We often want to share our favorite foods with our Saint Bernards, but not all the foods we have on hand are safe for them to eat. Saint Bernards have different metabolic systems than humans, so what’s safe food for us may not be safe for them. That’s why you need to know which fruits and vegetables are OK for your Saint Bernard, as well as other snacks she can eat.
Below are 37 fruits, vegetables & other snacks Saint Bernards can (and can’t) eat:
List of fruits Saint Bernards can or can’t eat
Wondering which fruits your Saint Bernard can eat or not? Here is a list of some common fruits your Saint Bernard can or can’t eat:
Apples
Yes, Saint Bernards can eat apples.
In fact, apples are a great snack for your pooch. They’re a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber for your Saint Bernard. They’re low in protein and fat, making them the perfect snack for senior Saint Bernards. You’ll also want to remove the seeds and core first. Avoid processed apples like applesauce and apple pie filling—they contain added sugar that isn’t good for your Saint Bernard’s health.
Avocado
Can Saint Bernards eat avocados?
The answer is no. Avocados are not safe for your Saint Bernard to eat because they contain a substance called persin, which is toxic to Saint Bernards. The fruit of the avocado tree, as well as the pits, leaves and skin of the fruit, contain persin. In addition, avocados contain a substance called latex that can cause gastrointestinal irritation or even be fatal sometimes.
The good news is that avocado oil is safe in small amounts. If you use an avocado oil shampoo, make sure it doesn’t contain preservatives or other chemicals that can irritate your Saint Bernard’s skin or digestive system.
Bananas
Yes, Saint Bernards can eat bananas.
Bananas are a low-calorie snack for Saint Bernards and offer a wide range of nutrients. They’re high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. Bananas also contain some protein and carbohydrates. While they are low in cholesterol and sodium, they do have a high sugar content.
You should only give your Saint Bernard bananas as an occasional treat because they’re easy to digest and serve as a quick energy source. However, you should remove the banana peel before giving it to your Saint Bernard because it’s difficult for them to digest it. Avoid processed bananas like banana chips or puddings because they may contain added toxic ingredients that could harm your Saint Bernard’s health.
Blackberry
Yes, Saint Bernards can eat blackberries.
Blackberries are low in calories and sugar, but they’re high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They’re also full of fiber.
They’re also a great source of resveratrol—a potent antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of heart disease by preventing oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which can cause plaque buildup in arteries. Avoid processed blackberries like blackberry jam or jelly, as they may contain harmful ingredients like corn syrup or added sugar.
Saint Bernards should eat two blackberries per 10 pounds of body weight daily if you want to take advantage of their health benefits.
Blueberry
Yes, Saint Bernards can eat blueberries.
Saint Bernards benefit from the high level of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that blueberries contain. They are also high in sugar, so feed them in moderation (4-5 blueberries per 10 pounds of body weight). Frozen, fresh, dried or mashed, either is fine for most pups. Avoid processed blueberries like blueberry muffins, blueberry yogurt, blueberry pie and blueberry pancakes, as they may contain harmful ingredients.
Cantaloupe
Yes, Saint Bernards can eat cantaloupe.
Cantaloupe are low in calories but high in other nutrients, including fiber and moisture. They also contain small amounts of vitamins A, B-6 and C. However, the fruit is high in sugar, so give your Saint Bernard in moderation. It’s recommended that you remove the rinds and seeds before feeding it to your Saint Bernard to avoid choking hazards.
Cherry
Can Saint Bernards eat cherries?
No, Saint Bernards can’t eat cherries. Although the fleshy part around the seed is safe, the plant contains cyanide, which destroys cellular oxygen transport in your Saint Bernard. The symptoms of cyanide toxicity include dilated pupils, red gum, vomiting, lethargy, and seizures. Contact your vet if your Saint Bernard ate cherry.
Grapes
Grapes are very toxic to Saint Bernards, and even a small amount of grapes can cause sudden kidney failure in your Saint Bernard.
Symptoms of grape poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness and lack of appetite. If you suspect your Saint Bernard ate grapes or might have eaten grapes, seek veterinary help immediately.
To prevent accidental ingestion, keep the grapes out of reach and educate your family about the danger of grapes and related products.
Mango
Mango is a delicious and nutritious fruit that Saint Bernards can safely eat. It contains four different vitamins: A, B6, C, and E that are great for your Saint Bernard’s health. Mango also has potassium, fiber and antioxidants which can help keep your Saint Bernard healthy and happy.
Saint Bernards should avoid mango skins as they may cause choking. Mango pits contain cyanide, which is dangerous to Saint Bernards if consumed in large amounts. Also, mangoes that have been processed into products like sorbet, popsicles, or ice cream may contain harmful ingredients.
