Fruit and vegetables can offer dogs variety and useful low-fat rewards, but “natural” does not automatically mean safe. Some everyday foods are toxic, while others can cause a gut blockage or an upset stomach. The key is to treat fruit and veg as an occasional extra and not an essential part of the diet. Here are a few simple rules to keep in mind. 

Do start with a complete, balanced diet 

Dogs are omnivores, but a dog fed an appropriate food labelled “complete” should already receive the nutrients they need. Fruit and vegetables do not need to be added to balance the diet. 

Treats can include fruit, vegetables, chews and food used to give medicines. These should provide no more than around 10% of a dog’s daily calories. The other 90% should come from a complete diet. Even healthy treats can contribute to weight gain or dilute the balance of the main food if given too freely. 

If you use fruit or vegetables for training, keep the pieces tiny and subtract the calories from your dog’s normal food allowance. For many dogs, the enjoyment comes from receiving the reward rather than from its size. 

Do choose simple, dog-safe options 

Suitable fruit, offered in small amounts, can include: 

  • apple, with the core and seeds removed; 
  • banana, without the peel; 
  • blueberries, cranberries and strawberries; 
  • pear, with the core and seeds removed; 
  • mango, peach or nectarine, with the skin and stone removed; and 
  • melon or watermelon, with the rind and seeds removed. 

Fruit naturally contains sugar, so keep portions small. A few berries or bite-sized cubes are plenty. A whole banana is not an appropriate snack for most dogs. 

Dog-friendly vegetables can include: 

  • carrots, raw or cooked; 
  • green beans, raw, steamed or boiled; 
  • peas, fresh or cooked; 
  • cucumber and courgette; 
  • plain cooked pumpkin or sweet potato; 
  • broccoli or Brussels sprouts, in very small amounts; and 
  • cooked sweetcorn (removed completely from the cob). 

But be wary of unpleasant smells wafting your way from your dog’s behind! Too much unfamiliar fibre may lead to wind, vomiting or diarrhoea. To avoid this, it is best to introduce one new food at a time and begin with a small piece.

Do prepare it carefully 

Wash fresh produce and remove any stickers. Take away stones, pips, seeds, cores, thick skins and rinds, then cut the food into pieces appropriate for your dog’s size. What is manageable for a Labrador may be a choking hazard for a Chihuahua. 

Serve fruit and veg plain. Avoid butter, oil, salt, sugar, sauces, stock, spices and seasoning. This is especially important with leftovers, such as vegetables from a roast dinner or a stir-fry, which may contain onion, garlic, excessive fat or salt even when the vegetable itself would normally be safe. 

Cooking can make some foods softer and easier to digest, but it does not make every toxic food safe. Onion and garlic, for example, remain harmful whether raw, cooked, dried or powdered.

Never feed grapes, raisins, currants or sultanas 

Grapes and their dried forms can cause acute kidney injury in dogs. It is not possible to predict which dogs will be affected or what quantity will cause harm, so there is no reliable “safe amount”. Keep grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants away from dogs, along with foods that contain them, such as fruit cake, hot cross buns, mince pies and some cereals or snack bars. 

If your dog eats any, contact a vet straight away, even if they appear completely well. Treatment is most effective when started early. 

Don’t feed onions, garlic or related vegetables 

Onions, garlic, leeks, shallots and chives belong to the allium family. They can damage a dog’s red blood cells and cause potentially serious anaemia. The risk applies to raw, cooked and concentrated forms, including dried flakes and powders. 

Hidden ingredients are a common problem. Gravy, stuffing, stock cubes, sauces, soups, ready meals and baby food may all contain onion or garlic. Check the ingredients rather than assuming a vegetable-based dish is suitable to share. 

Don’t overlook preparation hazards 

Fruit stones from peaches, nectarines, plums, cherries and mangoes can cause choking or an intestinal blockage. Apple and pear cores are also choking hazards, and their seeds should be removed. Never allow a dog to chew discarded stones or raid a compost bin. 

Corn kernels may be offered plain, but corn cobs must never be given as chews. Dogs can swallow large pieces of cob, which may become lodged in the gut and require emergency surgery. Most vets, including me, will be able to recall a corn on the cob surgical story! 

Raw or green potatoes and potato plants should be avoided. If potato is offered, it should be thoroughly cooked, plain and given only in a small amount. Keep dogs away from tomato plants and unripe green tomatoes. A little ripe tomato flesh is generally low risk, but it is not one of the most useful treats and can be acidic. Rhubarb, especially the leaves, and wild mushrooms are also best kept firmly off the menu. 

Avocado is another poor choice. While it is not truly toxic to dogs, its high fat content may upset the digestive system, and the large stone presents a serious obstruction risk. There are many safer alternatives.

Don’t assume “sugar-free” fruit products are safe 

Fresh, plain produce is a better choice than fruit yoghurts, smoothies, spreads, desserts or baked goods. Processed products can contain large amounts of sugar or fat and may include unsafe ingredients. 

Of particular concern is xylitol, also called birch sugar, a sweetener used in some sugar-free foods and occasionally in products such as nut butters. Xylitol can cause a rapid, dangerous fall in a dog’s blood sugar and may also damage the liver. Always check the label and never give a dog a product containing xylitol. 

Do consider your individual dog 

Not every safe food suits every dog. Those with diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease, food allergies, a sensitive digestive system or a prescribed diet may need to avoid otherwise acceptable foods. Puppies, very small dogs and dogs that gulp food may also need particular care over portion size and texture. Ask your vet or veterinary nurse before introducing extras if your dog has a health condition. 

What should I do if my dog eats something unsafe? 

Remove access to the food and contact your veterinary practice promptly. Tell them what your dog ate, approximately how much, when it happened and your dog’s weight, if you know it. Keep the packet or label or take a photograph of the ingredients list to show your vet. 

Do not wait for symptoms and do not try to make your dog vomit unless a veterinary professional specifically instructs you to do so. Home remedies, including salt water, can cause additional harm. 

Fruit and vegetables can be enjoyable treats when chosen carefully, prepared safely and fed in moderation. When in doubt, leave the food out and check with your vet. Your dog might be just as pleased with a game or a little extra attention.