Fruits & Vegetables Dogs Can and Can't Eat

Every dog parent has likely been tempted to share a morsel of table food with their begging best friend. After all, how can you resist those sweet puppy dog eyes?

Before you do—be sure to learn which fruits and vegetables dogs can eat and especially which ones they shouldn’t. Dogs and humans don’t digest food the same way, meaning some food that’s delicious for you may be unhealthy or even poisonous for your dog.

That’s why it’s so important for pet parents to know exactly what their dog can eat. Read on to learn which fruits and veggies are fine for occasional snack-sharing and which need to stay far away.

Fruits dogs can and can’t eat

Fruits are nature’s candy… right? Some fruits are perfectly fine and safe for your pup while others are unhealthy or even poisonous. Here’s a glossary of each fruit and how it impacts your dog.

Apples

Can dogs eat apples? The short answer is yes. An apple can be a great snack choice for your best friend. As a great source of fiber and vitamins A and C, apples are an excellent low-calorie treat you can share with your dog. They’re low in fat and protein, and high in flavor for your pup. Ensure you remove the seeds and core before cutting the apple into chunks or slices before serving.

Avocado

Can dogs eat avocado? No. Avocado is not safe for dogs to eat. When you’re slicing up an avocado for guacamole or toast, you may wonder if dogs can eat avocado too. But avocado is not appropriate for dogs—avocado skin and pits contain persin, a compound that’s toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and in some cases, death. If your dog consumes any part of an avocado, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Bananas

Can dogs eat bananas? Yes, bananas are a healthy snack, rich in potassium and vitamins, and they can be a great low-cholesterol, low-sodium treat for your dog. However, because bananas are high in sugar, they shouldn’t be a regular part of your dog’s diet and only fed in moderation.

Blueberries

Can dogs eat blueberries? Yes, blueberries are an excellent treat choice for your canine best friend and can be an alternative to regular dog treats. An antioxidant-rich superfood, blueberries are one of the healthiest options for a snack to keep your pup going, helping prevent cell damage and boosting heart, bone and skin health. They’re low in calories and a great size to toss to your dog as a reward during training sessions.

Blackberries

Can dogs eat blackberries? Yes, blackberries are fine for your dog to eat, but like many of the fruits on this list, they should only be enjoyed only in moderation. Like blueberries, blackberries are a healthy snack option low in both calories and sugar. And blackberries are loaded with a variety of vitamins, making them a nice alternative treat option for your dog. Plus, their bite-size shape makes them ideal during training sessions. Be sure to wash the blackberries before feeding to your pup.

Cantaloupe

Can dogs eat cantaloupe? Yes, cantaloupe is an excellent source of both water and fiber and is fine for dogs to eat in moderation. Low in calories and full of nutrients, cantaloupe can be a refreshing snack for your dog. Like many fruits on this list, however, cantaloupe has a high sugar content, so don’t share it with dogs who are overweight or diabetic. And only feed cantaloupe in small quantities on rare occasions.

Cherries

Can dogs eat cherries? No, cherries contain cyanide, which is poisonous to dogs and can keep your dog’s blood cells from getting enough oxygen—potentially causing severe health problems. If your dog snags a cherry you drop on the floor, contact your vet as soon as possible and look out for signs of cyanide poisoning, such as difficulty breathing, seizures, unusually red gums, tremors and vomiting.

Coconut

Can dogs eat coconut? Yes, this nutritious snack is fine to share with your canine in small amounts as an occasional treat. Coconut meat and oil contain protein as well as important minerals like manganese, which can help with bone health. Coconut can also aid joint and muscle pain and contains antioxidants that help boost your dog’s immune system. However, consult your veterinarian before giving your dog coconut because it can cause gastrointestinal upset and bloating in some cases.

Cranberries

Can dogs eat cranberries? Yes, cranberries are okay to feed dogs in small quantities and on rare occasions. Whether dried or fresh, cranberries make for a delicious snack and alternative to processed sweets, but if your dog eats too many, they may end up with slight nausea. Next time you’re snacking on fresh or dried cranberries, check to see there are no additives like sugar or Xylitol, and then toss one to your dog to see if they like it.

Grapes

Can dogs eat grapes? No, dogs should never consume grapes. Both fresh grapes and raisins are incredibly toxic to dogs, regardless of age or breed. Grapes can cause sudden kidney failure in canines, and may even result in death. Keep this fruit well away from your pup, and if they accidentally consume a grape, get them to the veterinarian immediately. Be sure to keep an eye out for signs of grape poisoning, which include vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and lethargy. And ensure that everyone in your home knows to keep grapes away from your dog.

Honeydew

Can dogs eat honeydew? The short answer is yes. Like other types of melon, honeydew contains a wide variety of vitamins and nutrients, plus it has a high water content, making it a hydrating snack for both humans and dogs. This melon is low in calories but should only be served in moderation infrequently. Make sure to remove the seeds and rind before feeding honeydew to your pup.

