Fruits, Vegetables & Seeds
- RFFDMSUK
- Jul 22, 2024
- 12 min read
Updated: Apr 3
A Nutritional Guide to Fruits, Vegetables & Seeds for Dogs
Dogs are facultative carnivores, meaning their biology is designed for an animal‑based diet, yet they can digest and utilise certain plant foods effectively. While animal products remain the foundation of a biologically appropriate diet, thoughtfully chosen fruits, vegetables, and seeds can contribute valuable fibre, micronutrients, and natural plant compounds.
Because every dog is an individual, the ideal amount of plant matter varies. A general starting point is around 10% of the diet, which can then be adjusted based on age, breed, tolerance, and personal preference. For example, some northern breeds may thrive on lower amounts, while older dogs may benefit from slightly more fibre.
A simple guideline for plant matter distribution is:
5% vegetables
3% fruit
1% herbs
1% seeds
This is not a strict rule — it’s a flexible framework that owners can adapt to their dog’s needs and their own budget.
Note: Our Feeding Calculator can break down how much meat, bone and organs (80/10/10) your dog needs based on their age & weight, some dogs need a little more, some a little less, depending on their activity level. Plant matter mentioned here is fed on top of this amount, unless the dog in question requires weight loss as discussed in our Lose Weight Blog
If feeding fruits separately to protein, be aware that this may result in greater glucose spikes. At RFFDMSUK we recommend feeding fruit with protein i.e. with a meal, in order to reduce the rapid glucose spikes.
1. Fruits for Dogs: Nutritional Variety & Safe Feeding
Fruits provide natural sources of vitamins, antioxidants, and fibre. However, they also contain natural sugars, so moderation is key.
Precaution for Puppies Under 6 Months
Emerging research suggests a possible association between early fruit consumption and later gastrointestinal sensitivity. Emerging research suggests a possible link between early fruit consumption and gastrointestinal disorders later in life as detailed at the bottom of this page.
While this is still being studied, RFFDMSUK recommends a precautionary approach—for now, only blueberries are advised for pups under 6 months old.
Choosing Fruits Wisely
Organic options help reduce pesticide exposure.
If your dog dislikes fruits or vegetables, a general nutritional supplement may help fill gaps.
Be mindful of sugar content, especially for dogs prone to weight gain or yeast‑related issues.
Examples of Fruits Commonly Fed to Dogs
Below is a selection of fruits often included in canine diets, along with considerations for safe feeding. These descriptions reflect nutritional composition only. Please note we only show commonly fed items, not risky ones. Where cautions are needed we list these. As with any food, an animal or human can have an adverse reaction so always add new items slowly.
Fruit | Nutritional Composition | Feeding Considerations & notes |
Apples | Vitamins A, C, E, K; small amounts of B‑complex; fibre; pectin; potassium | Remove seeds & core; feed in moderation. Apples are cooling in Traditional Chinese Medicine and can help support lungs, spleen and stomach |
Apricots | Vitamin A & C as well as potassium and antioxidants | Remove the pit. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Apricots are considered as warming, they are believed to support digestion & lung health |
Avocado | Vitamin K, Vitamin E, B vitamins, potassium | Persin, which is toxic to dogs, is found mainly in the leaves, skin and pit. Only feed the flesh. High in oleic acid which is an essential fatty acid that supports the heart and cardiovascular system. In TCM Avocado is considered neutral |
Bananas | Vitamins B6, C; potassium; magnesium; fibre | Higher in natural sugars; occasional feeding. In TCM bananas help to support the spleen and stomach by clearing heat as they are cooling. |
Green Bananas | Resistant starch; fibre; small amounts of vitamins B6 and C | Introduce gradually; small portions |
