Many people want to share human foods with their furry friends, but Boston Terriers have a different metabolic system than ours. That’s why what’s safe food for us may not be safe for our Boston Terrier, so it’s important to know the difference in order to avoid any potential health problems.
Below are the most common fruits, vegetables, and other snacks that Boston Terriers can (and can’t) eat:
List of fruits Boston Terriers can or can’t eat
Wondering which fruits your Boston Terrier can eat or not? Here is a list of some common fruits your Boston Terrier can or can’t eat:
Apples
Yes! Apples are a great snack for your Boston Terrier. They’re packed with vitamins A and C, as well as fiber—all things that can help your pup keep their digestive system in tip-top shape.
Apples are also low in protein and fat, making them perfect for senior Boston Terriers or those on a diet. However, to discard any choking hazards in your pup, make sure to remove the seeds and core first before giving them the apple.
Also, avoid processed apple products such as applesauce or apple pie as they may contain toxic food additives for your pup.
Avocado
Avocados are not safe for your Boston Terrier to consume; the fruit, pits, leaves, skin and the actual plant contain persin so these parts are potentially poisonous to your Boston Terrier.
Anyway, avocado oil is safe in small amounts and can be used as a supplement after consulting with your vet.
Bananas
Yes, Boston Terriers can eat bananas.
Bananas are low in calories and high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They have potassium, which is necessary for muscle function as well as blood pressure regulation. Bananas also contain biotin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels; copper, which is an antioxidant; and vitamin B6, which helps to break down proteins in the body. Bananas are low in cholesterol and sodium but high in sugar content.
Like all fruits, bananas should be given as an occasional treat because of their high sugar content. It’s important to remove the peel before feeding them to your Boston Terrier—the peel is difficult for Boston Terriers to digest. Avoid processed bananas such as banana chips or banana pudding—these may contain added toxic ingredients.
Blackberry
Yes, Boston Terriers can eat blackberries. In fact, they’re low in calories and sugar, high in vitamins and minerals, and an excellent source of antioxidants.
Fresh or frozen? Both are fine. But watch out for processed blackberries like blackberry jam, jelly, and blackberry-flavored ice cream. They may contain harmful ingredients like corn syrup or artificial dyes.
If you want to give your Boston Terrier a serving of blackberries without the risk of overindulgence, aim for one/two blackberries per 10 pounds of body weight.
Blueberry
Can Boston Terriers eat blueberries?
Yes! As long as you feed them in moderation and avoid certain processed varieties, blueberries are a great way to treat your pup.
Blueberries are high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can help keep your Boston Terrier healthy. They’re also full of sugar, so feed them in moderation (4-5 blueberries per 10 pounds of body weight). Frozen, fresh, dried or mashed—it doesn’t matter which type you choose for your Boston Terrier—just make sure it isn’t processed and contains harmful additives like sugar or preservatives.
Cantaloupe
Yes, Boston Terriers can eat cantaloupe.
Cantaloupe is a fruit that is low in calories but high in other nutrients. It contains fiber and moisture, which Boston Terriers need to stay hydrated and healthy. However, it also contains sugar, so you should feed your Boston Terrier a small portion of cantaloupe as opposed to letting them eat the whole thing.
When giving your Boston Terrier cantaloupe, remove the rinds and seeds; they are a choking hazard for Boston Terriers.
Cherry
Can Boston Terriers Eat Cherries?
No, Boston Terriers can’t eat cherries. Although the fleshy part around the seed is safe, the plant contains cyanide. Cyanide destroys cellular oxygen transport in your Boston Terrier and causes symptoms like dilated pupils and vomiting. Contact your vet if your Boston Terrier ate cherry.
Grapes
Can Boston Terriers eat grapes?
The short answer: No. Grapes are very toxic to Boston Terriers. Even a small amount of grapes can cause sudden kidney failure in your Boston Terrier—and if you’re not careful, it might surprise you how quickly it happens.
Symptoms of grape poisoning include vomiting and diarrhea, lethargy, lack of appetite, and even a staggering gait. Seek veterinary help immediately if you suspect your Boston Terrier ate grapes.
