Many Irish Setter owners want to share human food with their furry friend, but they may not know that Irish Setters have a different metabolic system than ours. That’s why what’s safe food for us may not be safe for our Irish Setter.
Therefore, you need to know which fruits, vegetables and other snacks Irish Setters can (and can’t) eat. Below are the most common 37 fruits, vegetables and other snacks that your Irish Setter can eat:
List of fruits Irish Setters can or can’t eat
Wondering which fruits your Irish Setter can eat or not? Here is a list of some common fruits your Irish Setter can or can’t eat:
Apples
Can Irish Setters eat apples?
Absolutely! Apples are a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber for your pup. They’re also low in protein and fat, making them the perfect snack for senior Irish Setters. Just remove the seeds and core first before feeding an apple to any Irish Setter.
Other than that, there’s nothing to worry about with feeding your Irish Setter an apple—but there is one thing you need to be careful about: processed apples like applesauce and apple pie filling contain added sugar and should be avoided at all costs.
Avocado
Avocados are not safe for your Irish Setter to consume. Avocado fruit, pits, leaves, skin and the actual plant contain persin so these parts are potentially poisonous to your Irish Setter.
Anyway, avocado oil is safe in small amounts.
Bananas
Yes, Irish Setters can eat bananas. Bananas are a low-calorie treat for your Irish Setter and contain many essential vitamins and minerals. However, bananas should be given as an occasional treat only because they are high in sugar.
Bananas are good for Irish Setters because they contain potassium, vitamins A and C, biotin, fiber, copper and manganese. They do not contain cholesterol or sodium. Bananas also have a high water content which helps keep your Irish Setter hydrated.
Bananas are best served without the peel because the peel is hard to digest and contains fiber that can cause constipation if ingested by Irish Setters in large amounts. The fleshy part of the banana is fine to eat by itself or with other fruits such as apples or oranges.
Blackberry
Yes, Irish Setters can eat blackberries.
Blackberries have a low calorie and sugar content and are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They’re a great snack for your Irish Setter, whether they are frozen or fresh.
You can give your Irish Setter up to two blackberries per 10 pounds of body weight daily. Avoid processed blackberries, however, as they may contain harmful ingredients like sugar substitutes or preservatives.
Blueberry
Yes, your Irish Setter can eat blueberries. While they are high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, they also contain a lot of sugar. It’s best to feed them in moderation (only 4-5 blueberries per 10 pounds of body weight).
You can give your Irish Setter either frozen blueberries, fresh blueberries or dried blueberries—either is fine. However, avoid the ones that have been processed into food like blueberry muffins or yogurt because those might contain harmful additives.
Cantaloupe
Yes, Irish Setters can eat cantaloupe.
Cantaloupes are low in calories but high in other nutrients and moisture. They also contain fiber, so they’re a great way to keep your Irish Setter feeling full. That being said, the main reason you should give your Irish Setter a slice of cantaloupe is because it’s delicious.
However, be aware that cantaloupe still has sugar—so giving it to your Irish Setter in moderation is crucial! You don’t want your pup eating too much at once and getting sick on it. Remove the rinds and seeds before feeding them to your Irish Setter; these parts of the fruit are choking hazards for some pups.
Cherry
No, Irish Setters can’t eat cherries. Although the fleshy part around the seed is safe, the plant contains cyanide. Cyanide destroys cellular oxygen transport in your Irish Setter, which can lead to death within minutes.
The symptoms of cyanide toxicity include dilated pupils and an inability to breathe or swallow. Contact your vet if your Irish Setter ate cherry.
Grapes
Grapes are very toxic to Irish Setters, and even a small amount of grapes can cause sudden kidney failure in your Irish Setter. Symptoms of grape poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and weakness. If you suspect your Irish Setter has eaten grapes, seek veterinary help immediately.
To prevent accidental ingestion, keep the grapes out of their reach and educate your family about the danger of grapes and raisins.
Mango
Yes, Irish Setters can eat mango. Mango contains four different vitamins: A, B6, C, and E that are good for your Irish Setter’s skin and coat. It also has potassium, fiber and antioxidants that help keep your Irish Setter healthy.
