10+ Dog Safe Fall Fruits & Vegetables

It's officially one of our favorite seasons, fall! With so many fun activities to do with our family, friends and pups, this season is a favorite amongst many. 

P.S. Want to see a full list of things to do with your dog this season? Check out our blog post sharing 10+ Fall Activities To Do With Your Animals.

Along with the fun activities the season brings, there's also new fruits and vegetables that are available to be enjoyed, some that are safe for our pets, and some that are not. In this post we'll be sharing 10+ dog safe fall fruits and vegetables and which ones to avoid!

If you have concerns for any of the items listed below, or your dog has any preexisting conditions, please consult with your veterinarian first.

Dog Safe Fall Fruits​

While there aren't as many dog safe fall fruits as there are vegetables, there are three that are delicious and safe for dogs.

• Apples

  • Apples are safe for dogs and an excellent source of Vitamins A & C and contain a lot of fiber. Before giving to your dog, ensure that the core is removed to prevent blockages and choking, as well as the seeds since they contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. Cutting the apple into slices is the safest way to serve to your dog.

• Cranberries

  • Cranberries are safe to eat as long as your dog isn't consuming too many all at once, all the time. The most important thing to note is to always give your dog fresh cranberries and avoid any that have been sweetened with sugar. 

• Pears

  • Pears are safe for dogs and are an excellent source of Vitamins C, K and contain a lot of fiber. Similar to apples, make sure the core and seeds are removed to keep your dog safe, and cut up your pears into smaller, digestible pieces to prevent choking or blockages.

Not Safe Fall Fruits​

Now that we know what fall fruits are safe for dogs, there are two that your dog should avoid at all costs. Common signs that your dog has been exposed to a toxic fruit or vegetable include: vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy and more.

• Grapes

  • You've probably heard before that grapes are extremely toxic to dogs. Did you know that they can cause acute sudden kidney failure? If you think your dog has consumed any grapes at all, immediately call your vet, an emergency vet, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (available 24 hours a day) at (888) 426 -  4435. 

• Pomegranates

  • Pomegranates aren't technically toxic to dogs, but they should be avoided for multiple reasons. The first, is the rind and stem can cause an obstruction in your dog. The second, is the seeds can cause gastrointestinal problems. If you're enjoying a pomegranate for yourself, make sure you're throwing away anything you don't want into a trash can that your dog cannot access, even if that means putting it up or in another room that they do not have access to.

Dog Safe Fall Vegetables​

Now, let's dive into the many dog safe fall vegetables that our pets can enjoy, starting with an all-time favorite!

• Pumpkin

  • As seen in many dog treat recipes across the internet, pumpkin is very safe for dogs. Pumpkin is known to help with your dog's upset stomach when they're constipated. The most important thing to note is to always buy pure canned pumpkin and avoid pumpkin pie filling. The latter contains a ton of sugar which is not good for dogs. Pumpkin dog treats are fantastic to make year round in baked and frozen varieties.

• Brussel Sprouts

  • Brussel sprouts include quite the powerhouse of Vitamins like C, A, B1 and B6. They also have antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation. Like most things we've shared, moderation is key. The only downside to Brussel sprouts is that they can make your dog quite gassy so serve with caution!

• Broccoli

  • Broccoli is safe for dogs and is best served as an occasional treat. The safest way to serve it to your dog is cooked as it softens the stem, helping to prevent obstructions in the esophagus from the stalks. 

• Cabbage

  • Cabbage is safe for dogs and is essentially larger Brussel sprouts. As mentioned before, be prepared for some gas from your pup!

• Spinach

  • While spinach is safe for dogs, it is best to be enjoyed in very small quantities. Spinach can prevent your dog's body to absorb calcium which can lead to kidney problems. If you're looking at the list of dog safe vegetables to try, you should probably put this at the bottom!

• Celery

  • Celery is safe for dogs and did you know it can also help freshen your dog's breath? In addition to having Vitamins A, B and C, this dog safe vegetable also helps promote a healthy heart and might help fight cancer. 

• Carrots

  • Carrots are an all-time favorite healthy snack for dogs that contain Vitamin A, fiber and beta-carotene. Carrots are a low-calorie snack that naturally helps to clean your dog’s teeth as they chew on them. Frozen carrots also work as a great snack for a teething puppy!

• Beets

  • Beets are safe for dogs and are filled with fiber, minerals, Vitamin C, potassium and antioxidants! When given in moderation, beets are beneficial to your dog's skin, coat and digestion. 

Not Safe Fall Vegetables​

Last but not least, there are a few fall vegetables that are not safe for dogs that are used in many recipes year-round. Let's look at a few now:

• Leeks/Onions/Shallots

  • All of the above are part of the same family and are extremely toxic to dogs. If your dog consumes any of the above, immediately contact your vet, an emergency vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Centershared earlier. Onions can cause your dog's red blood cells to burst and can cause even more serious problems in certain breeds. Be aware of any recipe you are making with onions, especially with upcoming holidays like Thanksgiving, and ensure your pet stays away from them.

• Mushrooms

  • Wild mushrooms should always be avoided. Many wild mushrooms are extremely toxic to dogs and can lead to death if consumed. 

Now that we know which fall fruits and vegetables are safe for our dogs, we can keep them safe throughout all of our favorite fall activities and family gatherings and even make them their own treats! If you aren't sure about one in particular that may have not been listed, always contact your veterinarian to keep your pup safe.

We hope this post was helpful and would love to learn how you're spending fall with your pups! Share with us on Instagram @carlsonpetproducts so we can see all the fun.