Pet Care Blog

What Vegetables Can Dogs Eat? A List of Good (& Bad) Veggies For Dogs

Dr. Ricky Walther
Veterinarian
White dog looking at bowl of vegetables

We all know how beneficial veggies are for humans, but can dogs eat vegetables, too? The answer is: it depends on the vegetable. While some are safe and even beneficial for our canine companions, others can be hard for them to digest. Some vegetables even contain chemical compounds and acids that could potentially lead to organ damage.

To help you make an informed decision regarding your pet’s diet and nutrition, we’ve compiled a detailed list of all the vegetables dogs can eat safely, as well as those that are toxic and should be avoided.

Table of Contents:

Pro Tip: Pet insurance can help you cover the costs of veterinary care if your doggy ingests something they’re not supposed to. Your pet insurance plan can reimburse you for medications, x-rays, hospitalization, surgeries, and more.

Benefits of vegetables for dogs

While it is true that dogs love (and should consume) plenty of meat, veggies can also provide your pet with nutrients that are absent in meat.

Vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, phytonutrients, and antioxidants, all of which have disease-fighting potential. They also contain enzymes that aid digestion and are an excellent source of hydration due to their high water content.

However, unlike humans, dogs can’t thrive on vegetables alone. Your pet should eat a variety of foods in order to maintain well-balanced nutrition and for that reason, veggies should make no more than 10% of your pup’s daily calorie intake.

So, if you’re looking to supplement your dog’s diet with some healthy treats but don’t know where to start, here’s a complete list of vegetables dogs can eat and those that are better to avoid.

What vegetables can dogs eat?

Instagram post of dog holding celery

Celery

Can dogs eat celery? Absolutely, the plant is rich in vitamin A, which helps improve your pet’s vision, as well as vitamins B, C, and K, potassium, and manganese. This low-calorie vegetable is a great natural breath freshener for dogs and many pups love to chew its crunchy texture, but be careful about the amount you serve. Celery is a natural diuretic, so if fed in large amounts, it can make your dog urinate more frequently.

Broccoli

Broccoli is a good source of fiber, vitamins A, C, E, and K, and contains almost no fat. Make sure to chop the stalks into small pieces as they can easily get lodged in your pet’s throat. It should also be noted that broccoli florets contain isothiocyanate, a potentially harmful ingredient present in all cruciferous veggies such as cabbage, cauliflower, and kale, which can cause stomach pain in some dogs.

Cabbage

This cruciferous vegetable contains vitamins C, B1, B6, and K, as well as phytonutrients that work to improve the overall health of your canine companion. However, cabbage should only be fed in moderation, as it will make your pet gassy. Raw cabbage also contains thiocyanate, which can suppress the thyroid gland and lead to hypothyroidism in dogs if consumed in large amounts.

Carrots

Carrots are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins B, E, C, D, and K, and low in calories. When eaten raw, these orange veggies can help keep your doggy’s teeth clean. However, raw carrots can be difficult to digest, which is why it might be a better idea to serve them steamed.

Asparagus

Asparagus is rich in vitamins B6, C, E, and K, thiamin, niacin, and minerals like copper, potassium, chromium, and selenium. Raw asparagus for dogs make a great alternative to chew sticks. Consider grilling or steaming the spears to make them easier to swallow.

Zucchini

Zucchini is low in calories, rich in fiber, and offers an abundance of vitamins and minerals that strengthen dogs’ bones, kidneys, and hearts. It’s best to steam the zucchini before serving it to your pet to soften the skin.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower provides omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, manganese, phosphorus, as well as vitamins B, C, and K, all of which are great for strengthening the immune system. Similar to other cruciferous vegetables on this list, cauliflower is safe only in small amounts as it can make your dog gassy. Raw cauliflower is difficult to digest so it’s best to serve it to your pet lightly cooked (steamed).

Beans

Black, pinto, red kidney, and butter beans are a great source of plant protein and nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and folate. However, they can easily cause gas, so they should be fed in moderate amounts. Green beans are great for dogs because they’re full of nutrients and can be served raw, steamed, or even canned, as long as they’re plain.

Potatoes

Dogs can safely consume potatoes, as long as they’re well cooked (boiled, baked, or steamed) all served plain. Never feed your pet raw potatoes, as they contain solanine, a compound that can be toxic to dogs. Fried potatoes should also be avoided because they’re high in fat.

Spinach

Dogs can eat spinach, a great source of iron, magnesium, vitamins A, C, and E. All these nutrients make this leafy green very effective in preventing inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer. On the flip side, spinach contains oxalic acid, a compound that blocks the absorption of calcium in the body and can cause damage to the kidneys, so it should be fed in moderation.

