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Are All Fruits Safe for Dogs?

While a healthy, balanced diet should always come first, your dog’s day will usually have room for and beg for some snackable additions. But if you’re going to feed them treats, it’s best to know exactly what’s in them, which is why whole foods with only one ingredient are often the best choices. We all know that fruits are healthy, are all of them safe for your dog to consume?

There are several kinds of fruits dogs can eat safely. Certain ones, like bananas, apples, strawberries, and blueberries, can even add some healthy variety to a dog’s diet while acting as a feel-good treat. Fruits, unlike many processed foods, have health benefits. But not all of them are safe for dogs to consume.

What Fruits Can Dogs Eat?

Fruit is essential for maintaining your health, as you are already aware, but did you also know that it is fantastic for your dog? While dogs don’t really need fruit to be healthy, adding fresh fruits to your dog’s regular diet, with your vet’s approval and guidance, can give them an extra boost of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, as well as some additional, always-welcome hydration.

When giving your dog fruit, it’s important to remember that while many fruits are excellent for dogs, not all of them are. You should be sure to pay attention to how your dog reacts to various fruits in addition to reviewing our list of fruits that you shouldn’t feed your pet at the bottom of this page. Even if the fruit is generally safe for them, stop giving it to them if you notice any indications of upset stomach or other discomforts.

The best fruits to give dogs are listed below:

Apples

Apples are a nutritious treat for dogs, just like humans. Instead of giving your dog a whole apple every day, limit them to one or two slices.

Apples are rich in dietary fiber, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C, and other nutrients. The sweet or tart flavor of an apple, as well as its likely crunchiness, will be very appealing to your dog.

Make sure to wash the apple, remove the core, and any stems or seeds before giving it to your dog. The seeds contain a substance that, when ingested, produces the toxin cyanide, and the core can be a choking hazard. Although the amount of cyanide that your dog would absorb from one piece of fruit would be negligible, it is still best to avoid giving your dog any apple seeds.

It is up to you to peel the apple. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, consider peeling to remove the excess fiber. You can also experiment with different types of apples for your dog for variety. Feeding applesauce is not recommended because most varieties on store shelves are high in sugar. Buy organic apples whenever possible, as non-organic varieties are known to contain higher levels of pesticide residue.

Avocados

Although it’s acceptable for your dog to consume a small amount of avocado flesh, it’s best to make this common fruit an extremely rare treat or altogether avoid it.

For both humans and dogs, avocados may have health benefits. Avocado is a fruit with many vitamins, fiber, and beneficial monounsaturated fatty acids that can keep your friend’s coat shiny. However, dogs should only consume the flesh of an avocado, the pit and skin are a big no-no and only in minimal quantities, as avocados can upset a dog’s digestive system if consumed in excess. To avoid gaining weight, choose healthier alternatives for treats and meal toppings because fruit is high in calories.

Persin, an avocado toxin, is primarily found in the fruit’s leaves, skin, and pit. Never allow your dog to consume those items, as they may cause choking hazards or intestinal blockages.

Bananas

Most homes have a bunch of bananas in the kitchen for family members to snack on. Bananas can give the entire family, including dogs, a healthy boost because they are rich in potassium, magnesium, vitamins B6 and C, and dietary fiber. Bananas are high in sugar and starch, so eat them in moderation. Although technically harmless to dogs, avoid letting your dog eat the banana peel because doing so could cause vomiting or intestinal blockage.

When given sparingly, bananas can be a tasty, fiber-rich treat that may be of assistance if your dog is experiencing mild digestive problems. The banana can be given to your dog in various entertaining ways. Instead of peeling and cutting the banana into bite-sized pieces, try simply freezing it whole. You could also mash it and add it to your dog’s food. Alternatively, you could put some peeled bananas in a rubber toy, freeze it all, and then give it to your dog as a fun treat-toy combination. Regardless of how you feed the peeled banana, start with a small amount, check for any digestive problems, and then feed it only sparingly moving forward.

Since a whole banana has about 105 calories, remember the 10% rule and share your banana with your dog instead of giving him the entire thing. Smaller dogs should only receive a few appropriately sized pieces of banana, while larger dogs should receive at most half of a regular-sized banana as an occasional treat (a few times a week at most).

Blueberries

Undoubtedly, you’ve heard about blueberries‘ bestselling health advantages. You may have heard that they are suitable for the brain, the heart, and possibly even the blood sugar. And the answer is yes if you’re wondering if they’re good for your dog. In addition to being rich in nutrients like manganese, vitamins C and K1, and vitamin K1, blueberries are also well known for their high phytochemicals and antioxidants. Antioxidants aid in the battle against free radicals, which harm cells. Phytochemicals naturally occur in plants and have various health advantages, including the potential to fight cancer.

The small size of blueberries makes them a ready-made treat. Thoroughly wash them and give your dog each by mouth, or add a few to their meal. You can freeze them and serve them to your dog straight from the freezer for a fun, novel texture. Do exercise caution, mainly if feeding them to small dogs, as they present a choking risk. Before feeding, give them a little squeeze to release their scent and lessen the possibility that they will fall down your dog’s throat.

