Dogs are omnivores so they can eat both animal as well as plant material. They can eat some fruits, but other fruits are toxic to dogs, such as grapes and raisins.
Many fruits are safe and even healthy for dogs in moderation, but it’s important to note that not all fruits are suitable for them. Before introducing any new fruits into your dog’s diet, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian to ensure they are safe for your specific dog.
Fruits That Are Safe For Dogs:
Here are some fruits that are generally considered safe for dogs:
Apples: Remove the seeds and core, and slice the apple into bite-sized pieces.
Bananas: These are high in potassium and low in sodium and cholesterol.
Blueberries: Rich in antioxidants, blueberries can be a tasty and healthy treat.
Strawberries: High in fiber and vitamin C, strawberries can be fed in moderation.
Watermelon: Remove seeds and rind, and give your dog small, seedless pieces.
Pineapple: Remove the tough outer skin and core, and offer small, bite-sized pieces.
Mango: Remove the pit and offer small pieces of mango flesh.
Pears: Remove seeds and core, and cut into small, manageable pieces.
Cranberries: Fresh or dried cranberries can be given in moderation.
Remember to introduce new fruits gradually and in small quantities to monitor your dog’s reaction. Avoid giving them fruits with pits or seeds, like cherries, peaches, or plums, as these can be choking hazards or contain harmful substances. Also, be cautious with fruits high in sugar, and always remove any seeds or pits before offering them to your dog.
“It’s crucial to note that some fruits, such as grapes and raisins, are toxic to dogs and should never be given to them. Always consult with your veterinarian to ensure that the fruits you are considering are safe for your dog’s individual health needs and conditions.”
Fruits That Are Good For Dogs:
Here are the fruits that good for good for dogs:
1. Apples:
Most dogs love apples! They are safe and healthy for dogs to eat and contain many nutritional benefits such as vitamins A and C, fiber, potassium and antioxidants. Apples are also low in calories, and the crunch of an apple can help promote dental health.
“Be sure to always remove the stem, leaves, core and seeds and cut the apple into small pieces to avoid potential choking or intestinal blockages.”
Apple seeds contain cyanide, which is poisonous to dogs, but it would take a huge number of seeds to cause cyanide poisoning: about 100 apples for a small dog, 200 for a medium-sized dog, and 300 for a dog. large in size. If your dog eats a small amount of apple seeds, it shouldn’t be a problem.
2. Bananas:
Although dogs can eat bananas, they should not be given banana peels, as they are difficult to digest and could cause intestinal blockage.
“Bananas are rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamins B6 and C. However, they are also higher in sugar than many other fruits, so they should be fed sparingly. They will need to be cut into small pieces.”
3. Blackberries and Raspberries:
Yes, dogs can eat raspberries and blackberries in moderation.
“Berries are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals, which are chemical compounds found in plants that help fight cancer in humans. They are also low in sugar and calories.”
Blackberries and raspberries, however, also contain small amounts of natural xylitol. This is a sweetener used in many low-sugar foods. It is very toxic to dogs in large quantities, but your dog would have to eat a lot of berries to cause hypoglycemia and a huge amount for it to be lethal. A small handful a day should be the limit.
4. Blueberries:
Blueberries are low in calories and rich in vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants and phytochemicals. Blueberries have been shown to improve night vision, help prevent cell damage, and help with mental function in older pets.
5. Cantaloupe
Melon is healthy and nutritious for dogs to eat. It is rich in fiber and low in calories. It also contains numerous vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and C, folic acid, fiber and potassium. Melon is also 90% water, so it’s great for hydration.
“Be careful of high sugar content, especially if your dog suffers from diabetes or obesity. And always remove the peel and seeds before giving melon to your dog.”
Fruits You Should Be Careful About Feeding Dogs:
These fruits fall into a gray area and it may be best to avoid giving them to your dog.
Avocado: While the actual pulp is not toxic to dogs, the pit can cause an intestinal blockage, and the high fat content can cause pancreatitis or stomach upset in some dogs, even from just a small amount.
Tomatoes: The ripe fruit is not toxic to dogs, but eating too much can cause stomach upset. Eating parts of the tomato plant itself can also cause gastrointestinal (GI) upset.
Fruits Toxic To Dogs:
These fruits are toxic to dogs and should never be offered to them as a snack.
Grapes/raisins: Never give grapes or raisins to your dog, just to be safe. They can be toxic to some dogs, even in small quantities. But there’s no way to know how your dog will react. If your dog has eaten grapes or raisins, contact your veterinarian immediately and take him to the doctor’s office or emergency room. Time is of the essence when it comes to treating grape toxicity.
Wild Berries: Never give your dog wild berries, as they can be easily misidentified and many are toxic to dogs.
Can dogs eat fruit snacks?
No, dogs should not eat fruit snacks. Although fruit snacks are not considered toxic to dogs, they are very high in sugar, so they should be avoided.
How much fruit can a dog have?
Snacks should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s diet. This also applies to fruit. If you are giving your dog fruit in addition to other dog treats, be sure to adjust the amount of treats given so as not to exceed this 10% recommendation.
Even if a fruit is not toxic to dogs, too much can cause stomach upset. Keep an eye out for typical symptoms of a stomach ache:
- Vomit
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite or loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Acting depressed
- Looking uncomfortable
- Swallowing or licking your lips, air, or objects
How to Safely Prepare Fruit for Your Dog?
Fruit must be washed thoroughly before being fed to your dog. Remove any leaves, stems, seeds, stones or peels. Cut the fruit into small pieces and give him a small amount. Canned fruit in syrup should never be fed due to the high sugar content.
Fruit pieces can be given as individual snacks or mashed and added to your dog’s meals. Fruit can cause a choking hazard for small dogs, so always supervise your dog while eating.
1. Watch for gas, vomiting, or diarrhea:
Some dogs are more sensitive than others and may have flatulence (gas), vomiting and/or diarrhea if fruit is given. Even dogs with strong stomachs can end up with gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhea if they are fed too much fruit, due to its high fiber content.
“If you want to safely give fruit to your dog as a snack, start slowly and watch for any signs of gastrointestinal distress before making it a regular treat.”
If you notice any signs of gastrointestinal distress, stop giving your dog fruit and call your vet.
What other foods are safe for dogs?
Your dog can also safely enjoy these foods:
- Asparagus
- Peppers
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Carrots
- Celery
- Green beans
- Peanut butter (give sparingly and avoid peanut butter with xylitol, which is toxic to dogs; usually found in “sugar-free” or “low-sugar” peanut butter)
- Peas
- Pumpkin (canned plain pumpkin, NOT pumpkin pie mix)
- Plain rice
- Sweet potatoes
- Zucchinis
What foods are unsafe for dogs?
Don’t give your dog these foods:
- Alcohol
- Bread dough
- Butter
- Caffeine
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Citrus peels/oil
- Garlic
- Macadamia nuts
- Milk/dairy products
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Raw/undercooked meat, eggs and bones
- Salty food
- Sugar
- Xylitol (artificial sweetener)