Kale

Kale is considered a superfood for humans and they offer health benefits for dogs, too. Rich in vitamins A, K, and calcium, this dark, leafy vegetable is great for canines’ vision, immunity, and bones. It’s also a good source of iron, the mineral responsible for healthy red blood cells. However, kale also contains calcium oxalate, a building block of some bladder stones, and isothiocyanates, which can cause gastric irritation in dogs and may even be toxic if consumed in large amounts.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is chock-full of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. It’s also low in calories, tasty, and aids digestion. Lightly cooked pumpkin is easiest for dogs to digest and, if fed in small quantities, it can help alleviate constipation in dogs. Canned pumpkin is also safe for dogs as long as it doesn’t contain sugar or additives. Pumpkin seeds can also be fed to dogs, but make sure they’re plain (no salt, butter, or oil).

Beets

Beets are rich in vitamin C, folate, manganese, potassium, and dietary fiber. Avoid feeding raw beets as they can be a serious choking hazard and obstruct your dog’s digestive tract. Cooked beets, on the other hand, contain oxalate, and should be avoided by dogs prone to bladder stones. These bright red veggies are also acidic in nature and can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, or vomiting in some dogs.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are rich in vitamins B1, C, and K, as well as biotin, copper, potassium, and magnesium. They’re very low in calories, which makes them an ideal snack for dogs that are overweight. Cucumbers are also 96% water, so they make a perfect refreshing snack on a hot summer day.

Peppers

Peppers contain three times as much vitamin C as oranges which, combined with beta-carotene, helps strengthen the immune system, protect eyesight, and act as a natural anti-inflammatory. The best way to serve peppers is by steaming them in order to soften their exterior skin. If you decide to serve them raw, be sure to cut them into small pieces. Don’t forget to double-check if you’re feeding spicy pepper varieties to your pet.

Peas

Sugar snap, English, snow, and garden peas are all good for dogs. These little greens balls are rich in vitamins A, B, and K, minerals like iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc, as well as fiber, protein, and lutein. Be sure to serve them in moderation as large amounts can cause diarrhea. Peas should not be given to dogs with kidney issues as they contain purines which can be difficult for the kidneys to process.

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes and yams are very rich in fiber plus vitamins B6 and C. Like carrots, they also contain beta-carotene which improves skin and vision. Similar to regular potatoes, these orange veggies should only be served cooked (boiled or baked) and without any seasonings.

Brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a great source of vitamins C and K, which makes them great for boosting immunity and improving bone health. They also contain antioxidants that fight against inflammation. Brussels sprouts aid digestion and can help if your dog is constipated, but they can also cause gas and result in flatulence. Be sure to cook the sprouts before offering them to your pet.

Lettuce

Similar to cucumber, lettuce contains a lot of water (90%), which makes it a perfect snack for overweight doggies. Be sure to chop the lettuce up before feeding to avoid a choking hazard.

What vegetables are bad for dogs?

Onions

As part of the allium plant family, onions and chives are toxic to dogs. If your dog has eaten onions and you notice symptoms like dark yellow urine, decreased energy levels, vomiting, and/or diarrhea, be sure to contact your vet right away.

Garlic

Similar to onions, this smelly vegetable is healthy for humans but toxic to dogs. If eaten in small amounts, garlic can result in diarrhea and vomiting, but bigger amounts can cause red blood cells to burst, leading to anemia. This leads to loss of energy, weakness, and collapse.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms bought in the supermarket are generally not harmful to dogs, as long as they’re served plain and in small amounts. However, some wild mushrooms are very toxic and should never be given to dogs. Signs of mushroom poisoning include diarrhea, excessive drooling, poor coordination, collapse, and death. If your dog ingests a wild mushroom, contact your vet immediately.

Corn

Corn itself isn’t harmful to dogs but it also doesn’t offer much nutritional value for them. If you decide to give your dog corn, offer it in small quantities. Never give your pet corn cobs as they can cause a life-threatening intestinal blockage if swallowed.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a member of the nightshade family, which means that they contain solanine, a toxic chemical that can cause seizures and tremors. Although ripe tomatoes are generally safe for dogs, the stems, leaves, and green produce of the plant contain higher amounts of solanine. Therefore, be very careful if you have a vegetable garden that your pup can rummage around.

Eggplant

Eggplant is another member of the nightshade family and is linked to allergic reactions in some dogs. Be sure to start with a small quantity of cooked eggplant, to see if your dog tolerates this veggie or not.

Radishes

Radishes aren’t toxic to dogs but the shape can be quite dangerous. If your pet swallows a whole radish, they might end up with serious intestinal obstruction. So, if you decide to feed radishes to your pet, be sure to slice them thinly first.