As with other fruits, start slowly to see how your dog responds to the new treat, maybe just one berry or a few for a larger dog. A dog’s stomach may become upset if they consume too many blueberries because they contain a lot of fiber. Additionally, whenever possible, remember to purchase organic blueberries.

Coconut

The oil of the coconut has been advocated for everything from allergies and hot spots to helping with dog dental care. Therefore, it shouldn’t come as a massive surprise that coconut meat can, in moderation, make a healthy treat for dogs. Many potential advantages, including antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, are attributed to coconut compound composition. Coconut is also rich in antioxidants, which can strengthen the entire immune system. The fiber content of coconut, like that of many other fruits, can aid digestion, but moderation is always key. Having too much fiber can also cause digestive problems.

Try scooping out some of the meat from coconut for your dog if you’ve managed to get your hands on some and have gone to the trouble of cracking one open. Ensure that all shell is removed because it poses a choking risk and may even result in intestinal blockage. Be cautious when giving your dog dried coconut products because many contain additives that are harmful to dogs and are often high in sugar.

Cranberries

Both humans and dogs can benefit from eating cranberries as a snack. They are fiber-rich and contain antioxidants like vitamins C and E and other substances that can fight inflammation and strengthen the immune system. There may be some truth to the belief that cranberries can prevent urinary tract infections.

Proanthocyanidin, a substance found in cranberries, is thought to aid in preventing some bacteria from sticking to bladder cells. Although cranberries haven’t been definitively linked to the prevention of UTIs, some studies have suggested that there MAY be a link. Therefore, even though cranberries shouldn’t be given to dogs regularly as a supplement for bladder health, if they enjoy the tart flavor, you can feel good about doing so. Feed them fresh or dried cranberries, but steer clear of cranberry sauce and juice, which may contain added sugars and ingredients. Also, stay away from raisins!

Cranberries contain substances called oxalates, which, when consumed excessively, can raise the risk of kidney stones, so be sure to feed them in moderation.

Oranges

Oranges, known for their vitamin C content, could pass as a tasty treat for your dog, but only in minimal quantities. Avoid giving your dog these fruits if they are overweight or have diabetes because of their high sugar content. Even if they can consume the fruit, limit their intake to a few segments first and start with just one or smaller pieces for small dogs to see how their stomach reacts. Oranges may cause vomiting and diarrhea because of their acidic nature.

Before giving an orange to your dog, thoroughly peel it, and get rid of all the seeds and the white tissue (the pith) on the underside of the peel. Avoid being curious about orange juice. It is unhealthy for dogs because it is a concentrated form of oranges, making it even sweeter and more acidic.

Peaches

Feel free to share this summer’s bounty with your dog if you’re taking advantage of it. Peaches are rich in fiber and vitamin A; dogs can eat the flesh in moderation. Before serving small slices, make sure the peaches have been thoroughly washed.

When it comes to peaches, the pit is one thing to watch out for. Amygdalin, a poisonous substance found in peach pits, decomposes when consumed into hydrogen cyanide. Pits also present other risks to dogs, including the potential for tooth decay, choking, and intestinal blockages. Ensure your dog doesn’t have access to peaches in their entire form by keeping them away from him. Instead, chop up the flesh of the peach into bite-sized pieces and serve them fresh or frozen as a snack. Avoid buying canned peaches.

Pears

Pears are yet another fruit rich in soluble fiber, essential for digestive health, as well as vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Serve only ripe fruit, as unripe fruit can upset a dog’s stomach, according to some serving suggestions for pears, on the other hand, avoid feeding over-ripe or rotting fruit. Ensure thoroughly wash the fruit and remove the core, leaves, and stalk. Cut it into 1-inch pieces, feed it straight, or grate it as a meal garnish.

Pineapples

The pineapple contains nutrients, including significant amounts of thiamine, copper, potassium, and magnesium. It can be a tasty, infrequent treat if your dog likes the taste.

Bromelain, another enzyme found in pineapple, has been shown in studies involving other animals to have anti-inflammatory and other health benefits in addition to reducing inflammation in humans. Because this tropical fruit contains more sugar than some alternatives, it is crucial to keep pineapple treats in moderation. Feed only fresh, raw pineapple and never canned, which may have added sugar, and it should go without saying, remove the core and spiky skin.

Pumpkin

In addition to being a tasty treat for your dog, pumpkin is also a beneficial dietary and digestive supplement thanks to its high fiber, vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant content. It is frequently advised for treating mild constipation and diarrhea symptoms in dogs, making it a true superfood for canines. Although raw pumpkin is not technically toxic to dogs, it is difficult to digest, so for dogs with digestive issues, choose a plain, canned pumpkin.

