What Vegetables Can Dogs Have?

1/28/25

Reviewed by: Dr. Tori

 

The Best Vegetables to Include in Your Dog's Diet

As you observe your dog enjoying their meal, it's important to consider whether their dog food provides all the necessary nutrients for optimal health. After all, proper dog nutrition is crucial to keeping your dog healthy and happy.

While it’s common to think of dogs as carnivores, like their ancestors, they’re actually natural omnivores that benefit from eating more than meat alone. In fact, many veggies are just as nutritious for your dog as they are for humans. To that end, adding some fresh vegetables to your dog’s diet is a fantastic way to boost their overall health.

But what vegetables can dogs have safely?

Below, we’re exploring the safest and best vegetables dogs can eat so that you can treat your companion to the nutrition and well-being they deserve. 

How Vegetables Can Support Your Dog’s Health

Parents know it’s important for kids to eat their veggies. As a pet parent, it’s important to give your dog vegetables too.

Adding some vegetables to your dog’s diet can benefit them in the following ways:

  • Weight management – Dogs have a natural tendency to eat with enthusiasm, making it essential to manage their weight for long-term health. Vegetables, being low in calories and high in fiber, help maintain satiety without contributing to weight gain, allowing dogs to enjoy their meals while staying healthy. For more tips on keeping your dog at a healthy weight, check out our guide on dog weight management and obesity.
  • Digestive support – Vegetables are loaded with dietary fiber which helps keep digestion on track to reduce issues like constipation. Fiber also helps eliminate harmful bacteria in the intestines and promotes colon health.
  • Immune system support – Many dogs have adventurous behaviors, such as rifling through the trash or running around in the mud, so ensuring they have a strong immune system is key to their overall well-being. Veggies are chock full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that encourage a hardy immune system. Learn more about how to support your pet's immune system with the right diet and supplements.

Top Seven Vegetables to Help Your Dog Thrive

There’s a huge array of vegetables out there, but we’re calling out seven in particular that can significantly benefit your dog’s health.

#1 Beets

When it comes to antioxidants, beets deliver in spades. Their particular specialty is a family of antioxidants called betalains, which have been shown to ward off colon and intestinal cancer in humans.

If your dog struggles with digestive issues, beets could be a big help. Just don’t be alarmed if you notice red coloring in their poop or urine the day after dining on some beets—this is simply the beet’s natural pigment leaving the body.

#2 Kale and Spinach

Dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale are vital components of dog nutrition. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, they are great for boosting your dog’s overall health.

They come loaded with a whole alphabet soup of vitamins, such as:

  • Vitamin K – A key ingredient for healthy bones, vitamin K also promotes healthy blood clotting.
  • Vitamin C – Vitamin C is at the foundation of a robust immune system.
  • Vitamin A – Well-known vitamin that benefits your pet’s skin and eyes,as vision’s best friend, vitamin A is an essential vitamin that  elevates immune response.

Feel free to serve your dog leafy greens, like brussels sprouts or broccoli, raw or steamed—just don’t use any seasonings like garlic, pepper, or salt. 

It’s also important to note that if your dog faces urinary tract issues, it’s best to go easy on kale and spinach, as too much can lead to bladder stones in dogs with preexisting conditions. 

#3 Pumpkin

While all dogs stand to gain from adding a little pumpkin to their diet, it’s especially beneficial for canine senior citizens. That’s because this vegetable is packed with dietary fiber and can treat both constipation and diarrhea at the same time.

In fact, if your dog struggles with digestive issues at any age, pumpkin is an ideal diet addition.

As an added bonus, pumpkin seeds pack potent anti-inflammatory properties and can help keep your dog’s skin firm and healthy. 

#4 Carrots

First and foremost, carrots deliver quite a satisfying crunch—chances are, your dog will love snapping them up.

