Tag: dog nutrition

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. You can view some of the previous foods we’ve looked at in our “Can my dog eat that?” guide. Today we answer the question “Can dogs eat peaches?” Read on!

Yes! Dogs can eat peaches safely, as long as you only give them the fleshy part of the fruit. Just make sure that peaches are only an occasional treat and make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily calorie amount. Too many peaches can cause an upset stomach and diarrhea. And neither your dog or you want that!

Are Peaches Good For Dogs?

Just like cherries, pineapple, cranberries and other fruits and vegetables, peaches contain beneficial nutrients, including vitamin A and vitamin C, as well as antioxidants that support the immune system and skin health. Peaches are also high in fiber which helps support a healthy digestive system. However, if your dog is eating a complete and balanced commercial dog food, your dog’s diet is already providing all of the nutrients they need, so the nutrients from peaches aren’t required.

Are Peach Pits Poisonous?

Yes, the peach pits, also called stones, are poisonous for dogs. They contain trace amounts of a sugar-cyanide compound that is toxic. A dog would need to eat multiple peach pits to be affected by cyanide poisoning; however, there are other reasons not to let them eat the pits.

Peach pits are rough and risk damaging the esophagus or intestine as they pass through. Just like avocado pits, they pose a choking hazard and could cause an intestinal blockage. All good reasons for your dog to avoid peach pits!

Can Dogs Eat Canned Peaches?

No, canned peaches are not a good idea for dogs as they usually have a bunch of added sugar and preservatives. Too much sugar on a regular basis can contribute to diabetes or obesity. Canned peaches may also contain the artificial sweetener xylitol which is toxic to dogs. It’s best to stick with fresh peaches as a tasty snack for your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Peach Yogurt?

Similar to canned peaches, store-bought peach yogurt may contain added sugars, preservatives or xylitol which aren’t healthy for dogs. Again, it’s better to share just fresh peaches as treats instead of peach yogurt.

Can Dogs Eat Peach Skin?

As long as you wash the skin thoroughly, dogs can eat peach skin. The parts of the peach to avoid include the pit, the stem and the leaves as these all contain the sugar-cyanide compound. That’s why dog owners should stick to the peach flesh when giving their dog peaches.

Can Dogs Eat Nectarines?

Dogs can also eat the flesh of nectarines safely. But, as with all stone fruits, the nectarine pits should be avoided to prevent choking or intestinal blockage. You should limit the amount of nectarines your dog eats to avoid an upset stomach or diarrhea.

Can Dogs Eat Peaches Safely?

Yes, you can feed your dog peaches in moderation as long as they are washed and the pits are removed. How many peaches your dog can eat depends on your dog’s size. If your dog accidentally eats a peach pit, contact your veterinarian for advice.

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. You can view some of the previous foods we’ve looked at in our “Can my dog eat that?” guide. Today we answer the question “Can dogs eat broccoli?” Read on!

Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?

Yes, whether it’s cooked or straight from your garden (washed of course), dogs can eat broccoli. However, you’ll want to make sure broccoli makes up less than 10 percent of your dog’s total calorie intake to avoid any nasty effects on their digestive system. These effects could be as simple as noticing some stinky gas coming from your dog’s nether regions or more severe (and messy) effects like diarrhea.

Can Dogs Eat Cooked Broccoli?

Whether it’s steamed broccoli or broccoli that’s cooked any other way, eating cooked broccoli is safe for dogs in moderation. Just make sure it doesn’t have any seasonings or toppings on it that could upset your dog’s digestive system (e.g., lots of cheese) or that are toxic to dogs (e.g., garlic and onion). Even though the stems are softer when cooked, make sure you cut them up into bite-sized pieces to avoid a choking hazard.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Broccoli Florets?

Just like other vegetable treats that are crunchy when raw, like carrots and cucumbers, dogs can eat broccoli that is raw. Just make sure it’s washed and cut into bite-sized pieces, especially for puppies or small adult dogs, so any gulped pieces don’t cause an obstruction.

Is Broccoli Good for Dogs?

If you’re looking for a healthy low-calorie treat for dogs, broccoli is a great choice — in moderation. How much broccoli your dog can eat depends on the individual dog; like with any treat, broccoli should make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s recommended daily calorie intake. What’s not so good is that broccoli florets contain isothiocyanates — if your dog eats too much broccoli, isothiocyanates can cause an upset stomach and digestive tract.

