Many Greyhound owners want to share human foods with their pooch, but Greyhounds have different metabolic systems than ours. That’s why what’s safe food for us may not be safe for our Greyhound.
Therefore, you need to know which foods are safe to feed your Greyhound and which ones aren’t. The good news? There are tons of great foods that are healthy, nutritious, and delicious.
Below are the most common fruits, vegetables & other snacks Greyhounds can (and can’t) eat:
List of fruits Greyhounds can or can’t eat
Wondering which fruits your Greyhound can eat or not? Here is a list of some common fruits your Greyhound can or can’t eat:
Apples
Yes, Greyhounds can eat apples.
Apples are a healthy snack for your Greyhound, as they provide vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. They’re low in protein and fat, which makes them perfect for senior Greyhounds.
To make sure your Greyhound gets the most out of their apple snack, you should remove the seeds and core first. You should also avoid processed apples like applesauce and apple pie filling—these products often contain added sugar.
Avocado
Can Greyhounds eat avocados? Well, it depends.
Avocados are not safe for your Greyhound to consume. Avocado fruit, leaves, skin and the actual plant contain persin so these parts are potentially poisonous to your Greyhound.
The good news is that avocado oil is safe in small amounts. However, you should never feed your Greyhound an avocado seed or pit because they contain a toxin called persin, which can be harmful to Greyhounds.
Bananas
Yes, Greyhounds can eat bananas. But it is important to give them in moderation.
Bananas have a lot of nutritional benefits for Greyhounds: they are low-calorie snacks that are high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber and copper. They are also low in cholesterol and sodium. However, bananas contain a high sugar content so we should give them as an occasional treat (bananas are more likely to cause diarrhea than some other fruits).
The peel on a banana is harder to digest, so it is important to remove it before feeding your Greyhound a banana. It’s also important to make sure that the banana you feed your Greyhound is not a processed version (like banana chips or pudding) because these could contain added toxic ingredients.
Blackberry
Yes, Greyhounds can eat blackberries!
Blackberries are low in calories and sugar, and they’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. So they’re a great snack for your pup.
You can give your Greyhound raw or frozen blackberries, either one is fine.
It’s important to avoid processed blackberries like blackberry jam, jelly, or blackberry-flavored ice cream because these may contain harmful chemicals. Your Greyhound should get two blackberries per 10 pounds of body weight per day.
Blueberry
Yes, Greyhounds can eat blueberries. They are a high-fiber food that are also high in vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants. However, they are also high in sugar, so feed them in moderation (4-5 blueberries per 10 pounds of body weight). Frozen, fresh or dried blueberries are all fine for most pups. Avoid processed blueberries like blueberry muffins, blueberry yogurt and other foods that may contain harmful food additives.
Cantaloupe
Yes, Greyhounds can eat cantaloupe.
Cantaloupe are low in calories but high in other nutrients. They also contain fiber and moisture, which can help keep your Greyhound hydrated. However, it is important to note that cantaloupe is high in sugar and should be given in moderation. Also, remove the rinds and seeds before serving your Greyhound—these can be a choking hazard.
Cherry
No, Greyhounds can’t eat cherries. Although the fleshy part around the seed is safe, cherries contain cyanide, which isn’t good for Greyhounds. Cyanide destroys cellular oxygen transport in your Greyhound and causes a variety of symptoms, like dilated pupils, loss of coordination and balance, vomiting, diarrhea, and rapid or irregular heartbeat. If you think your Greyhound has eaten them, contact your vet immediately.
Grapes
Your Greyhound can’t eat grapes.
Grapes are toxic to Greyhounds and can cause sudden kidney failure. Even a small amount of grapes can cause this, so it’s important to keep grapes out of reach of your Greyhound at all times. Symptoms of grape poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and weakness.
If you suspect your Greyhound has eaten grapes or if you see symptoms of grape poisoning in your pet, seek veterinary help immediately.
Mango
Yes, your Greyhound can eat mango.
Mangoes are packed with vitamins A, B6, C and E; potassium; fiber; and antioxidants. They’re also low in sodium and high in calcium.
