6 Spring Fruits and Veggies Your Dog Can Eat

Let’s take a look at 6 spring fruits and veggies that your dog can enjoy with you:

Carrots

Carrots are a wonderful dog-friendly veggie that are cheap, widely available, and full of nutrients. Not only will they give your dog a big dose of vitamin A and antioxidants like beta carotene, they’re also crunchy enough to clean your dog’s teeth. 

Carrots can be served both raw and cooked. A few bite-sized pieces are great for teething puppies. Or, you might sprinkle a few carrot shavings on their food bowl.

Strawberries

We haven’t quite reached peak season for strawberries (that’ll happen in June), but you’ll start to see them in farmer’s markets and your local grocery store within the next month or two. And our tails are wagging in anticipation!

Strawberries are high in vitamin C and potassium. And they’re full of flavonoids, which are anti-inflammatory antioxidants. Because of their natural sweetness and texture, you typically don’t have to convince a dog to like strawberries. No one can resist a few bites of these delicious berries!

Spinach

We all know that spinach is one of the most nutritious leafy greens out there, but did you also know it’s a safe food for dogs? And unlike some crunchier greens like kale or cabbage, spinach has a soft texture and mild flavor that many dogs love. Spinach is in season between March and June, so now is the perfect time to enjoy it!

We suggest incorporating spinach into your dog’s meals by adding just one or two tablespoons of steamed spinach in with their kibble. You can also puree it and freeze it for a pup-cicle. 

With a superfood like spinach, it’s important not to overdo it. Because spinach contains oxalic acid, a compound that can inhibit calcium absorption when digested in high amounts, you should consider this a once in a while treat.

Blueberries

Blueberries are a sure sign that spring is here! And this low-calorie treat is perfect for celebrating the new season with your dog. Blueberries are high in vitamins C and K, and they’ve been shown to improve cognitive function.

What we love about blueberries is that they’re already treat-sized! Whether frozen or fresh, you can toss a couple of blueberries to your dog throughout the day for a tasty snack. Or, you might mix them in with your favorite DIY dog treats.

Pineapples

This tropical fruit is in season during a short window between March and July. That’s when you’ll find the sweetest fruit at the best price. And lucky for your dog, this delicious produce is considered safe in moderation.

Pineapples are high in vitamins A, C, B6, and healthy minerals like manganese. And, because they have a high water and fiber content, they can support your dog’s digestive health. 

Pineapple can be served to your dog in small bites or as puree. Just make sure that you’ve completely removed the tough exterior and inner core.

Sugar snap peas

Snap peas are a staple of spring dishes, and they’re also highly nutritious. They’ve got a good amount of vitamin K, which can promote calcium absorption for strong bones. They’re also high in vitamin C, b-vitamins and antioxidants.

Like blueberries, we love that de-podded snap peas are already bite-sized for dogs. If your doggo likes them, they can be a great alternative to calorie-dense treats. Or, you can sprinkle them on top of your dog’s food bowl for added flavor and texture.

Spring veggies to avoid

There are many spring vegetables that aren’t safe for dogs, so make sure to do your research before introducing anything new this season. Certain herbs and root veggies like onions and garlic, for instance, are not safe for dogs in any quantity.

Other spring veggies, like broccoli and asparagus are technically safe for dogs to eat, but their high fiber content makes them a riskier choice than some of the other options we’ve included here.