Have you ever thought about feeding your pup a sliver of your pizza and wondered if it is really safe for your dog? Humans and dogs digest foods very differently, and some natural produce that are safe for humans may be potentially toxic for your dog.

However, there is also a huge range of human foods that are commonly found in your kitchen that are perfectly safe and even healthy for your dog as an occasional treat.

We bring you a list of fruits and vegetables you would find in a Singaporean family’s kitchen to help you with navigating what to treat your dog the next time they stare at your dinner with those puppy eyes!

In general, fruits and vegetables are safe for your dogs when given in small quantities with the seeds and fruit peels removed. Dogs are sensitive to certain common produce such as avocados, cherries, and grapes, so avoid sharing your avo toasties with them!

Safe

Apples

Apples are great sources of vitamins A and C. They are also crunchy and sweet with lots of fibre. Always ensure to core the apple and remove the seeds as they may cause cyanide poisoning in your dog if ingested excessively.

Blueberries

High in disease-fighting antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fibre, blueberries are a great choice for a quick snack for your dog. They are also low in calories and small in size which will be an excellent health-conscious treat for your furry friend.

Carrots

High in fibre, beta-carotene/vitamin A, and also low in calories; carrots have been a common snack option for dog owners. You can serve them fresh, cooked, or even frozen for that extra crunch.

Celery

Similar to carrots, celery is a healthy, low-calorie option that also helps scrubbing plaque off your pup’s teeth. The best treat for fresh breath!

Coconut

This tropical fruit carries a wealth of benefits; such as lauric acid, which helps to combat viruses and bacteria, whilst also clearing up bad breath, skin conditions, and aiding in their digestion.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are another low-calorie snack for your dog that you can feed either fresh, cooked, or even frozen. They offer only 16 calories per cup of cucumber slices, and a boost of vitamin C.

Green Beans

Fresh green beans are packed with iron and vitamins, making them a healthy option for your dog. Make sure to only feed them in unsalted/unprocessed versions.

Guavas

A tropical fruit commonly found in singapore’s supermarkets, guavas are a favourite amongst southeast asian countries. Guavas are packed with vitamin C, but should be fed in moderation to your pup too. One or two slices per day will provide more than enough health benefits for your furkids.

Oranges & Lemons (and other citrus fruits)

Citrus fruits are harmless to dogs with their seeds and peel removed. However, always feed them in moderation as they are mildly acidic in nature which may cause vomiting and diarrhea if taken in excess.

Pears

Pears are generally safe for your dogs to consume in moderation. Remember to remove the core and peel before giving it to your dog!

Pineapples

Only feed the fleshy, yellow parts of a fresh pineapple. The yummy tropical fruit contains a whole lot of vitamin C, along with thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, and folate. It’s also full of minerals, including manganese, copper, potassium, magnesium, iron, and small amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. That’s a lot of health benefits packed into a spiky fruit!

Do not feed your dog canned pineapples as they contain a high amount of sugar which will cause a tummy ache and digestive problems.

Potatoes

Some of our puppies look like cute little potatoes. In fact, boiled potatoes are safe for your dog to eat, and also gentle on the digestive tract. It is a good option for dogs that are ill and recovering from injuries, or if they have a sensitive digestive system.

Pumpkin

Boiled pumpkin is a wonderful source of fibre and beta-carotene. This means that it will aid in your dog’s digestion and benefit their vision. Grounded pumpkin seeds are also great natural dewormers in your dog’s tummy as it contains natural paralysing agents that kill the tapeworms.

Sweet potatoes

Boiled or steamed sweet potatoes are easy for dogs to digest and rich in vitamin A, which is important for your dog’s eye health and immune system. Feed a small amount daily or in moderation as too much vitamin A/beta-carotene may lead to muscle weakness and bone problems in dogs.

Moderate

Açaí

This tropical fruit that has been the rage with health-food aficionados do not pose any risk to your pup when taken in small quantities. However, it contains trace amounts of theobromine, which is the component in chocolate that causes poisoning effects in dogs.

Bananas

Ripe bananas are rich in potassium, vitamins, and copper. Their high sugar content means that they need to be fed in moderation to your dog and regarded firmly as a treat.

Broccoli

Fresh or cooked broccoli are safe for your dog to eat in moderation. Although the vegetable is low in calories and nutrient-rich, they also contain isothiocyanates, which are cyanide compounds that may cause gut irritation in dogs.

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are rich in fibre and antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation in the body and improve overall blood circulation. They're also loaded with vitamins, including vitamins K and C, which are good for a dog's immune system and bone health.

Cantaloupe / Melon

This juicy snack is generally healthy for dogs, and also provides vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fibre. However, feed melons sparingly as they are sweet and not ideal for weight control.

Corn

Although corn and cornmeal are common ingredients in dog food and kibbles, they should be fed in moderation as they are high in carbohydrates, which are not essential for your dog. However, there are trace amounts of protein, fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants which may benefit your furkid too. Feed corn in small amounts and never as a filler or major part of your dog’s daily diet.

Dragon Fruit

Cutting away the outer shell, dragon fruit flesh is safe for dogs in small quantities. The most common versions come in white, purple and yellow here in southeast asia and Singapore. Dragon fruit is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants (especially the purple kinds), which will boost your pooch’s immunity to keep them healthy.

Kiwi Fruit

Remove the fuzzy, hairy peel on your Zespri Gold and Green kiwis and you will be ready to feed your pup some quality vitamin C. Keep kiwi fruits as a treat and never as a substitute for your pup’s regular meals.

Mango

This smooth and delicious tropical fruit is high in fibre, as well as vitamin A, B6, C, and E, which makes nutritious snack for both humans and dogs. Remove the peel and the mango seed before feeding it to your pooch and give in small amounts as a treat instead of a meal replacement.

Peaches

Peaches are a great source of vitamin A and fibre if they are fresh. Do not feed your pup canned or preserved peaches as they are high in sugar and will cause vomiting and diarrhea in excess. Remove the peel on the peaches and the seed before feeding it in small cut-up pieces to your dog.

Tomatoes

Only ripe tomatoes are safe for your dogs to eat, whilst the leaves, stem, and unripe tomatoes contain solanine, which is toxic for your pooch. Unripe tomatoes also contain tomatine, which is an alkaloid fatal to dogs.

Watermelon

This juicy red or yellow fruit is a favourite amongst Singaporeans to have in the hot and sunny weather. Chilled watermelon or watermelon juice are both safe for your dog. However, the rind (skin) and the seeds are to be removed before feeding watermelon to your dog as they may cause intestinal blockage and tummy upset.

Unsafe

Avocados

Persin, a fungicidal toxin, is common in avocados which can cause serious health problems in your dogs. Some vets believe that dogs are more resistant to persin than other animals, but it still is toxic and should be avoided.

Cherries

The pits, stems, leaves contain cyanide, which is poisonous and lethal if consumed in high enough quantities. Cherry pits also potentially cause intestinal blockage, and can get lodged in your pooch’s digestive tract.

Onions/Leeks/Chives/Garlic

The Allium family (which includes onions, garlic, and leeks) are poisonous to both dogs and cats. They can cause weakness, anaemia, and breathing difficulties.

Grapes/Raisins

Dogs develop acute kidney failure when they consume grapes and raisins. Scientists and vets have not been able to pinpoint which substance in grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs, but never feed your pup any amount of grapes or raisins.

We hope that this list helps you in understanding the nutrition requirements of your pet and prevent any toxic food encounters! Be sure to check with your vet if you are still unsure of any other ingredients not in our list.

Want to learn more about the best ways to treat your pet?

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xo
Nellie