To prevent accidental ingestion, keep the grapes out of your Boston Terrier’s reach and educate your family about the danger of feeding them to your pup.
Mango
Yes, Boston Terriers can eat mango! Mangoes are rich in four different vitamins: A, B6, C, and E. They also contain potassium, fiber and antioxidants.
However, be careful to remove the skin and pits of the mango before feeding it to your Boston Terrier, as they could choke on them. You should also avoid processed mango products like mango sorbet or popsicles because they may contain harmful ingredients that can be dangerous for your pet.
The amount depends on the size of your Boston Terrier, but one-quarter cup of fresh mango once a week is recommended.
Oranges
Yes, your Boston Terrier can eat oranges in moderation.
Oranges are a great source of Vitamin C, potassium, fiber and moisture. They also contain a lot of sugar, so you should only give your Boston Terrier the fleshy part of the orange (remove all traces of peel, skin, pith and seeds). One or two sections as an occasional treat is typically enough for most Boston Terriers.
Peaches
Yes, Boston Terriers can eat peaches.
Peaches are high in fiber and vitamin A, so they’re a healthy treat for your Boston Terrier. However, remove the pit before serving it to your Boston Terrier as it contains cyanide. Also, avoid processed peaches like peach cobbler or peach pie, as they may contain harmful preservatives or artificial sweeteners.
Small amounts of cut-up fresh or frozen peaches are safe for your Boston Terriers. You can also try feeding them canned peaches without added sugar or syrup, as well as dried peaches that have been soaked in water for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Pears
Can Boston Terriers eat pears? You bet they can! In fact, pears are a great snack for your Boston Terrier because they’re high in copper, vitamins C and K, and fiber.
They can reduce the risk of having a stroke significantly. Just be sure to cut your Boston Terrier’s pear 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 aren’t good for your Boston Terrier.
One small slice is ok for most Boston Terriers as pears contain sugar.
Pineapples
Yes, Boston Terriers can eat pineapple.
Pineapple is a tasty snack for Boston Terriers and contains vitamins, minerals, bromelain (an enzyme that helps digestion), and moisture. Only the soft inner fruit is safe for your Boston Terrier to eat.
Remove the spiky skin and hard inner pineapple core before offering it to your Boston Terrier. Avoid processed pineapples like canned pineapple and pineapple cake. Processed pineapples contain harmful chemicals that aren’t good for your Boston Terrier’s health.
2/3 small bites of raw pineapple are enough to give your Boston Terrier some much-needed nutrients.
Pumpkin
Yes, pure pumpkin itself is a great choice and a very healthy snack for Boston Terriers.
Pumpkin helps with your Boston Terrier’s skin and coat by providing essential vitamins A, C, and E. It also contains beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. This vitamin helps keep your Boston Terrier’s eyes healthy and protected against sun damage. Pumpkin is also great for digestion and can help remedy both diarrhea and constipation in your Boston Terrier.
Never feed your Boston Terrier pumpkin pie mix. Canned pumpkin is ok for your Boston Terrier but make sure it’s 100% pumpkin—some canned pumpkin mixes contain sugar or other ingredients that aren’t good for Boston Terriers.
Many pumpkin supplements and pumpkin pup treats are available on the market today if you want to provide additional nutrients to your pet besides just eating plain old sliced pumpkin as a treat.
Strawberry
If you have a Boston Terrier, you may have wondered whether it is safe to give them strawberries. The answer is yes! Fresh and frozen strawberries are both safe for Boston Terriers, and contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.
However, always cut the strawberries into small pieces before serving them to your Boston Terrier. This will reduce the risk of choking or gastrointestinal upset. You should also avoid feeding your pet any processed strawberries—including jam or preserves—because they can contain high levels of sugar that are not good for your Boston Terrier’s diet.
Watermelon
Yes, Boston Terriers can eat watermelon.
Watermelon is full of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, C and B6. It also contains lycopene, which can help with the prevention of certain cancers.
Since watermelon is low in calories, it’s a good choice for your Boston Terrier to snack on if you’re trying to watch his weight.
