There are a lot of foods that are safe for humans, but dangerous for Akitas. This can lead to several health problems in your pet, including death.
However, many human foods are completely safe for Akitas and can provide important nutrients and health benefits. And even though some foods on this list are not exactly common, they’re still safe for your pup if you choose to share them with him.
We’ve compiled a list of 37 fruits, vegetables and snacks that Akitas can (and can’t) eat so that you can make an informed decision about what foods are safe for your pup.
List of fruits Akitas can or can’t eat
Wondering which fruits your Akita can eat or not? Here is a list of some common fruits your Akita can or can’t eat:
Apples
Yes, Akitas can eat apples.
Apples are a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber for your Akita. They’re also low in protein and fat, making them the perfect snack for senior Akitas.
You should always remove the seeds and core first. To avoid processed apples like applesauce and apple pie filling, choose fresh fruit over canned or dried varieties.
The sugar in apples can cause issues if eaten in large quantities. Your Akita may experience diarrhea or vomiting after eating too much sugar at once, so monitor how much he’s getting from all sources.
Avocado
Avocados are not safe for your Akita to consume.
Avocado fruit, pits, leaves, skin and the actual plant contain persin so these parts are potentially poisonous to your Akita.
This is an oil-soluble toxin that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in Akitas if they ingest it. The symptoms usually occur within hours of ingestion, but they may not appear until as much as a week later. If you suspect your Akita has ingested any part of an avocado, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Anyway, avocado oil is safe in small amounts for your dog, as it contains omega-3 fatty acids.
Bananas
Yes, Akitas can eat bananas.
Bananas are low-calorie, high-fiber snacks that are chock full of vitamins and minerals. They contain a fair amount of potassium and biotin, along with copper, fiber, and vitamin C. They also have minimal cholesterol and sodium. However, bananas are high in sugar content, so they should be given as an occasional treat rather than as a daily snack.
Bananas that have been peeled prior to serving can be fed to Akitas without any issues—the peel is actually quite difficult for Akitas to digest. However, if you’re giving your Akita a banana that has been processed into something like a banana chip or pudding (which may be added with potentially harmful ingredients), then you should probably avoid it altogether.
Blackberry
Yes, Akitas can eat blackberries.
Blackberries are low in calories and sugar, which is great for Akitas who are watching their weight. They’re also high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help your Akita’s overall health. Frozen or fresh, either type is fine—but avoid processed blackberries like blackberry jam or jelly because they may contain harmful ingredients like corn syrup or artificial sweeteners.
If your Akita weighs 10 pounds, they should have around 2 blackberries per day.
Blueberry
Yes, Akitas can eat blueberries.
Blueberries are high in vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin C, and iron. They’re also high in sugar, so feed them to your pup in moderation (4-5 blueberries per 10 pounds of body weight). Frozen or fresh is fine—either works for most pups. Avoid processed blueberries like blueberry muffins, blueberry yogurt, blueberry pie, or blueberry pancakes—these may contain added harmful ingredients like sugar, corn syrup or artificial coloring.
Cantaloupe
Can my Akita eat cantaloupe?
The answer is yes! While cantaloupe is high in sugar and calories, it also contains fiber and moisture, which are important for your Akita’s health. However, give your Akita the fruit in moderation—just like with any other food—and remove the rinds and seeds before serving. The rinds are a choking hazard, and the seeds could get lodged in your pup’s intestines if they swallow them whole.
Cherry
Cherry trees are a beautiful addition to any yard, and the bright fruit adds color and flavor to salads, smoothies, and desserts. But can Akitas eat cherries?
The answer is no. Although the fleshy part around the seed is safe for Akitas to eat, cherries contain cyanide—a poisonous compound that destroys cellular oxygen transport in your Akita. This can cause dilated pupils, rapid breathing, vomiting, diarrhea and weakness. Contact your veterinarian if your Akita ate a cherry or other plant that contains cyanide.
Grapes
Akitas should not eat grapes, even if they seem like a fun treat. The reason is that grapes are very toxic to Akitas, and even a small amount can cause them to have kidney failure.
