What Vegetables Can Dogs Eat?

Veggies can be a nutritious treat to give dogs at home, but what vegetables can dogs eat? There are tons of vegetables that are both healthy and safe for your dog, but not all veggies are created equal. And a few are actually toxic to your pup. 

Before adding fresh veggies to your dog’s diet, it’s important to know which ones are safe, which to avoid, and the best ways to serve them. 

Always check with your veterinarian before giving your dog any new foods, especially “people foods.” What might be OK for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet unless your veterinarian tells you it’s fine to do so.

What Vegetables Are Good for Dogs?

If you’re looking for a healthy, simple treat for your pup to eat, here are some of the best vegetables to feed your dog.  

Bell Peppers 

Any color of bell pepper is safe and healthy for your dog.  

Bell peppers are filled with vitamins A, B6, and E, lutein, and antioxidants like vitamin C and beta-carotene. They can help promote skin, coat, and eye health for your dog. 

Broccoli 

Broccoli is full of fiber, but be aware that it can cause flatulence.  

This vegetable also has antioxidants, digestible plant protein, and vitamins and minerals such as vitamins C and K, potassium, folic acid, magnesium, sodium, and chromium. If you don't want to give your dog fresh broccoli, you can also opt for treats that have broccoli as an ingredient. 

Brussels Sprouts 

Brussels sprouts are full of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins A, B1, B6, C, and K.  

Eating too many can cause flatulence and other stomach issues, like an upset stomach or diarrhea. 

Butternut Squash 

Butternut squash is high in vitamin C, which can support your dog’s immune system. It’s also high in fiber and rich in antioxidants. Butternut squash is a popular ingredient in pre-made dog treats and food, so your pup can get the nutrient boost even if you don't have fresh squash. 

Cabbage 

Cabbage is full of antioxidants and fiber, which helps your dog’s digestive system. It also contains folate, protein, potassium, calcium, manganese, magnesium, iron, riboflavin, and vitamins A, B6, C, and K. However, cabbage can also cause increased flatulence. 

Carrots 

Carrots are a great choice for a healthy dog treat. They’re high in fiber and low in calories, and they contain beta-carotene, which produces vitamin A.  

They are also fun for dogs to crunch, and most dogs will love them because of their natural sweetness.  

However, they must be given in moderation because they are high in sugar. 

Many pre-made dog foods and treats contain carrots.

Cauliflower 

Cauliflower is low in calories and makes for a healthy, dog-safe treat. It contains vitamins C and K, calcium, potassium, and folate.  

Note, however, that cauliflower is also high in fiber, which, while safe for your pup, can cause your dog to be extra gassy.  

Celery 

Celery has a high water content, and it’s high in fiber and low in calories. It contains vitamins A, B, C, and K, plus folate, potassium, and manganese.  

However, celery must be de-stringed before you give it to your dog. If you don't want to worry about de-stringing celery, opt for a pre-made treat option with celery as an ingredient.

Cucumbers 

Because cucumbers are 96% water, they’re hydrating for your dog. They’re also low in calories and sugar, and contain potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin K. 

Green Beans 

Green beans contain vitamins A, B6, C, and K, along with protein, iron, calcium, and fiber.  

They are low in calories but help your dog feel full, and (bonus!) most dogs like this veggie’s natural sweetness.  If your dog doesn't like plain green beans, you can also buy foods or treats that contain the green vegetable in them. 

Lettuce 

Lettuce is a dog-friendly vegetable that’s low in calories, full of fiber, and 90% water—so it’s great for hydration.  

Romaine, arugula, and iceberg lettuce are all fine for your dog, but spinach and kale in large amounts can be harmful. 

Mushrooms 

Regular white mushrooms from the grocery store—when plain and washed—are safe for dogs.  

Dogs should never eat any mushroom that you don’t buy from the store. 

Peas 

Peas are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K as well as iron and potassium. They’re also high in fiber and contain antioxidants that can reduce inflammation. 

Pumpkin  

Pumpkin is high in fiber and can help regulate digestion and prevent constipation in dogs. It’s also rich in antioxidants and a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, potassium, and iron. 

Pumpkin supplements and pre-made treats are widely available. You can also purchase dog-specific canned pumpkin with no additives to add to your dog's meals. 

Spinach 

Spinach is safe in small amounts for healthy dogs.  

However, this leafy green contains oxalates, which can lead to kidney stones and bladder stones in susceptible dogs if eaten in large quantities. It also has isothiocyanates, which can cause severe gastric irritation in large amounts. 

Sweet Potatoes 

Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and a good source of vitamin A, which helps promote a healthy skin, coat, and eyes.  

They must be cooked before you give them to your dog. You can also buy canned sweet potatoes to add to your dog's meals or enrichment.

Zucchini 

Zucchini is safe for dogs to eat. Zucchini is low in calories, fat, and cholesterol. It’s full of fiber; antioxidants; minerals; and vitamins A, C, B6, and K. 

What Vegetables Can Dogs Not Eat?

The following vegetables are toxic to your pup. If your dog eats them, including in other foods or dishes—especially a large amount—contact your veterinarian immediately. 

Onions 

Onions, leeks, garlic, and chives are all part of the allium plant family and are toxic to dogs and cats alike.  

Eating onions can cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea. It can also make your dog’s red blood cells rupture. 

Wild Mushrooms 

Any wild mushroom should always be avoided.  

There are thousands of different wild mushrooms and around 100 toxic wild mushroom species in North America. Because it can be difficult to identify the toxic varieties—and hard to tell what your dog has eaten—just try to make sure your dog doesn’t eat any wild mushrooms.  

Check your backyard for mushrooms if your dog tends to forage. If you stumble across wild mushrooms, keep your dog away from them. 

How To Prepare and Serve Vegetables for Dogs

Follow these tips when preparing dog-safe vegetables for your pup as a treat: 

• Wash them thoroughly. 

• Ensure they’re plain and prepared with no seasonings. 

• Cut them into small pieces, appropriately sized for your dog 

• Remove stems, leaves, seeds, cores, pits, or anything else that could become a choking hazard or cause an intestinal blockage. 

All treats, even veggies, should be given in moderation. The total amount of treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s overall diet. The other 90% or more should come from a well-balanced dog food diet.