The only thing you need to watch out for with mango is the skin and pits as these may be choking hazards for your Irish Setter. If you feed your Irish Setter fresh mangoes, make sure you remove the skin and pit before giving it to them.
You should also avoid processed mango products like mango sorbet, mango popsicles or ice cream because they may contain harmful ingredients such as xylitol which can cause liver failure in Irish Setters if consumed in large amounts.
The amount of mango you feed your Irish Setter depends on their size, but one-quarter cup of fresh mango once a week should be fine if you want to give them a treat!
Oranges
Yes, Irish Setters can eat oranges in moderation. Oranges provide Vitamin C, potassium, fiber and moisture—and who doesn’t want those things for their Irish Setter?
But just like humans, Irish Setters need to eat in moderation. When you feed your Irish Setter an orange, don’t give them the whole thing—just cut off a few sections of the fruit and give them those. Remove all traces of peel, skin, pith and seeds before feeding it to your Irish Setter. And remember that this is an occasional treat; they shouldn’t get over 1-2 sections per day.
Peaches
Yes, Irish Setters can eat peaches.
Peaches are a very nutritious fruit that is high in fiber and vitamin A. Small amounts of cut-up fresh or frozen peaches are safe for your Irish Setters. However, remove the pit before serving it to your Irish Setter as it contains cyanide. Also, avoid processed peaches like peach cobbler or peach pie, as they may contain harmful preservatives and food additives.
Pears
Irish Setters 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 harmful for Irish Setters. One small slice is ok for most Irish Setters as pears contain sugar but too much could cause stomach upset or diarrhea.
Pineapples
Yes, Irish Setters can eat pineapple. It’s a great snack for them and it contains vitamins, minerals, bromelain and moisture.
The only part of the pineapple that is safe for your Irish Setter to eat is the soft inner fruit. The outer skin is not edible and should be removed before feeding it to your Irish Setter. Make sure you cut away any spiky parts on the outside of the fruit as well.
Processed pineapples like canned pineapple or pineapple cake should be avoided because they contain harmful chemicals that can cause digestive problems in your Irish Setter.
Pumpkin
Pure pumpkin itself is a great choice and a very healthy snack for Irish Setters.
Pumpkin helps with your Irish Setter’s skin and coat, as well as digestive issues like diarrhea and constipation. Many pumpkin supplements and pumpkin pup treats are available on the market today, but be sure to choose one that is 100% pure pumpkin. You can also make your own homemade pumpkin treat by mixing some cooked puree with some peanut butter or yogurt.
The amount varies with your Irish Setter’s size and activity level, but start with a teaspoon per day and adjust from there.
Strawberry
Sure, Irish Setters can eat strawberries.
Strawberries are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They’re also a great way to help your Irish Setter stay hydrated while they’re out in the sun. But just like with any fruit or vegetable, it’s important to cut them into small pieces before serving them to your Irish Setter.
Fresh or frozen strawberries contain the same nutrients as processed strawberries, so don’t feel like you have to go for one over another. Just make sure that if you’re using frozen berries, you thaw them first by letting them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before feeding them to your Irish Setter.
The most important thing to remember when feeding your Irish Setter any kind of strawberry is that they remove the stem before feeding it to him or her—that stuff is tough!
Watermelon
Yes, Irish Setters can eat watermelon. It’s a low-calorie treat that also contains vitamins and minerals like lycopene, which may help prevent cancer.
The flesh of a watermelon is safe and nutritious for your Irish Setter. Just cut it into small chunks and remove the seeds, rinds and skin first. A half cup of diced seedless and rind-free watermelon is enough per 10 pounds of body weight.
List of vegetable Irish Setters can or can’t eat
Wondering which vegetables your Irish Setter can eat or not? Here is a list of some vegetables your Irish Setter can or can’t eat:
Broccoli
Broccoli is a great addition to your Irish Setter’s diet, and can be a healthy snack or side dish. But how much broccoli is safe for them to eat?