Berries (Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Strawberries) | Vitamins C, K, small amounts of B‑complex; manganese; fibre; natural plant compounds (anthocyanins, polyphenols) | Feed in moderation; suitable for most dogs. In TCM, strawberries are cooling & help the spleen, stomach and lungs. Raspberries are warming and support the kidneys, liver and stomach. Blueberries are cooling and support the liver & kidneys. Blackberries are neutral and support the kidneys and liver as well as stomach. |
Blackcurrants | Vitamins C, A, B5; anthocyanins; antioxidants | Do not confuse with dried “currants” which are toxic |
Cantaloupe | Vitamins A, C, K; folate; potassium; fibre | Remove rind. In TCM cantaloupe is considered cooling and is believed to help support the stomach and spleen. |
Citrus Fruits | Vitamins C, B1, B6; folate | Remove peel; feed sparingly as too much citric acid can cause digestive upset. Clementines, Kumquats, Nectarines and Tangerines are warming in TCM & may help to support the lungs and digestion. Oranges are cooling in TCM and support the lungs and digestion. |
Coconut Flesh | Manganese; small amounts of B vitamins; fibre; healthy fats | Feed sparingly as it is high in fats. In TCM it is considered to be neutral and supportive of the spleen and stomach. Mixed reviews regarding the oil which is high in MCT so may help cognition but the latest science points to this being pro-inflammatory and there are likely better options for this. |
Cranberries | Vitamins C, E, K; manganese; fibre; natural plant compounds | Avoid sweetened cranberry products. High levels can cause digestive upset. In TCM cranberries are considered to be cooling and supportive of the kidneys and bladder. |
Dates | High in natural sugars, fibre and various vitamins & minerals. | Always remove the pit. Due to the high sugar content it is best to feed sparingly. In TCM dates are considered warming and supportive of the spleen & stomach. |
Figs | High in fibre, potassium and natural sugars. | Some dogs do experience allergic reactions to figs so caution is urged. In TCM figs are considered neutral and supportive of lungs, stomach and spleen. |
Kiwi | High in vitamin C, potassium and lots of antioxidants. | In TCM kiwi is considered to be cooling and supportive of lungs, stomach and spleen |
Mango | Rich in vitamins A & C, fibre and antioxidants. | Remove the pit. In TCM papaya are considered to be cooling and supportive of lungs, spleen & stomach. |
Papaya | Rich in vitamins A and C, fibre and antioxidants | Considered to be neutral in TCM and supportive of stomach, spleen and intestines. |
Peach | Strong source of vitamins A and C, potassium and antioxidants | Remove the pit. In TCM peaches are considered to be warming and supportive of the lungs and digestion. |
Pears | Vitamins C, K; copper; fibre; small amounts of B‑complex | Remove seeds. In TCM pears are considered to be cooling and supportive of throat and lungs. |
Pineapple | Vitamins C, B1, B6; manganese; fibre and and the enzyme Bromelain which can support digestion. | Remove crown, skin and core. In TCM pineapple is considered to be warming and supportive of the stomach and spleen. |
Plums | Vitamins A &C, potassium and antioxidants. | Remove the pit. In TCM plum is considered to be warming and supportive or digestion and liver health |
Pomegranate Seeds | Vitamins C, K; fibre; polyphenols | Introduce gradually |
Redcurrants | Vitamins C, K; manganese; natural sugars | Feed cautiously |
Watermelon | Vitamins A, C, B6; potassium; hydration | Remove seeds (as a precaution due to choking risks) and rind. Watermelon is considered to be cooling in TCM and supportive of kidneys, bladder and heart. |
Moderation is essential, as excessive fruit intake may contribute to digestive upset or unnecessary sugar consumption.
2. Vegetables for Dogs: Fibre, Micronutrients & Preparation
Vegetables for Dogs: Nutritional Powerhouses & Feeding Guidelines
Vegetables can contribute valuable fibre, vitamins, minerals, and natural plant compounds. Proper preparation improves bioavailability, helping dogs digest and utilise nutrients more effectively. Please note we only show commonly fed items, not risky ones. Where cautions are needed we list these. As with any food, an animal or human can have an adverse reaction so always add new items slowly.
Preparation Tips
Light steaming, blitzing, or finely chopping improves digestibility.
For broccoli, finely chop and refrigerate for 90 minutes before feeding. This allows natural enzymatic processes to occur.