However, there’s much more to carrots than fun texture. Carrots can:

  • Act as an organic toothbrush – With crisp, crunchy raw vegetables like carrots, the munching process can actually scrape away plaque and clean your dog’s teeth. Tip: freeze the carrots to create a healthy dental treat.
  • Boost vision – Carrots are flush with beta-carotene, which a dog’s body converts into the eye-friendly nutrient, vitamin A.
  • Promote weight loss – Since they’re filling, yet low in calories, carrots are an ideal menu item for dogs that love to snack but need to watch their poundage.

One safety note: Carrots, when served raw, can be a bit of a choking hazard, especially if scarfed down quickly. To that end, always cut up your carrots into smaller bits before serving and keep an eye on your dog until they’re finished eating.

#5 Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes aren't just a Thanksgiving favorite—they're also a nutritious addition to your dog's diet. This vegetable offers a wealth of benefits that can help keep your dog healthy and happy.

For starters, sweet potatoes are delicious. They’re also a phenomenal source of:

  • Fiber
  • Vitamins A, B6, and C
  • Beta-carotene 

They’re so beneficial for dogs, in fact, that many high-quality fresh dog food brands, such as Darwin’s, incorporate organic sweet potatoes into their mixes. 

A word of warning here, though: Diabetic dogs should steer clear of sweet potatoes since they’re loaded with natural sugars. For dogs, it’s best to focus on other veggies instead.

#6 Zucchini 

This summertime staple is a boon for dog health. Low-calorie, high-fiber, and packed with vitamins, zucchini is an excellent vegetable to mix into your dog’s bowl.

It’s also helpful for dogs whose weight can be an issue—zucchini is filling and tasty but won’t turn into bulk your dog will have to shed later on.

Cooked zucchini is a bit easier for dogs to handle (raw zucchini can sometimes trigger a touch of diarrhea), but focus on serving it naturally, without butter or seasonings. 

#7 Corn

Plenty of dog foods feature corn. This is because corn is a rich source of:

  • Protein
  • Linoleic acid (which promotes healthy skin)
  • Carbohydrates
  • Antioxidants

However, it’s important to never feed your dog corn on the cob. The canine digestive tract can’t handle the cob, but a hungry puppy or adult dog might decide to scarf down the whole thing. Besides being a choking hazard, this can also cause an intestinal blockage.

Veggies that Dogs Should Avoid

Understanding the healthiest vegetables dogs can eat can help you curate a nutritious and well-rounded diet. However, it’s also crucial to understand which vegetables you shouldn’t feed your dog. For a comprehensive list of foods to avoid, visit our article on foods that are dangerous for dogs.

The Allium Family

In Latin, the word “allium” means “garlic.” This family of vegetables contains common produce like:

  • Onions
  • Garlic cloves
  • Shallots
  • Chives
  • Leeks

While these are known as superfoods for humans, they’re not friendly to a dog’s system. In fact, allium veggies are toxic for dogs, as they damage red blood cells. 

If your dog does manage to ingest onions or garlic, contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately. If caught early, the vet can induce vomiting to promote a full recovery.
 

Unripened Tomatoes

While cooked tomatoes are generally fine for dogs, unripe tomatoes (as well as the tomato plant itself) contain a chemical called solanine which is toxic for canines and causes gastrointestinal distress.

Fortunately, tomato poisoning is quite rare and treatment is readily available.

Mushrooms

While some species of mushrooms pose no danger to dogs, many are poisonous or can trigger digestive issues. For this reason, it’s wise to avoid mushrooms altogether.

Aside from avoiding serving your dog mushrooms, it’s also important to be vigilant when walking around outside. Wild mushrooms exist, and uncultivated species are more likely to be unsafe. 

How to Incorporate Vegetables Into a Healthy Dog Diet

Since many dogs are sensitive to even minor dietary changes, it’s best to give dogs vegetables slowly: Start by mixing small portions of veggies into their normal meals. For picky eaters, try introducing vegetables when they’re especially hungry (this makes them more open-minded), or incorporate them into their dog treats. 