Symptoms of grape poisoning include vomiting and diarrhea, lethargy, but these symptoms can come on suddenly and are often mistaken for other problems. If you suspect your Akita has eaten grapes, seek veterinary help immediately.
Mango
Yes, Akitas can eat mango. In fact, it’s a great source of vitamins A, B6, C, and E. Mangoes also contain potassium and fiber, which are great for your Akita’s digestive system.
Mangoes are also full of antioxidants that can keep your Akita’s immune system strong against disease. They’re also rich in beta-carotene (a type of vitamin A), which helps keep your Akita’s eyes healthy and prevents cataracts or glaucoma from developing later in life.
Keep in mind that because mangoes contain sugar, they should only be eaten one-quarter cup once/twice a week at most—unless you’re using them to treat pancreatitis or diabetes in your Akita.
The skin of the mango may cause choking if swallowed whole by your pet, so remove it before feeding it to him/her! Also, remove the pit as it may get stuck in his/her throat.
Oranges
Yes, Akitas can eat oranges. Oranges are a good source of Vitamin C, potassium, fiber and moisture.
The fleshy part of the orange is safe for your Akita to eat in moderation—one or two sections per week as an occasional treat should be enough for most Akitas. The peel, skin, pith and seeds contain toxins that are harmful to Akitas, so it’s important to remove all traces of these before serving the fleshy part of the orange to your pooch.
Peaches
Peaches are safe for Akitas to eat, but only in small amounts.
Peaches are high in fiber and vitamin A, so they’re a good choice for a healthy treat. However, remove the pit before serving it to your Akita because it contains cyanide.
Peaches are also safe for Akitas to eat when they’re cut up into small pieces or frozen and then thawed. But avoid processed peaches like peach cobbler or peach pie because they may contain harmful preservatives that could harm your Akita’s health.
Pears
Yes, Akitas can eat pears.
Pears are a great snack because they’re high in copper, vitamins C and K, and fiber, which is great for your Akita’s teeth and gums. The fruit also has natural antioxidants that can help reduce the risk of having a stroke by up to 50%.
Just be sure to cut pears into bite-size chunks and remove the pit and seeds first, as the seeds contain traces of cyanide. Processed pears, like canned pears, may also contain sugar syrups and other additives that are unhealthy for your Akita. One small slice is ok for most Akitas as pears contain sugar.
Pineapples
Yes, Akitas can eat pineapple.
Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain. It’s a natural enzyme that can help with inflammation, digestion, and healing wounds.
Akitas should only eat the soft inner fruit of the pineapple. They should eat none of the hard outer skin or core of the fruit, as these are very dangerous for Akitas to digest.
The amount of pineapple your Akita should eat depends on how big they are. You should give them 2/3 small bites of raw pineapple, which is about 2 tablespoons worth of fruit.
Pumpkin
Yes, pure pumpkin itself is a great choice and a very healthy snack for Akitas.
Pumpkin helps with your Akita’s skin and coat, as well as digestion. It can help remedy both diarrhea and constipation in your Akita, too.
Never feed your Akita pumpkin pie mix. Canned pumpkin is ok for your Akita but make sure it’s 100% pumpkin. Many pumpkin supplements and pumpkin pup treats are available on the market today. But you can also make your own by pureeing fresh or canned pumpkin until smooth and adding water if needed to thin it out into a consistency that your Akita will love.
Amount varies with your Akita’s size and activity level, but start with a teaspoon per day.
Strawberry
Yes, Akitas can eat strawberries.
In fact, they contain many vitamins and minerals that Akitas need to stay healthy. Fresh and frozen strawberries are both good for your pup, but always cut them into small pieces before serving to avoid choking hazards. Avoid processed strawberries, which may contain additives that are dangerous for Akitas to eat.
Watermelon
Yes, Akitas can safely eat watermelon.
Watermelons are low in calories, so they make a great snack for Akitas that are trying to lose weight or reduce their calorie intake. They contain vitamins, minerals and lycopene, which is an antioxidant that can help keep your Akita’s cells healthy. The flesh of the watermelon is safe for Akitas to eat but not the rinds or seeds.
