Can dogs eat vegetables? Most of the ones in your kitchen, yes: plain, cut small, and in treat-size amounts. A few need more care. Onions, garlic, leeks and chives are toxic to dogs, wild mushrooms can be deadly, and raw kidney beans and raw or green potatoes contain natural toxins.
This guide covers the vegetables dog owners ask us about most. Tofu and sauerkraut are here too, because they are made from vegetables. The chart comes first, and the details for each food are below it. For fruit, see our guide to which fruits dogs can eat. For everything else, see our main guide to what dogs can and can’t eat.
Good everyday treats: artichokes, bell peppers, cooked Brussels sprouts, cooked butternut squash, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce and zucchini, all served plain.
Fine once in a while: plain cooked beans, shelled edamame, cooked eggplant, kale, store-bought mushrooms, cooked potato, radishes, plain sauerkraut, plain seaweed, spinach and tofu.
Never: onions, garlic, leeks and chives; wild mushrooms; raw kidney beans; raw, green or sprouted potatoes; and seaweed found on the beach.
What the verdicts mean:Safe means a healthy treat when prepared as described. In moderation means fine occasionally, with a catch. Where a food or part of a food is toxic, the note says so. Looking for carrots, broccoli, celery, cucumbers, peas, pumpkin, beets, asparagus, tomatoes or onions? They are in the second chart further down.
Five rules for feeding any vegetable
Keep it to 10%. Treats, vegetables included, should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. The rest should come from a complete and balanced dog food.
Serve it plain. No butter, oil, salt, sauce or seasoning. Onion and garlic are toxic to dogs in every form, including the powders used in many seasoning mixes.
Cut it small, and cook the tough ones. Many dogs swallow food without chewing it. Bite-size pieces lower the risk of choking, and lightly steaming hard or fibrous vegetables makes them easier to digest.
Start small. Offer a piece or two the first time and watch for vomiting, diarrhea, gas or itching over the next day.
Ask your vet first if your dog has kidney disease, a history of bladder stones, a thyroid condition, diabetes, pancreatitis or a sensitive stomach. Several vegetables in this guide are a poor fit for those dogs.
Vegetables dogs should never eat
Onions, garlic, leeks and chives. These all belong to the allium family. They irritate the gut and damage red blood cells, which can lead to anemia. Raw, cooked, dried and powdered forms are all a problem, and the signs often don’t show until a few days later. Call your vet if your dog eats any.
Wild mushrooms. Some are deadly, and even experts mix them up. See mushrooms below.
Raw kidney beans. They contain a natural toxin that proper cooking makes safe. See beans below.
Raw, green or sprouted potatoes. These contain solanine, and so do the leaves and stems of potato, tomato and eggplant plants. See potatoes and eggplant below.
Seaweed from the beach. It is loaded with salt, and dried pieces can swell in the stomach. See seaweed below.
Vegetable dishes made for people. The vegetable is rarely the problem. The butter, oil, salt, onion and garlic cooked with it are.
When to call your vet
Call your vet if your dog eats anything on the list above, or shows any of these signs after eating vegetables: repeated vomiting, diarrhea that lasts more than a day, a swollen or painful belly, trying to vomit with nothing coming up, straining to poop, refusing food, drooling, wobbling, tremors, weakness or unusual tiredness. If your vet is closed, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is open around the clock at (888) 426-4435, and the Pet Poison Helpline is at (855) 764-7661. A consultation fee may apply. Don’t try to make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Can dogs eat artichokes?
Yes. Plain artichoke isn’t toxic to dogs, and a little of it makes a fine occasional treat.
Why: Artichokes are low in calories and fat and offer fiber, folate, magnesium, potassium and plenty of antioxidants. The risks come from the shape and the preparation. The tough leaves are a choking hazard, especially for small dogs. Marinated and jarred artichokes are packed in oil and salt, often with garlic, and artichoke dip usually contains onion or garlic along with a lot of fat. Rich, oily food can upset a dog’s stomach and can trigger pancreatitis.
