As a Golden Retriever owner, you often share your favorite foods with your Golden Retriever. But as we all know, there’s a lot more to a Golden Retriever than meets the eye.
Golden Retrievers have different metabolic systems from us humans, so what is safe for you might not be safe for your Golden Retriever. That’s why we created this list of 37 common fruits, vegetables and snacks Golden Retriever can or cannot eat. We hope this will help you keep your furry best friend healthy.
List of fruits Goldies can or can’t eat
Wondering which fruits your Golden Retriever can eat or not? Here is a list of some common fruits your Golden Retriever can or can’t eat:
Apples
Yes, Goldies can eat apples.
Apples are a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber for your Golden Retriever. They are low in protein and fat, making them the perfect snack for senior Goldies. It’s important to remove the seeds and core before giving them to your Golden Retriever, though. Processed products like applesauce or apple pie should also be avoided because they contain added sugar.
Avocado
Avocado is not safe for your Golden Retriever.
The avocado, whether it’s the fruit, pit or leaves, contains persin—a toxic substance that can cause vomiting, diarrhea and even death in Goldies. Admittedly, there have been no fatal reports of avocado poisoning in Goldies; however, it can have serious consequences in large enough quantities (like when your Golden Retriever eats an entire avocado).
While the flesh of an avocado is not safe for Goldies to eat, you can use small amounts of avocado oil for cooking purposes.
Bananas
Yes, Goldies can eat bananas.
Bananas are a low-calorie snack for Goldies in moderation. They’re also a great source of potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They’re low in cholesterol and sodium, but they do have a high sugar content so we should give them as an occasional treat.
Bananas come with an outer peel that is difficult to digest, so we should remove it before feeding your Golden Retriever. If you are going to give your Golden Retriever banana chips or other processed bananas, make sure they don’t contain any added toxic ingredients like sugar or artificial coloring.
Blackberry
Can Goldies eat blackberries? Yes!
But with a few caveats.
Blackberries are a low-calorie, low-sugar fruit that is high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They’re great for you and your Golden Retriever’s health. Frozen or fresh, either is fine. Avoid processed blackberries like blackberry jam, jelly, blackberry-flavored ice cream, as they may contain harmful preservatives or additives.
Two blackberries per 10 pounds of body weight is the maximum amount you should give your Golden Retriever each day.
Blueberry
Can Goldies eat blueberries?
Yes, Goldies can eat blueberries. High in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, they are also high in sugar, so feed them in moderation (4-5 blueberries per 10 pounds of body weight). Frozen, fresh, dried or mashed, either is fine for most pups.
Avoid processed blueberries like blueberry muffins, blueberry yogurt, blueberry pie, or blueberry pancake because they may contain added harmful ingredients or preservatives that could upset your pup’s stomach.
Cantaloupe
Can a Golden Retriever eat cantaloupe?
Yes! However, it’s important to keep in mind that this fruit is low in calories and high in other nutrients, including fiber and moisture. It also contains sugar, which means you should give your Golden Retriever only moderate amounts of cantaloupe.
Remove the rinds and seeds, as these can be choking hazards for Goldies.
Cherry
Can Goldies eat cherries? The answer is no. While the fleshy part around the seed is safe, the plant contains cyanide. Cyanide destroys cellular oxygen transport in your Golden Retriever and can lead to dilated pupils and respiratory distress. Contact your vet if your Golden Retriever ate cherries.
Grapes
Can Goldies eat grapes? The short answer is no. Grapes are extremely toxic to Goldies, and even a small amount can cause sudden kidney failure in your Golden Retriever.
Symptoms of grape poisoning include vomiting, excitability, lethargy, weakness and depression. Seek veterinary help immediately if you suspect your Golden Retriever ate grapes.
To prevent accidental ingestion, keep the grapes out of your Golden Retriever’s reach and educate your family about the danger of accidental ingestion.
Mango
You can feed him or her one-quarter cup of fresh ripe mango once a week.
Yes, Goldies can eat mango. This fruit has lots of vitamins in it that are good for your Golden Retriever’s health.
