses, and their high fiber content means they have an excellent satiating effect.
Unlike traditional potatoes, sweet potatoes do not contain solanine, a toxic substance that can be harmful to dogs.
The skin of the sweet potato, however, contains a substance called caiapo, which according to some studies has a positive effect on reducing blood cholesterol and blood sugar.
It is therefore preferable to give sweet potatoes over normal potatoes, but always with moderation, as they are still very caloric. And it's better to peel them in any case, and cook them perfectly.
Can I give bell pepper to my dog?
Yes, dogs can safely eat bell peppers, obviously referring to sweet peppers, and not spicy ones.
Sweet bell peppers have a high content of:
Vitamins A, B, C
Copper
Iron
Phosphorus
Calcium
Potassium
Sodium
They are low in calories and contain a lot of fiber, especially the red ones. They are also rich in antioxidants.
You can give bell peppers to dogs either cooked or raw, but the stem and seeds must be completely removed. And, of course, without excess.
It's better to avoid them if the animal suffers from gastrointestinal system diseases, but generally, they are entirely safe.
Can I give peas to my dogs?
Peas are, among the various legumes available, the ones most commonly used to supplement our pets' diet in the pet food industry.
They can be administered both cooked and raw, and although they should be offered in moderation, a slightly larger quantity is allowed compared to beans, chickpeas, and lentils.
They also provide:
Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K
Copper
Iron
Magnesium
Calcium
Potassium
Manganese
Selenium
Fluoride
They are also an excellent source of antioxidants, valuable for strengthening the immune defenses and for the prevention of tumors.
Being sweet, dogs like them very much, and they can be mashed, mixed with a bit of natural yogurt, and frozen into ice cubes to create a cool summer popsicle.
You can give peas to your dog without worry, but boil them at home: canned ones contain a lot of salt and would be harmful to them.
And to learn more about this tasty food, read here!
Is it true that tomatoes are bad for dogs?
In a sense, yes, it is one of the vegetables with contraindications for animal consumption, or rather, dogs can eat tomatoes but several precautions need to be followed.
Tomatoes have many beneficial properties and contain:
Vitamins A, B, C, K
Copper
Iron
Magnesium
Calcium
Potassium
Manganese
Zinc
Sodium
And the precautions to follow are really simple: the tomato must be served without the stem, leaves, and seeds, but above all, well ripened.
Ripening, in fact, decreases the concentration of solanine to the point of making the tomato almost harmless.
We're talking about a dose that is 10 times higher in a green tomato compared to a red one.
Therefore, offering a spaghetti to the dog with a bit of tomato won't harm him, but avoid Mexican sauces based on green tomatoes and try to isolate tomato plants in the garden!
Can dogs eat radishes?
Although radishes are not commonly given to Fido, the answer is yes, dogs can eat radishes.
Since they are consumed raw, they are very useful for facilitating dental cleaning and maintaining the health of the dog's mouth.
But that's not all, they also have a high content of antioxidants and:
Vitamins A, B, C, K
Copper
Iron
Magnesium
Calcium
Potassium
Manganese
Zinc
Sodium
In general, there are no contraindications regarding the consumption of radishes, but it should be occasional and moderate, as raw vegetables can be difficult to digest.
However, it's better to ask a veterinarian in case the dog suffers from thyroid problems, as they contain goitrogens, which are molecules that could compromise the function of this delicate organ.
A tip: radishes grown in poorly irrigated soils, such as those grown in a home garden, can have a pungent taste. It's better to taste them before offering them to the dog.
Can dogs eat turnips?
Yes, turnips can be given to dogs without any problem. Simply do not exceed in quantity and frequency.
Turnips are good for dogs because they contain:
Vitamins A, B, C
Copper
Iron
Calcium
Potassium
Phosphorus
Sodium
They can be consumed both cooked and raw. If raw, they stimulate dental cleaning, but they are a bit bitter and not all dogs like them.
Cooked ones are much more digestible, so it's better to steam or boil them and serve them mashed.
