We often want to share our favorite foods with our Belgian Malinois. But Belgian Malinois have different metabolic systems than ours, so what’s safe food for us may not be safe for our Belgian Malinois.
Therefore, you need to know which fruits, vegetables and snacks are safe for your Belgian Malinois to eat. Below are the most common 37 fruits, vegetables & snacks Belgian Malinois can (and can’t) eat:
List of fruits Belgian Malinois can or can’t eat
Wondering which fruits your Belgian Malinois can eat or not? Here is a list of some common fruits your Belgian Malinois can or can’t eat:
Apples
Yes, Belgian Malinois can eat apples.
Apples are a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber for your Belgian Malinois. They’re low in protein and fat, making them the perfect snack for senior Belgian Malinois.
But before you give your pup an apple, make sure to remove the seeds and core first. Also avoid processed apples like applesauce and apple pie—these contain added sugar that can be harmful to your Belgian Malinois’s health.
Avocado
Avocados are not safe for your Belgian Malinois to consume. Avocado fruit, pits, leaves, skin and the actual plant contain persin so these parts are potentially poisonous to your Belgian Malinois.
However, avocado oil that is extracted from the seed of the avocado fruit is safe in small amounts.
Bananas
Can Belgian Malinois eat bananas? The answer is yes! Bananas are a great low-calorie snack for your Belgian Malinois in moderation. They are high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They also contain very little cholesterol and sodium. However, their high sugar content means they should be given as an occasional treat.
Remove the peel before giving your Belgian Malinois a banana as it is hard to digest. Avoid processed bananas like banana chips or banana puddings—these may contain added toxic ingredients.
Blackberry
Yes, Belgian Malinois can eat blackberries.
Blackberries are low in calories and sugar and are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They’re also available year-round in frozen or fresh form, so your Belgian Malinois can enjoy them year round.
The only caveat is that you should avoid processed blackberries like blackberry jam, jelly, and blackberry-flavored ice cream, as they may contain harmful preservatives or artificial colourings.
You should give your Belgian Malinois only 2 blackberries a day per 10 pounds of body weight.
Blueberry
Yes, Belgian Malinois can eat blueberries.
Blueberries are a great source of vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants. They’re also high in sugar, so you should feed them to your Belgian Malinois in moderation—about 4-5 blueberries for every 10 lbs of body weight. Frozen, fresh or dried blueberries are all fine. That said, avoid any processed blueberry products that may contain harmful ingredients—for example, don’t give your Belgian Malinois any blueberry muffins or blueberry flavored yogurt.
Cantaloupe
Can Belgian Malinois eat cantaloupe? Yes, they can.
Cantaloupes are low in calories but high in other nutrients, such as fiber and moisture. However, they also contain an abundance of sugar, so it’s best to give your Belgian Malinois a small amount once or twice per week.
You’ll want to remove the rinds and seeds before feeding them to your Belgian Malinois; these are choking hazards for your pet.
Cherry
So, can Belgian Malinois eat cherries?
Unfortunately, no.
Although the fleshy part around the seed is safe, the plant contains cyanide, which destroys cellular oxygen transport in your Belgian Malinois. The symptoms of cyanide toxicity include dilated pupils, vomiting and diarrhea, weakness, and tremors.
If you think your Belgian Malinois has eaten cherry leaves or pits, contact your vet right away!
Grapes
Can Belgian Malinois eat grapes?
No. Grapes are very toxic to Belgian Malinois, even in small amounts. They can cause sudden kidney failure in your Belgian Malinois, which can be fatal. Symptoms of grape poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Seek veterinary help immediately if you suspect your Belgian Malinois ate grapes. To prevent accidental ingestion, keep the grapes out of your Belgian Malinois’s reach and educate your family about the danger of accidental ingestion by Belgian Malinois or other pets in the home.
Mango
Yes, Belgian Malinois can eat mango. Mango contains four different vitamins: A, B6, C, and E that are essential for your Belgian Malinois’s overall health. It also has potassium, fiber and antioxidants, which are good for the immune system.
However, always remove the skin and pits to prevent choking in your Belgian Malinois. Also, avoid processed mango products like mango sorbet, mango popsicles, and mango ice cream, as they may contain harmful preservatives.