The skin of a mango is harmful to Greyhounds, so remove it before feeding your Greyhound any fresh mangoes. Also, the pit of a mango is poisonous to Greyhounds, so if you’re planning on feeding them fresh mango slices or cubes, make sure that those pieces do not contain any pits or seeds.
Processed products like mango sorbet and mango popsicles may contain harmful ingredients like artificial sweeteners or preservatives that could cause stomach upset or other issues in your Greyhound.
One-quarter cup of fresh mango once a week should be enough for your Greyhound’s nutritional needs per serving size.
Oranges
Yes, your Greyhound can eat oranges in moderation.
Oranges provide Vitamin C, potassium, fiber and moisture. They’re a great source of antioxidants, which can help prevent cancer and heart disease in humans.
Greyhounds may not taste sweet flavors — but they can definitely detect sour flavors! So if you give your Greyhound a piece of orange that’s too sour, he may stop eating it. Stick to giving him the fleshy parts only. Avoid giving him the peels or skin at all costs (they’re not safe for Greyhounds to eat). You should also remove any traces of seeds or pith before offering him a piece of orange.
1-2 sections as an occasional treat are enough for most Greyhounds.
Peaches
YES! Greyhounds can eat peaches!
Peaches are a nutritious fruit that is safe to feed to Greyhounds in small amounts. They are high in fiber and vitamin A, and they contain few calories. Peaches are also rich in antioxidants, which help to boost your Greyhound’s immune system.
However, keep in mind that the pit contains cyanide, so remove it before feeding your Greyhound any pieces of peach. Also avoid processed peaches such as peach cobbler or peach pie—these may contain harmful ingredients like sugar and flour.
Pears
Can Greyhounds eat pears?
Yes, Greyhounds can eat pears. In fact, pears are a great snack for Greyhounds because they’re high in copper, vitamins C and K, and fiber. They also contain antioxidants called polyphenols that help 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—the seeds contain traces of cyanide! Skip processed pears like canned pears as it may contain sugar syrups and other additives that are bad for your pup. One small slice is ok for most Greyhounds as pears contain sugar.
Pineapples
Yes, Greyhounds can eat pineapple.
Pineapple is a tasty snack for your Greyhound. It contains vitamins, minerals, and bromelain, which is helpful for digestion and to reduce inflammation. The water content in pineapple can also help to hydrate your Greyhound if he is dehydrated.
Be careful not to give your Greyhound too much pineapple at once: 2/3 small bites of raw pineapple is enough. You should remove the spiky skin and hard inner core before feeding it to your Greyhound. Avoid processed pineapples like canned pineapple or pineapple cake—these contain harmful chemicals that are not good for Greyhounds to consume.
Pumpkin
Yes, pure pumpkin itself is a great choice and a very healthy snack for Greyhounds. It helps with your Greyhound’s skin and coat, and it’s also great for digestion. Pumpkin can help remedy both diarrhea and constipation in your Greyhound.
Never feed your Greyhound pumpkin pie mix. Canned pumpkin is ok for your Greyhound but make sure it’s 100% pumpkin, not mixed with other ingredients like sugar or spices. Many pumpkin supplements and pumpkin pup treats are available online, but you should always check the ingredients before buying.
The amount depends on your Greyhound’s size and activity level, but start with a teaspoon per day.
Strawberry
Yes, Greyhounds can eat strawberries.
Strawberries are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that all Greyhounds need. The same benefits apply to both fresh and frozen strawberries. However, you should always cut the berries in small pieces before giving them to your Greyhound. Don’t give them whole or they’ll choke on them!
Be sure to remove the strawberry’s stem, as it’s not safe for your Greyhound to eat. Also avoid processed strawberries with sugar added—they’re not very nutritious at all!
Watermelon
Watermelon is a low-calorie treat that your Greyhound will love. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, lycopene, and moisture—a perfect treat for hot days or after a long walk!
Only the flesh of a watermelon is safe and nutritious for Greyhounds. Cut it into small chunks, remove the seeds, rinds, and skin. Half a cup of diced seedless and rind-free watermelon is enough per 10 pounds of body weight.
