Have you ever wondered if your Border Terrier can eat certain human foods?
Many Border Terrier owners want to share their favorite foods with their pooch, but Border Terriers have different metabolic systems than ours. That’s why what’s safe food for us may not be safe for our Border Terrier. You need to know which foods are safe for your Border Terrier, and which ones aren’t.
Below are the most common 37 fruits, vegetables & other snacks Border Terriers can (and can’t) eat:
List of fruits Border Terriers can or can’t eat
Wondering which fruits your Border Terrier can eat or not? Here is a list of some common fruits your Border Terrier can or can’t eat:
Apples
Yes, Border Terriers can eat apples.
Apples are a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. They’re low in protein and fat, making them the perfect snack for senior Border Terriers.
Just remember to remove the seeds and core first—those parts have been known to cause intestinal blockages if eaten. And avoid processed apples like applesauce or apple pie filling; they’ve often got added sugar that could be harmful to your pup’s kidneys.
Avocado
Avocado is a fruit, and Border Terriers cannot eat it. Avocados are not good for your Border Terrier’s health. However, avocado oil is safe in small amounts. If you want to feed your Border Terrier avocado oil, you need to mix it with other ingredients so that the oil will not be harmful to your pet’s health.
Bananas
Yes, Border Terriers can eat bananas. In fact, bananas are a great snack for Border Terriers!
Bananas are high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They’re also low in cholesterol and sodium. Bananas are also full of sugar- so limit the portion.
However, there are some precautions you should take when feeding your Border Terrier bananas. First of all, never give your Border Terrier a banana peel because it’s hard to digest and can cause an upset stomach if swallowed whole or in large pieces. You’ll also want to avoid processed bananas like banana chips or puddings—these often contain added toxic ingredients like preservatives or artificial sweeteners that could make your Border Terrier sick.
Blackberry
Yes, Border Terriers can eat blackberries! Blackberries are low in calories and sugar and high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They’re a great option for Border Terriers who are watching their weight, or who have diabetes.
Blackberries can be fed to your Border Terrier either frozen or fresh. Either way is fine, but we recommend avoiding processed blackberries like blackberry jam, jelly, or blackberry-flavored ice cream because they may contain harmful additives. Two blackberries per 10 pounds of body weight per day is a good guideline for feeding your Border Terrier this delicious fruit.
Blueberry
Yes, Border Terriers can eat blueberries.
Blueberries are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—and they’re also high in sugar. So feed them in moderation! (4-5 blueberries per 10 pounds of Border Terrier’s body weight)
Frozen, fresh, dried or mashed, either is fine for most pups. Avoid processed blueberries like blueberry muffins, blueberry yogurt or pie; these may contain harmful chemicals or additives like corn syrup.
Cantaloupe
Yes, a Border Terrier can eat cantaloupe.
Cantaloupe is low in calories but high in other nutrients such as fiber and moisture. It also contains vitamin A, which helps your Border Terrier’s eyesight and skin.
However, it has a lot of sugar, so make sure you give your Border Terrier this fruit in moderation. Remember to remove the rinds and seeds before giving them to your pup; they’re a choking hazard.
Cherry
Cherries are a delicious treat for humans, but they can be deadly for Border Terriers. While the fleshy part of the cherry around the seed is safe for Border Terriers to eat, the plant itself contains cyanide. Cyanide destroys cellular oxygen transport in your Border Terrier, which leads to symptoms like dilated pupils and tremors.
If you think your Border Terrier has eaten a cherry, contact your vet immediately.
Grapes
Grapes are delicious, but they’re also extremely toxic to Border Terriers. If your Border Terrier eats grapes, it can cause sudden kidney failure. Symptoms of grape poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. If you suspect your Border Terrier ate grapes, seek veterinary help immediately.
To prevent accidental ingestion of grapes, keep them out of reach from your Border Terrier at all times and educate your family about the danger of accidental ingestion.