The amount of mango you give your Saint Bernard depends on the size of your Saint Bernard, but one-quarter cup of fresh mango once a week should be fine for most Saint Bernards.
Oranges
Yes, your Saint Bernard can eat oranges in moderation. Oranges provide Vitamin C, potassium, fiber and moisture.
However, it is important to remove all traces of peel, skin, pith and seeds before giving them to your Saint Bernard. Only give them the fleshy part of the fruit. These are the parts that contain most of the nutrients that your Saint Bernard needs. You should also avoid giving them too many pieces at once or over a short period, as this could upset their stomachs. This can lead to vomiting or diarrhea sometimes so it is best to keep these treats for an occasional treat only.
Peaches
Peaches are a great source of vitamin A and fiber, and are safe for your Saint Bernard to eat.
You can give your Saint Bernard small amounts of cut-up fresh or frozen peaches, but remove the pit before serving it to your Saint Bernard as it contains cyanide.
Also, avoid processed peaches like peach cobbler or peach pie, as they may contain harmful ingredients like sugar and preservatives that can be harmful to Saint Bernards.
Pears
Yes, Saint Bernards 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 ingredients that aren’t good for your Saint Bernard.
One small slice is ok for most Saint Bernards as pears contain sugar. However, if you notice your Saint Bernard getting hyperactive after eating them, then it’s best to avoid giving him/her this fruit altogether.
Pineapples
Yes, your Saint Bernard can eat pineapple.
Pineapple is a tasty snack for your Saint Bernard and contains vitamins, minerals, bromelain, and moisture. Only the soft inner fruit is safe for your Saint Bernard to eat. You should remove the spiky skin and hard inner pineapple core before serving it to your Saint Bernard. Avoid processed pineapples like canned pineapple, pineapple cake or dried pineapple chunks because they contain added harmful chemicals.
Pumpkin
Yes, Saint Bernards can eat pumpkin.
Pumpkin is a great snack for your Saint Bernard. It can help with their skin and coat, it helps with digestion and can remedy both diarrhea and constipation in your pup.
Never feed your Saint Bernard pumpkin pie mix. Canned pumpkin is ok for your Saint Bernard but make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin. Many pumpkin supplements and pumpkin pup treats are available on the market today, so you don’t have to worry about making your own.
The amount varies with your Saint Bernard’s size and activity level, but start with a teaspoon per day.
Strawberry
Yes, Saint Bernards can eat strawberries.
Strawberries are a great source of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They’re also low in calories and high in fiber. Fresh or frozen strawberries can be given to your Saint Bernard with no worries—just be sure to cut them into small pieces before serving.
Just like with humans, make sure you remove the stem before giving your Saint Bernard strawberry slices. Processed strawberries have been known to cause stomach issues in Saint Bernards, so avoid giving them those types of berries.
Watermelon
If you’ve ever wondered if your Saint Bernard can eat watermelon, the answer is yes! Watermelon is a low-calorie treat that’s full of vitamins, minerals, lycopene, and moisture.
The only part of the watermelon that’s safe for your Saint Bernard to eat is the flesh—the seeds, rinds and skin are not edible by Saint Bernards.
To ensure that your Saint Bernard has a safe snack, cut the watermelon into small chunks or cubes. Remove the seeds and rinds before feeding it to your pup. Half a cup of diced seedless and rind-free watermelon is enough per 10 pounds of body weight.
List of vegetable Saint Bernards can or can’t eat
Wondering which vegetables your Saint Bernard can eat or not? Here is a list of some vegetables your Saint Bernard can or can’t eat:
Broccoli
Yes! Broccoli is a great source of Vitamin K, Vitamin C and minerals. It also contains fiber.
Broccoli stems and florets are both safe for your Saint Bernard to eat either cooked or raw. However, always cut it into small pieces to avoid choking hazards.
Offer your pup 1/4 (0.25) cup of broccoli per 10 pounds of body weight.
Cabbage
Cabbage is one of the most nutritious vegetables you can feed your Saint Bernard, and the best part? Most Saint Bernards love it!
Cabbage contains vitamins A, B, C and K, as well as minerals like calcium, iron and magnesium. It’s also rich in fiber and moisture—so it can help keep your pup hydrated.
But make sure it’s lightly cooked or roasted so that it’s easy for your pup to digest. And try offering just 1 bite of cabbage per 10 pounds of body weight.
Carrots
Yes, Saint Bernards can eat carrots. They’re a great low-calorie treat and a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Plus, chewing on them is good for your pup’s teeth.
Raw, frozen or cooked carrots are all fine—just make sure you chop them into smaller pieces to avoid choking hazards if you’ve got a small puppy! Cooked carrots are better because they’re easier to digest than raw ones.
If you want to give your Saint Bernard carrot cake or other treats with cooked carrots in them (like carrot pie or carrot muffins), make sure there are no harmful additives in the recipe that could hurt your Saint Bernard when he eats it.