Mango contains four different vitamins: A, B6, C, and E that are great for your Golden Retriever’s immune system and help with energy. The fruit also has potassium and fiber to keep your Golden Retriever’s digestive system running smoothly. Mango also has antioxidants which protect against free radicals (which cause disease) in the body.
You don’t want to give your Golden Retriever the skin or pits of a mango because they could choke on them. If you feed them fresh ripe mango once a week they will love it!
However, there are some processed mango products like mango sorbet or popsicles that might contain harmful ingredients so don’t give these to your Golden Retriever.
Oranges
Yes, Goldies can eat oranges in moderation.
Oranges provide Vitamin C, potassium, fiber and moisture, which is good for your Golden Retriever’s health. However, you will want to avoid giving your Golden Retriever the peel or any traces of the skin, pith, or seeds.
The best way to do this is to cut up an orange into sections and give your Golden Retriever only the fleshy part of each section. This should be enough for most Goldies as a treat once in a while.
Peaches
Yes, Goldies can eat peaches. Small amounts of cut-up fresh or frozen peaches are safe for your Goldies.
Peaches are high in fiber and vitamin A, and they’re low in sugar, making them a healthy snack for your pup. Peaches also contain antioxidants that help protect against cancer.
However, remove the pit before serving it to your Golden Retriever as it contains cyanide. We recommend cutting up the peach into small pieces or freezing it so that you can easily remove the pit before serving it to your Golden Retriever. Also, avoid processed peaches like peach cobbler or peach pie, as they may contain harmful preservatives like BHA/BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) that can be harmful for your Golden Retriever.
Pears
Yes, Goldies can eat pears. Pears are a great snack because they’re high in copper, vitamins C and K, and fiber. Eating the fruit can reduce the risk of having a stroke significantly.
Just be sure to cut pears into bite-size chunks and remove the pit and seeds first, as the seeds contain traces of cyanide. Skip processed pears like canned pears as it may contain sugar syrups and other additives.
One small slice is ok for most Goldies as pears contain sugar but monitor how much you give your Golden Retriever.
Pineapples
Yes, Goldies can eat pineapple.
Pineapples are a tasty snack for Goldies, and they contain vitamins, minerals, bromelain, and moisture. However, only the soft inner fruit is safe for your Golden Retriever to eat. It’s important to remove the spiky skin and hard inner pineapple core before feeding your Golden Retriever any part of this fruit.
Processed pineapples like canned pineapple or pineapple cake should be avoided because they contain added harmful chemicals that may harm your Golden Retriever’s health.
Pumpkin
Yes, it’s true. Pure pumpkin is a great choice and a very healthy snack for Goldies.
Pumpkin helps with your Golden Retriever’s skin and coat, and it can also help remedy both diarrhea and constipation in your Golden Retriever.
Never feed your Golden Retriever pumpkin pie mix. Canned pumpkin is ok for your Golden Retriever but make sure it’s 100% pumpkin. Many pumpkin supplements and pumpkin pup treats are available on the market as well.
Amount varies with your Golden Retriever’s size and activity level, but start with a teaspoon per day.
Strawberry
Yes, Goldies can eat strawberries.
Strawberries are high in vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants. The fresh or frozen kind have the same benefits. But you should always cut the strawberries into small pieces before serving them to your Golden Retriever. You should also remove the stem before feeding them to your Golden Retriever. Processed strawberries contain sugar and other additives, so they aren’t recommended for Goldies because they may cause gastrointestinal problems.
Watermelon
Yes, Goldies can eat watermelon! In fact, it’s a great low-calorie treat for your Golden Retriever. Watermelon is packed with vitamins, minerals, lycopene—even moisture! Just make sure you cut it into small chunks and remove the seeds, rinds, and skin before serving. Half a cup of diced seedless and rind-free watermelon is enough per 10 pounds of body weight.
List of vegetable Goldies can or can’t eat
Wondering which vegetables your Golden Retriever can eat or not? Here is a list of some vegetables your Golden Retriever can or can’t eat:
Broccoli
Yes, Goldies can eat broccoli. Broccoli contains vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s also a good source of calcium and potassium. The stems and florets are both safe to eat, either cooked or raw.