Cut the melon into small chunks and remove all the seeds before giving it to your Akita. You should also remove any rinds from the melon because these parts can be harmful if swallowed by your pet. A half cup of diced seedless and rind-free watermelon is enough per 10 pounds of body weight for your Akita to enjoy as a treat.
List of vegetable Akitas can or can’t eat
Wondering which vegetables your Akita can eat or not? Here is a list of some vegetables your Akita can or can’t eat:
Broccoli
Akitas can eat broccoli. It’s safe for Akitas to eat broccoli stems and florets, both cooked or raw. Just be sure to cut the broccoli into small pieces because of the risk of choking. Offer 1/4 cup (0.25) cup of broccoli per 10 pounds of body weight per day, split into two meals.
Cabbage
Cabbage is a healthy food for Akitas.
It’s rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants and fiber. Your Akita can enjoy it in all colors, but red cabbage is especially nutritious—it has ten times more vitamins than green cabbage!
Cabbage that has been lightly cooked or roasted is the best way to offer it to your pup. Make sure there are no seasonings added with oil or salt, though—these are not good for your Akita’s digestive system.
You should give your pup about 1 bite of roasted cabbage per 10 pounds of body weight, which will provide them with plenty of nutrition, causing no digestive upset.
Carrots
Yes, Akitas can eat carrots.
Carrots are a great low-calorie treat for your pup. They contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are important for your Akita’s health. And crunching on an orange vegetable is great for their teeth. Raw, frozen or cooked carrots are all fine—it’s up to you whether you want to feed them raw or cook them before serving them. However, if you use cooked carrots, cook them until they’re soft enough for your Akita to chew easily and digest easily.
If you’re going to feed your Akita raw or frozen carrots, chop them into smaller pieces so they don’t get stuck in their throat. Carrot cake is fine as long as you don’t add any harmful additives (like chocolate) to it! One or two baby carrots should be enough for most Akitas of average size.
Celery
Yes, Akitas can eat celery. Celery is a great low-calorie treat for Akitas and contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It’s also high in moisture and fiber, so it can be a good way to add variety to your Akita’s diet.
There are many ways to feed celery to your Akita: you can mix it with their regular food, top it with small pieces of peanut butter, or pair it up with other treats. However, make sure that they are cut into bite-sized pieces so they don’t get stuck in the throat or cause choking. Start by giving him or her just one or two bite-sized pieces at first!
Celery leaves are also safe for Akitas to eat, as long as they’re organic and washed well before serving them to your pet.
Cucumber
Yes, Akitas can eat cucumbers. In fact, they’re great for them! Cucumbers contain vitamins, minerals, and moisture, and fiber that helps keep your Akita’s digestive system running smoothly. They also provide phytochemicals that help freshen your Akita’s breath.
The cucumber seed and peels or skin are fine for your Akita too, as long as they are organic. However, avoid processed cucumbers like cucumber pickles, as they may contain harmful food additives like salt, sugar, garlic, and onions.
The amount will depend on the size of your Akita, but one or two pieces of cucumber per day should be fine.
Garlic
No, Akitas cannot eat garlic.
Garlic contains N-propyl disulfide, a sulfur compound that causes hemolysis leading to anemia, as well as other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Raw and cooked cloves and bulbs of garlic are toxic to your Akita. The toxic dose is 15 to 30 grams of garlic per kilogram of body weight (1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds). Contact your vet immediately if your Akita ate garlic.
Onions
Can a Akita eat onions?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Onions contain a sulfur compound called N-propyl disulfide. This compound causes hemolysis, which leads to anemia in Akitas.
The toxic dose is 15 gm/kg of the body weight of your Akita.
Every type of onion is bad for Akitas—red, white or whatever variety you’re thinking of feeding your pup. Besides, all parts of the onion plant are toxic to Akitas too, including the flesh, ring, leaves and juice, and processed powders like garlic powder or onion powder.
If your Akita ate onions, contact your vet immediately!
Zucchini
Yes, Akitas can eat zucchini!