The good news is that broccoli is safe for Irish Setters to eat. It contains Vitamin K, Vitamin C and minerals. It also contains fiber, which can help keep your pup’s digestive tract running smoothly. Broccoli stems and florets, both are safe to eat, either cooked or raw. However, always cut them into small pieces as they can be a choking hazard if swallowed whole. Offer 1/4 (0.25) cup broccoli per 10 pounds of body weight of a pup.
Cabbage
Can Irish Setters eat cabbage? The short answer is yes.
Cabbage contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, as well as fiber and moisture.
The longer answer is that all colors of cabbage are safe and healthy for Irish Setters. Red cabbage has more potassium than green cabbage and it also contains more vitamins. Lightly cooked or roasted cabbage is the best, easy to digest. But make sure no seasoning with oil or salt. Offer 1 bite of roasted cabbage per 10 pounds of body weight of a pup at first, then gradually increase the amount over time if they don’t have any negative reactions (like vomiting).
Carrots
Yes, Irish Setters can eat carrots. It’s a great low-calorie treat for your pup, and contains vitamins, minerals and fiber. Carrot is also crunchy and great for your Irish Setter’s teeth.
You can feed your Irish Setter raw, frozen or cooked carrots—any way you choose. However, cooked carrots are better since they are easier to digest than raw ones. If you’re planning on giving your Irish Setter raw or frozen carrots, chop them into smaller pieces to avoid choking hazards. Irish Setters can eat carrot cake as long as you add no harmful additives.
One or two baby carrots should be enough for an averaged sized pup.
Celery
Yes, Irish Setters can eat celery. Celery is a great low-calorie treat that contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and more!
Celery sticks are ok, especially for big pups. However, you should always cut the celery in bite-sized pieces to avoid choking hazards.
You can also feed celery leaves to your Irish Setter as long as they’re organic and washed well.
If you have a small Irish Setter, try topping their regular meal with a few celery sticks – this will give them something new to chew on! You can also mix it with their food or pair it up with other treats.
Cucumber
Yes, Irish Setters can eat cucumbers. Cucumbers are high in vitamins, minerals, moisture and fiber, which help keep your Irish Setter’s digestive system running smoothly. They also contain phytochemicals that help freshen your Irish Setter’s breath.
The seed and peels or skin are ok for your Irish Setter as long as they are organic. However, avoid processed cucumbers like cucumber pickles, as they may contain harmful additives like onions, garlic, salt, sugar, or vinegar.
As far as quantity goes, only give your Irish Setter one or two pieces of cucumber at a time—more than that can cause diarrhea.
Garlic
Can Irish Setters eat garlic?
No, garlic is toxic to Irish Setters. It contains N-propyl disulfide, a sulfur compound that causes hemolysis leading to anemia. Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and lethargy. Raw and cooked cloves and bulbs of garlic are toxic to your Irish Setter. The toxic dose is 15 to 30 grams of garlic per kilogram of body weight and it can cause severe illness in Irish Setters who ingest it. Contact the vet immediately if your Irish Setter ate garlic.
Onions
Can my Irish Setter eat onions?
Not if you want to keep your Irish Setter alive and healthy, that is.
Onions contain N-propyl disulfide, a sulfur compound that causes hemolysis leading to anemia in Irish Setters. So if your Irish Setter ate onions, it could die from it.
The toxic dose of onions for Irish Setters is 15 gm/kg of body weight. So if your Irish Setter weighs 10 kgs, they would need 150 gm of onions to get a toxic dose.
It’s not just red or white onions that are bad for Irish Setters—it’s all types of onions! The onion plant itself is also toxic to Irish Setters, so avoid feeding them any part of the plant (including the flesh, ring, leaves, juice and processed powders). Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your Irish Setter has ingested any onions or parts of the plant.
Zucchini
Yes, Irish Setters can eat zucchini.
Zucchini is a low-calorie treat that’s full of vitamins and antioxidants. It’s also high in fiber and moisture, which will help keep your Irish Setter hydrated and feeling good.
Plain raw, steamed, or cooked zucchini is safe for your Irish Setter to eat—but if you choose to give it raw, monitor how much Vitamin A Irish Setter consumes (it’s possible for Irish Setters to get too much of this nutrient as raw zucchini contains more of it).