How to serve: Use fresh artichoke, raw or cooked plain (steamed, boiled or roasted without oil or seasoning), and chop it into bite-size pieces. The soft heart is the easiest part to share. None of the veterinary references we checked sets a portion for artichoke, so treat it like any other treat: a few small pieces, within the 10% rule.
Watch for: Gas or loose stools after too much. Call your vet if your dog swallows a large piece of leaf and then gags, vomits or stops eating, or if your dog gets into a dip that contains onion or garlic.
Can dogs eat beans?
Yes, most beans, if they are plain and fully cooked. The type of bean and how it was prepared make all the difference.
Why: Beans provide fiber, plant protein, potassium, magnesium and antioxidants. PetMD lists green beans, black beans, lima beans, pinto beans, garbanzo beans (chickpeas) and cooked kidney beans as safe. Raw kidney beans are a different matter: they are toxic to dogs because of a natural compound called phytohemagglutinin, which proper cooking makes safe. Dogster’s vet-reviewed guide also advises against fava (broad) beans for the same reason, since they are hard to cook through.
Beans to skip: Baked beans (sugar, molasses and spices), refried beans (very high in fat, which can trigger pancreatitis, plus garlic and spices), chili beans, and canned beans in general, which are very high in salt and a real risk for dogs with heart conditions. Hummus is out too, because it usually contains garlic. Coffee beans are not beans in this sense, and caffeine is toxic to dogs.
How to serve: Soak dried beans overnight, then cook them until soft with nothing added. Mash them or stir them into your dog’s regular food. PetMD suggests starting with about 1 teaspoon for a small dog, and no more than half a cup of cooked beans for a giant breed. Green beans are the easy option: the AKC says chopped, steamed or raw green beans are all fine as long as they are plain. Beans are a treat, not a replacement for the protein in a complete dog food.
Watch for: Gas, bloating and diarrhea after too many. Call your vet right away if your dog eats raw kidney beans.
Can dogs eat Brussels sprouts?
Yes, when they are cooked. Brussels sprouts are safe for dogs, but be ready for gas.
Why: They provide fiber, vitamins C and K and antioxidants. They are also famous for causing flatulence, and the AKC warns that even small and moderate amounts can do it. Raw sprouts are too hard for a dog to digest, and a whole sprout can choke a dog or block the gut.
How to serve: Pick firm, green sprouts, wash them and trim the stem. The AKC recommends steaming for about 5 minutes, which keeps the most nutrients. Microwaving takes up to 8 minutes and boiling about 10. Let them cool, then chop them. Leave out the salt, butter, bacon, garlic and onion. The AKC says to start with half a sprout to one sprout, depending on your dog’s size, and never give more than three at a time. PetMD is more cautious and measures chopped sprouts: 1 teaspoon or less for dogs under 20 lb, 1–2 teaspoons for dogs of 21–30 lb, 1 tablespoon for dogs of 31–50 lb, 1–2 tablespoons for dogs of 51–90 lb, and up to a quarter cup for dogs over 90 lb.
Watch for: Gas, belly pain, vomiting or diarrhea. Cut back or stop if you see them, and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than a day.
Can dogs eat butternut squash?
Yes. Cooked butternut squash is safe for dogs once the skin and seeds are removed.
Why: Squash is high in fiber, beta-carotene, potassium and vitamins A and C. It is a close relative of pumpkin, which the AKC describes as a common home treatment for mild stomach upsets. The skin and seeds are hard to digest and can upset the stomach, and dogs digest squash most easily when it has been steamed or roasted.
How to serve: Peel the squash, scoop out the seeds, cut it into cubes and steam, bake or roast it plain until soft. Let it cool, then offer the cubes as treats or mash a spoonful into your dog’s food. Skip the butter, sugar, salt and spices. The AKC doesn’t set a portion, so start low, with about a teaspoon for a small dog or a tablespoon for a large dog, and stay within the 10% rule. Put the skin and seeds in a bin your dog can’t reach. Acorn squash, spaghetti squash and plain pumpkin can be prepared the same way.
Watch for: Gas, bloating, constipation or diarrhea after too much. Stop feeding it and call your vet if your dog vomits or seems unusually tired.
Can dogs eat cabbage?