However, always cut them into small pieces because they can be a choking hazard for your Golden Retriever. Offer 1/4 (0.25) cup per 10 pounds of body weight of your pup.
Cabbage
Cabbage is a safe and healthy choice for your Golden Retriever.
Cabbage contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help improve your pup’s overall health. And it has plenty of fiber for digestion support. All colors of cabbage are safe for Goldies—red, green, purple, etc.—so don’t be afraid to try them all!
You can feed your pup raw cabbage or lightly cooked cabbage. Roasted cabbage is the best option because it will be easier for your pup to digest this way. However, make sure that you don’t add any seasonings with oil or salt when you’re cooking up some cabbage for your Golden Retriever.
Carrots
Can Goldies eat carrots? Yes, they can!
Carrots are a great low-calorie treat for your Golden Retriever. They contain vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber, which helps keep your Golden Retriever’s digestive system healthy.
You can feed your Golden Retriever raw, frozen or cooked carrots—either is fine. However, cooked carrots are better than raw or frozen because they’re easier to digest. If you opt for raw or frozen carrots, chop them into smaller pieces so that they’re easier for your Golden Retriever to chew and swallow.
If you choose to make a carrot cake for your Golden Retriever, be sure to leave out any harmful additives such as chocolate or raisins. One or two baby carrots should be enough for an average-sized pup.
Celery
Yes, Goldies can eat celery.
Celery is a great low-calorie treat for Goldies. It’s also high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and moisture and fiber—which is why it’s recommended as an alternative to rawhide in training. It can be used in a variety of ways: you can give your Golden Retriever small peanut butter treats right on top of their normal meal, mix it with their food to make it more interesting, or pair it with another treat. You should always cut the celery into bite-sized pieces so they don’t choke on it—that goes for the celery leaves too (as long as they’re organic and washed).
Start with one or two pieces at a time until you see how much your Golden Retriever eats; if they’re still hungry after that, try giving them more later on.
Cucumber
Can Goldies eat cucumbers? The quick answer is yes. Cucumbers are a safe and healthy snack for your Golden Retriever.
Cucumbers contain vitamins, minerals, moisture and fiber that help freshen your Golden Retriever’s breath. They also provide phytochemicals that help freshen your Golden Retriever’s breath as well as improve their immune system.
The seeds and skin of cucumbers are safe for your Golden Retriever to eat as long as they are organic; however, avoid processed cucumbers like pickles because they may contain harmful food additives like salt or sugar.
How much of a cucumber should you give to your Golden Retriever? It depends on the size of your Golden Retriever, but only one or two pieces per day should be fine for most Goldies.
Garlic
Can Goldies eat garlic? No, they can’t! Garlic is toxic to Goldies. It contains N-propyl disulfide, a sulfur compound that causes hemolysis leading to anemia. Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and heart problems (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Raw and cooked cloves and bulbs of garlic are toxic to your Golden Retriever. A toxic dose is 15 to 30 grams of garlic per kilogram of body weight. Contact the vet immediately if your Golden Retriever ate garlic.
Onions
The answer to the question “Can a Golden Retriever eat onions?” is a resounding “no.”
Onions contain a sulfur compound called N-propyl disulfide, which causes hemolysis and anemia in Goldies. The toxic dose for this compound is 15 grams per kilogram of body weight for your Golden Retriever.
Besides being toxic, onions are bad for Goldies because they can cause damage to their red blood cells. Once these cells are damaged, they lose their ability to carry oxygen around the body—and that includes tissues and organs. This can lead to organ failure, including liver damage and kidney failure.
All parts of the onion plant are toxic to Goldies—including the flesh, powder and peel—but they also contain chemicals that cause stomach upset. Even small amounts of onion can be enough to make your pet sick if consumed.
Zucchini
Zucchini is a low calorie treat and full of vitamins and antioxidants, which are good for your Golden Retriever’s skin and coat. It’s also high in fiber and moisture that can help with digestion.
