Fruits, Vegetables & Seeds

RFFDMSUK
Jul 22, 2024
7 min read

Updated: Apr 24

Fruits are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fibre, making them a great addition to a dog’s diet. However, some fruits may pose risks, especially for puppies under 6 months old.

🟡 Precaution for Young Puppies: 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 the Right Fruits

✔️ Opt for organic when possible to minimize pesticide exposure.

✔️ If your dog dislikes fruits and vegetables, consider a general health supplement.

✔️ Be mindful of sugar content—excess sugar can contribute to weight gain or yeast overgrowth.

Below is a breakdown of safe fruits for dogs, including their benefits and potential drawbacks.

✅ Fruits Dogs Can Eat (with Guidelines)

Fruit	Pros	Cons
🍏 Apples	High in vitamins A & C, antioxidants, and pectin (a prebiotic)	🚨 Avoid seeds—they contain cyanide
🫐 Berries	Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, quercetin reduces allergies & inflammation	✔️ Natural sugar content, but benefits outweigh risks
🍌 Bananas	Packed with vitamins & minerals, supports muscles, bones, digestion, immunity	🚨 High in sugar—feed occasionally
Green Bananas	Supports gut health & blood sugar regulation	Feeding guidelines: Small breeds 1/8, Medium ¼, Large ½
🍈 Cantaloupe	Hydrating & rich in fibre, beta-carotene converts to vitamin A for vision, immunity, skin & brain health	🚨 Remove rind—choking hazard
🥒 Cucumber	Low-calorie, hydrating, rich in antioxidants, polyphenols may prevent cancer	✔️ Peel contains the most nutrients
🍒 Cranberries	High in vitamins C, E, and K, supports immune system, joints, heart & urinary health	🚨 Avoid cranberry sauce, juice, and added sugar products
🍐 Pears	High in fibre, copper & antioxidants, aids digestion & cancer prevention	🚨 Avoid seeds
🍊 Citrus Fruits (Tangerines, Satsumas, Oranges, Lemons, Limes)	Vitamin C boosts immunity, reduces inflammation, helps weight management	🚨 Remove peel—can cause obstructions
🍍 Pineapple	Vitamin C, B vitamins & bromelain, aids digestion & immune support	🚨 Avoid crown & core
🍅 Tomatoes (Yes, they’re a fruit!)	Antioxidant-rich & high in fibre, Cherry tomatoes contain naringenin for inflammation support	🚨 Only feed ripe tomatoes—avoid green tomatoes & sauces
🍉 Watermelon	Hydrating & rich in vitamins A & C	🚨 Remove seeds & rind—choking hazard
🔴 Pomegranate Seeds	Rich in punicalagin, an antioxidant & anti-inflammatory	Feeding Tip: Freeze seeds, start with 1 per day, gradually increase if tolerated
🥥 Coconut Flesh	High in manganese, essential for enzyme activation & collagen production	🚨 Feed sparingly—can cause weight gain & tummy upset
🔴 Redcurrants (Mixed Reports)	❓ Some dogs react adversely, contain high sugar	✔️ Raw Pet Medics suggests feeding cautiously
🫐 Blackcurrants (Not to be confused with “currents” or “Zante currants”)	Rich in anthocyanins & antioxidants	🚨 Zante currants are dried grapes—highly toxic

Final Thoughts

Fruits offer amazing health benefits, but excessive sugar or improper feeding may lead to digestive issues or weight gain. Always consult your vet when introducing new foods, and feed in moderation.

Vegetables for Dogs: Nutritional Powerhouses & Feeding Guidelines

Vegetables play a vital role in canine health, supplying essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre. However, some need to be chopped, blitzed, or lightly steamed to ensure dogs can properly absorb the nutrients—a process known as bioavailability.

🚨 Special note on broccoli: To maximize benefits, finely chop fresh broccoli, let it sit in the fridge for 90 minutes, then serve. It can also be frozen after preparation.

🥦 The Benefits of Vegetables in Your Dog’s Diet

✔️ Fiber aids digestion and naturally supports anal gland expression

✔️ Reduces cancer risks while offering a rich source of vitamins and minerals

Essential Vitamins Found in Vegetables:

🟢 B Vitamins – Assist energy metabolism, nervous system health, enzyme function, immunity

🟢 Vitamin C – While dogs produce their own, aging or stress may increase demand

🟢 Vitamin A – Strengthens immunity, promotes eye health, and supports teeth and bones

🟢 Vitamin E – Antioxidant that protects against cancer & skin issues

🟢 Vitamin K – Helps bone formation, repair, and liver function

🚨 Limited B12 & B1 in Vegetables: Since vegetables don’t provide enough, liver & eggs are essential in a balanced diet.

