Creating a Bowl Full of Purpose - Fruits and Vegetables Do They Have a Purpose in the Bowl?

Creating a Bowl Full of Purpose - Fruits and Vegetables Do They Have a Purpose in the Bowl?

Our Instagram survey revealed something interesting: 83% of dog owners add vegetables to their dogs’ bowls.

But here’s the thing… Dogs weren’t designed to eat vegetables and fruits.

Before domestication, dogs were hunters. They ate the whole animal — organs, bones, and even fur, which naturally provided fibre. When food was scarce, they scavenged grass or the odd vegetable for a tiny nutrient boost until their next proper meal.

Even Dave — who’s on a mainly prey‑model diet — struggles with fruits and veggies. But yes, there can be a small place for them in some dogs’ bowls, especially for those following a BARF‑style diet.

If you choose to add vegetables, they should make up only between 2 - 4% of the bowl. And only if your dog tolerates them.

So, if your dog enjoys the occasional veggie (or, like Dave, will sacrifice a tiny corner of the bowl on the odd occassion) , here are some helpful tips:

🛒 Where to Buy Vegetables & Fruit for Your Dog

  • Not sure if a vegetable is safe? Ask your vet, a qualified pet nutritionist, or check a trusted resource.

  • Shop local. Farmers’ Markets are ideal — you can meet the grower, ask questions, and choose organic produce free from pesticides.

    • We love leafy greens from Hamlin Road Farm and Pumpkin from Jim's Garden and/or Kamai Range Orchard depending on

  • Variety matters. Just like raw feeding, rotate ingredients and introduce new items slowly while observing your dog.

  • Buy in season — and buy what you will eat too, this is the best save especially if you are on a budget

  • Avoid doubling up. Don’t buy expensive “dog veggie mixes” or "treats" where veggies are hidden among lots of other ingredients.  Your dog only needs a tiny amount, and adding veggies to your own shop saves money and reduces your own household waste.


🥕 Preparing Vegetables & Fruits for Your Dog

  • Remove hazards: seeds, stones, pits, cores — many are toxic or choking risks.

  • Avoid:

    • Overcooking (frying, baking, boiling for long periods) — it destroys nutrients.

    • Cooking in butter, oil, or salt.

    • Mixing with grains, preservatives, or unnecessary extras especially if your dog is on a raw diet. 

For maximum nutrients: Lightly steam a small portion until soft but still holding shape.

Cool what you need for the evening, then freeze the rest in ice cube trays or small containers. When you grab your Dave Fave Raw blocks, you can grab a frozen veggie cube too — thaw and serve alongside the raw meal.

Serve both the raw mix and veggies close to room temperature (or slightly cooler in summer).


🚫 Vegetables to Avoid

  • Potatoes & Corn — high‑carb, calorie‑dense, cause energy spikes, and can upset digestion.

  • Onions & all onion‑family vegetables — highly toxic to dogs.


🥦 Veggies Your Dog May Enjoy (in small amounts)

  • Pumpkin

  • Broccoli

  • Leafy greens

  • Carrots

  • Cucumber (in summer)

🍎 Fruits Your Dog May Enjoy (in small amounts)

  • Blueberries

  • Strawberries

  • Apples (core & seeds removed)

  • Watermelon (in summer)

🦴 Fibre Alternatives (Dave‑Approved)

If you want fibre without the veggie prep, your dog can also get it naturally from our furry treats and raw bones:


If You Choose to Add Veggies or Fruit:

  • Keep it Fresh, Simple, Seasonal, and Small (less than 5% of the bowl).

  • Make it part of your Farmers’ Market weekend shop.

  • Serve lightly steamed or as a frozen summer cool‑down cube.

  • And most importantly — support your local organic growers.



 



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