List of vegetable Greyhounds can or can’t eat
Wondering which vegetables your Greyhound can eat or not? Here is a list of some vegetables your Greyhound can or can’t eat:
Broccoli
Can Greyhounds eat broccoli? Yes, but only if you’re careful.
Broccoli contains Vitamin K, Vitamin C and minerals that are good for your pup. It also contains fiber, which can help with digestion and weight management. Broccoli stems and florets are both safe to eat—either cooked or raw—but always cut them into small pieces to avoid choking hazards. You should offer about 1/4 cup of broccoli per 10 pounds of body weight each day.
Cabbage
Yes, your Greyhound can eat cabbage. Cabbage contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are beneficial to your Greyhound’s health. It is also rich in fiber and moisture, which helps keep your pup hydrated. The red or green cabbage you choose is up to you—they’re both safe for Greyhounds.
Red cabbage is more nutritious than green cabbage because it contains 10 times more vitamins than the latter. If you have an especially picky pooch who doesn’t like the taste of green cabbage, maybe try roasting some red cabbage instead! Just make sure there’s no seasoning with oil or salt—you don’t want to add calories or fat to your pup’s diet. You can offer about one bite of roasted (or raw) cabbage per 10 pounds of body weight per day.
Carrots
Yes, Greyhounds can eat carrots.
Carrots are an excellent low-calorie treat for your Greyhound. They contain vitamins, minerals, fiber, and plenty of fiber that can help keep your pup’s digestive system healthy.
Raw or frozen carrots are fine as long as you chop them into smaller pieces to avoid choking hazards. It’s also important to note that cooked carrots are better than raw ones because cooked carrots are easier for Greyhounds to digest.
For a raw or frozen carrot, one or two baby carrots is enough for an average-sized pup; however, if your pet is overweight or has any special dietary needs (like diabetes), talk with your vet about how much he should eat each day in order to get his ideal weight and health levels under control.
Celery
Yes, Greyhounds can eat celery. Celery is a great low-calorie treat for your pet. It contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and is high in moisture and fiber.
Celery sticks are fine for most Greyhounds (especially big pups), but if you want to give your Greyhound the leaves as well, it’s best to use organic ones that have been washed thoroughly.
Start by giving your Greyhound one or two bite-sized pieces at first, then increase the amount gradually.
Cucumber
Cucumber is a delicious and healthy snack for Greyhounds. It contains vitamins, minerals, moisture, and fiber, which are all great for your Greyhound’s health. It also provides phytochemicals that help freshen your Greyhound’s breath!
The seed and peels or skin of cucumbers are safe as long as they are organic. Avoid processed cucumbers like cucumber pickles, as they may contain harmful additives like onions, garlic, salt, sugar.
You should only give your Greyhound one or two pieces of cucumber at a time depending on their size.
Garlic
Yes, garlic is toxic to Greyhounds.
Garlic contains N-propyl disulfide, a sulfur compound that causes hemolysis leading to anemia. Other symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea, loss of appetite, weakness, pale gums and skin, increased heart rate and blood pressure. The toxic dose is 15 to 30 grams of garlic per kilogram of body weight. Contact the vet immediately if your Greyhound ate garlic.
Onions
If you’ve ever wondered if a Greyhound can eat onions, the answer is no. Onions are toxic to Greyhounds, and there’s no way to tell what the effects will be until it’s too late.
The reason for this is that onions contain a sulfur compound called N-propyl disulfide, which causes hemolysis leading to anemia in humans and Greyhounds alike. This means that the red blood cells break down and the body cannot function properly.
The toxic dose of onions is 15 gm/kg of the body weight of your Greyhound. The same goes for all parts of the onion plant, including red onions, white onions, green onions—any type of onion is bad for Greyhounds. Besides, all parts of the onion plant are toxic to Greyhounds too, including the flesh, ring, leaves and juice, and powders.
If your Greyhound has eaten any part of an onion plant or raw garlic recently, call your vet immediately because it could have already begun processing those foods through their system.
Zucchini
Yes, Greyhounds can eat zucchini.