❌ Vegetables to Limit for Certain Dogs

Some veggies are contain natural sugars but also have a higher glycaemic index (GI) than berries, meaning they spike blood sugar levels more quickly. Elevated blood sugar can feed yeast, leading to overgrowth. These vegetables contain more starch than berries, which breaks down into sugars that yeast can thrive on. If a dog already has gut dysbiosis, excess sugars from these vegetables may exacerbate yeast issues. Cooking these vegetables also increases the GI These should be avoided or fed sparingly if your dog has itching, yeast issues, or weight concerns:

🚫 Carrots 🚫 Parsnips 🚫 Sweet Potatoes 🚫 Squashes 🚫 Beetroots

⚠️ Peas & Green Beans: Feed with Caution

While both are nutrient-rich, they contain lectins, which bind to carbohydrates and may disrupt digestive function (classified as “antinutrients”).

🔹 Peas contain apigenin, a powerful bioflavonoid that reduces anxiety, supports immune health, and regulates hormones

🔹 Green beans provide folate and additional micronutrients

✔️ If feeding peas or green beans, do so in moderation.

✅ Best Vegetables for Dogs (with Guidelines)

Vegetable	Key Benefits	Preparation Tips
Broccoli	Rich in sulforaphane (anti-cancer, immune-boosting)	Finely chop, refrigerate for 90 min, serve raw or frozen
Cauliflower	Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich, neuroprotective	Steam or blitz for easy digestion
Organic Garlic	Immune-boosting, disease-fighting	Feed raw (See Garlic Blog for details)
Celery	Contains apigenin for immune health & inflammation control	Serve raw or chopped
Seaweed	Rich in fucoidan (disease-fighting, cartilage health, liver support)	Any variety is safe
Alfalfa Sprouts	Nutrient-dense superfood	Ensure organic
Avocados	Supports skin & coat health	Feed moderately; avoid skin & pit
Ginger	Aids digestion, reduces inflammation	Fresh & organic, best grated
Lettuce	Hydrating, rich in micronutrients	Shredded for easy digestion
Brussels Sprouts	High in vitamins C, E, K, folate	Blitzed or steamed
Spinach	Rich in iron & antioxidants	Organic is best, blitzed or steamed
Kale	Supports cancer prevention, liver health, & hormones	Blitzed or steamed
Bell Peppers	Packed with vitamin C & capsanthin (anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour)	Chopped raw
Beetroot & Leaves	Good for digestion, blood pressure, fibre	Gradually introduce, always cooked or steamed

🥗 Final Tips for Feeding Vegetables to Dogs

✔️ Always opt for organic produce to reduce exposure to pesticides

✔️ If your dog dislikes fruits & vegetables, consider a general health supplement

✔️ UK soil quality issues may affect the vitamins/minerals in animal products, making a balanced diet essential

Vegetables offer incredible health benefits, but correct preparation ensures maximum nutrient absorption.

Seeds for Dogs: Nutrient-Packed Additions to Their Diet

Seeds are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, making them a fantastic supplement to your dog's diet. However, organic options are always recommended to avoid pesticides and chemicals.

Below is a breakdown of the best seeds to incorporate, along with feeding guidelines and proper preparation tips.

🌻 Best Seeds for Dogs (with Benefits & Feeding Guidelines)

✔️ Organic Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds provide vitamin E (antioxidant), B vitamins, and essential minerals including magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. They support heart and cognitive health.

✅ Must be peeled & unsalted

🔹 How to Feed: Grind them, store in a sealed tub, and sprinkle on food for easy digestion.

✔️ Organic Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are a nutrient-dense superfood, packed with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, fibre, and essential minerals. They boost joint health, immune function, coat quality, and digestion.

🔹 Feeding Guidelines:🐾 1/4 teaspoon daily per 5 kg of body weight

✔️ Organic Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are low-fat, high-protein, and act as a natural remedy for intestinal worms.

✅ Use raw, unsalted seeds

🔹 Feeding Guidelines:🐾 Grind and add 1/2 teaspoon per 10 kg of body weight to food once or twice daily until worms or eggs are no longer visible in stool.

🚨 Storage Tip: To maintain freshness:

✔️ Grind in small amounts

✔️ Store in an airtight container in the fridge

✔️ Use within a few weeks to prevent rancidity and nutrient loss

🧼 Washing Produce Properly

Even if produce is organic, it’s essential to gently wash rather than scrub—some soil contains beneficial minerals.

🔹 Natural Produce Wash Solution:

250ml filtered water
150g Pink Himalayan salt OR sea salt

✔️ Dissolve salt in water✔️ Soak produce for 20 minutes✔️ Rinse clean and dry thoroughly

🍏 Removing Wax from Produce

Wax coating is rare in the UK, but if you find it on your produce, remove it with this natural solution:

🔹 Wax Removal Solution:

150ml filtered water
150ml white vinegar OR apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons sea salt OR pink Himalayan salt

✔️ Soak produce✔️ Light produce: a few minutes✔️ Sturdier produce: up to 30 minutes✔️ Trial & error may be needed to get the timing right✔️ Rinse clean and dry thoroughly