Yes, in moderation. Green and red cabbage are both safe for dogs.
Why: Cabbage is low in calories and high in fiber, with potassium, vitamins and antioxidants. Red cabbage has slightly more nutrients than green. The main drawback is gas: the AKC notes that cabbage produces a lot of it, and many dogs don’t handle that well. Cabbage also contains thiocyanate, which can interfere with thyroid function. PetMD says that is unlikely to matter unless a dog eats a large amount regularly.
How to serve: Dogs can eat cabbage raw, but boiled or steamed cabbage is easier to digest and less likely to cause gas. Wash it, remove the stem and core, cook it plain, let it cool and cut it into tiny pieces. PetMD’s portions are 1 teaspoon or less for dogs under 20 lb, 1–2 teaspoons for dogs of 21–30 lb, 1 tablespoon for dogs of 31–50 lb, 1–2 tablespoons for dogs of 51–90 lb, and up to a quarter cup for dogs over 90 lb. Coleslaw doesn’t count: the dressing is fatty and it often contains onion.
Watch for: Gas, bloating, vomiting or diarrhea. If your dog has hypothyroidism, ask your vet before making cabbage a regular treat.
Can dogs eat cauliflower?
Yes. Plain cauliflower is safe for dogs, raw or cooked.
Why: Cauliflower is low in calories and provides fiber, vitamins C, K and B6, folate, potassium and antioxidants. That makes it a handy treat for dogs that need to lose weight. Because it is high in fiber, a large helping can cause gas and stomach discomfort.
How to serve: Cut it into small, bite-size pieces. Chop any thick stalk finely or leave it out, because big chunks are a choking hazard. If you cook it, steam it and let it cool. Skip the salt, butter and cheese sauce, and never add garlic or onion. PetMD’s portions are one or two half-inch pieces for dogs under 20 lb, up to three pieces for dogs of 21–30 lb, five or six for dogs of 31–50 lb, a handful for dogs of 51–90 lb, and a large handful for dogs over 90 lb.
Watch for: Gas, bloating and loose stools. Give less next time, and call your vet if the upset doesn’t settle within a day.
Can dogs eat edamame?
Yes, a few plain, shelled beans now and then. Edamame isn’t toxic to dogs, but it isn’t an everyday snack either.
Why: Edamame are young soybeans. They contain protein, fiber, vitamins C and K, calcium, folate and omega-3 fatty acids, although PetMD points out that a dog-size portion is too small to deliver much of that. The catch is the soy. Some dogs are allergic to it, and an allergy can develop over time. PetMD also notes that large amounts of soy can affect a dog’s hormone balance. The pods are tough and fibrous, hard to digest, and a choking and blockage hazard.
How to serve: Pop the beans out of the pods, rinse them, and serve them completely plain. Raw, steamed, cooked and frozen beans are all fine. Never share edamame that has been salted or cooked with soy sauce, oil or spices. The AKC suggests testing for an allergy with just one or two beans. PetMD’s upper limits, once or twice a week, are 0.5–1.5 tablespoons for dogs under 20 lb, 2–3 tablespoons for dogs of 21–30 lb, 3–5 tablespoons for dogs of 31–50 lb, 5–9 tablespoons for dogs of 51–90 lb, and 10 tablespoons for dogs over 90 lb.
Watch for: Gas or diarrhea, and the signs of a soy allergy: itching, hair loss or ear infections. If your dog reacts to soy, see our soy-free dog food picks. Call your vet if your dog swallows pods and then vomits, strains or stops eating.
Can dogs eat eggplant?
Yes, in moderation. Ripe eggplant is safe for most dogs as an occasional treat. The plant it grows on is not.
Why: Eggplant provides fiber, antioxidants, vitamins A, C and K, potassium and manganese. It belongs to the nightshade family, so it contains solanine, a natural toxin. The AKC explains that the highest concentrations are in the green parts of the plant, specifically the leaves and blossoms, rather than in the purple fruit. PetMD advises against eggplant for dogs with kidney problems, sensitive stomachs or possible allergies.