Mango
Yes, Border Terriers can eat mango! It contains four different vitamins: A, B6, C, and E that are good for your Border Terrier’s health. It also has potassium, fiber and antioxidants.
Mango is a great source of nutrients for your Border Terrier, but you should remove the skin, pits to prevent choking in your Border Terrier. Avoid processed mango products like mango sorbet, mango popsicles and mango ice cream as they may contain harmful ingredients.
Amount depends on the size of your Border Terrier, but one-quarter cup of fresh mango once a week is enough for their nutritional needs.
Oranges
The answer to the question “can a Border Terrier eat oranges?” is a resounding yes. Border Terriers can and should eat oranges, but only in moderation.
Oranges provide Vitamin C, potassium, fiber and moisture—all of which are essential for Border Terriers’ health. In particular, oranges are high in Vitamin C, so much so that they’re often used to prevent or treat scurvy in humans and animals alike.
The fleshy part of the fruit is safe for Border Terriers to eat, but make sure you remove all traces of peel, skin, pith and seeds before feeding it to your furry friend! If your Border Terrier eats too many seeds or if they find a seed while eating the fruit itself, they could choke on it.
One-to-two sections as an occasional treat are enough for most Border Terriers.
Peaches
Can Border Terriers eat peaches? Yes, they can!
Peaches are safe for your Border Terriers to eat in small amounts. The pit contains cyanide, so remove it before serving them to your Border Terrier. Peaches are high in fiber and vitamin A, so they’re a good choice if you want to give your Border Terrier something sweet.
However, processed peaches like peach cobbler or peach pie may contain harmful chemicals that aren’t good for Border Terriers. If you want to give your Border Terrier some of the fruit itself (rather than baking with it), cut up fresh or frozen peaches into small pieces first and serve them raw or cooked until soft enough for your Border Terrier to digest easily.
Pears
Can Border Terriers eat pears? The answer is yes!
Pears are a great snack because they’re high in copper, vitamins C and K, and fiber. They’re also low-calorie and full of nutrients that help keep your Border Terrier happy and healthy. In fact, 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 ingredients you don’t want your Border Terrier to eat. And be careful about how much fruit you give them—one small slice is ok for most Border Terriers as pears contain sugar.
Pineapples
Pineapple is a tasty treat for your Border Terrier. It contains vitamins, minerals, and bromelain, which can help with digestion.
Only the soft inner fruit is safe for your Border Terrier to eat. Remove the spiky skin and hard inner pineapple core as they can cause your Border Terrier difficulty in digesting them. Avoid processed pineapples like canned pineapple, pineapple cake as they often contain added harmful chemicals for your Border Terrier.
Pumpkin
Yes, pure pumpkin is a great choice and a very healthy snack for Border Terriers. Pumpkin is full of fiber and vitamin A, which can help with your Border Terrier’s skin and coat. Additionally, it’s also great for digestion and can help remedy both diarrhea and constipation in your Border Terrier.
However, never feed your Border Terrier pumpkin pie mix. Canned pumpkin is ok for your Border Terrier but make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin. Many pumpkin supplements and pumpkin pup treats are available on the market if you want to give your pup a little extra help during their walkies!
The amount varies with your Border Terrier’s size and activity level, but start with a teaspoon per day until you know how much he can handle comfortably.
Strawberry
Yes, Border Terriers can eat strawberries.
Strawberries are high in vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants. They’re also fresh or frozen and have the same benefits.
However, always cut the strawberries in small pieces before serving them to your Border Terrier. Remove the stem from the strawberry and serve it to your Border Terrier immediately after cutting it up. Avoid processed strawberries, which are often higher in sugar than their natural counterparts.
Watermelon
Yes, Border Terriers can eat watermelon. In fact, it’s a great low-calorie treat that can help keep your Border Terrier cool in the summer. It’s full of vitamins and minerals, and contains lycopene—a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against heart disease.
