Maybe I’m neurotic, but I assume that dogs can’t eat… ANYTHING. I know the major taboo foods – like chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, booze, and xylitol (a common sweetener in gums and sugar-free candies). But, just to be safe, I always check online if there’s even a chance that my dog Jimmy could get his paws on something I’m not 100% sure about.

I was shocked when I read the ingredients of Ollie, my favorite fresh dog food, and learned that these 6 foods are not only safe for pups, but also essential for their nutrition…

1. Blueberries

Why are grapes toxic but blueberries are a-okay? This is one of life’s mysteries. Now that I know they’re safe, I feed Jimmy one or two when I make my morning granola and he savors every bite (aka, chews it up messily and gets half of it all over the floor). These berries are not just safe, they’re also incredibly nutritious – full of dietary fiber, antioxidants (which help support a healthy immune system), and vitamins C and K. Ollie’s fresh turkey recipe is chock full of blueberries – you can start building your plan here!

2. Sweet Potatoes

I absolutely love sweet potatoes with a little butter and balsamic vinegar… but don’t add those fixin’s for your dog! A *plain* baked sweet potato will provide them a slow-burning carbohydrate and fiber source, plus antioxidants, vitamin A (important for eye health!), and vitamin C. Sweet potatoes are great for settling sour stomachs, too! You can find these nutrient-packed nuggets in Ollie’s fresh beef recipe. (I supplement Jimmy’s daily Ollie with frequent sweet potato treats; what can I say, he’s obsessed with sweet potato!) Get a sweet new meal plan here.

3. Carrots

Bugs Bunny called, he wants his snack back. Considering that my dog begs for a bite of a carrot every time I munch on one, I should have guessed that these were okay to eat. He and I were both thrilled to learn that carrots are a vital source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin A. Raw carrots may be a bit rough on a sensitive dog’s digestive system – but luckily, they are perfectly, gently cooked in Ollie’s fresh chicken recipe. Get it here.

4. Cranberries

Thanksgiving’s savior, safe for pups? Yes, it turns out – although not in the form of a jello mold or sauce! (Avoid dried cranberries, too, as they’re loaded with sugar.) A protein-rich meal featuring the tart berry is a great source of those trusty antioxidants, plus dietary fiber, and vitamins C and K. Cranberries happen to feature heavily in Ollie’s fresh lamb recipe! You can select lamb when you choose your plan.

5. Apples 

I always side-eyed my brother when I saw him sneaking bites of his apples to his dog, Frasier (yes, named after famed radio psychiatrist Frasier Crane), but they are actually totally safe and delicious for dogs. Just don’t let them eat the seeds! Apples are filled with fiber, making them the perfect addition to the diet of a pup who may suffer from poor digestion or an occasional rumbly tummy. For an apple-y boost to dinners (and breakfasts, and lunches), select Ollie’s fresh pork recipe when you set up your subscription.

6. Spinach

It’s not just humans who can benefit from eating their greens. Spinach makes for a healthy, vibrant boost to mealtime. This green superfood has vitamins A, B, C, and K, as well as ample supplies of iron, antioxidants, and beta-carotene. But don’t make your dog a salad every day. (Raw spinach is actually hard to digest!) Just give them Ollie! It’s included in the fresh beef, turkey, chicken, and pork recipes – take your pick when you start on Ollie.

The Nutrient-Rich Diet Your Dog Needs

Our dogs deserve a variety of flavors, textures, and colors (even though they’re colorblind) to explore. By adding these surprisingly healthy ingredients to your pup’s routine, you’ll be giving them extra nutrients they wouldn’t normally get from traditional kibbles or wet foods – helping them live a longer, happier, and healthier life.

Want to try Ollie’s nutrient-packed meals for your BFF? Order today to get 50% off your first order of fresh, gently-cooked dog food!