Pro Tip: Pups can be guilty of ingesting strange items and forbidden foods, causing their owners lots of worries and astronomic vet bills. Pet insurance is designed for unpredictable accidents and illnesses that could happen to your four-legged companion.

What vegetables can puppies eat?

Instagram post of puppy looking at carrot

Small pieces of dog-safe vegetables, such as pumpkin, carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes, broccoli, or cauliflower make delicious and healthy treats for puppies, as long as they are cooked, finely cut, and served plain.

However, bear in mind that treats shouldn't comprise more than 5% of your puppy’s diet, so veggies should be offered in small amounts and as occasional treats.

Consult with your vet about your puppy’s nutrition and whether it is safe to feed them the vegetables included in our dog-safe list.

How to feed dogs vegetables

Just like with any new human food, it’s best to introduce vegetables into your dog’s diet slowly. Start with a small amount and keep an eye on your pup. If they don’t show adverse reactions like diarrhea, vomiting, or excess gas, increase the amount gradually.

As a rule of thumb, if humans can eat a certain vegetable raw, so can dogs. So, it’s perfectly fine to offer raw celery or green beans, but you must always cook veggies like potatoes and yams.

Be sure to always cut the veggies into small, bite-sized pieces in order to reduce the risk of choking.

Serve the vegetables plain, without any salt, butter, spices, or oils. By adding any of these, you will not only destroy the nutritional value of vegetables but also cause harm to your four-legged friend.

In general, gently cooking (steaming, grilling, or blanching) will make the vegetables easier for your dog to digest and absorb all the nutrients.

For maximum benefits and digestibility, vegetables can also be blended into a puree. You can feed the pureed vegetables right away or pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze to make a healthy and refreshing summer treat.

Don’t forget that moderation is key. Although vegetables are good for your dog, they should make up to 10% of their daily calorie intake. Eating too many veggies can negatively change the gut flora or increase alkalinity and cause kidney issues.

Here's a recap on the list of vegetables dogs can eat alongside the vegetables dogs can't eat:

Vegetables Dogs CAN Eat Vegetables Dogs CAN'T Eat
Broccoli Onions
Cabbage Garlic
Carrots Mushrooms
Asparagus Corn
Zucchini Tomatoes
Celery Eggplant
Cauliflower Radishes
Beans
Potatoes
Spinach
Kale
Pumpkin
Beets
Cucumbers
Peppers
Peas
Sweet potatoes
Brussels sprouts
Lettuce

Key Takeaways

  • Vegetables can be a tasty treat for your dog. They’re a great source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and enzymes not found in meat.
  • As a responsible pet parent, you should know what vegetables your dog can safely eat and avoid the ones that are likely to cause health issues.
  • Feed vegetables in moderate quantities, especially at the start, to allow your dog’s stomach to adapt and to avoid adverse reactions.
  • If you notice anything unusual after your pup has eaten veggies, contact your vet as soon as possible.

Do you want to find the best pet insurance?

Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Ready?

Analyze My Pet

About Pawlicy Advisor

The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. By comparing personalized coverage and pricing differences we can save you a ton of money, up to 83% in some instances!

Pawlicy Advisor helping a pet parent and their dog find a great deal on insurance

Instantly Compare Pet Insurance Plans

Get Quotes

Guides

How Pet Insurance Works

How To Compare Plans

Determine If Pet Insurance Is Worth It

Determine If Wellness Plans Are Worth It

Vet Visit Costs

New Puppy Checklist

Comparison Charts

ASPCA vs. Pets Best

Pets Best vs. Embrace

Embrace vs. Pumpkin

Pumpkin vs. MetLife

More Comparison Charts

Find Your State

New Jersey

California

Florida

Oregon

Texas

New York

Colorado

Pennsylvania

More States

Dog Insurance

German Shepherd

Rottweiler

Akita

Boxer

English Bulldog

French Bulldog

Great Dane

Pug

Corgi

Chihuahua

Poodle

More Breeds

Ricky Walther, DVM

Dr. Ricky Walther
Veterinarian

Ricky Walther, DVM, is a small animal general practitioner in the greater Sacramento, California area. Realizing the positive financial and medical impact that pet insurance can provide for pet parents and the profession, he lends support and advice to companies like Pawlicy Advisor "The Pet Insurance Marketplace") that simplify the process of connecting with veterinary financing resources.

