Unsafe Vegetables for Dogs

Dog owners should take care to feed their pets a well-balanced and nutritionally sound diet. It is even more important to ensure that dogs do not eat foods that are potentially harmful. Many pet owners are aware of the dangers of some foods, such as chocolate, but are surprised to learn that even some vegetables are unsafe for dogs.

  1. Onions

    • All types and forms of onions can be harmful to dogs. This includes onion powder, dried onions, onion flakes and even onion flavoring. Onions can cause gastrointestinal issues leading to vomiting and diarrhea. According to the pet section of WebMD, onions also can have a negative impact on the dog's red blood cells and can lead to anemia.

    Rhubarb

    • Rhubarb is harmful to dogs because it contains substances called oxalates. Oxalates can harm the digestive and nervous systems in dogs. In some cases, the urinary tract system may be harmed as well.

    Avocado

    • While avocado technically is a fruit, some mistakenly consider it a vegetable. Avocados contain persin, which makes many dogs quite ill, even if only a very small amount is ingested. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.

    Raw Potatoes

    • Potatoes contain oxalates, the same substance found in rhubarb, which can be harmful to dogs. Dogs should not be allowed to eat any raw potatoes for this reason. However, according to the pet section of WebMD, cooked potatoes are safe for dogs to eat on occasion.