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Ever wonder what Fruits and Vegetables are safe for your dog?
Check out this list:
FRUITS & VEGETABLES
Apples – Yes. Apples are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber for your dog. They are low in protein and fat, making them the perfect snack for senior dogs. Just be sure to remove the seeds and core first. Try them frozen for an icy warm weather snack. Read More >
Bananas – Yes. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They’re high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog’s regular diet.
Watermelon – Yes. It’s important to remove the rind and seeds first, as they can cause intestinal blockage, but watermelon is otherwise safe for dogs. It’s full of vitamin A, B-6, and C, as well as potassium. Watermelon is 92 percent water, so it’s a great way to keep your dog hydrated on hot summer days. Read more >
Grapes – No. Grapes and raisins have proved to be very toxic for dogs no matter the dog’s breed, sex, or age. In fact, grapes are so toxic that they can lead to acute sudden kidney failure. Definitely skip this dangerous treat. Read More >
Strawberries – Yes. Strawberries are full of fiber and vitamin C. Along with that, they also contain an enzyme that can help whiten your dog’s teeth as he or she eats them. They are high in sugar though, so be sure to give them in moderation. Read More > 
Oranges – Yes. Small dogs can have up to 1/3 of a full-size orange, while large dogs can eat the whole thing. While the peel isn’t toxic to them, vets recommend tossing the peel and just giving your dog the inside of the orange, minus the seeds, as the peel is much more rough on their digestive systems than the fleshy inside of the orange.
Blueberries – Yes. Blueberries are a superfood rich in antioxidants, which prevent cell damage in humans and canines alike. They’re packed with fiber and phytochemicals as well. Teaching your dog to catch treats in the air? Try blueberries as an alternative to store-bought treats. Read More >
Carrots – Yes. Carrots are an excellent low-calorie snack that is high in fiber and beta-carotene, which produces vitamin A. Plus, crunching on the orange snacks is great for your dog’s teeth. Read More >
Tomatoes – No. While the ripened fruit of the tomato plant (the red part humans normally eat) is generally considered safe for dogs, the green parts of the plant contain a toxic substance called solanine. While a dog would need to eat a large amount for it to make him or her sick, it’s better to skip tomatoes all together just to be safe. Read More >
Pineapple – Yes. A few chunks of pineapple is a great sweet treat for dogs as long as the prickly outside is removed first. The tropical fruit is full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It also contains bromelain, an enzyme that makes it easier for dogs to absorb proteins. Read More >
Avocado – No. While avocado may be a healthy snack for dog owners, it should not be given to dogs at all. The pit, skin and leaves of avocados contain Persin, a toxin that often causes vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. The fleshy inside of the fruit doesn’t have as much Persin as the rest of the plant, but it is still too much for dogs to handle.
Broccoli – Yes, broccoli is safe for dogs to eat in very small quantities and is best served as an occasional treat. It is high in fiber and vitamin C and low in fat. On the surface, this makes it an appealing choice for dog owners looking for a healthy dog treat, but broccoli also contains a potentially harmful ingredient. Broccoli florets contain isothiocyanates, which can cause mild-to-potentially-severe gastric irritation in some dogs. Also, broccoli stalks have been known to cause obstruction in the esophagus.
Mushrooms – No. Wild mushrooms can be toxic for dogs. While only 50 to 100 of the 50,000 mushroom species worldwide are known to be toxic, the ones that are can really hurt your dog or even lead to death. Washed mushrooms from the supermarket could be OK, but it’s better to be safe than sorry; skip out on the fungi all together.
Cucumbers – Yes. Cucumbers are especially good for overweight dogs, as they hold little to no carbohydrates, fats, or oils and can even boost energy levels. They’re loaded with vitamins K, C, and B1, as well as potassium, copper, magnesium, and biotin.
Celery – Yes. In addition to vitamins A, B, and C, this crunchy green snack contains the nutrients needed to promote a healthy heart and even fight cancer. As if that wasn’t enough, celery also known to freshen doggy breath.
Onions – No. Onions, leeks, and chives are part of a family of plants called Allium that is poisonous to most pets, especially cats. Eating onions can cause your dog’s red blood cells to rupture, and can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea. Poisoning onions is more serious in Japanese breeds of dogs such as Akitas and Shiba Inus, but all dogs are very susceptible to it.
Pears – Yes. Pears are a great snack because they’re high in copper, vitamins C and K, and fiber. It’s been suggested that eating the fruit can reduce the risk of having a stroke by 50 percent. Just be sure to cut pears into bite-size chunks and remove the pit and seeds first, as the seeds contain traces of cyanide.
Potatoes – Yes. It’s fine to give your dog plain potatoes every once and a while, but only if they’re cooked, as raw potatoes can be rough on the stomach. A washed, peeled, plain boiled, or baked potato contains lots of iron for your pet. Avoid mashed potatoes because they often contain butter, milk, or seasonings.