The amount of mango your Belgian Malinois should eat depends on the size of your Belgian Malinois, but one-quarter cup of fresh mango once a week will be fine for most Belgian Malinois.
Oranges
Can a Belgian Malinois eat oranges?
Yes, it is safe for Belgian Malinois to consume oranges in moderation. However, Belgian Malinois should not be given the entire orange or any other citrus fruit. The citrus fruit may cause upset stomachs, diarrhea and vomiting in Belgian Malinois.
Orange contains Vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system and collagen formation. It also contains potassium and fiber, which help maintain a healthy digestive system and promote general well-being. Oranges also contain moisture, which helps keep your Belgian Malinois hydrated when they are outside in hot weather.
When feeding your Belgian Malinois an orange, remove all traces of peel, skin, pith (the white part of the fruit) and seeds from the fleshy part of the fruit before giving it to your Belgian Malinois as an occasional treat (1-2 sections as an occasional treat are enough for most Belgian Malinois).
Peaches
Yes, Belgian Malinois can eat peaches. However, only feed your Belgian Malinois small amounts of cut-up fresh or frozen peaches. Peaches are high in fiber and vitamin A, which makes them a great snack for your Belgian Malinois.
However, remove the pit before serving peaches to your Belgian Malinois as it contains cyanide. Also, avoid processed peaches like peach cobbler or peach pie, as they may contain toxic chemicals for your pup.
Pears
Belgian Malinois 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 that are not good for your Belgian Malinois. One small slice is ok for most Belgian Malinois as pears contain sugar.
Pineapples
Yes, Belgian Malinois can eat pineapple.
The pineapple is a very healthy fruit for your Belgian Malinois. It contains vitamins, minerals and bromelain—a protein that helps with digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains moisture, which is good for Belgian Malinois who suffer from dry skin or allergies.
Only the soft inner fruit is safe for your Belgian Malinois to eat. Remove the spiky skin and hard inner pineapple core before feeding it to your Belgian Malinois. You should also avoid processed pineapples like canned pineapple or pineapple cake since they contain added harmful chemicals.
Pumpkin
Yes, pure pumpkin itself is a great choice and a very healthy snack for Belgian Malinois. It helps with your Belgian Malinois’s skin and coat, and can help remedy both diarrhea and constipation in your Belgian Malinois.
However, it’s important to note that you should never feed your Belgian Malinois pumpkin pie mix. Canned pumpkin is ok for your Belgian Malinois but make sure it’s 100% pumpkin—that means no spices or other additives.
Many pumpkin supplements and pumpkin pup treats are available on the market today, so if you want to give this healthy snack to your furry friend as part of their daily diet, it’s easy to do so!
The amount varies with your Belgian Malinois’s size and activity level, but start with a teaspoon per day. You can always increase from there if needed.
Strawberry
Yes, Belgian Malinois can eat strawberries.
Strawberries are a very healthy treat for your Belgian Malinois. They’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—and they taste yummy too.
Fresh or frozen strawberries are both great options; just make sure you cut them into small pieces before giving them to your pup. If you’re buying processed strawberries, be sure to check the label on their ingredients list to make sure there’s no added sugar or other unhealthy additives (such as corn syrup) in the product.
Watermelon
Watermelon is a delicious summer treat for both you and your Belgian Malinois. It’s low in calories, and it even contains vitamins A and C, as well as lycopene! The only part of the watermelon that’s safe for your Belgian Malinois to eat is the flesh.
Cut it into small chunks so that your Belgian Malinois can easily chew on it, then remove the seeds and rinds (and their juices). You can also cut out any white parts if they’re not too tough for your Belgian Malinois to chew through.
A half cup of diced seedless and rind-free watermelon per 10 pounds of body weight should be plenty for one serving—but don’t give it to your Belgian Malinois too often.
List of vegetable Belgian Malinois can or can’t eat
Wondering which vegetables your Belgian Malinois can eat or not? Here is a list of some vegetables your Belgian Malinois can or can’t eat:
Broccoli
Broccoli can be a healthy addition to your Belgian Malinois’s diet. Broccoli contains Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and minerals such as calcium, potassium, and iron. It also contains fiber.