Start with one or two small bites at first—then increase slowly as needed.
List of some other snacks Irish Setters can or can’t eat
Wondering which snacks your Irish Setter can eat or not? Here is a list of some snacks your Irish Setter can or can’t eat:
Bacon
No, your Irish Setter should not eat bacon.
Bacon is an incredibly rich and fatty food with a high salt content. While this may be fine for humans, it can prove to be too much for a Irish Setter’s stomach to handle. Additionally, eating a large amount can cause pancreatitis in Irish Setters, which can be fatal if not treated immediately.
So, while it’s safe to give your Irish Setter small amounts of cooked bacon infrequently, feeding your Irish Setter large amounts of uncooked bacon could prove to be dangerous or even deadly.
Beef
Yes, Irish Setters can eat beef.
Cooked, unseasoned lean beef is safe for Irish Setters in small amounts unless your Irish Setter is allergic to beef.
Beef broth, beef stew and specialized Irish Setter beef jerky without an excess amount of salt are all safe for your Irish Setter too! Just make sure they’re made with good quality ingredients and don’t contain any artificial flavors or additives that might be harmful over time (such as BHA/BHT).
It’s important that you don’t feed your Irish Setter cooked bone because cooked bones can splinter and cause injury to your Irish Setter’s mouth and digestive system, but larger raw beef bones are perfect for chewing on as an activity toy.
If you go for a raw diet, one cup of kibble or 0.3 pound of ground beef per 20 pounds of weight is enough for your pup.
Bread
Yes, Irish Setters can eat bread. But only plain white and wheat bread is safe for Irish Setters to consume. Avoid processed bread like bread with yeast, as this can cause serious harm in your Irish Setter.
Bread doesn’t provide that much nutrients in your Irish Setter, so offer it to them in moderation. A crust is fine, but a whole slice is too much for your Irish Setter. Too much bread can cause bloating and digestive issues.
Cheese
Yes, Irish Setters can eat cheese. Cheese contains vitamins and fatty acids, which are good for the overall health of your Irish Setter. But be careful of what types of cheese you are feeding to your Irish Setters. Mozzarella, cottage, swiss and cheddar cheese are safer because they contain less fat than other types of cheese. Stay away from spicy cheeses like blue cheese, goat’s milk cheese, parmesan and cream cheese because they may cause an upset stomach in your Irish Setter.
As far as how much you should feed your Irish Setter each day, it depends on how big they are. A few small bites is fine but remember that too much fat can cause health problems in Irish Setters so don’t overdo it!
Chicken
If you’ve ever wondered if your Irish Setter can eat chicken, the answer is yes.
Chicken contains protein, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that are good for your pet. Chicken is especially good for older Irish Setters who have lost their teeth or need help to chew.
Boneless cooked breast meat is the best option because it contains less fat than dark meat and it’s easier to digest.
Avoid chicken skin as it contains a high amount of fat that can cause pancreatitis in Irish Setters. It’s also not recommended if you’re feeding your Irish Setter raw meat, as it will increase the risk of bacterial contamination.
The amount depends on the size of your Irish Setter but give 1/8 to 1/6 cup of meat protein per 10 pounds of body weight per day if your Irish Setter is on a raw meat diet.
Chocolate
No, Irish Setters can eat chocolate.
Theobromine and caffeine are toxic to pups. Theobromine is a stimulant that naturally occurs in cocoa beans, while caffeine is found in coffee beans. Both of these chemicals are very dangerous for Irish Setters and should never be ingested by them.
Chocolate contains these two ingredients, but some chocolates are worse than others: cocoa powder (the most toxic), unsweetened baker’s chocolate, semisweet chocolate, dark chocolate, and milk chocolate all contain enough theobromine and caffeine to be dangerous to your pet if they consume any quantity at all. If your Irish Setter ate chocolate, contact your vet immediately.
Educate your family about the dangers of chocolate in Irish Setters so that you can prevent accidental ingestion from ever happening again.