How to serve: Wash it, cut off the stem, peel it and dice it. Steam, boil or bake it plain. Cooked eggplant is easier to chew and digest than raw. Fried eggplant and eggplant parmesan are out because of the oil, cheese, salt and garlic. PetMD’s limits are up to 1 teaspoon for dogs under 20 lb, 2 teaspoons for dogs of 21–30 lb, 1 tablespoon for dogs of 31–50 lb, 2 tablespoons for dogs of 51–90 lb, and 3 tablespoons for dogs over 90 lb.
Watch for: Vomiting, diarrhea or belly discomfort. If you grow eggplant, keep your dog away from the plants. Call your vet right away if your dog chews the leaves, eats a large amount, or shows weakness or trouble breathing.
Can dogs eat green peppers?
Yes. Green, red, yellow and orange bell peppers are all safe for dogs. Hot peppers are not.
Why: Bell peppers are low in calories and rich in fiber and vitamins A and C. They contain no capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers hot. Red peppers have ripened the longest and contain the most vitamins and antioxidants, so they are the best pick. Too much of any color can cause vomiting, diarrhea, gas and bloating. Jalapeños, chili peppers and cayenne do contain capsaicin, which is painful for dogs, so never share them.
How to serve: Rinse the pepper, remove the seeds and stem, and chop it into small pieces. Raw is fine, but the skin is tough, so the AKC suggests steaming or pureeing it. Don’t share peppers cooked with onion, garlic or salt, such as fajita or stuffed peppers. The AKC’s limit is less than a quarter of a pepper at a time for small dogs and less than half for large dogs. PetMD is stricter and sets weekly amounts: 1–2 small pieces for dogs under 10 lb, less than a quarter of a chopped pepper for dogs of 11–20 lb, a quarter for dogs of 21–50 lb, half for dogs of 51–90 lb, and three quarters for dogs over 90 lb.
Watch for: Stomach upset after too much. PetMD says to call your vet if the symptoms last more than 24 hours, or if your dog is lethargic, keeps vomiting or shows signs of dehydration.
Can dogs eat kale?
Only a little, and not every dog. A small amount of kale is unlikely to hurt a healthy adult dog, but the AKC advises against making it a regular treat.
Why: Kale has plenty of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber, but it also contains two compounds that cause trouble for dogs. Calcium oxalate can lead to kidney and bladder stones. Isothiocyanates can cause mild to potentially severe stomach irritation. The AKC adds that kale can interfere with thyroid function if it is fed regularly, especially in dogs with hypothyroidism, and that it may interact with their medication. Don’t give kale to dogs with kidney disease, a history of kidney or bladder stones, hypothyroidism or a sensitive stomach. The AKC suggests green beans or cucumber as safer choices.
If you do share: Wash it well, remove the stems and chop the leaves. Raw kale is fine, but steaming or blanching makes it easier to digest. Serve it plain, with no dressing, oil or salt. PetMD’s weekly limits are half a teaspoon for dogs under 20 lb, about 1 teaspoon for dogs of 21–30 lb, about 2 teaspoons for dogs of 31–50 lb, about 1 tablespoon for dogs of 51–90 lb, and 2 tablespoons for dogs over 90 lb.
Watch for: Vomiting, diarrhea, constipation or gas. Call your vet if your dog eats a large amount, or if you notice straining to pee or blood in the urine.
Can dogs eat lettuce?
Yes. Plain lettuce is safe for dogs, and it is one of the lowest-calorie treats there is.
Why: Lettuce is about 90% water, with some fiber, vitamins A and K and potassium. Romaine is more nutritious than iceberg, which is the least nutrient-dense salad green. Lettuce won’t add much to your dog’s diet, but it is a crunchy snack that suits dogs watching their weight. Too much at once can cause diarrhea.
How to serve: Wash it thoroughly, because leafy greens can carry E. coli and listeria. Tear or chop it into small pieces instead of handing over whole leaves, and offer it plain or mixed into your dog’s food. PetMD’s daily upper limits are a quarter cup for dogs under 20 lb, half a cup for dogs of 21–30 lb, 1 cup for dogs of 31–50 lb, 2 cups for dogs of 51–90 lb, and 2¼ cups for dogs over 90 lb. Never share salad from your plate. Creamy dressings are high in fat and can trigger pancreatitis, and salads often contain onion.