Some of the nutritional benefits of broccoli include that it’s a good source of fiber, vitamin C and vitamin K. However, if you’re feeding your dog a commercial dog food that is complete and balanced, all nutritional needs are fulfilled by your dog’s food. There’s no need to supplement them with other food. So while broccoli is good for your dog in small amounts, they don’t need to eat broccoli as a nutrient source — just as a treat.

Can Dogs Eat Broccoli Stems?

Yes, dogs can eat the stem part of the broccoli; however, it’s best to cut them into bite-sized pieces, particularly for small dogs. That way you can reduce the risk of your dog or puppy choking or the broccoli stalks causing an obstruction. Cooking the broccoli stems will also make them softer and easier to eat and digest.

Can Dogs Have Cauliflower?

If all this talk of broccoli has got you thinking about other vegetables dogs can eat and you’re wondering whether dogs can eat cauliflower, the answer is yes! Like broccoli, it contains vitamins C and K, and is a healthy treat for dogs in moderation. But it is also a cruciferous vegetable, so it contains the isothiocyanates that can cause stomach upset or diarrhea in excess amounts. Make sure you cut the cauliflower into bite-sized pieces and feed your dog small quantities.

Can You Give Your Dog Broccoli?

Broccoli for dogs is a nutritious snack (in moderation) that also has some nutritional benefits. Just remember that too much broccoli could cause some digestive issues for your dog, and to always cut the broccoli into small pieces to avoid it being a choking hazard.

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. You can view some of the previous foods we’ve looked at in our “Can my dog eat that?” guide. Today we answer the question “Can dogs eat cucumbers?” Read on!

Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers?

If a cucumber slice drops to the floor and your dog vacuums it up, it’s OK — dogs can eat cucumbers. They are a healthy snack and safe for dogs to eat in moderation, much like cranberries, pineapple, broccoli and other fruits and vegetables. Cucumbers are rich in vitamins and minerals, have a very high water content and are low in calories, making them healthy and hydrating dog treats.

When Are Cucumbers Bad for Dogs?

Feeding cucumbers to your dog is generally OK as long as you follow the same rules that apply for most human food treats — feed cucumbers in moderation, slice them into small pieces and check with your veterinarian first. Even a healthy treat should make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s recommended daily calorie intake. With cucumbers, you’ll need to be more aware of the effects of fiber — cucumbers are a good source! — than of calories: if your dog eats too much fiber at once, that can cause an upset stomach. It’s also important that the size of the cucumber slices are appropriate for your dog’s size to reduce the risk of choking or an intestinal blockage.

What Happens If Dogs Eat Too Much Cucumber?

Even the healthiest of foods can cause a problem if they’re eaten in large quantities. Dogs eating cucumbers whenever they want could cause an upset gastrointestinal tract, so make sure you’re limiting your dog’s access to them. How much cucumber a dog can eat depends on their size — it makes sense that a Great Dane can generally eat more (of anything) than a Yorkshire terrier!

Which Parts of a Cucumber Can Dogs Eat?

There are a few different parts of a cucumber fruit, so let’s go over some common questions about which parts are safe for dogs to eat.

Can Dogs Eat Cucumber Skin?

As long as you wash it first, most dogs can eat the whole cucumber fruit, including the skin. However, some dogs have trouble digesting cucumber skin, so you may need to remove it if your dog has a sensitive stomach.

Can Dogs Eat Cucumber Seeds?

Cucumber seeds are not toxic to dogs, so they’re fine for dogs to eat. However, like the skin, some dogs have trouble digesting the seeds — you may want to scoop those out.

Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers Raw?

Yes, just like when we eat cucumber slices, it’s perfectly safe for dogs to eat raw cucumbers. It’s the other ingredients that might be mixed with cucumbers that are the concern. For example, cucumber and onion salad is off the menu, as onions are toxic to dogs. Sticking with plain cucumbers is best for your dog.

Can Dogs Drink Cucumber Water?

If you’re making cucumber water at home and know the ingredients going into it are safe for dogs, that’s fine. If you’re buying cucumber water from a store, check for ingredients like xylitol that are toxic for dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Pickles?

