“Can My Dog Eat…” Vegetable Edition
Not Safe to Eat
Asparagus
This vegetable is too tough to be eaten uncooked, and usually, by the time they are cooked through, they lose most of their beneficial nutrients.
Onions
This includes scallions, leeks, and chives too! These plants all contain allium, which is known to be poisonous to many domestic animals (including dogs). Onions can cause the red blood cells in your dog’s bloodstream to rupture and can also cause severe stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Spinach
Although it takes a lot of spinach to do damage, it’s probably best to keep it out of your dog’s paws. Oxalic acid, which is found in this vegetable, can block the ability for your dog to absorb calcium, which can cause kidney problems. In addition, long-term exposure can cause muscle weakness and an abnormal heart rhythm.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a mixed bag. There are some types of mushrooms that are perfectly ok for your dog (like sliced white mushrooms you buy at the grocery store), but there are 50-100 types that are very poisonous and even deadly to your dog. With so many scrumptious treats out there, why bother with one that could be potentially deadly?
Broccoli
Although you should eat these often, your dog should only eat broccoli in very small quantities. Florets tend to be high in isothiocyanates, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation at varying degrees of severity. In addition, the stems of the broccoli have been known to cause obstructions in the throat.
Written by Dog Spotted
The good news about dogs is that they’ll eat basically anything you hand them, including vegetables. However, as carnivores, dogs have very few nutritional requirements for food outside of their normal breakfasts and dinners. It doesn’t mean you can’t feed your dog those brussels sprouts under the table, though. Here’s a list of some vegetables you can and can’t feed your dog.*
*Feed vegetables only as treats, which shouldn’t make up more than 10% of a dog’s daily diet.
Safe to Eat
Brussels Sprouts
I can basically hear your sigh of relief; yes, your pup can eat them (so you don’t have to). Too many can cause gas, but they provide a ton of nutrients and antioxidants for both you and your dog.
Carrots
Good for the eyes and for the heart, carrots prove to be a great source of vitamin A. They’re also super crunchy, which makes them a particularly satisfying snack for your dog.
Beans/Legumes
Green beans, lima beans, garbanzo beans, black beans… the list goes on. They contain a lot of fiber and also have some protein. Beans must be cooked all the way through, because otherwise they are indigestible.
Peas
This vegetable is rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein. And this goes for all types of peas; snow, snap, garden, they’re all good to go! Try freezing them for extra crunch.
Tomato
Is it a fruit or a vegetable? Regardless, dogs can eat this food any time. They are quite acidic, however, which could upset an already sensitive stomach.
Celery
Celery is safe for dogs to eat, and actually has some decent health benefits too. Celery is packed with Vitamins C, K, A. It also contains healthy doses of potassium, zinc, and Vitamin E. There is a catch though. Whole celery sticks can pose a choking hazard to smaller and younger dogs, so make sure to cut them into tiny pieces before giving them to your pooch.
