If your dog loves to snack on fruit as you do, you’re probably wondering whether it’s OK to give her some of the fruit from your plate. And if you’ve got other questions about whether dogs can eat certain types of fruit, don’t worry — we’ve got answers!
Read on to learn more about whether dogs can eat fruit and how they should be given this type of food. You may even discover that some fruits are healthier than you thought for your dog.
Dogs Need Fruits in Their Diet
Fruits are a healthy snack for dogs. Just like humans, canines need their fruit intake. The American Kennel Club recommends feeding your dog fruits and vegetables to ensure they get the appropriate vitamin C and dietary requirements.
Fruits can also be used as a tasty treat. However, avoid feeding pears, as the seeds are choking for dogs.
If you want to put fruits into your pet’s diet, stick with these other options. Dogs can eat blueberries, strawberries, and watermelon without any problems. If you want to give canned peaches or canned pineapple to your pet, make sure it is in heavy syrup so it cannot choke on the pieces of fruit.
As with any change in food, always consult your veterinarian before making changes to the dog’s diet. They will know what is safe and does not work with the dog’s current health condition.
It may take time to get your dog accustomed to new foods, so don’t be discouraged if there is some initial resistance. Be patient, firm, and consistent with changing your dog’s diet so the dog can reap all the benefits!
Dogs Can Eat Fruit And Vegetables
Dogs eat fruits and vegetables every day. Some of the fruits dogs can eat are watermelon, strawberries, apples, bananas, and blueberries. Dogs eat some fruit while eating their dog food as a treat. Dog owners want to ensure that their dogs eat healthy foods and only feed them fruits and vegetables.
When you give your dog fruit for a snack or meal, you will know that it is safe for them to eat because it is made for them. Dogs enjoy eating other fruits like watermelon, strawberries, apples, bananas, and blueberries. Dogs also enjoy vegetables like broccoli and carrots.
Dogs can be picky about what type of fruits and veggies they want to eat, but if given a variety, most dogs choose what they prefer best. Dogs usually have more fun with vegetables than fruit because vegetables are crunchier and taste better. In addition, dogs love to chew on cucumbers, one of the most accessible types of vegetables for dogs to eat.
Things To Be Aware of When Giving Your Dog Fruits
Some fruits are safe for dogs, but others may not be. For example, dogs can eat strawberries because they don’t have seeds or pits, but dogs cannot eat other types of fruit, including grapes and cherries.
Before giving your dog any fruit, speak with a veterinarian first to ensure the fruit is safe. To provide the dog with some juice, you should dilute it with water. You should also remember that apples are toxic for dogs because of their high sugar content.
Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?
Dogs can eat strawberries if they are fresh. However, if the strawberries are rotten, dogs should not eat them. Dogs should not be given a lot of fruit because it is high in sugar and can cause gastrointestinal distress.
However, dogs can eat this tasty, energizing berry that offers your pet several advantages. First, they offer a lot of antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. As a bonus, they have malic acid, which may help whiten teeth.
Cut the strawberries into bite-sized pieces for your dog after cleaning and removing the stems. You may also try mashing them and adding them to your dog’s food, or you can freeze them for a texture variation that your dog might like.
Give them in proportion because they contain sugar and always start with a small amount, for instance, one strawberry for a big dog. Also, avoid canned strawberries loaded with sugar and other possibly dangerous ingredients. Whenever possible, buy organic products.
Can Dogs Eat Bananas?
Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, antioxidants, and fiber. Dogs can eat bananas if they are cooked or ripe. Cooked bananas can be mashed, mixed with other food, or given whole as a healthy snack. Ripe bananas can also be mashed and combined with other foods but should not be given whole to dogs.
Bananas may give the entire family—including dogs—a healthy boost since they are rich in magnesium, potassium, dietary fiber, and vitamins B6 and C. Yet, bananas are also heavy in sugar and starch, giving only limited amounts to your dog.
Although technically harmless to dogs, avoid letting your dog eat the banana peel because doing so could cause vomiting and sometimes intestinal blockage.
Since a whole banana has roughly 105 calories, 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 have no more than half of an average banana as an appetizer a few times a week.
If your dog is experiencing minor digestive problems, bananas might offer a tasty, fiber-rich treat.
Instead of peeling and cutting the banana into pieces, try freezing it whole. For some variety, you could also mash it up and add it to your dog’s food. Alternatively, you could put some peeled bananas in a rubber toy, freeze it all, and then offer it to your dog as a fun treat-toy combination.