Zucchini is safe for Goldies to eat plain raw, steamed, or cooked. However, raw zucchini provides more Vitamin A than cooked ones. So if your Golden Retriever has a liver problem or another condition where they cannot tolerate any amount of Vitamin A, skip this one.
Start with just one or two small bites and see how your pup does. If your Golden Retriever seems okay with it, then increase the amount slowly over time until you find their limit.
List of some other snacks Goldies can or can’t eat
Wondering which snacks your Golden Retriever can eat or not? Here is a list of some snacks your Golden Retriever can or can’t eat:
Bacon
Can Goldies eat bacon?
The simple answer is no. Bacon is an incredibly rich and fatty food with a high salt content. While this might sound like the perfect treat for your Golden Retriever, it’s actually not. Bacon can prove to be too much for a Golden Retriever’s stomach to handle, which can cause pancreatitis.
While it should be okay to give your Golden Retriever small amounts of cooked bacon infrequently, it’s not recommended that you let your Golden Retriever eat any amounts of uncooked bacon.
Beef
Yes, Goldies can eat beef.
In fact, beef is a great source of protein and many important vitamins and minerals. Cooked, unseasoned lean beef is safe for Goldies in small amounts unless your Golden Retriever is allergic to beef, so you can feed them some cooked ground beef or even give them a piece of cooked steak as a treat.
Beef broth, beef stew, and specialized Golden Retriever beef jerky without an excess amount of salt are all safe for your Golden Retriever. Stay away from raw beef because the risk of contamination from bacteria is high and you don’t want your pooch getting sick! Never feed cooked bone to your Golden Retriever, but larger raw beef bones can be a chew toy. For a 20 pounds pooch, one cup of kibble or 0.3 pound of ground beef is fine if you opt for a raw diet.
Bread
Yes, Goldies can eat bread provided your Golden Retriever is not allergic to it.
However, only plain white and wheat bread is safe for Goldies to eat.
Bread doesn’t provide that much nutrients in your Golden Retriever, so offer them in moderation. A crust is fine, but a whole slice is too much for your Golden Retriever. Too much bread can cause diarrhea and bloating.
Cheese
Yes, Goldies can eat cheese. In fact, there are many benefits to feeding your Golden Retriever a small amount of cheese. Cheese contains vitamins, fatty acids and proteins that can be beneficial to your Golden Retriever’s health. The problem is that not all cheeses are safe for Goldies to eat.
Mozzarella, cottage, swiss and cheddar cheese are safer than other types of cheese because they don’t have as much lactose and salt in them—which means they’re less likely to cause stomach and kidney problems in your Golden Retriever. Stay away from spicy cheeses like cheesecake, blue cheese and goat cheese, as well as cream cheese and Parmesan.
You may also want to consider how much you feed your Golden Retriever when you give him or her any type of food regularly. A few small bites of cheese should be fine for most Goldies, but if you notice any symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea after feeding them this treat, then stop immediately.
Chicken
Yes, Goldies can eat chicken. Chicken contains protein, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that are essential for a healthy diet.
Boneless cooked breast meat is the best option for your Golden Retriever’s diet as it contains less fat than other parts of the chicken (like the skin).
You can include chicken in your Golden Retriever’s diet but avoid giving too much as it has a high amount of fat that can cause pancreatitis
Amount depends on the size of the Golden Retriever but give 1/8 to 1/6 cup of meat protein per 10 pounds of body weight per day if your Golden Retriever is on a raw meat diet
Chocolate
Chocolate contains both theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to pups. Both of these compounds are stimulants that affect Goldies’ central nervous system. Theobromine is more toxic than caffeine, so cocoa powder (most toxic) and unsweetened baker’s chocolate are more dangerous than semisweet chocolate or dark chocolate. Milk chocolate is less toxic than other types of chocolate, but it’s still not good for your pup.
If your Golden Retriever ate any form of chocolate, contact your vet immediately. They’ll likely need to induce vomiting to remove much of the product from their stomachs, then they’ll likely need IV fluids to make sure they don’t get dehydrated while they’re being treated for their exposure.