Celery for dogs: is it recommended?
Absolutely, dogs can eat celery just like humans. It can be served cooked (boiled or steamed) or raw as a replacement for dental sticks.
Celery provides:
Vitamins A, B, C
Copper
Iron
Magnesium
Calcium
Potassium
Phosphorus
Zinc
Sodium
It has many benefits, thanks to its high water content and very low calories:
Helps detoxify the body
Prevents tumors thanks to antioxidants
Promotes kidney health
Improves digestive system functioning
Very satiating with few calories, thus useful for overweight dogs
Despite its many nutritional properties, it's important not to exceed the quantities. Like all other vegetables, the daily amount should never exceed 25% of the total meal.
Can dogs eat spinach?
Yes, dogs can eat spinach, but it should be administered in moderation due to a particular contraindication.
Spinach contains a lot of oxalic acid, a substance that inhibits the body's ability to absorb calcium, which could excessively lower calcium levels in the blood.
Also, calcium oxalate is excreted through the kidneys, which could suffer damage due to overload.
This only occurs when consuming very high quantities, but if offered in a small dose and only occasionally to a dog, there are no problems.
Spinach also contains:
Vitamins A, B, C, E
Copper
Iron
Magnesium
Calcium
Potassium
Phosphorus
Zinc
Sodium
Phosphorus
Manganese
Antioxidants
Can I give Jerusalem artichoke to dogs?
This root is completely edible for our animals, so the answer is yes, dogs can eat Jerusalem artichoke.
Since it contains a lot of fiber, this vegetable promotes intestinal discharge and cleansing of the digestive tract, if administered in small quantities.
Excess, on the contrary, can cause gastrointestinal problems and gas buildup in the stomach, leading to aerophagia.
Jerusalem artichoke provides:
Vitamins A, B, C, E, K
Copper
Iron
Magnesium
Calcium
Potassium
Phosphorus
Zinc
Sodium
Phosphorus
Manganese
Betacarotene
Dogs can eat it cooked (boiled or steamed), preferably mashed. It is high in calories and thus not recommended for overweight dogs.
Pumpkin for dogs: can they eat it without problems?
Definitely yes! Dogs can safely eat pumpkin; it is indeed a safe food for our four-legged friends.
Pumpkin is rich in fiber and contains many vitamins and minerals important for a dog's health. Specifically, it provides:
Vitamins A, B, C, E, K
Iron
Magnesium
Calcium
Selenium
Potassium
Manganese
Phosphorus
Zinc
And two very beneficial antioxidants for our animals: Lutein and Betacarotene. The benefits of pumpkin are numerous:
Supports the strengthening of the immune system through antioxidants
Regulates metabolism and improves intestinal function
Helps naturally detoxify the body
Improves the health of skin and eyes
Protects against the onset of tumors
Raw pumpkin is not digestible, so it should be boiled, steamed, or baked until tender. Pumpkin is also great for making homemade biscuits and delicious snacks.
Can dogs eat zucchini?
Absolutely yes, zucchini is good for dogs, and along with carrots, it's probably the most used vegetable in the composition of fresh meals for our pets.
Not only are they 100% safe for animal consumption, but they are also an excellent source of:
Vitamins A, B, C, E, K
Iron
Magnesium
Calcium
Selenium
Potassium
Manganese
Phosphorus
Zinc
They also provide many antioxidants, particularly those with yellow skin, helping your dog's immune system become stronger and protecting it from diseases.
They can therefore be integrated safely as the green part of the dog's diet, obviously well cooked, and without exceeding in quantities.
If in addition to knowing all about vegetables suitable for dogs, you want to discover more about their general nutrition, discover with us lots of information on how to create the perfect diet for your four-legged friend.
Disclaimer
The information in this article represents general guidelines and is for informational purposes only. They cannot in any way replace medical advice. To ensure a healthy and balanced diet for your pets, we recommend relying on the advice of a nutrition expert.