The only part of the watermelon that is safe to feed your Border Terrier is the flesh. The seeds, rinds, and skin can cause gastrointestinal upset if fed in large quantities. To ensure that your Border Terrier gets all the benefits with no risks, cut up the watermelon into small chunks (about one inch) and remove any seeds or rinds before feeding it to your Border Terrier. A half cup of diced seedless and rind-free watermelon is enough per 10 pounds of body weight.
List of vegetable Border Terriers can or can’t eat
Wondering which vegetables your Border Terrier can eat or not? Here is a list of some vegetables your Border Terrier can or can’t eat:
Broccoli
Yes, Border Terriers can eat broccoli.
Broccoli contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help support your Border Terrier’s overall health. Broccoli stems and florets, both are safe to eat, either cooked or raw. However, always cut them in small pieces, as they could be a choking hazard. A 1/4 cup of broccoli per 10 pounds of body weight is the recommended amount for a puppy or small breed Border Terrier.
Cabbage
Can Border Terriers eat cabbage? The answer is a resounding yes.
Cabbage contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are essential for the health of your Border Terrier. It’s also rich in fiber and moisture, which can help keep your pup’s digestion on track. Cabbage is available in all colors, including red, green and purple. While any color of cabbage is safe and healthy for Border Terriers, red cabbage contains more nutrition than green cabbage.
To get the most out of your pup’s cabbage snack, opt for lightly cooked or roasted varieties that are easy to digest. Avoid adding oil or salt to the dish as well. Offer one bite of roasted cabbage per 10 pounds of body weight until your Border Terrier is used to eating it regularly.
Carrots
Can Border Terriers eat carrots?
Yes, they can, and they should! Carrots are low in calories and high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Crunching on this orange veggie is great for your Border Terrier’s teeth. Raw, frozen or cooked carrots, either are fine. However, cooked carrots are better since they are easy to digest. For raw or frozen carrots, chop them into smaller pieces to avoid choking hazards. The smaller the piece of carrot you feed your Border Terrier, the less likely it will be to choke on it.
Carrot cake is fine as long as you add no harmful additives like raisins or chocolate chips. You can even make your own carrot cake for your Border Terrier by adding some ground beef for protein if necessary. 1 or 2 baby carrots are enough for an averaged size pup.
Celery
Yes, Border Terriers can eat celery. In fact, it’s an excellent low-calorie treat that’s high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—so it’s good for you too!
Celery is also high in moisture and fiber, which means it can help keep your Border Terrier hydrated and regular. It’s also a great way to add variety to your Border Terrier’s diet without adding calories. You can top it with small peanut butter or mix it with their regular food. You can even pair up with other treats for double the fun!
However, there are some important caveats: always cut the celery into bite-sized pieces so your Border Terrier doesn’t chomp down on too much at once; start with one or two bite-sized pieces and work up from there; and always make sure the celery is organic and washed before giving it to your Border Terrier.
Cucumber
Yes, Border Terriers can eat cucumbers. Cucumbers are low in calories, have plenty of vitamins and minerals, moisture and fiber. They also provide phytochemicals that help freshen your Border Terrier’s breath.
Cucumber seed and peels or skin are safe as long as they are organic. However, avoid processed cucumbers like cucumber pickles, as they may contain harmful chemicals like sugars, garlic and salt.
The amount depends on the size of your Border Terrier, but only one or two pieces of cucumber are fine per day.
Garlic
Can Border Terriers eat garlic?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Garlic is toxic to Border Terriers because it contains a sulfur compound called N-propyl disulfide, which causes hemolysis leading to anemia. This means that your Border Terrier’s red blood cells will burst and die before they can replace themselves and carry oxygen throughout their body.
Other symptoms of garlic toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, lethargy and lack of appetite.
Raw and cooked cloves and bulbs of garlic are toxic to your Border Terrier–so beware!
The toxic dose is 15 to 30 grams of garlic per kilogram of body weight–so if you think your Border Terrier ate too much garlic, contact the vet immediately.
Onions
Can Border Terriers eat onions?