Just make sure you cut it into small chunks so he doesn’t choke on. The flesh of a watermelon is all that’s safe for Boston Terriers to eat, so remove any seeds and rind before giving it to him. Feed your Boston Terrier half a cup of diced seedless watermelon per 10 pounds of body weight each day.
List of vegetable Boston Terriers can or can’t eat
Wondering which vegetables your Boston Terrier can eat or not? Here is a list of some vegetables your Boston Terrier can or can’t eat:
Broccoli
Yes, Boston Terriers can eat broccoli.
Broccoli contains vitamins A, C and K, as well as fiber, which can help Boston Terriers maintain a healthy digestive system. Broccoli stems and florets, both are safe to eat, either cooked or raw. However, always cut them into small pieces to avoid choking hazards. We typically recommend a quarter cup of broccoli per 10 pounds of body weight of your pup for daily feeding.
Cabbage
Boston Terriers can eat cabbage, and it’s good for them too! Cabbage contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, as well as being rich in fiber and moisture. It’s also safe for Boston Terriers to eat all kinds of cabbage—red, green or purple. Red cabbage is 10 times more nutritious than green cabbage, so if you’re looking for a more nutritious option for your pup, go with red.
Cabbage should be lightly cooked or roasted before serving to your pup. Don’t season it with oil or salt—these can upset their tummies. Offer about one bite of cooked cabbage per 10 pounds of body weight for a healthy mealtime treat.
Carrots
Yes, Boston Terriers can eat carrots.
Carrots are a low-calorie treat that contains vitamins, minerals and fiber. Crunching on this orange veggie is great for your Boston Terrier’s teeth, too. Raw, frozen, or cooked carrots are all fine. Cooked carrots are better since they’re easier to digest than raw or frozen ones. You should chop them up into smaller pieces if you’re using raw or frozen carrots so they don’t get stuck in your Boston Terrier’s throat or cause an obstruction.
If you’re making carrot cake for your pup and you add no harmful additives to it (like raisins or nuts). One or two baby carrots is enough for a medium-sized pup.
Celery
Yes, Boston Terriers can eat celery! It’s the perfect low-calorie treat for any sized Boston Terrier.
Celery is high in vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, and moisture and fiber. You can give your Boston Terrier celery sticks or slices of celery, but you should always cut the celery into bite-sized pieces so your Boston Terrier doesn’t choke on it. You can also pair up with other treats like peanut butter or mix it in with their regular food.
Celery leaves are also ok to feed to Boston Terriers, as long as they are organic and washed thoroughly before being given to your Boston Terrier.
Cucumber
Yes, Boston Terriers can eat cucumbers. The cucumber contains many vitamins and minerals, as well as moisture and fiber. It also provides phytochemicals that help freshen your Boston Terrier’s breath. The seeds 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. You should only give your Boston Terrier one or two pieces of cucumber per day—depending on its size—and always monitor your Boston Terrier’s behavior after feeding it foods that are new to them.
Garlic
If you’ve ever wondered, “Can Boston Terriers eat garlic?” The answer is a firm and resounding no.
The reason for this is that garlic contains N-propyl disulfide, a sulfur compound that causes hemolysis, or the breakdown of red blood cells. The resulting anemia can be fatal to your Boston Terrier, so it’s important to keep your pup away from all forms of garlic—raw cloves and bulbs included.
Other symptoms of canine garlic toxicity include vomiting and diarrhea, as well as lethargy and weakness. If you notice these signs in your Boston Terrier after eating raw or cooked garlic, contact your vet immediately.
Onions
Can a Boston Terrier eat onions?
No. Onions contain N-propyl disulfide, a sulfur compound that causes hemolysis leading to anemia in Boston Terriers. The toxic dose is 15 gm/kg of the body weight of your Boston Terrier. This amount can be toxic even if you feed it in small doses to your Boston Terrier. Therefore, it is important to keep onions away from your Boston Terrier at all times.
Every type of onion is bad for Boston Terriers—red, white, yellow or whatever variety. Besides, all parts of the onion plant are toxic to Boston Terriers too, including the flesh, ring, leaves, juice and processed powders.
Contact your vet if your Boston Terrier ate onions.