Only give your Saint Bernard 1 or 2 baby carrots at a time to avoid overfeeding him on this high-calorie food source.
Celery
Yes, Saint Bernards can eat celery. Celery is a low-calorie treat that contains a lot of vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, and high moisture and fiber content. It’s also a great way to introduce variety into your Saint Bernard’s diet.
Saint Bernards can eat celery sticks, but it is best to first cut the sticks into bite-sized pieces so they don’t pose the risk of choking hazard. Celery leaves are fine too—just make sure they’re organic and washed well if you go this route!
Start by giving your pup one or two bite-sized pieces at first, then increase the amount as he gets used to it.
Cucumber
Yes, Saint Bernards can eat cucumbers. Cucumbers are a vegetable that contain vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, B6, and C and minerals like potassium, calcium and magnesium. They also contain moisture and fiber, which can aid in digestion.
Cucumbers also provide phytochemicals that help freshen your Saint Bernard’s breath by removing bad-smelling sulfur compounds from their breath.
The seed and peels or skin are fine for your Saint Bernard as long as they are organic. Avoid processed cucumbers like cucumber pickles since they can contain harmful additives like onions, garlic, salt or sugar.
The amount depends on the size of your Saint Bernard, but only one or two pieces of cucumber should be enough for them to enjoy.
Garlic
Can Saint Bernards eat garlic?
No, they can certainly get sick from it. Garlic is toxic to Saint Bernards because it contains N-propyl disulfide, a sulfur compound that causes hemolysis leading to anemia in Saint Bernards. Other symptoms of garlic toxicity include vomiting and diarrhea—you may see these symptoms within 24 hours after feeding your Saint Bernard garlic. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
The toxic dose for garlic is 15 to 30 grams per kilogram of body weight.
Onions
Can Saint Bernards eat onions?
No. Onions contain N-propyl disulfide, a sulfur compound that causes hemolysis, or the rupture of red blood cells. This leads to anemia in Saint Bernards. The toxic dose is 15 gm/kg of body weight of your Saint Bernard.
Every type of onion is bad for Saint Bernards: red, white, whatever. Besides, all parts of the onion plant are toxic to Saint Bernards too, including the flesh, ring, leaves, juice, and processed powders.
Contact your vet if your Saint Bernard ate onions!
Zucchini
Yes, Saint Bernards can eat zucchini.
If you’re looking for a low-calorie treat or a source of vitamins and antioxidants, zucchini is a perfect choice! It’s also full of fiber and moisture, making it an ideal choice if your Saint Bernard has any digestive issues.
You can give your Saint Bernard plain raw, steamed, or cooked. It’s important to note that raw zucchini contains more Vitamin A than when it’s cooked.
List of some other snacks Saint Bernards can or can’t eat
Wondering which snacks your Saint Bernard can eat or not? Here is a list of some snacks your Saint Bernard can or can’t eat:
Bacon
No, your Saint Bernard should not eat bacon.
Bacon is an incredibly rich and fatty food with a high salt content. Canines can’t process this much fat and salt and humans can, so eating a large amount of bacon at once can prove to be too much for a Saint Bernard’s stomach to handle.
Eating small amounts of cooked bacon infrequently will not harm your Saint Bernard. However, giving him or her large amounts of uncooked bacon could cause pancreatitis or other digestive issues that may require treatment by a veterinarian.
Beef
Yes, Saint Bernards can eat beef. It’s a good source of protein and many important vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, vitamin B12 and niacin. Beef broth, beef stew, specialized Saint Bernard beef jerky without an excess amount of salt are also safe for your Saint Bernard.
Never feed cooked bone to your Saint Bernard, but larger raw beef bones can be a chew toy. For a 10 pounds pooch, half a cup of kibble or 0.15 pound of ground beef is fine if you go for a raw diet.
Bread
Can Saint Bernards eat bread?
Yes, as long as you’re careful about it. Plain white and wheat bread are safe for Saint Bernards to eat, but avoid processed bread like bread with yeast. Bread doesn’t provide that much nutrients in your Saint Bernard, so offer them in moderation. A crust is fine, but a whole slice is too much for your Saint Bernard. Too much bread can cause diarrhea and other digestive problems.
Cheese
Yes, Saint Bernards can eat cheese.
Cheese is a good source of vitamins, fatty acids and proteins. But, you have to be careful about what type of cheese you feed your Saint Bernard. Mozzarella, cottage, swiss and cheddar cheeses are safer than other types of cheese. Stay away from spicy cheese like cheesecake, blue cheese, goat cheese and Parmesan. Also avoid cream cheese as it contains a lot of fat which can cause digestive problems for your Saint Bernard.
