What Vegetables Can Dogs Eat? What Vegetables Should Dogs Avoid | Spot and Tango

As omnivores, dogs can eat meat and plants, including vegetables. But what vegetables can dogs eat? And what vegetables are dangerous for dogs?

As a responsible pet parent, you must know what’s safe and unsafe when it comes to giving your furry friend people food. Dogs have different digestive systems to humans, and the things we can eat aren’t always safe for canine consumption.

Most dogs enjoy eating things they’re not supposed to, so you must always be vigilant and in the know. Some vegetables can be difficult for your pup’s digestive system to process, while others contain chemicals and acid that can damage your dog’s nervous system and organs.

With these revelations, it’s only natural to wonder what veggies are good for dogs and if dogs can eat raw vegetables.

There’s a good chance your dog may encounter a vegetable at one point or another, whether it’s from your plate, vegetable garden, or the trash bin! Knowing what vegetables are safe for dogs and which ones require some attention when ingested is a good idea.

Read on for a closer look at the vegetables your dog can enjoy, what vegetables are bad, the benefits of vegetables for your dog, and a safe treat option from Spot and Tango that will introduce vegetables into their diet in a safe way.

Table of Contents

• What Vegetables Can Dogs Eat?
• What Vegetables Are Bad for Dogs?
• Benefits Of Vegetables for Dogs
• Safe Treat Option for Your Dog
• How To Feed Vegetables To Your Dog
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Vegetables Can Dogs Eat?

When it comes to feeding your pup a balanced diet, vegetables can be a nutritious and delicious addition. While dogs primarily thrive on protein, incorporating the right veggies can provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that support digestion, immune function, and overall well-being. Many vegetables are packed with antioxidants, promote hydration, and even serve as low-calorie, crunchy treats for dogs watching their weight.

But not all vegetables are safe for dogs. Some are highly beneficial, while others can cause digestive issues or be toxic if consumed. Below, we’ll explore some of the best vegetables for dogs and how they can contribute to your furry friend’s health.

Here’s a complete list of vegetables your dog can eat and even enjoy:

Carrots

Dogs are big carrot fans. If you’re wondering what vegetables are best for dogs or what raw vegetables can dogs eat, try carrots.

They’re crunchy, sweet, and fun to chew on, making them a great snack fido can enjoy fresh, cooked, or frozen. Carrots are low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamins B, C, D, E and K.

Carrots are hard and fibrous when eaten raw, so they can help in keeping your dog’s teeth clean. Ensure you cut the carrots down to a smaller size or blend them so they’re easy to digest and don’t present a choking hazard.

Cabbage

Cabbage contains phytonutrients and vitamins B1, B6, C and K that help improve your dog’s overall health. Only feed cabbage in moderation, as it can make your pet gassy.

Red cabbage can also help boost your pet’s copper, fiber, potassium, and manganese levels. Avoid feeding raw cabbage in large amounts, as it contains thiocyanate, which can lead to hypothyroidism.

Broccoli

Broccoli delivers tons of fiber, vitamins A, C, E and K, and is low in fat. It’s safe for dogs to eat but should only be served in small amounts as an occasional treat, no more than once or twice per week.

Broccoli can result in a smelly experience for you and your furry friend. The vegetable’s florets contain isothiocyanates which can cause mild to severe gastric irritation in some dogs, so caution is warranted.

Celery

Celery is among the best. It works overtime to bring great benefits to your dog. Celery is rich in vitamins A, B, C and K, manganese, and potassium.

It can boost your dog’s eyesight and will go above and beyond to freshen their breath as they chew on its crunchy texture. It’s also low in calories and a natural diuretic.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is safe for your dog in small quantities only as it can lead to uncomfortable gas, just like other cruciferous vegetables.

Cauliflower provides your dog with biotin, omega-3 fatty acids, phosphorus, vitamins B, K and C, and manganese. It’s low in calories and great for your dog’s immune system. It’s best served lightly steamed or cooked.

Green Beans

One of the best answers to what raw vegetables can dogs eat is green beans. They’re crunchy with a natural sweetness that makes them a palatable choice.

They’re safe to serve raw, steamed, or canned, provided they’re plain and unsalted. Green beans are low in calories and loaded with fiber, vitamins A, B6, C and K, calcium, and iron, promoting red blood cell production.

Cucumbers

When it comes to veggies that can be eaten every day, the answer is cucumber. Cucumbers are an ideal snack for dogs who need to avoid excess sugar, fat, or calories. Cucumber is low in calories but can boost your dog’s energy and keep them hydrated, thanks to their high water content.

