8 Fall Foods Dogs Can Safely Eat This Season
There are so many reasons to love the fall season! The leaves are falling, you can finally wear sweaters, and indulge in delicious fall-appropriate treats. Now, most pup parents already know that our friends can’t have autumnal treats, like pumpkin pie or big pot of chili (which happens to be the two only things I eat during the months of September, October, and November). However, there are some fall foods that our furry friends can enjoy. Here’s a list of fresh fall fruit and vegetables Fido can partake in.
Just a quick disclaimer, please speak to your dog’s vet before adding anything new to their diet!
Potatoes
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Dogs can enjoy small pieces of plain, thoroughly cooked potatoes. The American Kennel Club reported, however, that raw potatoes can have “adverse health effects” if given to your dog, as they have the compound solanine, which is lessened when the root vegetable is cooked.
Pumpkin
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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.”
Squash
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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
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While speaking to People magazine in November 2024, Dr. Aya Alt, the medical director of VCA Broadway Animal Hospital and Pet Center, said you can give your dog small pieces of "cooked, unseasoned turkey.”
Apples
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According to PetMD, you can give your dog a small piece of apple on occasion. Just make sure there are no seeds or skin!
Carrots
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The American Kennel Club reported carrots are a wonderful snack to give your 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
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According to the American Kennel Club, most dogs can safely consume this 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
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Dogs can eat sweet potatoes in moderation. However, PetMD warns that pup 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.