No. The answer is always no. Border Terriers can’t eat onions because they contain N-propyl disulfide, a sulfur compound that causes hemolysis—a breakdown of red blood cells—leading to anemia in Border Terriers. A toxic dose is 15 gm/kg of the body weight of your Border Terrier.
The more bad news is that no matter what kind of onion you use (red, white or whatever), the risk remains the same. Border Terriers also shouldn’t eat any part of the onion plant too: the flesh, ring, leaves and juice are all toxic to Border Terriers.
If you suspect your Border Terrier has eaten onions, contact your vet immediately for treatment instructions and follow them closely to ensure that he gets better quickly.
Zucchini
Yes, Border Terriers can eat zucchini! Zucchini is a low calorie treat and full of vitamins and antioxidants. It’s also high in fiber and moisture that can help keep your Border Terrier’s digestive system healthy.
Plain raw, steamed, or cooked zucchini is safe for Border Terriers to eat. However, raw zucchini provides more Vitamin A than cooked ones. The amount depends on the size of your Border Terrier, but start with just one or two small bites and see if they like it first before giving them more.
List of some other snacks Border Terriers can or can’t eat
Wondering which snacks your Border Terrier can eat or not? Here is a list of some snacks your Border Terrier can or can’t eat:
Bacon
No, your Border Terrier 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 Border Terrier’s stomach to handle.
Eating a large amount can cause pancreatitis, which is a serious illness in Border Terriers where the pancreas becomes inflamed. If your Border Terrier has eaten large amounts of bacon, then you should see your vet as soon as possible.
However, giving your Border Terrier small amounts of cooked bacon infrequently should be good.
Beef
Yes! Cooked, unseasoned lean beef is safe for Border Terriers in small amounts unless your Border Terrier is allergic to beef. It’s a great source of protein and many important vitamins and minerals.
Beef broth, beef stew, specialized Border Terrier beef jerky without an excess amount of salt are also safe for your Border Terrier.
Never feed cooked bone to your Border Terrier, 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 enough if you opt for a raw diet.
Bread
Yes, Border Terriers can eat bread, but only plain white and wheat bread is safe for Border Terriers to eat.
Bread doesn’t provide that much nutrients in your Border Terrier, so offer them in moderation. A crust is fine, but a whole slice is too much for your Border Terrier. Too much bread can cause bloating or gas and diarrhea.
Cheese
Yes, Border Terriers can eat cheese. A small amount of cheese is actually good for them.
Cheese contains vitamins, fatty acids, and proteins that are good for your Border Terrier’s health. But you’ll want to be careful about which types of cheese you feed them—some cheeses are safer than others.
The safest types of cheese for Border Terriers are mozzarella, cottage, swiss and cheddar. Stay away from spicy cheeses like cheesecake, blue, goat, parmesan and cream cheese.
It’s best to feed your Border Terrier one or two small bites at a time—too much at once could cause stomach upset or diarrhea in your pup.
Chicken
Can Border Terriers eat chicken?
Yes! Chicken contains protein, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that Border Terriers need for growth, energy and overall health. Boneless cooked breast meat is the best option because it contains less fat than other parts of the bird. Avoid chicken skin as it contains a high amount of fat that can cause obesity in Border Terriers.
The amount depends on the size of the Border Terrier but give 1/8 to 1/6 cup of meat protein per 10 pounds of body weight per day if your Border Terrier is on a raw meat diet.
Chocolate
Ever wondered if your Border Terrier can eat chocolate? The answer is a resounding NO.
If your pup has eaten chocolate, contact your vet immediately. It’s important to get to the vet as soon as possible because the toxic substances in chocolate can damage a Border Terrier’s heart, liver, and kidneys.
There are several types of chocolate that are toxic to Border Terriers: cocoa powder (most toxic), unsweetened baker’s chocolate, semisweet chocolate, dark chocolate, and milk chocolate. Even a tiny amount of these will cause problems for your furry friend.
It’s best not to leave any type of candy or other sweet treat unattended around pets so they don’t accidentally consume any toxic ingredients accidentally.