Cherries – No. With the exception of the fleshy part around the seed, cherry plants contain cyanide and are toxic to dogs. Cyanide disrupts cellular oxygen transport, which means that your dog’s blood cells can’t get enough oxygen. If your dog eats cherries, be on the lookout for dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and red gums, as these may be signs of cyanide poisoning.
Peaches – Yes. Small amounts of cut-up peaches are a great source of fiber and vitamin A, and can even help fight infections, but just like cherries, the pit does contain cyanide. As long as you completely cut around the pit first, fresh peaches can be a great summer treat – just not canned peaches, as they usually contain high amounts of sugary syrups.
Asparagus – No. While asparagus isn’t necessarily unsafe for dogs, there’s really no point in giving it to them. It’s too tough to be eaten raw, and by the time you cook it down so it’s soft enough for dogs to eat, asparagus loses the nutrients it contains. If you’re determined to give your dogs vegetables, go for something that will actually benefit them.
Sweet potatoes – Yes. Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients, including fiber, beta carotene, and vitamins B-6 and C. Just like with regular potatoes, only give your dog washed, peeled, cooked, and unseasoned sweet potatoes that have cooled down, and definitely avoid sugary sweet potato pies and casseroles.
Raspberries – Yes. Raspberries are fine in moderation. They contain antioxidants that are great for dogs. They’re low in sugar and calories, but high in fiber, manganese, and vitamin C. Raspberries are especially good for senior dogs because they have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help take pain and pressure from joints. However, they do contain slight amounts of the toxin Xylitol, so limit your dog to less than a cup of raspberries at a time.
Mango – Yes. This sweet summer treat is packed with four, yes four different vitamins: vitamins A, B6, C, and E. They also have potassium and both beta-carotene and alpha carotene. Just remember, as with most fruits, to remove the hard pit first, as it contains small amounts of cyanide and can become a choking.
How to Prevent and Treat Dog Toenail Injuries
Langley Cornwell
Dogs rely on their feet and toenails much the same way that humans rely on their toes and the soles of their feet. In both cases, they need to be sensitive enough to detect potential danger but hearty enough to allow for movement, even on rough surfaces. This is even more the case with dogs than with humans since dogs don’t generally wear shoes. In fact, making dogs wear shoes may prevent them from navigating the environment the way they normally do.
Because dogs don’t wear shoes and do spend so much time outside, toenail injuries are not uncommon. Dogs are often around rocks, sticks, roots and other terrain that might snag on their nails. Even carpeting in the house can be a hazard. This is why it’s important for dog owners to understand the parts of a dog’s nail and know how to tend to them and treat injuries.
Dog Nail Anatomy 101
It’s important not to trim your dog’s nails too far back. There are tales of dogs bleeding profusely or suffering serious injuries from having their nails improperly cut. There are two things you can do to prevent these injuries. You can either take your dog to a professional groomer who will trim the nails and fur, or learn about canine nails and do the grooming yourself.
A dog’s nail has a hard outer surface called the shell. This is one of two parts of the nail. The shell protects the inner part of the nail and is made of a substance called keratin. It is produced by the inner part of the nail, called the core or the quick. The inner part contains blood and nerves. It also contains the germ cells that make the shell of the nail. This is why it’s important to avoid the quick when cutting your dog’s nails. Damaging the core can be quite painful, but it can also prevent the shell from properly forming.
Nail Injuries
Some of the most common nail injuries involve dogs getting their nail caught on something. When this happens, the shell is sometimes torn or the nail may be pulled to one side. In either case, it’s very painful for the dog and may leave the core exposed. It can also lead to an infection in the paw itself or the nail. Either of these conditions can be painful but may not be immediately noticeable to dog owners. That’s why it’s a good idea to get in the habit of investigating your pup’s paws, pads and toenails on a regular basis.
Signs of Nail Injuries
Other than noticing that a nail is out of line with the paw or the rest of the nails, you might see other indications that your dog has injured a nail. The dog may try to guard that part of their paw in the hopes of preventing further injury or even contact with anything that might make the situation more painful. They might also limp when walking and will most likely spend a lot of time licking the area.
Care and Treatment
Honestly, the best thing you can do for your dog is keep the nails trimmed and take him to a vet if he injures a nail. If you aren’t able to do this right away, gently clean the area and lightly bandage it to prevent anything from getting inside of it. Speak to your vet about getting some antibiotics and pain killers as well, so that you can prevent the nail from getting infected. One of the reasons you should visit a vet is because the nail may need to be removed. They can also show you how to properly apply a bandage and tend to the wound.
Make caring for your dog’s toenails a bonding experience. Since most dogs love spending time with their family, at least one night a week get on your dog’s level with a few CANIDAE treats in your hand. Give him plenty of affection as you thoroughly inspect his feet, between his pads and each of his toenails. Clip his toenails as needed. Let your dog enjoy your attention and a few special treats so the experience is enjoyable. As with most things, it’s easier to prevent a toenail injury than to treat it.