Experts reveal which fruits and vegetables are safe to give cats and dogs

They say that an apple a day keeps the doctor away – but for our feline and canine companions, it’s not always that simple.

If your pet has ever eaten fruit or vegetables by mistake, you’ve probably experienced a moment of panic about whether it’s safe for them to eat.

Experts at the pet food company Purina state that some fruits and vegetables can be a great source of vitamins for cats, but felines should only consume very small amounts of fruit as a treat since pet food is already manufactured to contain all of the nutrients they need each day.

A cat’s digestive system is also designed to absorb a meat-based diet, so their nutrients will not be met by eating fruit and vegetables alone.

The same goes for dogs. Fruits and vegetables shouldn’t be considered a staple in their diet, but certain types can be a small, infrequent snack.

It is also always recommended to check with your vet when introducing something new to your pet’s diet.

Read on to find out which fruits and vegetables are safe – and not – for your pets.

What fruits and vegetables can cats eat?

Many of the fruits we consume are also safe for cats to eat.

According to Purina, apples are safe, but you should always remove the stem and seeds as they may contain amounts of cyanide, a chemical that’s toxic to cats and other animals. It is recommended that the apple is cut into tiny slices, and that the pet only has one to two pieces.

Bananas, mangos, strawberries, fresh pineapple, berries, melons and pears are all safe for cats to eat – but they must be washed well, cut into small pieces and served in small quantities because cats already get the nutrients they need from their packaged pet food.

What fruits and vegetables can dogs eat?

According to the experts at American Kennel Club, dogs can eat certain fruits as an occasional treat, like apples, bananas, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, watermelon and cranberries – served in moderation and in small slices.

The same goes for mango, cucumber, oranges and fresh peaches. They’re also safe, provided they are washed well and that stone fruits have the pit removed before they’re served.

When it comes to vegetables, broccoli, cooked Brussels sprouts, carrots, celery, green beans, and peas are all safe to eat for dogs, provided they are washed well and chopped into small digestible pieces.

The fruits and vegetables to avoid for both cats and dogs

Avocados are not safe for dogs or cats, because the pit, skin, and leaves contain persin, a toxin that often causes vomiting and diarrhea, according to experts at the American Kennel Club. Consumption can lead to long-term digestive issues.

Cherries are also a no-go because cherry plants contain cyanide and are toxic to dogs. If your dog eats cherries whole or cherry pits, watch for dilated pupils, difficulty breathing and red gums – as these may be signs of cyanide poisoning, which is a veterinary emergency.

Onions can be extremely toxic for dogs and cats, and you should call your vet if you think your pet has eaten some by mistake. Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives are part of the Allium family of plants that are poisonous to most pets, and eating them can cause your dog’s red blood cells to rupture along with sickness, including vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain.

Pet experts also recommend skipping canned fruits, because they may contain high amounts of sugary syrups and preservatives, which are not healthy for pets.

Tomato fruits are generally safe, but the green parts of the tomato plant contain a toxic substance called solanine – so experts advise it is best to avoid.

Grapes are also not safe for dogs and cats, and you should call your vet if you think your pet has eaten them. Grapes and raisins are highly toxic to dogs and cats of all breeds, and eating them can lead to sudden kidney failure.

Citrus fruits, like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit, should also be avoided because they can cause stomach irritation.

Asparagus isn’t toxic, but there isn’t much benefit to feeding it to your pet, according to experts. It is too tough to be eaten raw and the vegetable loses nutritional value when it is cooked down too much.

Wild mushrooms should be avoided, also, but washed or cooked mushrooms purchased from the supermarket for human consumption are generally fine for dogs and cats.

If you suspect your dog or cat has ingested a dangerous fruit or vegetable, note the amount eaten and contact your vet immediately. You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.