During the transition process, you can also experiment with different preparation styles to see what your dog prefers, such as:

  • Raw – Crunchy and portable, raw vegetables make perfect dog treats.
  • Steamed – Great for mixing with normal food. Steaming also preserves nutrients.
  • Boiled – For older dogs with weak teeth, boiling veggies can make them softer.
  • Pureed – This is the easiest way to blend veggies with standard food.

Remember: This process may take some time, but a slow transition better suits a dog's natural tendencies and is more likely to lead to an enthusiastic acceptance of vegetables.

Darwin’s: Your Partner in Pet Health

As a dog owner, you recognize the importance of supporting your pet’s health through a diet that mirrors their ancestral nutritional needs. Darwin’s Natural Pet Products is committed to partnering with you to achieve this with our Natural Selections™ dog food line. Formulated with organic vegetables and crafted using human-quality, ethically sourced ingredients, we provide expertly crafted meals that promote your pet’s overall health and vitality.

We’ve been raw cat food and raw dog food for over 20 years, so we know what it takes to keep your pet happy, healthy, and loving life. We also know that every pet is unique. That’s why we have a team of pet food consultants who will take the time to understand your pet’s individual needs and help you make the menu choices that best serve them.

Get started today to help your pet thrive.


 

Sources: 

Napa Valley Holistic Vet. Healthy Treats for Happy Pets! https://www.napaholisticvet.com/blog/2018/7/25/healthy-treats-for-happy-pets 

Better Health Channel. Fruits and vegetables. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/fruit-and-vegetables 

American Kennel Club. Benefits of High-Fiber Dog Foods. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/benefits-high-fiber-dog-foods/#:~:text=As%20with%20humans%2C%20fiber%20is,the%20colon%20recover%20from%20injury

Sharp Health News. Eat your veggies, boost your immune system. https://www.sharp.com/health-news/eat-your-veggies-boost-your-immune-system 

Healthline. 14 Healthy Foods High in Antioxidants. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-high-in-antioxidants#beets 

Healthline. Spinach vs. Kale: Is One Healthier? https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/kale-vs-spinach#differences 

American Kennel Club. Can My Dog Eat Spinach? https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-my-dog-eat-spinach/ 

American Kennel Club. Can Pumpkin Help With Dog Diarrhea? https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/can-pumpkin-help-with-dog-diarrhea/ 

Healthline. Does Pumpkin Seed Oil Have Health Benefits. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/pumpkin-seed-oil#what-it-is 

American Kennel Club. Can Dogs Eat Carrots? https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-carrots/ 

American Kennel Club. Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes? https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-sweet-potatoes/ 

American Kennel Club. Can Dogs Eat Zucchini? https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-zucchini/

American Kennel Club. Can Dogs Eat Corn? https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-corn/ 

Peko Produce. All About the Allium Family. https://pekoproduce.com/blogs/produce-nutrition/get-to-know-the-onion-family#:~:text=(Photo%20Source:%20Christopher%20Previte),the%20roots%20at%20the%20bulb

PDSA Pet Charity. Onion and garlic poisoning in dogs. https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/onion-and-garlic-poisoning-in-dogs#:~:text=Garlic%2C%20chives%20and%20leeks%20are,and%20garlic%20poisoning%20than%20others

ASPCA. Our Top Three Summer Garden Safety Tips. https://www.aspca.org/news/our-top-three-summer-garden-safety-tips#:~:text=Know%20Your%20Fruits%20and%20Veggies&text=Additionally%2C%20tomato%20plants%20and%20unripe,pet%20on%20occasion%20in%20moderation


Healthline. How Cooking Affects the Nutrient Contents of Foods. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cooking-nutrient-content#:~:text=of%20other%20foods.-,Steaming,oil%20or%20butter%20after%20cooking.&text=Summary-,Steaming%20is%20one%20of%20the%20best%20cooking%20methods%20for,%2C%20including%20water%2Dsoluble%20vitamins.

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