No, it’s not recommended that dogs eat pickled cucumbers. Pickles, like hot dogs, typically have a high salt (sodium) content, which isn’t healthy for dogs. The pickle brine may also contain ingredients like garlic or onion that are toxic to dogs.

Can Puppies Eat Cucumbers?

Pups can safely eat cucumbers as long as they’re sliced into puppy-sized pieces. You could use cucumber slices as a refreshing and crunchy reward during a training session. Blueberries and carrots are some other fruits and vegetables that can serve as healthy training treats.

Are Cucumbers Good for Dogs?

Yes! Cucumber slices can be a healthy, low-calorie snack for dogs. Just make sure you wash them and keep your dog from over indulging on these crunchy treats. And as always, check with your vet before adding a new food to your dog’s diet.

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. You can view some of the previous foods we’ve looked at in our “Can my dog eat that?” guide. Today we answer the question “Can dogs eat carrots?” Read on!

If you’re looking for a healthy snack for your dog to supplement their dog food, fruits and vegetables (like broccoli) are a great choice — particularly if your dog is tipping the scales in the wrong direction and you’re looking for a low-calorie treat. But not all fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs. So what about carrots? They’re healthy for most humans, but are they good for dogs?

Can My Dog Eat Carrots?

Yes, dogs can eat carrots! As long as they don’t have any seasonings or toppings, they make a great low-calorie alternative to treats. Much like cucumbers, most dogs love the texture of carrots and that classic carrot crunch. As with most things though, make sure you feed your dog carrots in moderation, as they are high in natural sugars.

There Is a Carrot Caveat, Though

You can add carrots to your dog’s diet, but make sure that carrots (and other treats) make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily calorie allowance. Also, it’s always a good idea to ask your veterinarian before adding anything new to your dog’s diet or before switching dog food.

Are Carrots Good for Dogs?

Yes, carrots are a healthy snack for dogs. Carrots are a good source of fiber, certain vitamins and minerals and other nutrients. Their orange color comes from beta carotene, which produces vitamin A and is a powerful antioxidant. The nutritional benefits of carrots are why they’re often used as an ingredient in commercial dog foods.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Carrots?

If you find your dog in the garden chewing on a freshly dug-up carrot, don’t panic. It’s OK for your dog to chomp on the leafy green tops of carrots, the carrot skin and the raw carrot itself. Hopefully they left some in the garden for you!

If you have store-bought carrots, you can also feed those to your dog without cooking them. Just give the raw carrots a wash first or peel them. It’s also a good idea to chop them up into bite-size chunks of carrot, as raw carrots could be a choking hazard, especially for small dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Cooked Carrots?

Sure! It’s fine for your dog to eat plain cooked carrots. You can boil, steam, microwave, roast or use any other method to cook carrots for dogs. You could even get fancy and julienne them first. However, make sure they’re plain carrots — don’t give your dog carrots that have seasonings, butter or oil on them. You should especially avoid any seasonings or flavoring that contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs like garlic and onion.

Can Puppies Have Carrots?

Yes, your pup doesn’t need to miss out — they can eat carrots as a healthy treat, too. Just make sure that, raw or cooked, you cut the carrot up into puppy-sized pieces so your puppy doesn’t choke on it. Carrots may even help teething puppies feel better. If you put bite-size pieces in the freezer, the frozen carrots may help soothe your dog’s teeth when they’re feeling discomfort from teething.

What About Carrot Cake, Carrot Juice or Carrot Soup?

Can dogs eat carrots when they’re used as an ingredient in people food? It depends on what else is in the food. Carrot cake is off the list because it often contains a generous amount of sugar, which isn’t healthy for dogs. It may also contain the artificial sweetener xylitol which is toxic to dogs. Similarly, with carrot juice and carrot soup, it depends on what else is in them. If you aren’t sure of the other ingredients, it’s best to avoid feeding the carrot-containing food to dogs.

So, Can Dogs Eat Carrots?

Yes, you can feed carrots to your dog. Raw or cooked carrots are safe for dogs and can be used as a healthy snack (when cut into small pieces), much like other vegetables such as corn or peas. They’re a common ingredient in commercial dog food and are perfect for an occasional treat.