11 of the Best Vegetables for Dogs

Carrot

Dogs are usually big fans of carrots, which are sweet, crunchy, and fun to chew on. Feed them fresh, cooked, or frozen, but do be sure to cut them down to a proper size for Fido or blend them to make sure they are easy to digest and don't present a choking hazard.

Benefits:

• Carrots are an excellent source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin A
• Noshing on these veggies may even improve your dog’s dental health by gently scraping teeth to prevent plaque build-up

Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes are super nutrient-dense and offer a huge range of health benefits for both humans and canines. Serve baked, roasted, or pureed. Raw sweet potatoes are poorly digestible and risk causing obstruction if large pieced are swallowed.

Benefits:

• High in vitamin A, which helps promote healthy skin and coat and also provides benefits to eyes, muscles, and nerves
• Can help add more fiber to your dog’s diet and may be able to offer soothing relief if your furry one is experiencing an upset stomach

Peas

Okay, so they’re technically legumes, but peas are still worthy of a spot on this list when fed in moderation. Many pooches enjoy pea pods right off the vine, but you can also feed your dog frozen (thaw them out first) peas, as well. Just avoid canned varieties, since they may have added sodium or preservatives.

Benefits:

• These tiny treats feature both protein and fiber, as well as vitamins A, B, C, and K.
• Their small size makes peas great for training treats
• Peas are a healthy and easy meal topper since they don’t require any chopping

Broccoli

Dogs usually aren’t as picky as kids when it comes to eating their greens, so why not see if broccoli is something they enjoy? You can serve it raw or cooked so long as you skip any seasoning, or simply give some frozen broccoli as a quick and easy snack.

Be aware that there is a risk associated with this cruciferous veggie as it contains compounds called isothiocyanates. These can cause gastric irritation in some dogs when too much is fed, ranging from mild to severe. Moderation is definitely the key when it comes to offering broccoli.

Benefits:

• Broccoli is low in fat, which makes it an excellent treat for dogs who need to lose a few pounds
• This green vegetable is rich in vitamin K, which improves bone strength and density

Celery

Cooked or raw, celery is a safe choice for dogs, many of whom really enjoy its super crunchy texture. For an extra-special treat, smear a little bit of unsalted peanut butter onto the celery stalk before offering it to your pooch. Do keep in mind though that not all dogs tolerate celery well, so you'll want to avoid it if your dog develops stomach issues or urinary changes after eating.

Benefits:

• Celery can provide a boost to your dog’s dental health, supporting healthy teeth and gums and possibly even freshening their breath
• Its high water content makes celery super low in calories without detracting from their nutritional density

Green Beans

The natural sweetness of green beans makes them a palatable choice, while their many nutrients (protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins B6, A, C, and K, to name a few) make them a healthy occasional treat option. If your dog is overweight—far too many are—you can reduce calories by replacing some of your dog's kibble with unsalted green beans, whether canned or frozen. Your pooch will enjoy his meal just as much without realizing that it's helping him slim down and improve health.

Benefits:

• The iron in green beans helps promote the production of red blood cells
• Green beans can help your dog feel full without loading on fat and calories, which is a big bonus if your pup needs to lose some pounds

Cucumber

For something that’s so high in water content, cucumbers sure do pull their weight when it comes to nutritional value. And they’re an especially useful treat if you live in a hot climate, offering a quick dose of hydrating refreshment on a balmy day. Cut the cucumber into slices or small chunks before offering it to your dog to reduce the risk of choking.

Benefits:

• Cucumbers contain phytochemicals that may be able to fight against bad breath
• Cucumbers make an excellent snack for dogs who need to avoid excess calories, fat, or sugar.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower has been having its moment, but it’s not just us bipeds that can benefit from it. Dogs can safely eat cauliflower in many preparations—including raw, steamed, roasted, and riced.

Benefits:

• Has a low calorie count, so may be a good choice for dogs in need of low-calorie treats for weight loss, especially dogs who suffer from joint pain
• Chockful of fiber to promote healthy gut activities

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts seem to divide people into two camps: Those who love them and those who hate them. It's no different for dogs, but if your pooch enjoys this healthy cruciferous vegetable, it's fine to serve a small helping of steamed or boiled Brussels sprouts. Not too much though; like other cruciferous vegetables, Brussels sprouts tends to cause gas in large amounts.

Benefits:

• They're loaded with antioxidants and vitamins
• Vitamin K helps with blood clotting and heart health
• Brussels sprouts have lots of fiber

Lettuce

Your dog isn't likely to want salad, but if your pooch enjoys an occasional piece of lettuce, it's fine to give it to him, just as long as the vegetable isn't slathered with salad dressing or other non-healthy ingredients. Tear the lettuce leaf into pieces for a small dog to prevent choking.

Benefits:

• While lettuce isn't high in nutrients, it does contain beta-carotene and some other vitamins
• Lettuce is a good source of fiber

Beets

If they enjoy the red veggie, your dog can have occasional small helpings of beets, either cooked or raw (but wash and peel a raw beet before feeding it to your pooch.) Mash the beets or offer them in small chunks. Stay away from canned beets, however, unless you find a brand without any added salt or other ingredients. Be aware that beets can turn your dog's urine red for a few hours after consumption, but this is not harmful.

Benefits:

• Beets are loaded with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, folate, and magnesium
• Beets are a good source of fiber