Zucchini
Yes, Boston Terriers can eat zucchini. Zucchini is a low-calorie treat and full of vitamins and antioxidants. It’s also high in fiber and moisture, which makes it an ideal snack for your Boston Terrier—especially if you’re concerned about their weight or skin issues.
Plain raw, steamed, or cooked zucchini is safe for Boston Terriers to eat. However, raw zucchini provides more Vitamin A than cooked ones do—so if you’re trying to cut back on the amount of Vitamin A your Boston Terrier gets from other sources (like beta-carotene), stick with cooked zucchini instead of raw.
Determine how much to give your Boston Terrier by considering their size; start with just one or two small bites per day until they’re used to eating it.
List of some other snacks Boston Terriers can or can’t eat
Wondering which snacks your Boston Terrier can eat or not? Here is a list of some snacks your Boston Terrier can or can’t eat:
Bacon
No, your Boston Terrier should not eat bacon. Bacon is an incredibly rich and fatty food with a high salt content. It’s not something that should be fed regularly or in large quantities, because it can prove to be too much for a Boston Terrier’s stomach to handle.
Eating a large amount of cooked bacon can cause pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas. Canine pancreatitis can be fatal if not treated immediately, so it’s important to keep your pet away from bacon altogether.
However, giving your Boston Terrier small amounts of cooked bacon infrequently should not cause harm.
Beef
Yes, Boston Terriers can eat beef, but only in small amounts.
Boston Terriers can eat cooked, unseasoned lean beef as long as they aren’t allergic to it. Lean beef is a good source of protein and many important vitamins and minerals. Cooked beef broth, cooked beef stew, and specialized Boston Terrier beef jerky without an excess amount of salt are also safe for your Boston Terrier.
Never feed cooked bone to your Boston 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, Boston Terriers can eat bread provided your Boston Terrier is not allergic to it. However, only plain white and wheat bread is safe for Boston Terriers to eat. Bread isn’t very nutritious for your Boston Terrier, so offer it in moderation. A crust is fine, but a whole slice is too much for your Boston Terrier. Too much bread can cause bloating and diarrhea.
Cheese
Yes, Boston Terriers can eat cheese.
Cheese contains vitamins and fatty acids, along with proteins, so it’s actually quite healthy for a Boston Terrier to eat. But there are some types of cheese that are safer than others.
Mozzarella, cottage, swiss and cheddar cheese are safer because they’re less likely to cause a digestive upset in Boston Terriers. However, stay away from spicy cheeses like cheesecake, blue cheese, goat cheese and parmesan cheese—these can cause gastrointestinal issues and kidney problems in some Boston Terriers.
It’s also important to remember that the size of your Boston Terrier matters when determining how much is too much. A few small bites are fine for most Boston Terriers; however, if you notice any signs of stomach upset or discomfort (vomiting), it’s best to stop feeding them any more.
Chicken
When it comes to Boston Terriers, chicken can be a great source of protein and vitamins. Chicken contains protein, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, which are all good for your Boston Terrier’s health. However, not all chicken is safe for your Boston Terrier. Chicken also contains fat and cholesterol, so you should avoid giving your Boston Terrier chicken skin. You should also avoid giving your Boston Terrier raw or undercooked chicken, as this can cause food poisoning.
Boneless cooked breast meat is the best option as it contains less fat than other parts of the chicken and offers more nutrients such as vitamin B6, niacin and selenium which are good for your Boston Terrier’s immune system. Amount depends on the size of the Boston Terrier, but give 1/8 to 1/6 cup of meat protein per 10 pounds of body weight per day if your Boston Terrier is on a raw meat diet.
Chocolate
Boston Terriers can’t eat chocolate. Chocolate contains both theobromine and caffeine that are toxic to pups. Cocoa powder (most toxic), Unsweetened baker’s chocolate, Semisweet chocolate, Dark chocolate, Milk chocolate- all are toxic. If your Boston Terrier ate chocolate, contact your vet immediately. Educate your family about the danger of chocolate in Boston Terriers to prevent accidental ingestion.
Eggs
Yes, your Boston Terrier can eat eggs—in fact, they’re a great source of protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
A well-cooked egg with no seasoning is fine for your Boston Terrier to eat. Eggs are also an excellent way to add flavor to their food if they’re picky eaters.