Eggs
Yes, your Golden Retriever can eat eggs.
Eggs are high in protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals—all of which your Golden Retriever needs to stay healthy. Eggs also contain choline, which is an essential nutrient for the brain and nervous system. However, avoid raw eggs because avidin—a protein found in egg whites—prevents absorption of biotin (which is essential for hair growth) and may contain bacteria.
Cooked eggs without seasonings or additives are fine for Goldies. You may want to grind up the shells so there aren’t any sharp edges that could cause injury if swallowed.
Fish
Yes, Goldies can eat fish.
Fish is rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Some fish contain more vitamin D than milk does. Fish are also a great source of calcium.
However, not all fish is safe for your Golden Retriever to eat. Smaller, younger, wild-caught species like salmon, shrimp, tilapia are safe for your Golden Retriever. 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 deboning them and then cook them with no harmful additives added. Feeding your Golden Retriever one or two times per week in small controlled amounts is recommended if you want to give them some fishy goodness.
Icecream
No, Goldies should not eat ice cream. Ice cream contains high amounts of dairy products and sugar, which can cause serious health issues for your Golden Retriever. Goldies can become ill after eating ice cream because it has a high fat content and is high in calories.
Symptoms of ice cream toxicity include diarrhea, vomiting, increased thirst and urination, lethargy or weakness, loss of appetite, and fever. If you suspect that your Golden Retriever accidentally ate ice cream or you see these symptoms in your pet, seek veterinary help immediately.
Peanut butter
Yes, Goldies can eat peanut butter in moderation.
Peanut butter provides protein, vitamins and healthy fats that your Golden Retriever needs to stay healthy. However, ensure the peanut butter is pup-safe without xylitol and chocolate. Also, avoid peanut butter pretzels, as it contains 3 times more sodium.
Amount depends on the size of your Golden Retriever, but start with a half teaspoon per day.
Popcorn
Goldies can eat plain popcorn, but it’s not the healthiest treat to give your Golden Retriever.
Plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for Goldies to eat in small quantities as an occasional treat. Popped corn kernels actually contain several minerals important to Goldies, like magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc, along with fiber and trace amounts of vitamins.
However, un-popped or partially popped kernels can be a choking hazard and may even cause damage to your Golden Retriever’s teeth. Finally, processed popcorn—such as buttered popcorn or any other kind with toppings—is not safe for Goldies at all.
Turkey
Yes, Goldies can eat turkey. In fact, it’s a great source of protein, fatty acids and minerals for your pooch. You just want to make sure you provide cooked lean, white, unseasoned and boneless turkey meat to your Golden Retriever.
Turkey breast meat is the best option because it has less fat than other cuts of turkey. You should avoid the skin on the turkey because it can cause gastrointestinal upset in Goldies. Also avoid processed turkey because it may contain harmful chemicals or additives that could make your Golden Retriever sick.
It’s recommended that you provide 20 grams of white meat turkey or 15 grams of dark meat turkey per 12 pounds body weight for your pooch.
Yogurt
Yes, Goldies can eat yogurt. Plain yogurt is a perfectly acceptable snack for Goldies, and it’s full of beneficial bacteria that can help strengthen the digestive system. However, some Goldies may have trouble digesting dairy products. If your Golden Retriever can digest it, the beneficial bacteria in yogurt can help strengthen the digestive system.
Plain yogurt is the best choice for your Golden Retriever; avoid any yogurts with added sugar or artificial sweeteners as they can cause diarrhea or upset stomachs in Goldies. One teaspoon of yogurt a day is fine for most pups.
Conclusion
It’s time to feed your Golden Retriever some healthy snacks.
With this list of 37 common fruits, vegetables, and snacks that Golden Retrievers can or cannot eat, you’ll be able to keep your furry friend’s diet on the right track. Stay away from the unsafe ones and feed safe ones only. However, with any safe food follow the 90/10 rule: 90% calories should come from their normal balanced diet, only 10% from the treats like these.