Watch for: Loose stools or an upset stomach after a large helping.
Can dogs eat mushrooms?
Plain mushrooms from the grocery store: yes, in small amounts. Wild mushrooms: never. Some wild mushrooms are toxic to dogs, and a few can kill.
Why: Mushrooms sold in supermarkets, such as white button, cremini and portobello, are generally safe for dogs. The trouble is that people rarely eat them plain. The butter, oil, salt, garlic and onions cooked with mushrooms are what make most mushroom dishes unsafe, and the AKC suggests offering a different treat instead of sharing them.
Wild mushrooms: The dangerous species include the death cap (Amanita phalloides), the death angel (Amanita bisporigera), the fly agaric (Amanita muscaria), the jeweled deathcap (Amanita gemmata), the deadly Galerina (Galerina marginata), false morels (Gyromitra), the false parasol (Chlorophyllum molybdites) and some Inocybe and Clitocybe species. Toxic and harmless mushrooms can look alike, so treat every wild mushroom as poisonous. Pull up any that appear in your yard, and keep your dog on a leash in damp, wooded areas.
If your dog eats a wild mushroom: Call your vet, an emergency vet hospital or a poison control center immediately. Don’t wait for symptoms. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, signs can start within 15 minutes, but with the liver-damaging Amanita mushrooms they may not appear for 6 to 24 hours, and kidney damage from other species can take days to show. If you can, bring a sample of the mushroom, wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a paper bag. Signs of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, belly pain, weakness, a staggering walk, tremors, seizures and yellow gums or eyes.
How to serve store-bought mushrooms: Wash them, cook them completely plain, and cut them into small pieces. A few pieces are plenty, within the 10% rule.
Can dogs eat potatoes?
Yes, if they are cooked, plain and peeled. Raw, green and sprouted potatoes are toxic to dogs.
Why: Potatoes are nightshades, like eggplant. Raw potatoes, green patches, sprouts and the potato plant itself contain solanine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and, in larger amounts, nervous system problems. Raw potato is also hard to digest. Cooked potato is fine for most dogs, but it is mostly starch. That is why PetMD doesn’t recommend potatoes for diabetic dogs unless your vet approves: the carbohydrates can spike blood sugar. See our guide to diabetic dog food for better options.
How to serve: Wash and peel the potato, and throw out any that are green or sprouting. Boil, bake or steam it until soft, with nothing added, and let it cool. Offer a few small cubes or a spoonful of plain mash, within the 10% rule. A little cooked peel won’t hurt, but a lot of it is hard to digest. Skip french fries, chips and hash browns because of the oil and salt, and mashed potato made with butter, milk, salt or garlic. The AKC warns that a lot of butter can trigger pancreatitis. Sweet potatoes are a different plant, and they must be cooked too.
Watch for: Vomiting or diarrhea. Call your vet right away if your dog eats raw or green potatoes, potato sprouts or the plant, especially if you see weakness, drowsiness or wobbling. If your vet has told you to avoid potato altogether, see our potato-free dog food picks.
Can dogs eat radishes?
Yes, in small amounts. The radish root is safe for dogs. The leaves are not a good idea, and many dogs dislike the peppery taste anyway.
Why: Radishes are low in calories and contain vitamin C, calcium, potassium and fiber, but PetMD notes that the benefits are minimal at the size of portion a dog should get. The greens can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Two plants with similar names are off the menu: wild radish, which is a different plant and unsafe for pets, and horseradish, which isn’t a radish at all and upsets the stomach. Pickled radish is too salty and too heavily seasoned to share.
How to serve: Wash the radish, remove the leaves and root hairs, and dice it. A whole radish or a large chunk is a choking hazard. Raw and cooked are both fine, as long as there are no oils or spices. The AKC notes that white radishes are less peppery than dark ones. PetMD’s portions are a quarter-inch cube for dogs under 20 lb, a half-inch cube for dogs of 21–30 lb, a 1-inch cube for dogs of 31–50 lb, two 1-inch cubes for dogs of 51–90 lb, and three for dogs over 90 lb.
