Mom wasn’t kidding when she said we were going full steam in the fresh, organic vegetable and fruit department! We are now happy subscribers to our the Ecology Center Harvest Box – our organic farm stand which luckily is just down the hill from our neighborhood! We get our box delivered every 2 weeks and Mom researches which of the yummy fruits and veggies are safe for dogs so we can have some added into our bowls too! This week has lots of greens so after unpacking our box Mom’s first check was…Can Dogs Eat Lettuce and Arugula?
In our first Harvest box we received (you guessed it)…
- Lettuce
- Arugula
- Broccoli
- Leeks
- Yaya Carrots
- Cutting Celery
- Oranges, Blood Oranges, Mandarin Oranges and Lemons
So…Can Dogs Eat Lettuce and Arugula?
According to the AKC,Yes! (But ALWAYS Check with YOUR Vet First)! In General Dogs can eat lettuces such as Romaine, Endive, Escarole, Radicchio, Spinach, Arugula, and Cabbage (avoid Kale with Dogs). For humans, Leafy greens are rich in vitamins such as A, C, E and K! Romaine lettuce is also a great way to get your fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. They also contain antioxidants that can help protect your cells and potentially fight future disease. Dogs also receive the same benefits in leafy greens as humans!
So, be sure to share some leafy greens on EVERYBAWDY’s plate each day! As a bonus, Leafy greens are mostly water. Some dogs even love the crunch factor of lettuces and leafy greens are a great low-calorie snack that could be a good training treat, food topper and healthy “filler” for an overweight dog.
Any guesses what’s in our dinner dish tonight?!
As for the rest of of the ingredients in our Harvest Box, let’s investigate those as well…
Can Dogs Eat Broccoli Cooked?
Well, If You’ve been around very long you know Scooby and Mom’s FAV vegetable is Broccoli! Or as we call it Bwoccowi! Yummers So Yes, in moderation Broccoli can be a great ingredient in your dog friendly recipes! Broccoli is full antioxidants that fight free radicals in both humans and dogs so, after checking with your vet, try adding some broccoli to your dog bowl!
Our FAVOWITE way to eat Broccoli is Roasted! Be sure to get your free Scoobylife; Ella & Luna’s Roasted Broccoli Recipe below! We eat straight from the oven (after it cools down) then Mom adds leftovers (if we have them) to our dog bowl the next day! (Mom says to add them warm on top of your human salad for the “hearty” feel. She agrees on YUMMERS!
What about Leeks? Can Dogs Eat Leeks, Onions, Garlic or Chives?
The RESOUNDING ANSWER IS NO!!!! NEVER allow your dogs to eat onions, leeks, scallions, chives or garlic (or anything in that family). They can all be VERY toxic to dogs. These ingredients are often hidden in many human foods as well so make sure you always read labels but better yet, don’t allow. your dogs to eat any pre-made or processed human foods just to keep it safe.
Next up…Are Carrots Bad for Dogs?
According to one of the best Dog Safety Resources – the AKC – YES! “Dogs can eat carrots. Carrots are an excellent low-calorie snack that is high in fiber and beta-carotene, which produces vitamin A. Plus, crunching on this orange veggie is great for your dog’s teeth (and fun)”. Always give your dogs organic carrots if possible and wash the them. You don’t need to peel them if they are organic. If not organic, wash and peel carrots before giving to your dog.
What about the Leaves? Can Dogs Eat Carrot Tops?
Every part of a carrot including the leafy green tops are safe for dogs to eat. They’re a good, natural treat, and most dogs like the flavor. We’ll be the judge of that though!
Can Dogs Eat Oranges and Lemons?
Overall, Citrus smells may be overwhelming for dogs. Oranges usually pass the sniff test while lemons do not. See details below:
Are Oranges Safe for Dogs?
Again, according to the trusty AKC...”Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, and in small quantities, the juicy flesh of an orange can be a tasty treat for your dog”. It’s best to only give your dogs the flesh of oranges with seeds removed. Orange peels are not recommended.
Can Dogs Eat Orange Peels?
While non-toxic, Orange Peels may be irritating to a Dog’s Digestive System so Peel and Remove Seeds from Oranges before giving to your Dog!
Can Dogs Have Lemon?
Overall, Lemons may be harsh on your dog’s digestive system and they really don’t offer significant health benefits so SKIP THE LEMONS!
To Recap…Our Ecology Center Harvest Box is Mostly Safe for Dogs! WooHoo!
Safe Veggies and Fruits for Dogs in Our Box:
Lettuce, Arugula, Brocoli, Carrots, Oranges
Note: Lemons are Non Toxic but Can Irritate the Digestive Tract and Serve No Health Benefits for Dogs so We’ll be SKIPPING!
For SURE we’ll be having Roasted Broccoli (sign up for our recipe below, chopped ettuce and arugula in our food AND we’re going to try raw carrots! (we will eat them steamed and roasted). We’re also going to “taste” some oranges!
Toxic Vegetables to Dogs:
Dogs CANNOT have Leeks, Onions, Chives or Garlic! They are TOXIC to Dogs so DO NOT allow your dogs to eat them or any foods with Leeks, Onions, Chives or Garlic as ingredients.
Looking for more Dog Friendly Recipe Ideas? Check out our Scoobylife Dog Food Recipes Page!
Want More Fruit, Veggie and Other Food Safety Guidance for your Dog?
Check out our other blog posts for the scoop!
Can Dogs Eat Blackberries In Season? (Includes Strawberries, Radish and Squash)
Can a Dog Eat Peaches? (Includes Corn, Cucumber Green Beans and Parsley)
Can Dogs Eat Peppers? (Covers Hot Peppers and Bell Peppers)
Is Stevia Safe for Dogs? (Covers sugar, sweeteners and artificial sweeteners)
Happy Eating!