7 August Fruits & Veggies Your Dog Can Totally Eat!

August is well under way, which means that we’re spending the month eating our favorite summer treats before it’s time to say hello to fall. But, can your dog enjoy these summer delights, too? The answer is yes, and we’ve got 7 August fruit and veggies your pupper is going to love.

Work up an appetite with a game of fetch and dig in!

Berries
Berries are in abundance this time of year! Maybe you pick wild blackberries from a patch near your home. Or, perhaps you stock up on blueberries when they fill the fruit section of your grocery store. 

The good news for your pup is that the berries that are in season right now—boysenberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries—are dog-friendly! A word of warning, though, berries are small but they pack a big punch. They tend to be high in fructose and fiber, which can lead to stomach upset. So don’t give your dog more than a couple at a time.

Summer Squash
You might associate squash with fall (after all, we’re about to enter the polarizing pumpkin spice season), but the truth is, August has its own delicious gourds to offer!

Summer squash is a group of squashes that are picked before they’re fully mature, while the outer skin is still soft. You’re probably familiar with zucchini, but other popular varieties include globe, crookneck and pattypan squash. 

No matter which one you choose, you can feed these nutritious summer veggies to your dog. Simply set aside a few raw bite-sized pieces from when you cook up a side of summer squash. Or, lightly boil them without seasoning for easier digestion.

Melons
The watermelon is practically the poster child for summer. It’s a given that at some point, you and your family are going to slice up one of these delicious, juicy treats for a picnic or afternoon by the pool!

As it turns out, watermelon, as well as cantaloupe and honeydew, are safe to share with your dog.  

Beets
Beets are an excellent source of vitamin A, manganese, potassium, and other vitamins and minerals. And, they can add color and sweetness to your favorite summer dishes. Lucky for your dog, beets are also safe and healthy for our canine friends. The trick is to find a way to feed them to your pup that won’t leave ruby red beet stains all over your floors!

One way that you might share beets with your dog is to shred them over their food bowl as a special topper. You might also look up an easy oatmeal and beet DIY dog treat recipe. Another simple summer treat? Freeze some homemade beet juice in ice cube trays for a summer pupcicle. Just make sure to give them to your doggo outside so they don’t melt on your carpet.

Green Beans
Like squash, we tend to think of green beans as a fall food—we’re already dreaming about Thanksgiving green bean casserole!—but the truth is, this legume is perfectly in season right now. Green beans come in a few different varieties, from common green beans to purple string beans to Italian flat beans. And, they’re all full of healthy vitamins, minerals and fibers. 

Dogs can eat green beans raw or lightly boiled and cooled. They should always be unseasoned and served in moderation.

Apples
Here in the Pacific Northwest, apple-picking season starts as early as late August. Not only does this family-friendly activity mark the end of summer, but it’s also a great way to stock up on some delicious apples!

No matter the variety, dogs can enjoy the health benefits of apples, which are full of vitamins A and C, potassium and fiber. As with all fruits, of course, feed this late summer treat in moderation and be careful not to let your pup eat the seeds, which contain cyanide.

And if your local apple-picking orchard is dog-friendly, make sure to bring Fido along! Now is a great time to install BreezeGuard screens on your car windows so that your pup can enjoy the last of the summer air safely while in the backseat.

Peaches
Sweet, vibrant, and perfectly ripe throughout the month of August, the last fruit on our list is peaches. This stone fruit is a great source of antioxidants, potassium, and Vitamin C. And dogs tend to love them!

Like with apples, a peach pit can pose a health hazard to your dog. So, slice up this fruit in small pieces and consider freezing them for cool bite-sized treats in the summer.

Final thoughts on sharing your plate with Fido this summer
While all of the foods that we’ve listed here are safe for dogs, it’s always best to practice care when straying from your dog’s normal diet. Here are some final tips to allow your dog to enjoy some of the best of the August harvest:

• Limit your dog’s treats to 10% of their daily calories. The rule of thumb from most dog nutrition experts is that if you give your dog treats, they shouldn’t account for more than 10% of your dog’s overall daily calorie intake. In general, veggies have fewer calories than fruits, so you can be a bit more liberal with green beans than peaches, and so on.

• Test out new foods slowly. Some dogs have food allergies, so you’ll want to test their tolerance with very small bites to start. If you notice any changes, including itchiness, don’t continue to give your dog fruits or veggies.

• Check with your vet if your dog has underlying health conditions. Some dogs will be particularly sensitive to changes in fructose or fiber. So, if you want to share some healthy summer treats with your dog, check with your veterinarian first.

We hope you and your pup enjoy the August harvest!
When served in moderation, these August fruits and veggies can be a great source of vitamins and minerals for your furry friend. And, they’ll love the chance to partake in your late summer picnic!