Watch for: Gas, vomiting or diarrhea. Call your vet if your dog eats wild radish or a lot of radish greens and then gets sick.
Can dogs eat sauerkraut?
A little plain sauerkraut won’t hurt most dogs, but it is salty and they don’t need it. Check the label first, because many recipes contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs.
Why: Sauerkraut is cabbage fermented with salt. None of the major veterinary references has a page on it, so this verdict rests on what they say about its ingredients. Cabbage is safe for dogs. Salt is the issue: the ASPCA warns that too much salt causes increased thirst and urination and can upset the electrolytes in the blood, and salty food is a particular concern for dogs with heart or kidney disease. Many sauerkrauts are also made with caraway seeds, which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs (they cause mild vomiting and diarrhea). Some contain onion or garlic, which are toxic too. And like cabbage, sauerkraut causes gas.
What about probiotics? Raw, unpasteurized sauerkraut contains live bacteria, and cooking or canning destroys them. We couldn’t find a veterinary reference that recommends sauerkraut as a probiotic for dogs. If you think your dog needs one, ask your vet about a product made for dogs.
If you do share: Choose a sauerkraut made from cabbage and salt only. Rinse it under the tap to wash off some of the salt, chop it, and mix a small amount into your dog’s food. Stay well under PetMD’s cabbage portions (about 1 teaspoon for a small dog and 1–2 tablespoons for a large dog), and offer it only now and then. Skip it completely if your dog has heart or kidney disease or is on a low-sodium diet.
Watch for: Gas, vomiting, diarrhea or unusual thirst. Call your vet if your dog eats sauerkraut made with onion or garlic.
Can dogs eat seaweed?
Plain, store-bought seaweed: yes, in small amounts. Seaweed on the beach: never.
Why: Nori, kelp and dulse are not toxic to dogs, and a healthy adult dog can have a little as a treat or food topper. Seaweed is rich in iodine, though, and too much iodine can affect the thyroid. PetMD says dogs on thyroid medication should not eat seaweed at all. Seaweed is also salty, which matters for dogs with heart problems. Seaweed snacks made for people are often flavored with salt, soy sauce or garlic, so check the pack, and don’t share nori from a sushi roll.
Beach seaweed: Wild seaweed is full of salt, long strands can lodge in the intestines, and dried seaweed swells in the stomach after a dog swallows it. The AKC lists vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and lethargy as the signs. Keep your dog away from seaweed on the shore, and see a vet right away if your dog eats some.
How to serve: Use plain, unsalted nori or a kelp supplement made for dogs, following the label. Crumble dried sheets into small pieces so they can’t stick in the throat, and rinse fresh seaweed to remove salt. PetMD’s daily limits for dried seaweed are a quarter teaspoon for dogs under 20 lb, half a teaspoon for dogs of 21–30 lb, 1 teaspoon for dogs of 31–50 lb, 1½ teaspoons for dogs of 51–90 lb, and 2 teaspoons for dogs over 90 lb.
Watch for: Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness or tiredness after a trip to the beach. Don’t wait to see if it passes. Call your vet.
Can dogs eat spinach?
Yes, in small amounts and not often. Spinach isn’t toxic to dogs, but the AKC says it isn’t one of the top vegetables to share.
Why: Spinach contains vitamins A, B, C and K, iron, beta-carotene, antioxidants and fiber. It is also very high in oxalic acid, which blocks the body’s ability to absorb calcium and can lead to kidney damage. The AKC says a dog would have to eat very large quantities to be harmed, and a healthy dog can process small amounts. Even so, spinach is a poor choice for dogs with kidney disease or a history of stones. PetMD adds that large amounts can cause severe stomach upset, and that canned spinach should be avoided because of its high salt content.
How to serve: Wash it, steam it plain and chop it. Steaming is the best method: raw spinach is hard for dogs to digest, and boiling removes most of the nutrients. Don’t add butter, oil, salt, onion or garlic, and don’t share creamed spinach or spinach dip. PetMD’s portions are a quarter teaspoon for dogs under 20 lb, half a teaspoon for dogs of 21–30 lb, 1 teaspoon for dogs of 31–50 lb, half a tablespoon for dogs of 51–90 lb, and 1 tablespoon for dogs over 90 lb.