Examples of Vegetables Commonly Fed to Dogs
Vegetable | Nutritional Composition | Preparation Guidance & notes |
Alfalfa Sprouts | vitamins A, C, E and K along with minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium to support overall wellbeing. | Always choose organic, and note that in Traditional Chinese Medicine alfalfa is considered a cooling food. |
Asparagus | providing natural vitamins A, C, E and K along with folate, fibre and minerals such as iron and potassium to support general wellbeing. | Steamed or grilled. n TCM, asparagus (especially asparagus officinalis, the common culinary type) is considered cooling and moistening, with an affinity for the Lung and Kidney systems. It’s often associated with clearing heat and supporting fluid balance. |
Avocado Flesh | vitamins A, B‑complex, C, E and K along with healthy fats, fibre and minerals such as potassium and magnesium to support overall wellbeing. | Avoid skin and pit. Choose organic where possible, and note that in Traditional Chinese Medicine avocado flesh is viewed as cooling and nourishing, often used to gently support yin and maintain fluid balance. |
Beetroot (and tops) | Beetroot and beet greens offer dogs a natural nutrient lift, providing vitamins A, C, K and B‑complex along with fibre and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron to support overall wellbeing. | Choose organic where possible, and note that in Traditional Chinese Medicine beet greens are considered cooling and lightly detoxifying, while the beetroot itself is viewed as mildly warming and blood‑nourishing. |
Bell Peppers | vitamins A, C, E and B‑complex along with antioxidants, fibre and minerals such as potassium to support overall wellbeing. | Chop raw. In TCM peppers are considered slightly warming, with a gentle, circulatory‑supporting nature rather than cooling. |
Bok Choy | vitamins A, C, K and B‑complex along with antioxidants, fibre and minerals such as calcium, potassium and magnesium to support overall wellbeing. | In TCM bok choy is considered cooling and moistening, often used to clear mild heat and gently support fluid balance. |
Broccoli | Vitamins C, K, A, B9 (folate); fibre; minerals; natural plant compounds | Finely chop; refrigerate 90 minutes; serve raw or frozen. In TCM broccoli is considered cooling and slightly bitter‑sweet, often used to clear mild heat, support the Liver, and gently aid fluid balance. |
Brussels Sprouts | Vitamins C, K, B6, folate; fibre | Steam or blitz. In TCM brussels sprouts are considered warming and slightly sweet‑bitter, often used to support digestion, move qi and gently strengthen the Spleen. |
Carrots (And carrot tops) | Carrots and carrot tops offer dogs a light nutrient lift, providing vitamins A, C, K and B‑complex along with antioxidants, fibre and minerals such as calcium, potassium and magnesium to support overall wellbeing | In TCM carrots are considered neutral to slightly warming and sweet, while carrot greens are cooling and slightly bitter, together offering gentle support for digestion, Spleen function and fluid balance |
Cauliflower | Vitamins C, K, B6, folate; fibre; choline | Steam or blitz. In TCM cauliflower is considered cooling and slightly sweet‑bitter, often used to clear mild heat, support digestion and gently aid fluid balance. |
Celery | Vitamins K, A, C; folate; potassium; plant flavonoids | Chop finely. In TCM celery is considered cooling and slightly bitter‑sweet, often used to clear mild heat, calm the Liver and gently support fluid balance |
Courgette | Low calories. Courgette offers dogs a light nutrient lift, providing vitamins A, C, K and B‑complex along with antioxidants, fibre and minerals such as calcium, potassium and magnesium to support overall wellbeing | Steam before serving. In TCM courgette is considered cooling and moistening, often used to clear mild heat, soothe dryness and gently support fluid balance |
Cucumber | Vitamins K, C; small amounts of B vitamins; potassium; hydration | Peel contains most nutrients. Although botanically a fruit, Cucumber is treated like a vegetable in the kitchen. In TCM cucumber is considered cooling and moistening, often used to clear mild heat, soothe dryness and gently support fluid balance. |
Dandelion Leaves | Dandelion leaves provide dogs with a gentle nutrient boost, offering vitamins A, C, K and B‑complex alongside natural antioxidants, fibre and minerals such as calcium, potassium and magnesium to support overall wellbeing. | In TCM dandelion leaves are considered cooling and bitter, often used to clear heat, support the Liver and gently aid fluid balance. |
Garlic (organic) | Vitamins B6, C; manganese; natural sulphur compounds | Feed only with appropriate guidance. In TCM garlic is considered warming and pungent, often used to move qi, transform dampness and gently disperse cold. |
Ginger | Vitamins B6, C; minerals; aromatic compounds | Grate fresh. In TCM ginger is considered warming and pungent, often used to move qi, dispel cold and gently support digestion. |