Zucchini is a low calorie treat and full of vitamins and antioxidants. It’s also high in fiber and moisture that will keep your Greyhound hydrated and their digestive system running smoothly. Plain raw, steamed, or cooked zucchini is safe for Greyhounds to eat.
However, raw zucchini provides more Vitamin A than cooked ones. The amount depends on the size of your Greyhound, but start with just one or two small bites. You can always increase the amount as needed.
List of some other snacks Greyhounds can or can’t eat
Wondering which snacks your Greyhound can eat or not? Here is a list of some snacks your Greyhound can or can’t eat:
Bacon
No, your Greyhound should not eat bacon. Bacon is an incredibly rich and fatty food with a high salt content. It can prove to be too much for a Greyhound’s stomach to handle.
Eating a large amount can cause pancreatitis and other digestive problems, including vomiting and diarrhea. However, giving your Greyhound small amounts of cooked bacon infrequently should not cause harm.
Bacon is a very fatty and salty food that can be harmful to Greyhounds. The problem is that it’s not just the fat that’s bad for your Greyhound. Bacon contains a lot of sodium and this can cause your Greyhound to develop high blood pressure.
The other issue with bacon is that it’s got quite a lot of salt in it, which can also cause problems for your Greyhound’s blood pressure.
If you do want to give your Greyhound small amounts of cooked bacon infrequently (say once a month), then there probably won’t be any long-term effects. However, if you feed them lots of bacon every day or every week, then it could cause serious problems for your Greyhound’s health.
Beef
Yes, Greyhounds can eat beef.
Beef is a source of protein and many important vitamins and minerals, but it’s important that you choose the best cuts for your Greyhound. Give your Greyhound cooked, unseasoned lean beef in small amounts as long as your Greyhound isn’t allergic to beef.
It’s important to note that while raw beef bones are safe for Greyhounds as a chew toy, they should never feed cooked bones to their pets. Raw bones are harder than cooked ones, so they’re less likely to break off.
If you opt for a raw diet with your pooch, one cup of kibble or 0.3 pound of ground beef per 20 pounds of body weight should be enough each day.
Bread
Yes, Greyhounds can eat bread provided your Greyhound is not allergic to it. However, only plain white and wheat bread is safe for Greyhounds to eat. Processed bread, like bread with yeast, should be avoided as it contains yeast and other additives that are not good for your Greyhound.
Bread doesn’t provide that much nutrients in your Greyhound, so offer them in moderation. A crust is fine, but a whole slice is too much for your Greyhound. Too much bread can cause diarrhea or vomiting in Greyhounds.
Cheese
Yes, a small amount of cheese is ok for Greyhounds. Cheese contains vitamins, fatty acids, proteins and other nutrients that can be good for your Greyhound’s health. The only thing you need to be careful of is what type of cheese you are feeding to them.
Mozzarella, cottage, swiss, cheddar cheese are safer compared to spicy cheesecake, blue, goat and parmesan which contains too much salt and sodium that can cause stomach upset and kidney problems in Greyhounds.
Amount depends on the size of your Greyhound; however, a few small bites are fine.
Chicken
Yes, Greyhounds can eat chicken. Chicken contains protein, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals; boneless cooked breast meat is the best option. Avoid chicken skin as it contains a high amount of fat that can cause pancreatitis in Greyhounds.
The amount of chicken that you feed your Greyhound depends on the size of the Greyhound but give 1/8 to 1/6 cup of meat protein per 10 pounds of body weight per day if your Greyhound is on a raw meat diet.
Chocolate
We’re all guilty of sneaking a few bites of chocolate when no one’s looking, but you should think twice before you let your Greyhound have any.
Chocolate contains both theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to Greyhounds. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is for your pup—so be extra careful with cocoa powder, unsweetened baker’s chocolate and semisweet chocolate.
If your Greyhound ate chocolate, contact your vet immediately. If you don’t know what kind of chocolate it was or how much they ate, call right away. Your vet can give them an antidote that will help reverse any symptoms caused by theobromine poisoning.