The amount of cheese that you give your Saint Bernard depends on the size of the Saint Bernard and how much they weigh. A few small bites are okay, but don’t overdo it.
Chicken
Yes, Saint Bernards can eat chicken. Chicken contains protein, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Boneless cooked breast meat is the best option.
Chicken skin is high in fat, so avoid feeding your Saint Bernard that part of the chicken. The amount depends on the size of the Saint Bernard, but give 1/8 to 1/6 cup of meat protein per 10 pounds of body weight per day if your Saint Bernard is on a raw meat diet.
Chocolate
Can Saint Bernards eat chocolate? No, they can’t! It’s toxic to pups.
Theobromine and caffeine are toxic to pups, and can be found in all chocolate products (cocoa powder, baker’s chocolate, semisweet chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate). If your Saint Bernard ate chocolate, contact your vet immediately. Educate your family about the danger of chocolate in Saint Bernards to prevent accidental ingestion.
Eggs
Yes, your Saint Bernard can eat eggs.
Eggs are a great source of protein, fat, vitamins and minerals, and they’re easy to digest. A well-cooked egg without seasoning is fine for your Saint Bernard to eat. However, raw eggs can carry bacteria and other harmful ingredients, so avoid feeding your Saint Bernard raw eggs.
Egg shells are fine as long as you grind them up or crush them into tiny pieces so there are no sharp edges that could hurt your Saint Bernard’s mouth (or stomach).
Fish
Saint Bernards can eat fish. However, not all fish are safe for your Saint Bernard to eat.
Feed your Saint Bernard only fish that is shorter-lived and smaller, like salmon or shrimp. A longer-lived fish like tuna or swordfish contains higher amounts of heavy metals like mercury, which can be harmful to your Saint Bernard’s health.
You should also avoid feeding your Saint Bernard any fish from waters that have been contaminated with industrial waste or sewage. These types of waters can contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can cause food poisoning in Saint Bernards.
To ensure you’re giving your Saint Bernard a healthy meal, it’s best to debone the fish before feeding it to them, then cook it thoroughly with no harmful additives.
Icecream
Ice cream is a delicious treat, but it’s harmful to your Saint Bernard. Ice cream contains high amounts of dairy products and sugar, which can upset your Saint Bernard’s stomach.
Symptoms of ice cream toxicity include vomiting and diarrhea. If you think your Saint Bernard has eaten any ice cream products, seek veterinary help immediately.
Peanut butter
Can Saint Bernards eat peanut butter?
Yes, but there are some things to watch out for. Peanut butter can be a great source of protein and healthy fats for your Saint Bernard, but it’s important to check the label and make sure that it contains nothing toxic or unhealthy. For example, peanut butter with xylitol (sugar substitute) can cause life-threatening liver issues in Saint Bernards, so avoid that kind. Also, chocolate contains caffeine which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in Saint Bernards.
The amount of peanut butter you give your Saint Bernard depends on their size—you should start with a half teaspoon per day. If they seem to enjoy it and are not experiencing any negative side effects like vomiting or diarrhea after a few days, you can increase their intake gradually.
Popcorn
Popcorn is a tasty treat for humans, but can Saint Bernards eat popcorn? The answer is yes, but only in limited quantities.
It’s important to note that plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for Saint Bernards to eat in small quantities as an occasional treat. Popped corn kernels actually contain several minerals important to Saint Bernards, like magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc, along with fiber and trace amounts of vitamins.
Buttered popcorn or popcorn with other toppings like cheese or caramel aren’t safe for your Saint Bernard—the butter contains too much fat and salt to be good for your pup’s diet. If you want to share your popcorn with your Saint Bernard (or vice versa), remember that un-popped or partially popped kernels can be a choking hazard and may even cause damage to your Saint Bernard’s teeth.
Turkey
Yes, Saint Bernards can eat turkey. In fact, turkey is a great source of protein, fatty acids and minerals. However, it’s important to choose lean white meat that has been cooked with no seasonings or sauces. Avoid turkey skin as it can cause gastrointestinal upset and pancreatitis in your Saint Bernard. Also avoid processed turkey as it may contain harmful ingredients.
10 grams of white meat turkey or 7.5 grams of dark meat turkey per 6 pounds body weight for your pooch is the best option.
Yogurt
Can Saint Bernards eat yogurt? The answer is yes! Yogurt is a great source of calcium and active bacteria that can strengthen your dog’s digestive system. It’s also low in fat and sodium, which makes it a healthy snack for your pup.
However, some Saint Bernards may have trouble digesting dairy products. If you’re concerned about this, check with your vet first before offering yogurt as a treat.
Plain yogurt is the best choice for your Saint Bernard because it contains less sugar than flavored varieties. However, if your pooch has a sensitive stomach or is allergic to dairy products, they should avoid eating yogurt altogether.