As Autumn rolls around, it's time to look at what seasonal foods your dog can eat. In this article, we take a look at the savory side of produce - vegetables. Just remember that even foods that are safe for dogs to eat are best given in moderation and with no seasoning or added sugar. Take a look at these Fall veggies to find out which ones your dog can and can't eat:
1. Acorn Squash
Yes! But not the skin or seeds.
Acorn squash is safe for dogs to eat, if prepared properly. This veggie is full of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that support the health of your dog's eyes, immune system and beyond. Make sure to roast or bake the squash before feeding it to your dog and don't add any seasoning or fats. Raw acorn squash is tough to digest and, like the skin, can pose a choking hazard or intestinal blockage if swallowed.
2. Brussels Sprouts
Yes! In moderation.
Brussels Sprouts are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber and other nutrients. They can help with your dog's bone and heart health, as well as the reduction of inflammation and improvement of blood circulation. One downside, though, is that even just a few Brussels Sprouts can cause gas . And too many can cause an upset stomach or diarrhea, so feeding them in moderation is a must. It's best to steam, boil or microwave these veggies for your dog, as serving them raw is too tough to digest.
3. Cauliflower
Yes! In moderation.
Cauliflower is not toxic to your dog and can actually provide health benefits for him or her. This vegetable is rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber that can help your dog's body - such as their eyes, blood, liver, muscles, thyroid, immune system and digestive system. However, too much cauliflower can cause excessive gas or an upset stomach, so it's best given in moderation. In addition, avoid feeding your dog cauliflower if he or she has thyroid issues, such as hypothyroidism.
4. Fennel
Yes! In moderation
Fennel is flowering plant species in the carrot family and is actually safe for your dog to eat. It's packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that benefit the health of your dog's bones, joints, eyes and vision, immune system, cardiovascular system and beyond. It can also help with bad breath, indigestion and gas. But too much fennel can cause digestive issues, like upset stomach, so make sure to feed it in moderation.
5. Leeks
No.
Leeks are part of the onion family and are thus toxic to dogs. Vegetables in this family can damage your pup's red blood cells (which can lead to anemia) as well as cause stomach inflammation, respiratory issues and organ damage. Symptoms of leek ingestion include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling and lethargy. Call your vet immediately if your dog has eaten leeks.
6. Parsnips
Yes! In moderation.
Parsnips are not toxic to dogs and can actually be healthy for him or her. They are rich in vitamins and minerals that support your pup's metabolism, nervous system and kidneys. Parsnips also have antioxidants that maintain healthy cell function and fight diseases. But too many can cause upset stomach and diarrhea due to the high fiber content. In addition, it's important to cook them before feeding to your dog, as uncooked parsnips can be a choking hazard and are tough to digest.
7. Potatoes
Yes, but not raw.
Cooked potatoes are okay to feed to your dog in small amounts, but raw potatoes are toxic. This is because they contain solanine, which is poisonous to dogs. Cooking potatoes reduces the amount of solanine, making them safer to feed to your pup. It's best to bake or boil them (with no fat or seasoning added) and feed in moderation, as too many can cause weight gain. In addition, potatoes should be cut into bite-sized pieces to avoid becoming a choking hazard or causing intestinal blockage.
8. Pumpkin
Yes! But with a few caveats.
Pumpkin is safe for dogs to eat. It's low in calories but full of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that benefit your dog. Because of its fiber content, pumpkin can help your dog's bowel movements and digestive system, from clearing up diarrhea to relieving constipation. However, raw pumpkin is not recommended because it's tough to digest. So if you want to add pumpkin to your dog's diet, plain canned pumpkin puree is the way to go (just make sure it's not pumpkin pie mix, as that has added sugar and spices). In addition, avoid feeding your dog the skin, stem and leaves as they are choking hazards and can damage your dog's throat or cause intestinal blockage if swallowed.
Pro Tip: Also avoid giving your dog any of the pumpkin you carve for Halloween because that often has mold and bacteria after sitting on your porch for weeks.
9. Sweet Potato
Yes! But not raw.
Sweet potatoes are safe for dogs and a much healthier option than potatoes. They are low in calories and fat but high in vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients. Sweet potatoes can benefit your dog's digestive, immune and nervous systems as well as their eyes, muscles and skin. Just make sure to bake or boil the sweet potato and feed it with no seasoning or fat or skin. This will make the vegetable easy to chew and digest, thus avoiding the risk of choking or intestinal obstruction. Even though sweet potatoes are safe for dogs to eat (and even beneficial to them), it's best to feed in moderation, as too many can cause weight gain.
10. Turnips
Yes! In moderation.
Turnips are safe and healthy for your dog to eat. They contain vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that can benefit your dog's nervous system, cholesterol, kidneys and thyroids (so like cauliflower, avoid feeding your dog turnips if he or she has thyroid issues, like hypothyroidism). Because these veggies are a good source of fiber, too many can cause an upset stomach or diarrhea. In addition, turnips can be tough to digest so make sure to cook them. The best way to feed turnips to your dog is to bake or boil them (with no fat or seasoning), then cut or puree them.
11. Yams
Yes! In moderation.
Many people think yams and sweet potatoes are the same thing, but this isn't the case. That being said, yams, like sweet potatoes, are safe for your dog to eat. They are low in fat but packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. They can help the health of your dog's immune, nervous, skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, endocrine and digestive systems, among others. But because of the fiber content, yams are best given in moderation. Otherwise they may cause digestive issues, like upset stomach or diarrhea, as well as weight gain. To feed yams to your dog, they need to be cooked and skinned to avoid the risk of choking or intestinal blockage.