Watch for: Vomiting or diarrhea after too much. Ask your vet before feeding spinach if your dog has any kidney or bladder problem.
Can dogs eat tofu?
Yes, a little plain tofu as an occasional treat. Tofu isn’t toxic to dogs, but it shouldn’t replace the meat protein in their diet.
Why: Tofu is made from soybeans. It is low in calories and contains protein, calcium, iron and zinc, but the AKC points out that it doesn’t provide enough protein to meet a dog’s nutritional needs. There are three things to know before you share it. First, some dogs are allergic to soy, and the usual signs are itchy skin and stomach trouble. Second, soy contains plant estrogens, which in large amounts may disturb hormone balance, especially in puppies and breeding dogs. Third, tofu makes dogs gassy. The AKC says dogs with a history of bloat, and breeds at higher risk of it, should avoid gas-producing snacks like tofu.
How to serve: Use plain, unsalted tofu, cooked and cooled, and cut it into small cubes. PetMD’s limit is a 1-inch cube for every 10 pounds of body weight. Never share fried or marinated tofu, or tofu cooked with soy sauce, garlic or onion.
Watch for: Gas, belly discomfort, vomiting or diarrhea. If your dog tries to vomit and nothing comes up, or the belly looks swollen, go to an emergency vet immediately, because these are signs of bloat. If your dog reacts to soy, see our soy-free dog food picks.
Can dogs eat zucchini?
Yes. The AKC calls zucchini perfectly safe for dogs, and it is one of the best vegetable treats.
Why: A cup of raw zucchini has only about 20 calories, along with fiber, vitamins A, C and B6 and antioxidants. That makes it a good swap for high-calorie treats if your dog is overweight. The skin is fine to eat once it is washed. Too much zucchini can cause gas, bloating or diarrhea, and large raw chunks are a choking hazard.
How to serve: Wash it, cut off the stem and dice it. Dogs can eat zucchini raw, steamed or cooked, as long as it is plain. Lightly cooked zucchini is easier to digest. PetMD’s daily portions are 1 teaspoon for dogs under 10 lb, 2 teaspoons for dogs of 11–20 lb, 3 teaspoons for dogs of 21–50 lb, 2 tablespoons for dogs of 51–90 lb, and 3 tablespoons for dogs over 90 lb. Skip fried zucchini, and don’t share zucchini bread or muffins. They are full of oil and sugar, and some baked goods contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Watch for: Gas or loose stools after too much.
Other common vegetables at a glance
These vegetables don’t have their own section in this guide yet. Here is the short version from the AKC and PetMD. The five rules above apply to all of them.
Food
Verdict
Key note
Asparagus
In moderation
Not unsafe, but the AKC sees little point: it is too tough to eat raw and loses its nutrients when cooked soft.
Beets
In moderation
Cooked and plain. High in oxalic acid, so not for dogs prone to bladder stones. They can turn pee and poop pink.
Broccoli
In moderation
Small amounts as an occasional treat. It causes gas.
Carrots
Safe
A low-calorie snack that is high in fiber and beta-carotene. Cut them to suit your dog’s size.
Celery
Safe
Remove the strings and chop it.
Cucumbers
Safe
Almost no carbohydrates or fat, so they are a good treat for overweight dogs.
Green, snow, sugar snap and garden peas are all fine on occasion.
Pumpkin
Safe
Plain cooked pumpkin or plain, unsweetened canned pumpkin. Not pie filling.
Tomatoes
Avoid
Ripe red flesh is generally safe, but the green parts of the plant contain solanine, which is toxic. The AKC suggests skipping tomatoes to be safe.
Sources
We checked every verdict in this guide against these veterinary references in October 2026. This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your own veterinarian.
An individual with a profound affection for animals, who was brought up in an environment surrounded by dogs, cats, and chickens. A self-taught enthusiast in the realm of pet care. At present, the proud caretaker of two rescued felines and two lovely mixed-breed canines.