Zucchini is a low calorie treat and full of vitamins and antioxidants. A cup of zucchini has only about 19 calories, but it’s also high in fiber and moisture that will make your pup feel full for hours. You can feed your Akita plain raw, steamed, or cooked zucchini—it’s safe for Akitas to eat all three ways. However, raw zucchini provides more Vitamin A than cooked ones. The amount depends on the size of your Akita, but start with just one or two small bites.
List of some other snacks Akitas can or can’t eat
Wondering which snacks your Akita can eat or not? Here is a list of some snacks your Akita can or can’t eat:
Bacon
No, your Akita should not eat bacon. Bacon is an incredibly rich and fatty food with a high salt content. Giving your Akita a large amount of cooked bacon infrequently may cause pancreatitis—a dangerous inflammation of the pancreas.
Pancreatitis is caused by giving your Akita too much fat at once, which puts pressure on their liver and pancreas. This can cause inflammation, which can be fatal if left untreated.
If you want to give your Akita small amounts of cooked bacon infrequently, which is fine by the way, monitor their symptoms and body language carefully so that you can catch any changes before they become serious.
Beef
Yes, Akitas can eat beef.
Cooked, unseasoned lean beef is safe for Akitas in small amounts unless your Akita is allergic to beef. It’s also a good source of protein and many important vitamins and minerals. Cooked beef broth, beef stew, or specialty Akita beef jerky without excess salt are all safe for Akitas, too.
Beef bones can be a chew toy for larger Akitas; just make sure they’re raw. Never feed cooked bone to your Akita, but larger raw beef bones are safe as long as they don’t splinter or break into sharp pieces that might puncture or scratch your pet’s mouth or throat. For a 20-pound pooch, one cup of kibble or 0.3 pound of ground beef is enough if you go for a raw diet.
Bread
Yes, Akitas can eat bread—but only if it’s white or wheat bread. Other types of bread, like sourdough and whole wheat, contain yeast that could be harmful to your Akita.
If you’re not sure if your Akita is allergic to bread, then it’s best to avoid it completely until you know for certain.
Bread doesn’t provide a lot of nutritional value to your Akita; it’s more of a snack food than anything else. So don’t give them too much! A crust is fine, but a whole slice is too much for your Akita.
Too much bread can cause diarrhea in Akitas, so make sure you offer it in moderation.
Cheese
If you’ve been wondering if your Akita can eat cheese, there’s good news: Akitas can eat small amounts of cheese.
Cheese contains lots of vitamins and fatty acids that are good for your Akita’s health. It also provides protein, which helps keep your Akita strong and healthy.
It’s best to stick to mozzarella, cottage, swiss and cheddar cheeses when feeding your Akita cheese. Avoid spicy cheeses like cheesecake or blue cheese—they can be bad for your Akita. And stay away from cream cheese and parmesan—these types of cheese have a high salt content that could make your pet sick if they eat too much at once.
The amount depends on the size of your pet—but a few small bites are fine.
Chicken
Yes, Akitas can eat chicken. Chicken contains protein, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Boneless cooked breast meat is the best option as it has no bones to worry about and contains less fat than other parts of the bird.
Chicken skin is a high-fat food that should be avoided as it can cause pancreatitis in some Akitas. The amount depends on the size of your Akita, but give 1/8 to 1/6 cup of meat protein per 10 pounds of body weight per day if your Akita is on a raw meat diet.
Chocolate
Can Akitas eat chocolate? The short answer is no.
Chocolate contains both theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to Akitas. Theobromine is a stimulant that affects the heart and central nervous system, causing vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, hyperactivity, restlessness, rapid breathing or irregular heartbeat in pups. Caffeine can affect digestion and cause vomiting or diarrhea.
If you suspect your Akita has eaten any type of chocolate product or food containing cocoa powder, call your veterinarian immediately and be prepared to bring them into the clinic if needed for treatment.
Because of this, it’s important to educate your family members about the dangers of chocolate in Akitas so they don’t accidentally give Fido a treat that could kill him.
Eggs
Yes, your Akita can eat eggs.