In addition to helping your pup stay refreshed, cucumbers also pull their weight in nutritional value. They contain vitamins B1, C and K, copper, potassium, biotin, and magnesium.

Potatoes

Potatoes are safe for dogs, but only if boiled, baked, or steamed and served plain. You should avoid giving your pet French fries because of the high-fat content. Never give your dog raw potatoes, as they contain solanine, which can be toxic to dogs.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are nutrient-dense and provide a range of benefits for your dog. They contain tons of fiber, vitamins B6 and C, and beta-carotene that is good for your dog’s sight and skin.

You should only serve plain sweet potatoes that are boiled or baked, as you would with regular potatoes.

Pumpkin

Are you asking yourself what vegetables can dogs eat to alleviate health issues? Try pumpkin! According to this past Spot and Tango article, it’s one of the best vegetables for dogs and is often used to help pups deal with diarrhea or constipation. Pumpkins are high in fiber and full of vitamins A, B, C, and E.

Pumpkin is low in calories and tasty. Ensure you only feed your dog 100% pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie to avoid additives or sugar. The seeds are also safe for your dog, provided they’re plain and free of sugar, oil, or salt.

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts contain vitamins K and C, which help boost your dog’s bone health and immunity. They’re also filled with fiber, folate, and antioxidants that prevent inflammation.

They’re best served cooked and in moderation to ensure your dog doesn’t get gassy.

Beets

Beets contain vitamin C, fiber, potassium, manganese, and folate. They can benefit your dog’s digestive and immune systems. You can serve them cooked or raw, provided you chop them up to avoid the risk of choking.

Give beets only a few times a month since they can increase the risk of bladder stones. Canned beets may also have high sodium levels.

What Vegetables Are Bad For Dogs?

While many vegetables are safe and healthy for dogs, some can pose serious health risks if eaten. Certain veggies contain toxic compounds, excess starches, or difficult-to-digest fibers that can lead to stomach upset, lethargy, or even more severe health issues. Even vegetables that are safe in small amounts may cause problems if prepared improperly or fed in large quantities.

As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to know which vegetables to avoid or limit in your dog’s diet. Below, we’ll highlight some of the most common vegetables that can be harmful to dogs, along with tips on how to keep your pup safe from potential food hazards.

Never feed your dog any of the following vegetables:

Onions

Onions are toxic to dogs, and your pup should never have access to them. If your dog experiences a sudden decrease in energy, starts vomiting, or has dark yellow urine or unusual bowel movements, your dog may have eaten onions. Contact your vet immediately.

Garlic

Like onions, garlic is also toxic to dogs and can cause diarrhea and vomiting if ingested in small amounts. It contains a compound that reacts badly with your dog’s system, and even a sizeable amount can result in anemia, weakness, energy loss, and jaundice.

Mushrooms

Wild mushrooms are very toxic to dogs, and you should never serve them. Store-bought mushrooms are generally safe for your dog to eat, provided you serve them plain and in small amounts. You should call your vet immediately if your dog ingests a wild mushroom.

Tomatoes

Ripe tomatoes are generally safe for dogs, but you must be vigilant if you have a vegetable garden with tomatoes. Unripe tomatoes, together with the leaves and stems of the plant, are toxic to dogs. These parts contain high amounts of solanine, a poisonous chemical that can cause tremors and seizures.

Benefits Of Vegetables For Dogs

Incorporating vegetables into your dog’s diet can provide a wide range of health benefits, from improved digestion to a stronger immune system. While dogs are primarily carnivorous, they can still benefit from the essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber found in vegetables. Adding the right vegetables to their meals or as healthy treats can support their overall well-being in several key ways.

1. Packed with Essential Nutrients

Vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals that are crucial for a dog’s health. For example:

• Carrots provide beta-carotene, which supports eye health and immune function.
• Spinach and kale are loaded with iron and vitamin K, which aid circulation and bone health.
• Pumpkin and sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A and fiber, which promote digestive health.

By including a variety of dog-safe vegetables in their diet, you can help ensure your pup gets a well-rounded mix of nutrients that complement their protein intake.

2. Supports a Healthy Digestive System

Many vegetables contain dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps regulate bowel movements. Fiber-rich veggies like pumpkin, green beans, and zucchini can help prevent constipation and promote gut health. Additionally, fiber feeds beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to a healthy microbiome that plays a vital role in immune function and digestion.

3. Low-Calorie, Nutrient-Dense Snacks

Vegetables make excellent low-calorie treats, especially for dogs that need to maintain a healthy weight. Unlike processed treats, veggies like cucumbers, celery, and bell peppers provide a satisfying crunch without unnecessary fats or additives. This makes them a great alternative for overweight dogs or those on a restricted diet.