Eggs
Yes, your Irish Setter can eat eggs. In fact, eggs are a great source of protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. The nutrients in eggs help your Irish Setter grow strong and healthy.
However, it’s important to note that not all eggs are created equal. Eggs can contain harmful bacteria if they’re not cooked properly or if they’ve been sitting out for a long time. If you’re going to feed your Irish Setter an egg treat, make sure it’s well-cooked (no runny yolk) and free of additives like sugar or salt.
Raw eggs also contain an enzyme called avidin that prevents absorption of biotin—a B vitamin essential for healthy skin and coat maintenance—so they should be avoided completely.
If you grind the egg shells into powder first with no sharp edges sticking out, they’re fine to use as well.
Fish
Yes, Irish Setters can eat fish. Fish is a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.
But all fishes are not safe for your Irish Setter.
Smaller, younger, wild-caught, shorter-lived species like salmon, shrimp, tilapia are safe for your Irish Setter. Avoid longer-lived fish species like tuna, shark, swordfish as they can contain heavy metals like mercury.
Always clean them properly (debone them), then cook it adding no harmful additives.
Feeding your Irish Setter one or two times per week in small controlled amounts are fine.
Icecream
Ice cream is a delicious treat for humans, but Irish Setters should never eat it.
Ice cream contains a high amount of dairy products and sugar, which can cause your Irish Setter to develop ice cream toxicity. Symptoms of ice cream toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and even seizures.
The best thing to do if you suspect your Irish Setter accidentally ate ice cream is to call your veterinarian immediately.
Peanut butter
Can Irish Setters eat peanut butter? Yes! Irish Setters can eat peanut butter in moderation, but you should be careful to ensure that the peanut butter you choose is safe for your pup. Here’s what you need to know:
Peanut Butter Provides Protein, Vitamins and Healthy Fats. Irish Setters need protein and fat to stay healthy and strong, so peanut butter can provide a great source of both. Also, because peanut butter is made from peanuts (which are legumes), it contains B vitamins besides protein and healthy fats.
However, ensure the peanut butter you choose is pup safe without xylitol or chocolate. Xylitol can be toxic to Irish Setters if consumed in large quantities, while chocolate can cause vomiting and diarrhea. You should also avoid peanut butter pretzels as they contain 3 times more sodium than the other treats, like plain peanuts or peanut butter.
Amount depends on the size of your Irish Setter, but start with a half teaspoon per day. If your Irish Setter seems hungry after eating their treat, then offer them more; however, do not feed them too much at once as this could cause them to become sick from overeating.”
Popcorn
Plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for Irish Setters to eat in small quantities as an occasional treat. Popped corn kernels actually contain several minerals important to Irish Setters, like magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc, along with fiber and trace amounts of vitamins. However, avoid processed popcorn. Buttered popcorn or popcorn with other toppings like salt and sugar that are not safe for your Irish Setter. Also, un-popped or partially popped kernels can be a choking hazard and may even cause damage to your Irish Setter’s teeth.
Turkey
Yes! Turkey is a safe option for your Irish Setter as long as you provide cooked lean, white, unseasoned, and boneless turkey meat to your Irish Setter. Turkey breast meat is the best option.
Turkey provides protein, fatty acids and minerals that can be beneficial to your Irish Setter’s diet. It also helps maintain healthy skin and coat. Avoid turkey skin because it can cause GI upset and pancreatitis in Irish Setters. Also avoid processed turkey because it may contain harmful chemicals and preservatives that could harm your Irish Setter.
We recommended 20 grams of white meat turkey or 15 grams of dark meat turkey per 12 pounds body weight.
Yogurt
Yes, Irish Setters can eat yogurt. Plain yogurt is a perfectly acceptable snack for Irish Setters. However, some Irish Setters may have trouble digesting dairy products and should avoid yogurt altogether. If your Irish Setter can digest it, the active bacteria in yogurt can help strengthen the digestive system. Plain yogurt is the best choice for your Irish Setter.
Avoid any yogurts with added sugar or artificial sweeteners. One teaspoon of yogurt a day is fine for most Irish Setters.