My favorite part of the fall season is the tasty, seasonally appropriate treats and meals. Let me tell you, there isn’t a pumpkin pie or big pot of chili that I haven’t loved!

Unfortunately for our furry friends, most fall meals aren’t for canine consumption.

While your pup shouldn’t be drinking apple cider or devouring a bowl of Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese, there are some fall foods that our furry friends can enjoy.

Here’s a list of fresh fall fruits and vegetables dogs can partake in.

(Just a quick disclaimer: please speak to your dog’s vet before adding anything new to their diet!)

Pumpkin

During a 2024 interview with PureWow, Dr. Priscilla Bowens, DVM, MPH, Esq., stated that plain, peeled, and fully cooked pumpkin is pretty darn healthy for pups, as long as it’s given in moderation.

“Pumpkin is definitely healthy for dogs as part of a well-balanced diet. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, E, lycopene and dietary fiber,” said Dr. Bowens.

Not only is the squash delicious and nutritious, but it can also alleviate some of your pup’s stomach issues. According to the American Kennel Club, “soluble fiber content in pumpkin adds bulk to your dog’s stool by absorbing water, and fiber fermentation produces beneficial fatty acids that supply energy to cells, stimulate intestinal sodium and water absorption, and lower the pH level of the large intestines.”

Potato

Dogs can enjoy small pieces of plain, thoroughly cooked potato. The American Kennel Club reported, however, that raw potatoes can have “adverse health effects” if given to your dog, as they contain the compound solanine, which is reduced when the root vegetable is cooked.

Squash

Given that pumpkin is a-okay to give dogs, it shouldn’t be that surprising that squash is also a pup-safe snack. While speaking to the American Kennel Club, Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinarian for the AKC, advised pup parents to remove the squash’s “seeds, skin, and rinds” before handing the treat over to your furry friend.

Turkey

While speaking to People magazine in November 2024, Dr. Aya Alt, the medical director of VCA Broadway Animal Hospital and Pet Center, said that while Thanksgiving food, like turkey, “seems safe” to give to your furry friends, you should refrain from doing so.

“Once they're usually prepared with seasonings (onions, garlic) and large amounts of cream and butter, they can cause toxicity or gastrointestinal upset," said Dr. Alt to People magazine.

Dr. Alt said, however, that you can give your dog small pieces of "cooked, unseasoned turkey.”

Apples

According to PetMD, you can give your dog a small piece of apple on occasion. Just make sure there are no seeds or skins!

Pears

Pears are a great treat to give your furry friend in moderation, as reported by PetMD. The delicious fruit, with all its fiber, can even be beneficial for your furry friend’s digestion.

Carrots

The American Kennel Club reported that carrots are a wonderful snack for our furry friends. The vegetable has a myriad of benefits, like being loaded with fiber and Vitamin A. In addition, chewing on carrots can help your dog’s dental hygiene.

Cranberries

According to the American Kennel Club, most dogs can safely consume the fruit as long as it is given in moderation. PetMD also reported that cranberries can be quite beneficial for our furry friends, as the fruit is high in fiber and contains many vitamins and minerals.

Sweet Potato

Dogs can eat sweet potatoes in moderation. However, PetMD warns that pet parents should only give their dogs unseasoned sweet potatoes that have been peeled and fully cooked without oil or butter. Uncooked sweet potatoes could lead to issues with dogs’ digestion. In addition, our canine companions may also have difficulty swallowing pieces of raw sweet potato or sweet potato peels.

Brussels sprouts

A fully cooked plain Brussels sprout can be a tasty treat for your canine companion. However, please be mindful that Brussels sprouts can cause your dog to get a little gassy!

Beets

I’m a fan of beets, but my dog thinks they are disgusting, so she is not happy that the vegetable is on this list.

I would recommend mashing up boiled, plain beets, which are high in Vitamin C, and serving them with your dog's dry food as a special treat.

11 Fall Foods Your Pup Can Safely Snack On This Season