Eggs are high in protein, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. They’re a great addition to your Akita’s diet. The only caveat is that you should avoid raw eggs—because of avidin, an anti-nutrient found in the egg white that prevents the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), it’s best to cook the egg before giving it to your Akita. You should also avoid giving your Akita raw egg whites because they may contain harmful bacteria.
The egg shell itself is fine as long as you grind it up and there are no sharp edges—but keep an eye out for any cracks or discoloration that could show contamination.
Fish
Can Akitas eat fish? The answer is yes, but there are a few things to consider before you do.
Fish is rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. It’s also low in fat and sodium. But not all fish is safe for your Akita to eat.
Smaller, younger, wild-caught, shorter-lived species like salmon and shrimp are safe for Akitas to eat—but only in small amounts one or two times per week. Avoid longer-lived fish species like tuna, shark and swordfish as they can contain heavy metals like mercury. Always clean them properly by removing the skin and bones before cooking them with no additional harmful additives like onions, oil, and salt.
Feeding your Akita one or two times per week in small controlled amounts at most times so as not to upset their appetite or stomach by giving too much of anything healthy at one time.
Icecream
No, the Akita shouldn’t eat ice cream. Ice cream contains high amounts of dairy products and sugar. If your Akita accidentally eats ice cream, they may develop gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea, vomiting, or even pancreatitis.
Oreos, lollies, cones, McDonald’s ice cream- all are unsafe for your pup. If you suspect your Akita has eaten ice cream, seek veterinary help immediately.
Peanut butter
Peanut butter is a delicious and nutritious snack for both humans and Akitas.
In fact, peanut butter provides protein, vitamins and healthy fats.
However, ensure the peanut butter is pup safe without xylitol or chocolate. Also, avoid peanut butter pretzels, as it contains three times more sodium than the recommended amount for your Akita.
The amount of peanut butter you feed your Akita depends on the size of your Akita, but start with a half teaspoon per day.
Popcorn
Can Akitas eat popcorn?
The short answer is yes, Akitas can eat popcorn. But you should only feed them plain, air-popped popcorn as an occasional treat. It’s important to note that the actual popcorn kernels themselves contain several important minerals for Akitas, like magnesium and manganese. They also provide fiber and trace amounts of vitamins.
However, it’s best to avoid giving your Akita popped corn kernels or any other types of processed popcorn, such as buttered popcorn or popcorn with other toppings like cheese or caramel. These kinds of treats can be dangerous for your Akita to eat because they’re high in fat and salt. Also, un-popped or partially popped kernels can be a choking hazard and may even cause damage to your Akita’s teeth.
Turkey
Yes, Akitas can eat turkey. Turkey is safe as long as you provide cooked lean, white, unseasoned and boneless turkey meat to your Akita.
Turkey breast meat is the best option because it contains the lowest amount of fat and calories. Turkey skin should be avoided because it can cause GI upset and pancreatitis. Also avoid processed turkey, as it may contain harmful additives.
The recommended serving size for a healthy adult Akita is 20 grams of white meat turkey or 15 grams of dark meat turkey per 12 pounds body weight for your pooch
Yogurt
Yogurt is a perfectly healthy snack for Akitas, and it’s good for their digestive systems.
However, we do want to point out that not all Akitas can digest dairy products. If your Akita has trouble digesting yogurt, it may cause them to feel sick or uncomfortable. Therefore, we recommend starting with plain yogurt and seeing how it goes.
Plain yogurt is the best choice for your Akita because it contains beneficial bacteria that can help strengthen their digestive system. Avoid yogurts with added sugar and artificial sweeteners—this will only complicate things for your pup. One teaspoon of yogurt per day should be fine for most pups, but check with your vet before giving more than this amount per day.
Conclusion
You’ve learned all about 37 fruits, vegetables and snacks Akitas can (and can’t) eat.
The list of human foods your Akita can (and can’t) eat is long, but it’s important to remember that with any safe treat, the safest rule is “90/10.” That means 90% of it should be normal, balanced meals and snacks. The other 10% should be treats, like any of these safe human foods for your pup.