Broccoli stems and florets are both safe for Belgian Malinois to eat, either cooked or raw. However, always cut them into small pieces because they are a choking hazard.
Offer your pup 1/4 (0.25) cup of broccoli per 10 pounds of body weight of your pup.
Cabbage
Yes, Belgian Malinois can eat cabbage.
Cabbage is a healthy and nutritious food for Belgian Malinois. It is rich in vitamins like Vitamin C and minerals like iron, and contains antioxidants that help prevent cancer. It also contains fiber and moisture to keep your Belgian Malinois’s digestive system healthy.
You can feed your Belgian Malinois any color of cabbage you like—the red variety is more nutritious, with 10 times more Vitamin A than the green kind. However, both are safe and healthy for Belgian Malinois to eat in moderation.
To prepare cabbage for your Belgian Malinois, lightly cook or roast it until it’s soft enough to easily digest. No seasoning should be added—especially salt or oil—as these could cause digestive problems if consumed by Belgian Malinois. Offer just one bite per 10 pounds of body weight at a time; this will help prevent nausea if too much is eaten at once.
Carrots
Yes, Belgian Malinois can eat carrots. In fact, this orange veggie is a great low-calorie treat for your Belgian Malinois. Carrots contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber—all things that are good for your Belgian Malinois’s health.
Carrots are also great for your Belgian Malinois’s teeth because they’re crunchy and help scrape plaque off the teeth (provided you chop them into smaller pieces so they don’t get stuck in your pup’s mouth).
Raw or frozen carrots are fine, but cooked carrots are better since they’re easier to digest. If you’re going to give your Belgian Malinois raw or frozen carrots that haven’t been chopped up yet, make sure you cut them into small enough pieces so they don’t get stuck in his throat when he tries to chew them.
You can also feed your Belgian Malinois carrot cake as long as you add no harmful additives.
Celery
Yes, Belgian Malinois can eat celery, and it’s an excellent low-calorie treat. It contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and is high in moisture and fiber that can help your Belgian Malinois feel full.
Celery sticks are ok, especially for big pups. Celery leaves are ok too, as long as they’re organic and washed. However, always cut the celery into bite-sized pieces to make sure you don’t give them too much at once. Start with one or two bite-sized pieces and work up to more as needed.
Cucumber
Can Belgian Malinois eat cucumbers?
Yes. Cucumbers are rich in vitamins, minerals, moisture, and fiber. They also provide phytochemicals that help freshen your Belgian Malinois’s breath. The seeds and peels of cucumber are safe as long as they are organic, but you should avoid processed cucumbers such as pickles because they may contain harmful ingredients.
The amount depends on the size of your Belgian Malinois, but only one or two pieces of cucumber are fine.
Garlic
Garlic is toxic to Belgian Malinois, and they should never be given it. The main culprit is a sulfur compound called N-propyl disulfide, which causes hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells) leading to anemia. Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and urination, lethargy, weakness, pale gums and skin coloration, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), increased heart rate and respiration rate.
A Belgian Malinois would have to ingest around 15 to 30 grams of garlic per kilogram of body weight for it to be toxic. Luckily, the amount of garlic that could cause harm is too high for your Belgian Malinois to eat without you noticing first.
However, if you suspect your Belgian Malinois has eaten some garlic, contact your vet immediately.
Onions
If you have ever wondered if a Belgian Malinois can eat onions, the answer is no. Onions contain chemical compounds that are toxic to Belgian Malinois, and even small amounts of onion can be fatal.
Onions are dangerous because they contain N-propyl disulfide, a sulfur compound that causes hemolysis leading to anemia in Belgian Malinois. Toxic dose is 15 gm/kg of body weight of your Belgian Malinois, so even a small amount of onion could be poisonous to your Belgian Malinois.
Besides, all parts of the onion plant are toxic to Belgian Malinois too, including the flesh, ring, leaves, juice and processed powders.
If your Belgian Malinois ate onions, contact your vet immediately.
Zucchini
Can Belgian Malinois eat zucchini?