Kiwi

Can dogs eat kiwi? Yes, a bite-sized piece of kiwi is an okay snack for dogs and kiwi is full of nutrition, including potassium, vitamin C and fiber. In addition to its high vitamin and mineral content, kiwi is also high in lutein—a nutrient which promotes healthy eyesight in dogs and humans. Just make sure to remove the skin and seeds before offering a piece to your pup. As with any new food, consult your vet first and then pay attention to your dog for signs of a potential allergic reaction after feeding them their first bite of kiwi.

Lemons

Can dogs eat lemons? No, lemons contain compounds that are toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and even sensitivity to light. Lemon is an acquired taste, and even humans rarely eat it solo without a beverage or another food. Fortunately, dogs are unlikely to enjoy the sour taste and generally won’t pick up a lemon off the ground for a snack. However, if they do, make sure to contact your veterinarian immediately.

Mango

Can dogs eat mango? Yes, mango can be a delicious treat for dogs, as long as they only eat it in small amounts and in moderation. Ideal for a refreshing summer snack, mango is full of vitamins A, B6, C and E, as well as potassium and other nutrients. Be sure to remove the hard pit and skin first. Mango pit and skin can be a choking hazard and may even contain some cyanide, which is highly toxic to dogs. With its high sugar content, mango should only ever be an occasional treat for your pup.

Melon

Can dogs eat melon? Yes, melons can help promote digestive health for your dog, in addition to being a great source of fiber and vitamins. As with many types of melon, avoid feeding the melon seeds and rinds to your dog, as they can be a choking hazard or even cause blockages in their intestines. When serving melon, cut the fruit into small pieces and give it to your dog as a treat.

Nectarines

Can dogs eat nectarines? Yes, in limited quantities, nectarines can be a nice treat for dogs. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins as well as minerals and dietary fiber, nectarines are power-packed little snacks. They may be good for your pup’s digestive system and can even prevent constipation. However, nectarines are high in sugar, making them good for infrequent small servings. Be sure to remove any seeds first.

Olives

Can dogs eat olives? Technically, yes, but olives have no real nutritional benefits for dogs and shouldn’t be a regular part of their diet. Many olives contain a significant amount of salt, which has the potential to make your dog sick, and the fruit is often stuffed with other ingredients, like cheeses, which can cause an upset stomach in your pet. Your best bet is to just avoid olives altogether, but if you give one to your dog, make sure it’s not brined and doesn’t contain a pit, which could be a choking hazard.

Oranges

Can dogs eat oranges? Yes, oranges can be a great treat for dogs to eat, but your pup may not be a fan of the strong citrus scent accompanying the fruit. Oranges are full of vitamins and nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium and fiber. Just be sure to fully peel the orange and only offer your dog the flesh inside without the seeds. Orange peel can wreak havoc on your pet’s digestive system.

Papaya

Can dogs eat papaya? Yes, papaya is okay for dogs to eat and can even provide benefits to your pup’s digestive system. Like with many fruits, avoid feeding your dog papaya seeds or skin, both of which have the potential to cause blockage of their intestines. And if feeding papaya to your pup, only serve in small quantities are on rare occasions.

Peaches

Can dogs eat peaches? Yes, peaches are fine for your dog to consume and can even help their body resist infection. Whether in a dessert or eaten fresh, peaches are a sweet and delicious treat for humans and dogs. Just make sure to remove the pit which contains cyanide—a poisonous substance to dogs—and opt for fresh peaches over canned ones, which tend to contain syrups full of sugar.

Pears

Can dogs eat pears? Yes, dogs can consume pears and enjoy all the health benefits pears have to offer. High in vitamins C and K, fiber and copper, pears are a great snack choice for pups. Always choose fresh pears instead of sugary canned pears and cut the pear into easy-to-eat chunks, removing the seeds and pit before feeding.

Pineapple

Can dogs eat pineapple? Yes, pineapple is fine for dogs to eat and can be a nice option for a sweet treat. Just make sure to fully peel the outside and remove the crown before feeding to your pup. Pineapples contain a variety of vitamins and fiber, as well as bromelain—an enzyme that can help your dog more easily absorb proteins. This fruit is also full of minerals, including manganese, copper, potassium, magnesium, iron and even small amounts of calcium. Like most other tropical fruits, pineapples are high in sugar content, so they are best when fed as an infrequent small treat.

Plums

Can dogs eat plums? The short answer is no. While the flesh inside a plum isn’t toxic to dogs, the pit and the rest of the fruit contain cyanide, which is highly dangerous for dogs to consume. If your dog eats any part of a plum, get them to the vet immediately and look out for signs of cyanide poisoning, such as tremors, vomiting and difficulty breathing.

