Fruit could be a yummy treat for your pup, but not all fruits are safe for dogs to eat. Here, our vets from Pet Doctors of America in Jacksonville, Florida share a list of fruits you can safely feed your dog.
Fruit: A Sweet Treat
Because dogs are omnivores they require a combination of meat and veggies in their diets. Thankfully, dog food today consists of all the nutrients your pooch requires to be healthy, so you don't need to be concerned about adding supplements to their diets. Although, fruits could be an excellent treat for your pup.
Remember that treats shouldn't make up more than approximately 10 % of your dog's diet, so if you are feeding your dog fruit you have to cut down on other treats so you don't feed your pooch too much.
Introducing New Foods
When you introduce any new foods to your dog's diet, you need to do it slowly to make sure your dog can tolerate it and that they don't experience any allergic reactions or gastrointestinal upset. Give them one kind of fruit at a time, with just a piece or two a day, and monitor how your dog reacts.
When giving a dog any type of fruit you need to cut it into small pieces and remove any pits, rinds, or seeds before giving it to your pooch—these parts of fruits are often toxic to dogs and can make your furry friend unwell, or can sometimes even be deadly.
Safe Fruits For Dogs
Here we have listed some fruits that could be a good treat for your pooch:
- Apples: Apples are high in fiber and low in fat making them a great option for overweight or senior pets with slower metabolisms. They also contain vitamins A and C which help maintain healthy bones and tissue. Feed your pup apples in moderation and be sure to remove the core and seeds first, as they are toxic to dogs.
- Apricots: The fleshy fruit of apricots can make a great treat for dogs. They are potassium-rich and contain beta-carotene, which can help fight against cancer. Be sure to remove the pit, stem, and leaves.
- Blueberries: Blueberries are a great source of vitamin C and fiber, they are also rich in antioxidants. You could even freeze them for a refreshing summer treat.
- Cantaloupe: Cantaloupe may help alleviate inflammatory issues in pets. Be sure to cut the fruit into manageable pieces and remove the skin and seeds before serving it up to your pup as a treat.
- Mango: Small pieces of mango with the skin and core removed are great, vitamin-packed treats for dogs.
- Pear: Pears have lots of fiber and vitamin C. As with apples, be sure to remove the core and seeds before feeding to your pet.
- Pineapple: Pineapple has vitamins and minerals like folate and zinc that can be great for your dog's digestion and immune system. They are high in sugar so shouldn't be fed to your dog all the time and be sure to remove the spiky skin and hard core before giving pineapple as a treat.
- Strawberries: Strawberries are great for the immune system and make a great treat—fresh or frozen—for your dog.
- Watermelon: Watermelons are mostly water, so they're a great option for keeping your pet hydrated during the hotter months. They also have the added benefit of being rich in vitamins.
Potentially Unsafe Fruits For Dogs
- Avocado: The fat content in avocados is really high which could cause some dogs to have an upset stomach or even develop pancreatitis, so they don't generally make good treats. You should also never give the pit to your dog.
- Banana: While bananas are an excellent source of potassium they are high in sugar and carbohydrates. This is why you should only give bananas to your dog sparingly. A small slice is okay for an occasional treat.
- Blackberries & Raspberries: Blackberries and raspberries are low in sugar, contain fiber and vitamin C, and have anti-inflammatory properties that make them great for older pets. However, they should only be given in small quantities as they contain trace amounts of a sweetener called xylitol which can be fatal to dogs in large quantities.
- Tomatoes: While the ripe fruit isn't toxic to dogs it commonly causes stomach upset and should typically be avoided.
Fruits Dogs Can Not Eat
- Cherries: Cherry pits, stems, and leaves contain cyanide, which is poisonous and potentially fatal if consumed in high enough quantities. Cherry pits can also get stuck in a dog's intestinal system and cause blockages.
- Grapes: Grapes are highly toxic to dogs and can cause serious kidney damage that can lead to acute (sudden) kidney failure, which can be fatal.
- Lemons & Limes: While not toxic, lemons and limes can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs and should be avoided.
- Wild berries: Lots of wild berries are poisonous to dogs so it's always better to err on the side of caution and never give them to your dog.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.