Green beans | Green beans provide a gentle nutrient boost, offering vitamins A, C, K and B‑complex along with dietary fibre, natural antioxidants and minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron. Like many legumes and vegetables, they also contain small amounts of natural anti‑nutrients such as lectins, phytates and oxalates, which are reduced through light cooking | In order to reduce anti-nutrients, we strongly recommend steaming and feeding sparingly. In TCM green beans are considered cooling and slightly sweet, often used to clear mild heat, support digestion and gently aid fluid balance |
Kale | Vitamins A, C, K, B6; calcium; fibre | Steam or blitz. In TCM kale is considered cooling and slightly bitter‑sweet, often used to clear mild heat, support the Liver and Stomach, and gently aid fluid balance |
Lettuce | Vitamins A, K, C; folate; hydration | Shred finely. In TCM this is cooling. |
Mushrooms | In TCM Mushrooms are seen as mostly cooling, though Shiitake is seen as neutral. See our blog for more about mushrooms | |
Pumpkin | Seeds can be air dried once cleaned and crushed (see below seeds section), never feed the skin. In TCM Pumpkin flesh is considered to be warming. | |
Seaweed | Iodine; calcium; magnesium; vitamins A, C, E, K | Use food‑grade varieties. In TCM seaweed is considered cooling and salty, often used to soften hardness, clear heat and gently support fluid balance |
Spinach | Vitamins A, C, K, folate; iron; magnesium | Steam or blitz. Feed sparingly if oxalates are a concern. In TCM this is cooling. |
Sweet potato | In TCM sweet potato is considered to be warming. | |
Swiss Chard | Steam or blitz. Feed sparingly if oxalates are a concern. In TCM this is cooling. | |
Tomatoes (ripe only) | Vitamins A, C, K; potassium; lycopene | Avoid green tomatoes , leaves and stems as they contain solanine which is toxic. Although botanically a fruit, it is used in the kitchen like a vegetable. Considered cooling in TCM tomato is believed to support the liver and stomach. |
Vegetables to Feed in Smaller Amounts
Some vegetables naturally contain more starches and sugars than others. These components can contribute to a higher glycaemic load, meaning they release sugars more quickly once digested. Dogs who are sensitive to higher‑sugar plant foods, or those whose diets require careful management of carbohydrate intake, may do better with these vegetables in smaller amounts.
Vegetables that are naturally higher in starch include:
Carrots
Parsnips
Sweet Potatoes
Squashes
Beetroot
These can still be part of a varied diet, but many owners choose to offer them occasionally rather than as everyday staples, especially if their dog does better on lower‑sugar plant options.
Peas & Green Beans: Feed in Moderation
Peas and green beans are nutrient‑dense vegetables, but they also contain lectins, naturally occurring plant proteins sometimes referred to as “antinutrients.” Lectins can bind to carbohydrates, which may affect how some dogs digest certain foods. Because of their lectin content, many owners choose to feed peas and green beans in moderation, adjusting amounts based on their dog’s individual tolerance.
3. Seeds for Dogs: Small Ingredients with Big Nutritional Value
Seeds can contribute healthy fats, minerals, and fibre. Organic options are preferred to minimise chemical exposure.
Seed | Nutritional Composition | Feeding Guidance |
Sunflower Seeds (organic, peeled, unsalted) | Naturally contain vitamin E, B‑complex vitamins (including B1, B3, B6), magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, iron, zinc, and healthy fats | Grind before feeding; store in a sealed container; sprinkle small amounts onto meals |
Chia Seeds (organic) | Provide omega‑3 fatty acids, fibre, antioxidants, calcium, magnesium, and small amounts of B vitamins | Approx. ¼ teaspoon per 5 kg bodyweight daily |
Pumpkin Seeds (organic, raw, unsalted) | Contain protein, fibre, iron, magnesium, zinc, and small amounts of vitamin E and B‑complex vitamins | Grind before feeding; approx. ½ teaspoon per 10 kg bodyweight |
Storage Tips
Grind seeds in small batches
Store in an airtight container in the fridge
Use within a few weeks to maintain freshness
4. Washing & Preparing Produce Safely
Even organic produce benefits from gentle washing to remove soil and surface residues.
Simple Produce Wash
Filtered water
Pink Himalayan or sea salt
Soak for 20 minutes, rinse, and dry
Wax Removal (if needed)
Water
Vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Lemon juice
Sea salt
Soak briefly, rinse, and dry
Final Thoughts
Plant foods can add valuable fibre, micronutrients, and natural compounds to a dog’s diet when used thoughtfully. Preparation matters, and every dog’s tolerance is unique, so small adjustments may be needed to find the right balance. When in doubt, introduce new foods gradually and observe how your dog responds.
