What Fruits & Vegetables Can Dogs NOT Eat?
Most fruits and vegetables are safe for pets, however there are a few big offenders that dogs cannot eat.
Call your veterinarian if there is an ingredient in question.
Below are some items to avoid which are known to cause problems or be toxic for dogs. It is so easy for your dog to grab food from a plate, or for a well-meaning friend to feed her a little snack during a party. We will go over a few of the better-known fruits and vegetables to avoid, so that everyone can help keep your fur baby safe and sound.
Fruits Dogs Should Not Eat
- Cherries, especially the pit and stem, are very toxic to dogs as they contain cyanide.
- Grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs due to a compound called Tartaric Acid, which is found in the seeds and skin. Most dogs do not have a problem with Tartaric Acid, however for some dogs it is extremely toxic to their kidneys. There is no way to know which dogs will have this problem, because it is an idiosyncratic reaction, so all dogs that eat grapes or raisins are treated as an emergency by veterinarians. These should be avoided and your dog should not eat them. Safe alternatives include blueberries, strawberries and raspberries (in moderation). Watermelon, apple and bananas are all also safe and great for making puppy popsicles in the summer time!
Vegetables Dogs Should Not Eat
- Garlic and onions are toxic to dogs and are most dangerous in their raw form.
- Don’t forget the other members of this vegetable family, such as leeks, chives and scallions, as they should all be avoided.
- Tomatoes contain a chemical called solanine and should also be avoided, as this can cause tremors.
- Corn on the cob is very dangerous for your dog, as it is known to cause blockages in the stomach and intestines (gastrointestinal obstruction), which can be deadly and may require surgery to alleviate.
- Radishes are not toxic, but their shape can make your pet susceptible to choking. This is especially true for those pets that gobble down food very quickly.
- Lastly, avocados-especially the seed-can cause vomiting and stomach upset in our canine companions. Dogs cannot eat most of these, and should not eat items that can potentially cause blockages in the intestine or the wind pipe.
Treat your pet like you would a toddler. Cut their food if needed and try not to leave things within their reach that could be dangerous to them.
Vegetables Dogs Can Eat
Most other vegetables are safe, such as broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, celery, cucumbers, lettuce and potatoes. Finding a creative way to make special treats for your dog, using safe ingredients, is a wonderful bonding activity for you and your pet. They will love licking the spoon and bowl with you as you make them a special snack. And, if there is an ingredient in question, a quick call to your veterinarian will set things straight!