Educate everyone in your family about the dangers of giving Greyhounds chocolate so they don’t accidentally give them any.
Eggs
YES! Your Greyhound can eat eggs. Eggs are a great source of protein and fat, as well as many vitamins and minerals.
Eggs are one of the best things for your Greyhound to eat. They are chock full of nutrients that your Greyhound needs to stay healthy. If you choose to feed your Greyhound an egg regularly, make sure it is well cooked and free from harmful additives like salt or sugar.
Raw eggs are not recommended because they contain avidin, which prevents absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). Raw eggs may also contain bacteria—even if the egg looks clean!
If you want to give your Greyhound an egg shell, be sure that it has been ground up into small pieces and has no sharp edges.
Fish
Yes, Greyhounds can eat fish, but not all of them are safe.
Fish is rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. It’s good for their coat and skin, and it’s a great source of nutrients that they need to stay healthy.
However, there are some things to look out for when feeding your Greyhound fish:
-smaller, younger, wild-caught, shorter-lived species like salmon, shrimp, tilapia are safe for your Greyhound
-avoid longer-lived fish species like tuna or swordfish because they can contain heavy metals like mercury (you should always avoid these kinds of fish as well)
-Always clean them properly (debone them), then cook them with no harmful additives during the process
Icecream
No, your Greyhound shouldn’t eat ice cream.
The problem is that most ice creams contain a lot of dairy products and sugar—both of which are bad for your Greyhound’s health.
Dairy products can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and upset stomachs in Greyhounds. Sugar can cause your Greyhound to become hyperactive or hyperglycemic (which means they have high blood sugar levels).
Symptoms of ice cream toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy/listlessness, seizures, or coma. If you think your Greyhound accidentally ate ice cream, seek veterinary help immediately.
Peanut butter
Yes, Greyhounds can eat peanut butter in moderation.
The main ingredient in peanut butter is peanuts, which are high in protein and provide vitamins and healthy fats that can help with your Greyhound’s digestion.
However, it’s important to make sure that the peanut butter you buy is pup-safe—meaning it doesn’t have xylitol or chocolate. Xylitol has been linked to liver failure in Greyhounds, while chocolate can cause vomiting and diarrhea. If you give your Greyhound peanut butter with xylitol or chocolate in it, it could be fatal!
Also, avoid giving your Greyhound peanut butter pretzels; they contain three times more sodium than regular pretzels! The amount will depend on the size of your Greyhound, but start with a half teaspoon per day.
Popcorn
In fact, plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for Greyhounds to eat in small quantities as an occasional treat. Popped corn kernels actually contain several minerals important to Greyhounds, like magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc, along with fiber and trace amounts of vitamins.
What you don’t want to give your Greyhound is processed popcorn. Buttered popcorn or popcorn with other toppings like butter flavoring or caramel are not safe for your Greyhound—especially if it’s eaten often enough that it causes a nutritional imbalance or other problems for your pup.
Also, un-popped or partially popped kernels can be a choking hazard and may even cause damage to your Greyhound’s teeth.
Turkey
Yes, Greyhounds can eat turkey. Turkey is a good source of protein and fatty acids, as well as minerals like iron and zinc.
You should only give cooked lean turkey meat to your Greyhound. Turkey breast meat is the best option because it contains very little fat and has a high protein content. Avoid turkey skin, which can cause GI upset and pancreatitis. Also avoid processed turkey because it may contain harmful chemicals.
Greyhounds should get 20 grams of white meat turkey or 15 grams of dark meat turkey per 12 pounds body weight.
Yogurt
Greyhounds can eat yogurt, but not all of them can. Plain yogurt is a perfectly acceptable snack for Greyhounds, but some Greyhounds may have trouble digesting dairy products.
If your Greyhound can digest it, the active bacteria in yogurt can help strengthen the digestive system. Plain yogurt is the best choice for your Greyhound.
Avoid any yogurts with added sugar or other harmful food additives. Also, skip all yogurt with artificial sweeteners. One teaspoon of yogurt a day is fine for most Greyhounds, but check with your vet if you’re concerned about whether your Greyhound should eat it.