However, avoid raw eggs as they contain avidin, which prevents the absorption of biotin and may also contain harmful bacteria.
Fish
Can Boston Terriers eat fish?
Yes, they can. In fact, many Boston Terriers love to eat fish! Fish contains a variety of nutrients that are good for Boston Terriers, like protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It also has vitamins and minerals that help keep your Boston Terrier healthy. But not all fish are safe for your Boston Terrier to eat.
Smaller, younger, wild-caught, shorter-lived species like salmon and shrimp are safe for your Boston Terrier to eat as long as they’re cooked properly (no harmful additives). These types of fish contain high amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids, which give them their rich taste. You should avoid feeding your Boston Terrier longer-lived fish species like tuna, shark or swordfish because they can contain heavy metals like mercury.
If you decide to feed your Boston Terrier any type of seafood from time to time (one or two times per week), make sure it’s cleaned properly before cooking it and deboning it so that no bones accidentally get swallowed by your pup.
Icecream
Can Boston Terriers eat ice cream?
While it’s tempting to let your Boston Terrier lick the bowl after you’ve made your favorite ice cream recipe, the answer is no. Boston Terriers should not eat ice cream because it contains high amounts of dairy products and sugar, which can be toxic to Boston Terriers.
If your Boston Terrier accidentally eats ice cream, seek veterinary help immediately. Symptoms of ice cream toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness and seizures.
Ice cream lollies, ice cream cones, Oreo ice cream, McDonald’s ice cream and vanilla ice cream are all unsafe for Boston Terriers. Chocolate ice cream may also be dangerous if it contains chocolate extract or cocoa powder.
Peanut butter
Boston Terriers can eat peanut butter, but it’s important to make sure that the peanut butter you give your Boston Terrier is safe and healthy.
Peanut butter is a great source of protein, vitamins, and healthy fats. It can also help to keep your Boston Terrier’s coat shiny and soft. But be careful about how much you feed your Boston Terrier! A half teaspoon of peanut butter per day is enough for small Boston Terriers. Larger Boston Terriers may need more.
It’s important to make sure that the peanut butter you give your Boston Terrier doesn’t contain xylitol or chocolate (which can cause vomiting or diarrhea). And don’t give them pretzels—they have three times more sodium than other types of peanut butter.
Popcorn
Can Boston Terriers eat popcorn?
The short answer is: yes. But you’ll want to be careful about how much and what type of popcorn you give your Boston Terrier.
As a treat, plain air-popped popcorn is safe for Boston Terriers to eat in small quantities. Popped corn kernels actually contain several minerals important to Boston Terriers, like magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc, along with fiber and trace amounts of vitamins A and E.
However, it’s important to note that the nutritional content of popcorn varies depending on how it’s prepared—so if you’re going to feed your Boston Terrier popcorn, avoid processed versions like buttered or caramelized varieties (because butter isn’t good for Boston Terriers) or those with other toppings like cheese or peanut butter (because they may contain allergens). Also, un-popped or partially popped kernels can be a choking hazard and may even cause damage to your Boston Terrier’s teeth.
Turkey
The short answer is yes, Boston Terriers can eat turkey. Turkey is safe for your Boston Terrier as long as you provide him with lean, white, unseasoned and boneless turkey meat that has been cooked. Turkey breast meat is the best option as it provides more protein, fatty acids and minerals.
Avoid giving your Boston Terrier turkey skin as it can cause GI upset and pancreatitis. Also avoid processed turkey because it may contain harmful chemicals.
Giving your Boston Terrier 20 grams of white meat turkey or 15 grams of dark meat turkey per 12 pounds body weight will allow them to receive all of their nutritional needs.
Yogurt
Yes, Boston Terriers can eat yogurt. Plain yogurt is a perfectly acceptable snack for Boston Terriers. However, some Boston Terriers may have trouble digesting dairy products. If your Boston 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 upset your Boston Terrier’s tummy. One teaspoon of yogurt a day is fine for most Boston Terriers and if you want to give more than that, then split it into two portions and spread it out over two days so that your Boston Terrier does not get too much at once.