More you might like

Vet examining a dog near a woman wearing a face covering
8 minute read
Should I Take My Pet to the Emergency Room?
Golden Retriever has dry nose
6 minute read
Why Is My Dog's Nose Dry?
person wrapping a dog's paw with gauze
14 minute read
Top 10 Items To Put In A Dog First Aid Kit
Dalmatian dog eating fruits on table
12 minute read
What Fruits Can Dogs Eat?
Cat drinking milk from a bowl outside
6 minute read
Can Cats Drink Milk?
Cat Near Bananas on Counter
5 minute read
Can Cats Eat Bananas?
Cat staring at food on the floor
16 minute read
Human Foods Cats Can and Can't Eat
Dog eating a blade of grass laying down in a field
6 minute read
Why Is My Dog Eating Grass?
Cat sniffing a branch of an apple tree
7 minute read
Can Cats Eat Apples?
Cat eating corn from a bowl on the floor
7 minute read
Can Cats Eat Corn?
woman in rain coat petting dog
7 minute read
Pet Emergency Kit Checklist
Cat eating from green bowl
6 minute read
Can Cats Eat Avocado?
Cat trying to get vegetables off counter
5 minute read
Can Cats Eat Carrots?
Cat eating cheese
7 minute read
Can Cats Eat Cheese? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Brown pointer dog resting head on the ground
7 minute read
Blastomycosis in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Rescue dog swimming in water
3 minute read
10 Inspiring Photos of Heroic Dogs Caught in the Act
Orange long-haired house cat resting on post
3 minute read
10 Photos of Cats Being Household Heroes
Cat eating rice off counter
6 minute read
Can Cats Eat Rice?
Pet cat looking over owner's shoulder
12 minute read
Cat Health Issues
Black Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog sits on toilet
12 minute read
Diarrhea in Dogs: Causes, Treatments, Prevention
Mother cat and her newborn kitten
2 minute read
10 Heartwarming Photos of Mamma Cats & Their Kittens
Dog licking puppy's face
2 minute read
10 Adorable Pics of Mamma Dogs & Their Puppies
Cat staring at a bowl of grapes
4 minute read
Cat Cats Eat Grapes?
Beagle dog nursing her puppies outdoors
6 minute read
Mastitis In Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment
Large dog laying on vet table licking owner's hand
7 minute read
Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer) in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
Dog wants to eat fruit dessert plate on table
12 minute read
List of Food Dogs Can (and Can't) Eat, According to Vet
Garlic peeled and diced on cutting board
6 minute read
Can Dogs Eat Garlic? Here's Everything You Need to Know
American Foxhound dog tilting head
6 minute read
Ataxia in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Dog with conjunctivitis eye problem
6 minute read
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
White cat cleaning rear end with tongue
5 minute read
Tapeworms in Cats: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
Brown Labrador Retriever puppy laying on grass
31 minute read
Labrador Retriever Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know
Basset Hound puppy sitting outside in sun
7 minute read
Basset Hound Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need to Know
Havanese puppy with black and white spots
6 minute read
Havanese Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need to Know
Maltese puppy close-up
7 minute read
Maltese Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know
Pomeranian puppy standing in grass
8 minute read
Pomeranian Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need to Know
Dachshund puppy at home in bedroom
5 minute read
Dachshund Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know
Greyhound puppy running toward camera
5 minute read
Greyhound Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need to Know
Jack Russell Terrier puppy
6 minute read
Jack Russell Terrier Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need to Know
Newfoundland puppy with tongue sticking out
5 minute read
Newfoundland Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need to Know
Bernese Mountain Dog puppy laying in field
7 minute read
Bernese Mountain Dog Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need to Know
Siberian Husky puppy
7 minute read
Siberian Husky Growth & Weight Chart: Must-Know Health Facts
Dog and vet looking at medical chart
14 minute read
Dog Health Issues: Common Conditions by Breed, Size, Age
Dog receives eye drops for glaucoma treatment
6 minute read
Glaucoma in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Dog looking up at owner begging for glass of milk
9 minute read
Can Dogs Drink Milk? Here's Everything You Need to Know
Dog holding coconut in mouth on beach
7 minute read
Can Dogs Eat Coconut? Here's Everything You Need to Know
Tuna sandwich with bite marks
6 minute read
Can Dogs Eat Tuna? Here's Everything You Need to Know

7 minute read
Labradoodle Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need to Know
St. Bernard puppy with mouth open
7 minute read
Saint Bernard Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need to Know
Pit Bull puppy lying in grass smiling
6 minute read
Pit Bull Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need to Know
Dog on newspaper looking ashamed
7 minute read
Colitis in Dogs: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
Back to Blog
A family with pets that are insured by Pawlicy Advisor
Pawlicy Advisor is the leading independent marketplace for finding the best coverage for your pet at the lowest rate.
Join 2,438,795+ insured dogs and cats across the US.
Get a Quote
Our pet insurance partners
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Logo
Pets Best Pet Insurance Logo
Embrace Pet Insurance Logo
Pumpkin Pet Insurance Logo
MetLife Pet Insurance Logo
Prudent Pet Insurance Logo