Eggs
Yes, your Border Terrier can eat eggs. They’re high in protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
If you’re feeding your Border Terrier raw eggs, be aware that avidin found in raw eggs prevents absorption of biotin—a B vitamin that’s important for your Border Terrier’s skin and coat. And raw eggs may contain bacteria too. So it’s best to avoid them.
Well-cooked eggs without seasoning are fine; just make sure they’re cooked until the yolk is hard.
If you want to give your Border Terrier an eggshell as a treat (which is a great idea), make sure you grind it up into little pieces so there aren’t any sharp edges.
Fish
Yes, Border Terriers can eat fish.
Fish is rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that are good for your Border Terrier’s health. But not all fish are safe for your Border Terrier: small, younger, wild-caught and shorter-lived species like salmon, shrimp and tilapia are safe for your Border Terrier.
Avoid longer-lived fish species like tuna, shark or swordfish because they can contain heavy metals like mercury. Always clean them properly by deboning them before cooking them, adding no harmful additives to the meal. Feeding your Border Terrier one or two times per week in small amounts is recommended.
Icecream
Can Border Terriers eat ice cream? The answer is no.
We should not give Border Terriers any food that contains dairy products and sugar. Ice cream is packed with both, and can cause a variety of symptoms in your Border Terrier, including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and even liver failure.
Ice cream lollies, ice cream cones, Oreo ice cream, McDonald’s ice cream, vanilla ice cream, chocolate ice cream- all are unsafe for your Border Terrier.
If you suspect your Border Terrier has accidentally eaten ice cream or something else containing dairy and sugar products, seek veterinary help immediately.
Peanut butter
Yes, Border Terriers can eat peanut butter.
Peanut butter is a great source of protein and healthy fats. It also provides vitamins like Vitamin E, which help with heart health. Peanut butter is a great way to add variety to your Border Terrier’s diet and ensure they are getting the proper nutrition they need!
However, keep in mind that not all peanut butters are created equal. Some contain xylitol, which can be deadly for Border Terriers. Make sure you buy a brand without xylitol or chocolate (even if it says it’s “pup-safe”). You should also avoid any kind of peanut butter pretzels or treats as they contain 3 times more sodium than other brands of peanut butter.
The amount you should feed your Border Terrier depends on their size and activity level, but start small with a half teaspoon per day (or less if your Border Terrier has an existing health condition).
Popcorn
Can Border Terriers eat popcorn? Well, the short answer is yes.
Plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for Border Terriers to eat in small quantities as an occasional treat. Popped corn kernels actually contain several minerals important to Border Terriers, like magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc. They also contain fiber and trace amounts of vitamins.
Buttered popcorn or popcorn with other toppings like butter/margarine/cinnamon aren’t safe for your Border Terrier—they don’t have time to chew them! Butter and other toppings can cause digestive disorders.
Also, un-popped or partially popped kernels can be a choking hazard and may even cause damage to your Border Terrier’s teeth.
Turkey
Yes, Border Terriers can eat turkey.
Turkey is a great source of protein, fatty acids and minerals, so it’s great for your Border Terrier. Border Terriers can eat turkey as long as you provide cooked lean, white, unseasoned and boneless meat to your pooch. Turkey breast meat is the best option—it’s high in protein and low in fat. But avoid giving your Border Terrier turkey skin—it can cause GI upset and pancreatitis. Also avoid processed turkey because it may contain harmful ingredients like salt and preservatives.
To help keep your pup healthy, feed him 20 grams of white meat turkey or 15 grams of dark meat turkey per 12 pounds body weight.
Yogurt
Yes, Border Terriers can eat yogurt. Plain yogurt is a perfectly acceptable snack for Border Terriers. However, some Border Terriers may have trouble digesting dairy products. If your Border Terrier can digest it, the good bacteria in yogurt can help strengthen the digestive system.
Avoid any yogurts with added sugar or artificial sweeteners as they can cause stomach upset. One teaspoon of yogurt a day is fine for most Border Terriers.