Yes, they can. Zucchini is a low calorie treat and full of vitamins and antioxidants. It’s also high in fiber and moisture that Belgian Malinois need to stay hydrated. Plain raw, steamed, or cooked zucchini is safe for Belgian Malinois to eat. However, raw zucchini provides more Vitamin A than cooked ones.
When giving your Belgian Malinois zucchini, start with just one or two small bites (about a quarter-size piece) and monitor their reaction closely for any signs of discomfort or stomach upset. If all is well after about 30 minutes, you can offer them another small bite.
List of some other snacks Belgian Malinois can or can’t eat
Wondering which snacks your Belgian Malinois can eat or not? Here is a list of some snacks your Belgian Malinois can or can’t eat:
Bacon
No! Bacon is an incredibly rich and fatty food with a high salt content. It can prove to be too much for a Belgian Malinois’s stomach to handle. Eating a large amount can cause pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas that leads to vomiting and diarrhea. Canine pancreatitis can be fatal if not treated quickly by your veterinarian.
However, giving your Belgian Malinois small amounts of cooked bacon infrequently should not cause harm. When feeding your Belgian Malinois cooked bacon, make sure you cut it into small pieces so that it doesn’t get stuck in their throat or cause choking.
Beef
Yes, you can feed your Belgian Malinois cooked, unseasoned lean beef. It’s a great source of protein and many important vitamins and minerals.
You should stay away from raw beef because it can contain bacteria that can make your Belgian Malinois sick or cause a serious illness called E. Coli. Never feed cooked bone to your Belgian Malinois either, but larger raw beef bones can be fun chew toys. For a 20 pounds pooch, one cup of kibble or 0.3 pound of ground beef is ok if you go for a raw diet.
Bread
Yes, Belgian Malinois can eat bread.
However, only plain white and wheat bread is safe for Belgian Malinois to eat.
Bread doesn’t provide that much nutrients in your Belgian Malinois, so offer them in moderation. A crust is fine, but a whole slice is too much for your Belgian Malinois.
Too much bread can cause flatulence and diarrhea.
Cheese
Yes, Belgian Malinois can eat cheese. In fact, it’s a good source of vitamins, fatty acids and proteins, so it’s a great way to give your Belgian Malinois some extra nutrients.
However, there are some types of cheese that you should never feed your Belgian Malinois. Spicy cheeses like blue cheese, goat cheese and parmesan are bad for Belgian Malinois because they contain high levels of fats and sodium that can cause digestive and kidney problems. Mozzarella, cottage and swiss cheeses are the safest options since they don’t contain moderate levels of sodium and fats.
As for how much cheese is safe for your Belgian Malinois to eat? It depends on his size. However, a few small bites are fine.
Chicken
Yes, Belgian Malinois can eat chicken. Chicken contains protein, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, which are all essential for a Belgian Malinois’s diet.
Boneless cooked breast meat is the best option as it has less fat than other parts of the chicken. Chicken skin is high in fat, so avoid feeding your Belgian Malinois this part of the chicken.
Amount depends on the size of your Belgian Malinois but give 1/8 to 1/6 cup of meat protein per 10 pounds of body weight per day if your Belgian Malinois is on a raw meat diet.
Chocolate
Chocolate is one of the most common household poisons for Belgian Malinois. It contains both theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to pups.
Most dangerous are cocoa powder, unsweetened baker’s chocolate, semisweet chocolate, dark chocolate and milk chocolate.
If you suspect your Belgian Malinois ate chocolate, contact your vet immediately. Educate your family about the danger of chocolate in Belgian Malinois to prevent accidental ingestion.
Eggs
Yes, your Belgian Malinois can eat eggs! Eggs are high in protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. You just want to make sure that you cook them well and don’t add any seasoning that could be harmful to your Belgian Malinois. Raw eggs may also contain bacteria or harmful substances like avidin. Avidin prevents the absorption of biotin, which is important for healthy skin, fur and bones. The shells are fine as long as they’ve been ground up into a powder and have no sharp edges.
Fish
Can Belgian Malinois eat fish?
