Vegetables dogs can and can't eat

Vegetables can often be given to supplement the complete feed, or as a useful substitute for dog treats. Many dogs find it good to have a piece of carrot, for instance.

You can easily replace a small part of their intake with vegetables, but no more than a maximum of 10% of the diet. Here we look at some vegetables, root vegetables and spices you can give to your dog.

Another way to take care of your furry friend is to make sure they have peace-of-mind dog insurance.

Which vegetables can my dog eat?

Here are some of the most popular vegetables and their benefits for dogs, as well as some to avoid:

• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts / cabbage
• Carrot
• Cucumber
• Parsley
• Sweet potato
• Tomatoes

Dogs should not eat onions (raw or cooked) as they can cause anaemia. Avoid at all costs.

Can dogs eat asparagus?

Asparagus doesn’t have any particular benefit for dogs. While it’s not dangerous for them, there’s little point in feeding them asparagus either. It’s too tough to be eaten raw, and loses too much of its nutritional value for dogs when cooked. So why bother?

Can dogs eat broccoli?

Dogs can indeed eat broccoli. They can have it both raw and cooked, and many dogs love broccoli. It’s high in fibre, low in calories, and contains vitamin C. But as with all vegetables, it’s best not to overdo it. Broccoli contains isothiocyanates, which can cause your dog gastric upset if they have too much – so keep it as an occasional treat.

Can dogs eat Brussels sprouts / cabbage?

Yes, dogs can safely eat Brussels sprouts. And also their bigger relative, the cabbage. These are loaded with antioxidants and nutrients, which are really good for both us and our furry friends.

And – just like with humans – cabbages and Brussels sprouts can cause an abundance of gas. If you’d like to avoid this (and we wouldn’t blame you), you could consider dehydrated dog foods which include leafy greens. But if your dog especially loves the real thing, you might want to only give it to them occasionally.

Can dogs eat carrots?

Yes, carrots are very good for dogs. They’re high in fibre, low in calories, and contain beta-carotene, which produces vitamin A. Plus chewing on a carrot is even good for your dog’s teeth. There’s a reason why carrots are included as an ingredient in many dog foods and treats – many dogs love ‘em.

Can dogs eat cucumber?

Yes, you can feed your dog refreshing cucumber. With a 96% water content, they’re good for hydrating your dog on a hot day. They’re also full of vitamins and minerals. But like with all complementary foods, just don’t give them a huge amount.

Can dogs eat onions?

Absolutely not. You should not give the dog any type of onion. Both raw and cooked onions contain allicin, which can cause anaemia in your dog. It can even lead to death.

Symptoms can include:

• Diarrhoea
• Reduced appetite
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Convulsions
• Breathing problems
• Pale mucous membranes

It’s hard to know how much onion will lead to poisoning. As such, it’s better safe than sorry, and avoid it altogether. This includes any products with onion in it, such as most burgers or sausages. If you give your dog scraps of human food, these often contain onion, so you should be really careful what you give them.

To find out more, read our list of substances that are toxic to dogs.

Can dogs eat parsley?

Yes, but only a certain type – curly parsley. Dogs do get proteins and minerals from parsley, as well as other leafy greens. But you should only give it to them in moderation.

And only curly parsley. Other varieties such as Italian parsley act as diuretics. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, this can lead to dehydration. A large quantity of Italian parsley can be toxic.

The short answer is yes; dogs can get many proteins and other minerals from parsley and other leafy greens. However, as with adding anything to your dog’s diet, you should only do so in moderation.

Additionally, if you decide to supplement mealtimes with parsley, make sure you only use curly parsley. Other varieties, like Italian parsley, act as diuretics, which can lead to dehydration in dogs with sensitive stomachs. Italian parsley can also be toxic if administered in large quantities.

Can dogs eat tomatoes?

Yes and no. You should only give dogs red tomatoes. The green in tomatoes – whether that’s the stem, leaves or unripe tomatoes – contains chemicals which can be toxic to dogs. If your dog likes tomatoes, only give them ripe red ones, and in small doses.

As for the age-old question of whether tomatoes are a fruit or a vegetable, they’re botanically (so scientifically) a fruit. But in culinary terms, they’re a vegetable. So there you go! Fine in a salad, less so in a dessert.

Can dogs eat sweetcorn?

Yes, but only give your dog corn kernels – don’t give them corn on the cob. Dogs’ digestive systems can’t process the cob, or the outer ear of corn. If pieces are swallowed whole, they can be a choking hazard, and can also cause a blockage in the intestinal tract.

Plus tinned sweetcorn may contain salt or sugar, which you shouldn’t give your dog. Only give them fresh cooked kernels, or kernels from frozen.

Can dogs eat sweet potato?

Yes, but. Sweet potato is a whole food, often forming the carbohydrate in many commercial dog foods. Sweet potato is low in fat, and rich in vitamins A, B6, C, calcium, potassium and iron – each of which play an important role in overall wellness.

So why the ‘but’? Because there’s a potential link between certain foods and a heart condition in dogs, namely canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Find out more about the link between diet and this heart condition here, including what kind of dogs are sometimes affected, and what signs to look out for.

What should I feed a dog on a diet?

If your dog needs to lose weight, vegetables can be given to supplement their complete food. Fibre-rich vegetables such as grated carrots and white cabbage can increase a portion and give a feeling of satiety.

It’s a good idea to consult with your veterinarian about suitable complete food options for weight loss.

Start slow

Keep in mind that some vegetables can cause gas in the stomach. Start by giving a small amount at first, gradually increasing when you see that the dog's stomach can handle it.

Try your hand and pay attention to how your dog reacts. Consider shredding the vegetables or chopping them to a smaller size so your dog can’t get them stuck in their throat.

Find out what to do if an object gets stuck inside your dog’s throat.

Is a vegetarian diet suitable for dogs?

Dogs are carnivores by nature, and don’t need to eat vegetables like us humans. Completely replacing meat-based feed requires a great deal of knowledge on the part of the dog owner. Among other things, it’s important to ensure the content of high-quality protein sources from, for example, eggs or soy in the right balance.

For those who want to give their dog a meat-free feed, there are complete vegetarian feeds available to buy. Before such a feed change takes place, you should check with your vet. The most important thing to bear in mind is that all dogs need a complete food which covers their nutritional needs.

For more useful information about your dog’s health, check out:

• How to choose the right dog food
• Diet and nutrition guides for dogs
• List of substances which are toxic to dogs