Can Dogs Eat Vegetables?

Can Dogs eat vegetables? It’s normal to want to spoil your dog by sharing some human table scraps or a healthy vegetable snack. As humans, we all know how important vegetables are for our diets. They are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber and low in calories. Veggies are some of the most nutritious things that we can eat. It might also surprise you to know that some of these delicious and nutritious foods can also be beneficial to your pet’s health. Last week we discussed fruits dogs can and can not eat, in this blog we focus on: can dogs eat vegetables?

Read on to find out which vegetables are okay for sharing on occasion and which ones are toxic to dogs.

Vegetables That Are Okay For Dogs

Broccoli – is safe for dogs to eat in very small quantities and is best served as an occasional treat. Broccoli is high in fiber and vitamin C and low in fat. However, broccoli florets contain isothiocyanates. These can cause mild-to-potentially-severe gastric irritation in some dogs. Furthermore, broccoli stalks may cause an obstruction in the esophagus if not cut up properly. 

Brussels Sprouts – Yes, dogs can eat Brussels sprouts. Brussels sprouts are loaded with nutrients and antioxidants that are great for humans and dogs, alike. Don’t overfeed them to your dog, however, because they can cause gas and bloat. Cabbage is also a safe vegetable for dogs but causes the same gassy symptoms.

Carrots – are an excellent low-calorie snack that is high in fiber and beta-carotene, which produces vitamin A. Plus, crunching on this orange veggie is great for your dog’s teeth. Carrots should be sliced lengthwise so your dog does not choke on them. They are an excellent tasty treat on occasion.

Celery – is safe for dogs to eat. In addition to vitamins A, B, and C, this crunchy green snack contains the nutrients needed to promote a healthy heart and even fight cancer. Celery is also known to freshen your dog’s breath.

Cucumbers – Cucumbers are especially good for overweight dogs. They hold little to no carbohydrates, fats, or oils and they can even boost energy levels. Cucumbers are loaded with vitamins B1, C and K. Also, they contain the nutrients potassium, copper, magnesium, and biotin.

Green beans – Chopped, steamed, raw, or canned – all types of green beans are safe for dogs to eat, as long as they are plain and not seasoned. Green beans are full of important vitamins and minerals and they’re also full of fiber and low in calories. Opt for low-salt or no-salt products if you’re feeding canned green beans to your dog.

Peas – Green peas, snow peas, sugar snap peas, and garden or English peas are all okay for dogs to find in their bowl on occasion. Peas have several vitamins, minerals, and are rich in protein and high in fiber. You can feed your dog fresh or frozen peas, but avoid canned peas with added sodium.

Potatoes:  Yes, dogs can eat potatoes. It’s fine to give your dog plain potatoes every once and a while, but only if they’re cooked, as raw potatoes can be rough on the stomach. A washed, peeled, plain boiled, or baked potato contains lots of iron for your dog. Avoid mashed potatoes because they often contain butter, milk, or seasonings. 

Spinach – In moderation, dogs can eat spinach. However, it’s not one of the top vegetables you’ll want to be sharing with your pup. Spinach is high in oxalic acid, which blocks the body’s ability to absorb calcium and can lead to kidney damage. Your dog would probably have to eat a very large amount of spinach to have this problem. It may be best to go with another vegetable.

Sweet potatoes:  Yes, dogs can eat sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients, including fiber, beta carotene, and vitamins B-6 and C. Just like with regular potatoes, only give your dog washed, peeled, cooked, and unseasoned sweet potatoes that have cooled down, and definitely avoid sugary sweet potato pies and casseroles. 

Vegetgables That Are Not Okay For Dogs

Asparagus – Dogs should not eat asparagus. While asparagus isn’t necessarily unsafe for dogs, there’s really no point in giving it to them. It’s too tough to be eaten raw, and by the time you cook it down so it’s soft enough for dogs to eat, asparagus loses the nutrients it contains. If you really want to share a veggie, something more beneficial is probably best.

Garlic – While garlic is good for us, dogs metabolize this food differently than we do. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, garlic and other members of the Allium family, including onions, contain thiosulfate, which is toxic to dogs but not to humans.

Mushrooms -Dogs should avoid mushrooms. Wild mushrooms can be toxic for dogs. While only 50-100 of the 50,000 mushroom species worldwide are known to be toxic, the ones that are poisonous can really hurt your dog or even lead to death. Washed white mushrooms from the supermarket may not be harmful, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Onions – Dogs should never eat onions. Onions, leeks, and chives are part of a family of plants called Allium that is poisonous to most pets, especially cats. Eating onions can cause your dog’s red blood cells to rupture, and can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea. Poisoning from onions is more serious in Japanese breeds of dogs like Akitas and Shiba Inus, but all dogs are very susceptible to it.

Tomatoes – While the ripened fruit of the tomato plant is generally considered safe for dogs, the green parts of the plant contain a toxic substance called solanine. While a dog would need to eat a large amount of the tomato plant to make him or her sick, it’s better to skip tomatoes all together just to be safe.

If your dog eats any of these toxic vegetables contact your veterinarian right away or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: (888) 426-4435

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