We tend to picture dogs with bones and cats with fish, but the truth is that they’re sneaky veggie lovers too.
And while cats in particular could never actually be vegetarians since they’re obligate carnivores that need meat to survive, that doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate a tasty bit of broccoli or carrot as an occasional treat. Dogs, on the other hand, aren’t shy at all about their love of everything from peas and green beans to cucumber and cauliflower. Here are some signs that including a bit of veg in their diet now and then (dogs more often than cats) could make them very happy indeed.
They already steal your salad.
You’d think lettuce would be safe, but dogs and cats often nick leaves right out of your bowl. They’ll pretend they’re curious, but clearly they’re crunching for fun like undercover rabbits. Pop a few safe greens into their bowl now and then. It saves your plate and gives them a healthier outlet for that sneaky salad habit.
They beg for peas all the time.
It’s not just meat they hover around the table for. Many pets light up at the sound of a pea rolling on the floor. For something so simple, they treat it like treasure. Frozen peas are safe and fun to chase. Hand a few over next time and watch them go full vegetarian without even realising it.
They go wild for sweetcorn.
Dogs especially seem to adore corn kernels, even though they don’t know what to do with the cob. Cats aren’t far behind; they’ll bat loose pieces around like toys before munching them down. Serve a spoonful as a snack, and you’ll see why sweetcorn is secretly one of their favourite veggie cheats.
They crunch carrots like crisps.
A raw carrot can keep some dogs busy for ages, and cats aren’t immune either. They’ll nibble with the same determination they’d use on a biscuit, proving that veggies can hit the same spot. Slice them into smaller pieces to avoid choking. It’s one of the easiest ways to give them crunch without leaning on treats.
They chase cucumbers.
Cats are famous for being suspicious of cucumbers, but the moment they realise it’s not a snake, some can’t resist giving it a lick or a bite. Dogs often treat cucumber slices like crunchy water snacks. Keep some slices handy in the fridge. They’re refreshing, low in calories, and fun for pets who like to crunch and play.
They nibble on broccoli florets.
Not every dog or cat will go near broccoli, but the ones who do act like it’s a secret delicacy. They’ll chew the tops like tiny trees, proving it’s not just humans who benefit from its fibre and vitamins. Steam it lightly before offering. It keeps the flavour gentle and easier to chew, while still letting them feel like they’ve raided the veg drawer.
They swipe at spinach leaves.
You might be making a smoothie and suddenly notice your cat batting at stray spinach leaves. Dogs too will happily gobble one down if it falls to the floor, acting like it’s a hidden treat. A small handful mixed into their food now and then works fine. It’s a safe, sneaky way to get them an iron boost without fuss.
They sneak apples when they can.
Apples aren’t veg, but they fall in the same “healthy snack” camp. Dogs especially love the crunch, and cats will sometimes lick at the sweetness like they’ve discovered pudding in fruit form. Remove the seeds and core before sharing. A few slices let them enjoy the taste safely while keeping that secret veggie streak alive.
They act obsessed with pumpkin.
Dogs go mad for pumpkin puree, and cats often follow suit. It helps with digestion, so it’s a sneaky win-win that makes them think they’re getting dessert. Mix a spoonful into food during autumn. You’ll see why they love it so much: it’s smooth, sweet, and feels indulgent without actually being unhealthy.
They lick tomatoes off the counter.
Plenty of pets make a beeline for tomatoes, even if they’ve no business being up on the counter. It’s like they know they’re stealing something “grown up” and exciting. Stick with ripe, red tomatoes only never green. A couple of slices make a safer snack, letting them live their veggie bandit dreams without risk.
They raid the berry punnet.
Leave strawberries or blueberries on the side, and you’ll quickly find paw prints in the punnet. Dogs love the sweetness, while cats often get more joy batting them about before snacking. Wash a few and hand them over. Watching your pet nibble berries is proof enough they’re running a secret vegetarian side hustle.
They act like grass is gourmet.
Every dog or cat has had a go at grazing in the garden. They may cough it up later, but the fact remains they’re secretly into greens and don’t care who knows it. Keep an eye out, though. Offer safe indoor cat grass or herbs instead so they can graze without risking anything harmful.