11 dog-safe vegetables that have benefits for your pup's health

• Dogs can eat vegetables like carrots, broccoli, kale, green beans, and beets.
• You can also feed your dog pumpkin to help soothe their digestive system.
• But you should never feed your dog onions, asparagus, mushrooms, garlic, or chives.

Whether you're sharing a bite of your meal with your pup or preparing a snack just for them, it's important to know what's safe and what isn't. Certain vegetables can provide health benefits for dogs in the same way they do for us humans, but others should be avoided.

Note: When you serve your dog any of the acceptable vegetables, be sure that they are plain without any added seasonings, which may contain harmful ingredients that can be dangerous to your pup. 

The exact amount of vegetables you feed your dog will vary based on their size and activity level, but in general, only 10% of your pup's calorie intake should be from these vegetables and any other treats, Dr. Renee Streeter, a veterinary nutritionist at PetPlate and a veterinarian specialist, said.

Here are 11 vegetables that dogs can eat, as well as some vegetables you should never feed your dog.

1. Carrots 

Carrots make a great snack for your dog since they are low calorie and high in fiber and beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A, Dr. Laura Robinson, the lead veterinary advisor to the pet-telehealth company Pawp, said. 

As a bonus, they are great for your dog's teeth since they're fibrous and hard and can help scrape off plaque as they chew, Robinson said.

2. Green beans

Green beans are a low-calorie food loaded with fiber, Streeter said. Plus, they contain important vitamins and minerals, such as:

• Iron.
• Calcium.
• Vitamin B6.
• Vitamin A.
• Vitamin C.

3. Broccoli

Broccoli is safe for dogs to eat and contains a high amount of fiber and vitamin C — but it should be served only in small amounts as an occasional snack, no more than once or twice a week, Robinson said. Plus, she said it should make up less than 8% of their daily calorie intake.

"Broccoli florets contain isothiocyanates, which can cause mild to potentially severe gastric irritation in certain dogs — so use with caution," Robinson added. 

4. Celery

Celery promotes health by providing a low-fat treat high in vitamins A, C, and K. Plus, if your dog has stinky breath, chewing on celery can help freshen their breath by scraping off plaque as they chew and stimulating saliva production, Robinson said. 

5. Spinach

This leafy green is a healthy supplement to a dog's diet, Streeter said. Spinach contains:

• Antioxidants.
• Calcium.
• Iron.
• Vitamin K.

Note: Spinach is high in oxalates, which contribute to urinary stones. If your dog is prone to urinary stones, you should avoid giving them spinach, as it may cause issues, Streeter said. But if your pup has no urinary issues, you're good to go.

6. Kale

If your dog does have urinary issues, but you want to reap the benefits of leafy greens, it's better to spring for kale. 

Kale has lower oxalate content, Streeter said, and provides important antioxidants and nutrients, like:

• Beta-carotene.
• Vitamin C.
• Manganese.
• Calcium.
• Iron.

You can give your dog kale either cooked or raw depending on their preference, but if you plan to give it more often than a small taste here and there, you may want to cook it to reduce the volume, Streeter said. 

7. Zucchini

While zucchini is technically a fruit, most people consider it a vegetable. Robinson said it could benefit your dog's vision, skin, coat, and bone health by providing:

• Vitamin A.
• Vitamin C.
• Vitamin B6.

8. Pumpkin

Like zucchini, pumpkins are a fruit often mistaken for a vegetable. 

Be sure to feed your dog only 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin-pie filling, which may contain sugar and other additives that could upset their stomach. Pumpkins contain nutrients such as:

• Vitamin A.
• B vitamins.
• Vitamin C.
• Vitamin E.

Plus, because of their fiber content, pumpkins are great at helping regulate your dog's bowel movements if they are constipated or have diarrhea, Robinson said.

9. Brussels sprouts 

Brussels sprouts are an excellent healthy food for your dog, Streeter said, since they contain nutrients such as:

• Vitamin C.
• Vitamin K.
• Fiber.
• Folate.

As a bonus, they also contain sulforaphane, a compound that may reduce the risk of cancer, Streeter said. 

10. Lettuce

Lettuce is about 90% water, which makes it a low-calorie snack, but it's also low in nutritional value compared with other veggies, Robinson said. 

But if your dog loves the taste and enjoys chewing on something crunchy, it's a great alternative to dog treats, especially if your pup is on a diet. 

11. Beets

Robinson said beets could benefit dogs' immune system and digestion. They contain important nutrients, including:

• Fiber.
• Vitamin C.
• Folate.
• Potassium.

They can be served raw or cooked, but you should avoid canned beets since they contain high amounts of sodium, Robinson said. Additionally, since beets may increase risk of bladder stones, they should be given to your dog only a few times a month at most. 

Vegetables you should never feed your dog

Keep your dog safe by knowing which foods to avoid. Robinson said you should not feed your dog the following:

• Onion.
• Asparagus.
• Mushrooms.
• Garlic.
• Chives.

Insider's takeaway

There are plenty of safe and nutritious vegetables to feed your dog, including carrots, spinach, and beets. As with any other foods, be sure to feed your pups these veggies in moderation, and avoid foods or seasonings that may be toxic.

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