If you’ve ever been chopping up an apple and wondered whether your dog could have a slice, you’re not alone. Plenty of fruits and vegetables are perfectly safe for dogs — some are even good for them. But a few common ones are genuinely dangerous, so it’s worth knowing the difference.
Fruits that are safe for dogs
Most dogs love a bit of fruit as a treat. These are all fine in moderation:
- Blueberries — packed with antioxidants and easy to use as training treats
- Watermelon — hydrating and refreshing, just remove the seeds and rind
- Bananas — high in potassium, though also high in sugar so keep portions small
- Apples — great source of fibre and vitamins, but always remove the core and seeds
- Strawberries — fine as an occasional treat, they’re quite sugary
- Cantaloupe — soft, sweet, and most dogs enjoy it
- Pears — safe once you’ve removed the seeds and core
A good rule of thumb is to think of fruit as a treat, not a meal. A few pieces here and there is plenty — the sugar content adds up quickly.
Vegetables that are safe for dogs
Vegetables tend to be lower in sugar than fruit, making them a better everyday snack:
- Carrots — brilliant for dental health and most dogs love the crunch
- Green beans — low in calories and filling, ideal if your dog needs to lose weight
- Cucumber — almost entirely water, great for hydration on warm days
- Broccoli — fine in small amounts, though too much can cause stomach upset
- Sweet potatoes — nutritious and easy to digest when cooked
- Peas — a good source of protein and vitamins
- Courgette (zucchini) — mild and easy on the stomach
Always serve vegetables plain — no butter, oil, salt, or seasoning. Cooked or raw is usually fine, though cooking makes them easier to digest.
Fruits and vegetables to avoid
Some produce that’s perfectly healthy for us can be harmful or even fatal to dogs:
- Grapes and raisins — even small amounts can cause kidney failure
- Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives — all members of the allium family damage red blood cells
- Avocado — contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea
- Tomato plants — the green parts contain solanine, which is toxic (ripe tomato flesh is generally fine in small amounts)
- Rhubarb — contains oxalates that can affect the kidneys
If you’re ever unsure about a specific food, use our food checker to look it up before sharing it with your dog.
How to introduce new foods
Even with safe foods, it’s best to start small. Give your dog a tiny piece and wait 24 hours to see how they react. Some dogs have sensitive stomachs or individual allergies, so what’s fine for one dog might not suit another.
Cut everything into bite-sized pieces to avoid choking, and remove any seeds, pits, or tough skins. If you’re feeding something for the first time and notice any vomiting, diarrhoea, or unusual behaviour, stop and have a chat with your vet.
A note on portions
Treats and snacks — including fruits and vegetables — should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. The other 90% should come from a complete, balanced dog food. It’s easy to overdo it when your dog is giving you those eyes, but keeping portions sensible is better for them in the long run.