Aside from digestive problems, you can use pumpkin as a treat or give your dog’s food a little more flavor. Start with a tiny amount, half a teaspoon, or small dogs, and if they tolerate it, increase it to one or two teaspoons. Start with one tablespoon for large dogs and work up to two to three tablespoons. Pumpkin can also be spread on a rubber toy like a Kong to create a treat with health benefits. Pumpkin is a great alternative to peanut butter for this use and is generally a lickable treat since it has five calories per tablespoon instead of 100 for Peanut butter.

Never give your dog canned pumpkin pie filling, which may contain dangerous ingredients like toxic xylitol.

Raspberries

Raspberries are loaded with goodness and are regarded as a safe fruit for dogs, just like other berries. Raspberries have more vitamin C, B-complex, and K, antioxidants that can lower the risk of cancer, heart disease, and arthritis, and dietary fiber that supports the digestive system and makes a dog feel full than some other fruits despite having less sugar and calories.

All fruit should be consumed in moderation, but raspberries are doubly so because they contain xylitol, a naturally occurring substance poisonous to dogs. Even the largest dog should only receive a small handful at a time, and smaller dogs should only receive a few, on occasion, even though a dog would need to consume a significant amount to suffer harm.

Strawberries

This tasty, energizing berry may offer your pet many advantages. They have a lot of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. As a bonus, they have malic acid, which may help whiten teeth.

Cut the strawberries into bite-sized pieces for your dog after washing and removing the stems. You can also try mashing them and adding them to your dog’s food or freeze them for a texture change that your dog might like. Feed strawberries in moderation because they contain sugar, and always start with a small amount, one strawberry for a larger dog. Also, avoid canned strawberries because they are loaded with sugar and other potentially dangerous additives. Whenever possible, buy organic products, just like with apples.

Tomatoes

Lycopene, an abundant antioxidant in tomatoes, has been linked to many health advantages, including lowering bad cholesterol, preventing sunburn, and possibly even cancer. However, tomatoes also contain chemical substances called solanine and alpha tomatine that, in sufficient amounts, can be toxic. The amount of solanine decreases as tomatoes ripen but are still present in the stem, leaves, and green, unripe tomatoes. 

Therefore, it is generally agreed that dogs can consume ripe red tomatoes in moderation. When it comes to tomatoes, pet owners should be careful to prevent their dogs from eating anything green. When you want to give your dog a treat, only provide them with a slice of the ripened fruit and fence off any tomato plants in your garden so that your dog can’t get to them. Again, give only a tiny amount to avoid upsetting their stomach.

Watermelon

We’ve chilled off with some watermelon slices on a hot day. This juicy melon, which contains 90% water, potassium, vitamins A, C, and B6, and fiber, can be served as a cooling treat to dogs. Make sure to remove the rind and all seeds from the watermelon before giving it to your dog because they can cause blockages and other risks to the intestines.

Watermelon can be fed to your dog by simply cutting a cube and giving it to him after it is gone. Before offering more, give your dog one piece to see if their stomach can handle the new treat. Moderation is key, just like with other fruits. Depending on your dog’s size, the piece you give him will be of a specific size, smaller for small dogs and larger for large dogs.

The most crucial thing we can give our dogs for their health is a nutritious, balanced diet. But a few treats in the form of fruit can be a tasty incentive, so play around with the flavors and textures to see what your dog enjoys!

Cantaloupes

Dogs can safely eat cantaloupes. The cantaloupe is a great source of water and fiber, is high in nutrients, and is low in calories. However, due to its high sugar content, it should be consumed in moderation, especially by overweight or diabetic dogs.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are edible to dogs. Since cucumbers contain almost no carbohydrates, fats, or oils and have the potential to increase energy levels, they are particularly beneficial for overweight dogs. They are rich in potassium, copper, magnesium, biotin, and the vitamins K, C, and B1.

Mangoes

Mangos are safe to eat by dogs. This delicious summer treat is a powerhouse of vitamins A, B6, C, and E. In addition, they contain potassium and both beta- and alpha-carotene. Remember that, as with most fruits, you should remove the hard pit because it contains trace amounts of cyanide and poses a choking risk. Use mango as a rare treat because it has a lot of sugar.

What Fruits Should You Avoid Feeding Your Dog

While there are many fruits that dogs can eat, you should also be aware of the fruits that dogs cannot eat as a responsible pet owner. These consist of the following:

• Cherries
• Grapefruit
• Grapes
• Lemons
• Limes
• Plums

When giving fruit to your dog for the first time, always err on caution. Do your research, feed your dog small amounts at first, and keep an eye out for any warning signs of an adverse reaction because even fruits that aren’t on this list may cause problems for your particular dog.

What If My Dog Consumes Fruit that They are Not Supposed to?

Dogs are observant animals. When you’re not looking, they occasionally consume unhealthy foods. Be sure to act if you even have the slightest suspicion that your dog has consumed something toxic. Make immediate contact with your veterinarian. Some symptoms don’t appear for a few days. Your veterinarian will advise you whether to come in or whether to watch for symptoms when you call them, depending on the circumstances.