The short answer is yes. Fish is rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals—and your Belgian Malinois needs all of these things in his diet. But not all fish are safe for your Belgian Malinois to eat. Smaller, younger, wild-caught, shorter-lived species like salmon and shrimp are generally safe for your Belgian Malinois; older, longer-lived species like tuna, shark and swordfish may contain heavy metals like mercury that can be harmful to your Belgian Malinois’s health.
It’s always important to clean any fish you feed your Belgian Malinois properly before feeding it to him: debone it and then cook it thoroughly, with no harmful additives or ingredients added. Feeding your Belgian Malinois one or two times per week in small controlled amounts is usually safe for most Belgian Malinois; however, if you have questions about whether a specific type of fish is safe for your Belgian Malinois to eat, consult with your veterinarian before giving it to them.
Icecream
Can Belgian Malinois eat ice cream? The short answer is no. Belgian Malinois are not built to consume the amount of dairy, sugar, and other ingredients that go into ice cream. Ice cream is toxic to Belgian Malinois, as it can cause an upset stomach and even diarrhea sometimes.
Ice cream lollies, ice cream cones, Oreo ice cream, McDonald’s ice cream, vanilla ice cream, chocolate ice cream—all are unsafe for your Belgian Malinois to eat. While the occasional lick won’t hurt them too much, if you suspect they’ve eaten any of these things on purpose or by mistake, seek veterinary help immediately.
Peanut butter
Can Belgian Malinois eat peanut butter?
The short answer is yes, but only in moderation. Peanut butter provides protein, vitamins and healthy fats that can help keep your Belgian Malinois’s coat shiny and their body healthy. Just like with humans, though, it’s important to check the ingredients list of any food product before you feed it to your Belgian Malinois.
If your Belgian Malinois has a peanut allergy or is prone to allergic reactions, avoid peanut butter altogether. Even if your Belgian Malinois doesn’t have an allergy, be sure to check the label for xylitol—that’s a sugar alcohol used in many peanut butters that can cause liver failure in Belgian Malinois (and humans). Also avoid chocolate-flavored peanut butter or pretzels—they contain three times more sodium than most other foods you might give your Belgian Malinois and can cause health problems if consumed in large quantities.
For safety reasons, start by feeding your Belgian Malinois a half teaspoon of peanut butter per day and see how they react. If all goes well and they seem happy with the amount of peanut butter you’re giving them, increase it slowly over several weeks.
Popcorn
Can Belgian Malinois eat popcorn?
Yes, but in small amounts and only as an occasional treat. Plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for Belgian Malinois to eat in small quantities as an occasional treat. Popped corn kernels actually contain several minerals important to Belgian Malinois, like magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc, along with fiber and trace amounts of vitamins.
However, avoid processed popcorn like buttery or caramel-coated popcorn because it can be fattening and your Belgian Malinois may not need the extra calories. Also, un-popped or partially popped kernels can be a choking hazard and may even cause damage to your Belgian Malinois’s teeth.
Turkey
The short answer is yes, Belgian Malinois can eat turkey.
Turkey is a good source of protein, fatty acids and minerals. It’s safe for your Belgian Malinois to eat as long as you provide cooked lean, white, unseasoned and boneless turkey meat. Turkey breast meat is the best option because it’s higher in protein than dark meat. If you’re feeding your Belgian Malinois less than 20 grams of white meat per 12 pounds body weight, or 15 grams of dark meat per 12 pounds body weight, they should be fine (just avoid the skin).
You should also avoid giving your Belgian Malinois any processed turkey—it may contain harmful additives that could cause GI upset or pancreatitis.
Yogurt
Yes, Belgian Malinois can eat yogurt.
Plain yogurt is a perfectly acceptable snack for Belgian Malinois. However, some Belgian Malinois may have trouble digesting dairy products. If your Belgian Malinois can digest it, the good bacteria in yogurt can help strengthen the digestive system. Plain yogurt is the best choice for your Belgian Malinois and should be made from whole milk to ensure a high-quality protein source for your pup. You should avoid yogurts with added sugar or artificial sweeteners as they could cause digestive upset and other health issues when eaten by Belgian Malinois.
One teaspoon of yogurt a day is fine for most Belgian Malinois.