Pumpkin

Can dogs eat pumpkin? Yes, pumpkin is a safe snack food for dogs to consume, and it may even help improve their skin and coat health as well as their digestion. Some vets may recommend pumpkin as an addition to meals when your dog is suffering from diarrhea or constipation, and you can purchase pumpkin-based treats and supplements for your dog. Just make sure that any canned pumpkin you feed your dog is 100% pumpkin and stay away from pumpkin pie mix or anything with additives.

Raspberries

Can dogs eat raspberries? Yes, raspberries are fine for dogs to eat in moderation. Like other berries, this tasty fruit contains antioxidants and is low in both sugar and calories, making it an excellent snack for dogs and humans alike. If you have a senior dog, raspberries may also help with arthritis and joint health. Just be sure to make this fruit an occasional treat for your dog and not a regular part of their diet.

Raisins

Can dogs eat raisins? No, dogs should never consume raisins because they’re dried grapes, which are highly toxic to dogs. If your dog eats raisins, contact your veterinarian immediately and be aware of the signs of grape poisoning, which include vomiting, dehydration, shivering and reduced energy.

Strawberries

Can dogs eat strawberries? Yes, strawberries are a great snack for dogs and are full of fiber and vitamin C. This fruit can even help whiten your dog’s teeth, which is excellent for pet parents who struggle to maintain their pup’s dental health. Just remember that like most fruit, strawberries contain sugar and should only be fed to your dog in moderation.

Tomatoes

Can dogs eat tomatoes? Sometimes. The green parts of the tomato plant contain tomatine and solanine—a toxic substance.

Watermelon

Can dogs eat watermelon? Yes, your dog can safely consume watermelon, as long as you remove the rind and seeds before feeding it to them. A favorite summer snack, watermelon is a common treat throughout the warmer months. Watermelon is great for hydration because it is mostly water, and the fruit even contains multiple vitamins, potassium and fiber, which contribute to a healthy digestive system.

Vegetables dogs can and can’t eat

Dogs are omnivores, which means that their bodies don’t require fruit or vegetables in the same way that human bodies do. But in many cases, an occasional vegetable picked up off the floor or added to your pup’s regular meal won’t hurt.

In fact, many vegetables are included in dog food recipes, especially fresh dog foods. But just like fruits, not all veggies are safe or healthy for dogs to consume. We’ve put together the list below to help dog parents know which vegetables are healthy to feed their pups and which should be avoided at all costs.

Asparagus

Can dogs eat asparagus?

Technically, asparagus is not toxic to dogs — so "No" here isn't about safety, it's about practicality and nutritional payoff. Raw asparagus stalks are too tough for most dogs to chew and digest comfortably, which means they're best avoided in that form. Cook it soft enough to be safe to chew, and the heat-sensitive vitamins that make asparagus worth eating largely break down in the process. You're left with a mushy vegetable that offers your dog very little nutritional return for the effort. https://sites.tufts.edu/petfoodology/

The bottom line: asparagus won't harm your dog if a small piece is accidentally eaten, but it isn't a snack worth seeking out. If you'd like to share a vegetable with your dog, reach for one of the options below — like carrots, green beans or bell peppers — that deliver real vitamins and minerals in a dog-friendly form. Always consult your veterinarian if you have questions about adding new foods to your dog's diet.

Bell Peppers

Can dogs eat bell peppers?

Yes — bell peppers are non-toxic and safe for dogs to eat in moderation. Whether red, yellow or orange, bell peppers are a crunchy, colorful snack that many dogs genuinely enjoy, and they bring meaningful nutrition to the table. They're a good source of vitamins A, C and E, as well as beta-carotene, an antioxidant that can help support a healthy immune system and eye health. https://sites.tufts.edu/petfoodology/

A few things to keep in mind before you share a slice:

• Stick to plain, raw or lightly cooked bell pepper. Peppers prepared with onions, garlic, oil or seasoning — common in cooked dishes — are not appropriate for dogs. Onions and garlic in particular are toxic to dogs. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
• Remove the stem and seeds before offering a piece to your dog. While the seeds aren't considered toxic, they can be a choking hazard and are harder to digest.
• Red bell peppers offer the most nutrition. They've been on the vine longest and contain higher concentrations of vitamins and beta-carotene than green bell peppers.
• Introduce slowly. Like any new food, bell peppers should be introduced gradually and in small amounts. Watch for any signs of digestive upset — loose stool, gas or vomiting — especially the first time.
• Moderation matters. Treats and snacks, including vegetables, should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/

Bell peppers are a great option to keep on hand as an occasional, low-calorie treat. If you're looking for more wholesome dog treats to rotate into your dog's routine, look for options that list recognizable whole-food ingredients.

A note on "peppers" broadly: Not all peppers are created equal for dogs. Bell peppers — in any color — are the only variety recommended as a snack. Hot peppers, chili peppers and spicy pepper varieties contain capsaicin, which can cause significant gastrointestinal distress in dogs and should be avoided entirely. See the Peppers entry below for the full breakdown.

This article was created with assistance from AI tools and reviewed for accuracy by Petco's content team.