4. Antioxidants for a Stronger Immune System

Many vegetables contain antioxidants, which help combat inflammation and reduce oxidative stress. Leafy greens, bell peppers, and Brussels sprouts are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and flavonoids, which can support long-term health by protecting cells from damage and promoting a strong immune response.

5. Promotes Hydration

Certain vegetables have a high water content, making them a great way to keep your dog hydrated, especially on hot days. Veggies like cucumbers, zucchini, and lettuce contain plenty of water, which can help supplement your dog’s hydration levels and support kidney health.

6. Supports Dental Health

Crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery act as natural toothbrushes, helping to reduce plaque buildup and freshen breath. While veggies aren’t a replacement for regular dental care, they can contribute to better oral hygiene by scraping away debris and stimulating gums.

Safe Treat Option for Your Dog

Spot and Tango champion healthy pups by ensuring they eat vegetables as part of their diet. They guarantee safe and wholesome treats for your dog by creating dry and wet dog food that’s good enough for humans to eat.

All Spot and Tango recipes contain vegetables. That includes the Spot and Tango Beef and Millet meal, which has an incredible flavor and aroma and contains spinach, carrots, peas, parsley, and cranberries.

These healthy ingredients contain vitamins C, K1 and E, and manganese, and are full of antioxidants and fiber that support your dog’s immune system, gut, brain, and urinary health while preventing cancer, joint pain, and heart disease.

All meals are cooked to order, packaged, frozen to preserve freshness, and delivered to your doorstep within days of being made. Veterinary nutritionists formulate the meals to meet and exceed AAFCO nutrition levels for all stages of life, ensuring the meal is complete and balanced.

Spot and Tango meals remain fresh and healthy for extended periods in your freezer without fillers, preservatives, or additives. Simply defrost the meal when it’s time to feed your pet and serve.

You can also try Spot and Tango’s Unkibble, which brings you the benefits of a fresh diet in a dry format. This vet-developed innovation from Spot and Tango combines fresh meat, veggies, and fruits in a unique Fresh Dry process to maximize nutritional integrity.

UnKibble recipes like Cod and Salmon feature pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, parsley, and strawberries. Unlike other dry foods, Spot and Tango’s UnKibble uses 100% fresh, human-grade ingredients, with no sweeteners, preservatives, additives, or fillers.

Try these recipes today, and you’re guaranteed a full refund if your dog doesn’t like them!

How To Feed Vegetables To Your Dog

Like all other foods, it’s best to introduce vegetables slowly into your dog’s diet. Give small amounts and observe how your dog reacts. If they’re not affected adversely, you can gradually increase the quantity.

Ensure you cut or chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces to reduce the risk of choking. Serve them plain and free of additives, salt, oils, or spices that can harm your furry friend and destroy the nutritional value of the vegetables.

Cooking the veggies can make them easier for your dog to eat and digest. Just remember, vegetables should be given as an occasional snack or treat. They should never make up over 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dogs Eat Dried Vegetables?

Yes! You can safely add dried vegetables like carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes, or broccoli into your dog’s food. You can freeze them to create a refreshing, healthy treat for hot summer days.

What Vegetables Can Puppies Eat?

The vegetables listed above as safe for dogs are also suitable options for your puppy. These veggies can make healthy treats for young dogs, provided they’re finely cut, cooked or steamed, and served without additives. Ensure you only give them as treats occasionally ‒ they should never make up over 5% of your pup’s diet (for adult dogs it’s 10%).

It’s also wise to consult your vet before adding new food items to your puppy’s diet, including dog-safe vegetables.

What Is The Best Vegetable For A Dog?

The above vegetables are some of the best veggie options for your dog. Although your dog can’t go full vegetarian, these veggies are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber that can aid your dog’s immune system and make them healthier.

Veggies are generally high in water and low in calories and fat, making them excellent replacements for regular treats. Some veggies can even help keep cancer at bay in dogs.

Conclusion

So, what vegetables can dogs eat? What are the best vegetables for dogs?

Carrots, green beans, cabbage, celery, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumber, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins are all excellent options. Make sure to avoid harmful options like onions, garlic, mushrooms, and tomatoes to keep your dog safe.

Remember you can create your meal plan on Spot & Tango website and adapt it to your dog’s needs. If your dog is allergic or sensitive to some specific food, please mention it and we will make sure to suggest alternatives that will keep his/her tummy satisfied.