Arguably, autumn is the season with the best noms – and with feasts for Thanksgiving and the winter holidays fast approaching, there will be plenty of tempting treats for humans and pups alike. However, not all foods are created equal, especially when it comes to canines – there are some foods your faithful friend(s) just shouldn't have access to.
Did you know: While it’s rare, dogs can have food allergies, just like humans! When introducing new foods, it's wise to closely monitor your pet to ensure they do not have an adverse reaction. Outside of allergies, there's still plenty of fall fruits and veggies to consider, as well as a few that should be avoided. We break things down in our Fall Fruits & Veggies list below, starting with:
Can my dog eat sweet potato?
Yes!
Sweet potato is rich in nutrients (vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber) and contains carbohydrates, making it a healthy snack to offer your dog before they exercise. Don’t give your dog raw or candied sweet potato, or sweet potatoes that have added sugar, salt, or any other toxins that could disrupt your pooch’s digestive health. Like any others, this treat should be enjoyed in moderation.
(Psst: An easy way to provide your pup with a safe sweet potato treat is to feed them our Chicken + Sweet Potato dry dog food.)
Can my dog eat pumpkin?
Yes!
Pumpkin is a safe, healthy treat for your dog. Pumpkins can be consumed by dogs whether cooked or raw, but they should be fresh, not canned pie filling or pieces from your Halloween jack-o-lantern. When served plain, pumpkin is full of fiber and beta carotene and is sure to make them howl. “Oh my gourd!”
Can my dog eat butternut squash?
Yes, if cooked.
Your dog can enjoy cooked butternut squash without any added sugar, salt, or fats. Raw squash is likely to be hard on their digestive system, just as it would be for a human.
Can my dog eat beets?
Yes!
Beets, raw or cooked, are safe for your dog to eat in moderation and are a healthy source of vitamin C, fiber, folate, manganese, and potassium. These vitamins and minerals are good for your dog’s digestion and immune system.
Can my dog eat cauliflower?
Yes, in small amounts.
Cauliflower is safe to feed your dog in limited quantities, though feeding your dog cauliflower on a regular basis is not recommended.
Can my dog eat pomegranate?
Avoid.
Pomegranate isn't toxic to dogs, but this fruit is known to make dogs sick. If your pup eats fruit seeds from a pomegranate, it isn’t cause for alarm, but it may give your dog a tummy ache and/or cause them to vomit.
Can my dog eat grapes?
No.
While the exact cause of grapes’ toxicity in canines is unknown, research suggests that even a small quantity can be dangerous, and can lead to kidney failure for your dog. You should never let your dog consume grapes, raisins, or wine of any variety. If they do by accident, you should immediately call your vet.
Can my dog eat cranberries?
Yes.
Both fresh and dried cranberries are safe to feed dogs in small quantities. Since this treat is tart, your dog may not even like it. Either way, moderation is important when feeding cranberries to dogs, as too many can lead to an upset stomach. Dried cranberries sometimes come mixed with other dried fruits, like raisins, so make sure you don’t accidentally give your pup something toxic!
Fruits & Veggies for Fall
A large number of fall favorites are safe to share with your pup in small quantities, but it's important to know which foods are harmless and which can be harmful. You can find a more extensive dog food safety list here, as well as our Thanksgiving Food Guide. And for a risk-free way to share some of your favorite foods with your four-legged friends, you can give them yummy raw dog food that's good enough for humans!
Updated October 3 2024