Regardless of how you feed the peeled banana, be sure to start with a tiny amount, check for any digestive problems, and then feed it only sparingly moving forward.
Can Dogs Eat Raspberries?
Yes, dogs can eat raspberries. Dogs have fewer allergies than humans, so that they can enjoy a broader range of fruits and vegetables. However, some fruits and vegetables are unsafe for your dog to consume, like grapes, onions, raisins, cherries, watermelon seeds, apricots, and avocados.
Raspberries are loaded with nutrients and are considered a safe fruit for dogs, just like other berries. Raspberries provide antioxidants and vitamins K, C, and B-complex. These vitamins can reduce heart disease, arthritis, and cancer risk. In addition, the dietary fiber that supports the digestive system makes the dog feel fuller than other fruits despite having less sugar and calories.
All fruit should be consumed in moderation, and this especially applies to raspberries since they contain xylitol, a naturally occurring substance poisonous to dogs.
Even the most giant dog should only receive a tiny handful at a time, and smaller dogs should only receive a few, even though a dog would need to ingest a significant amount to suffer harm.
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
Yes, watermelon is a safe fruit for dogs to eat. But just like humans, dogs don’t need any extra sugars or sweeteners in their diet. So giving your dog a whole watermelon is not recommended. You can also provide them with watermelon rinds and seeds but consider that they may be too hard on the teeth and stomach.
And if you have an older dog with health issues, it’s best to consult your veterinarian before feeding them watermelon.
Dogs can eat watermelon, but the seeds, rinds, and light-colored seeds in seedless watermelons should be removed first because they might lead to choking.
Since watermelon contains 92% water, it’s a refreshing treat on warm days. However, when frozen, it is cooling and can assist in keeping your dog hydrated. In addition to potassium, watermelon is a good source of vitamins C, B6, and A.
Before providing more, start with one piece to ensure your dog’s stomach can tolerate the new reward. The same goes for other fruits; moderation is crucial. Your dog’s size will determine the size of the slice you give them. Always give smaller pieces for small dogs and larger ones for large dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?
Dogs can eat pumpkins, but only as a treat. Pumpkin is not a good idea if your dog wants to lose weight because it has so much sugar. Dogs should not overeat pumpkins because they have too many carbs, which are bad for the dog’s blood glucose levels.
In addition to being a delightful treat for your dog, pumpkin is also a beneficial dietary and digestive addition thanks to its high antioxidant, vitamin, fiber, and mineral content. It is frequently advised for treating moderate constipation and diarrhea symptoms in dogs, making it a true treasure for canines.
Although raw pumpkin is not strictly harmful to dogs, it is difficult to digest; therefore, pick a simple, canned pumpkin for dogs with digestive issues.
Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
Many people wonder if it’s safe when dogs eat blueberries or other fruit. Luckily, most fruits are safe for your dog to eat, but there are a few things you should know first.
You first need to check the ingredients and packaging of the food you’re feeding your dog – some foods may have added sugars or sweeteners that can upset your pup’s stomach.
You should also focus on how much sugar your pet consumes daily. Sugar from fruits can be an additional source of sugar in their diet, so monitor what they’re eating!
Dogs can indeed consume blueberries. Antioxidants, which are found in abundance in blueberries, protect both human and canine cells from oxidative stress. They also include a lot of phytochemicals and fiber. So, try blueberries as an alternative to prepared foods from the shop.
The small size of blueberries makes them a ready-made delicacy. Correctly wash them and give your dog each one by mouth, or add some to their diet. You can freeze them and serve them to your dog straight from the freezer for a fun, novel texture.
However, be careful, mainly if feeding these to little dogs, since they present a choking risk. Before feeding, you could give them a little squeeze to release their smell and lessen the possibility that they will fall down your dog’s throat.
Can Dogs Eat Apples?
Apples are a healthy fruit that dogs can eat, but it is essential to watch the number of apples they consume. Too many apples can cause diarrhea in dogs and lead to weight loss. The same is true for oranges, bananas, and grapes as well.
Other fruits like blueberries are acceptable in small doses or if mixed with other ingredients such as peanut butter or yogurt. Consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure how much the dog should eat.
It’s true that dogs can enjoy an apple now and then. They are an ideal snack for your dog since they are packed with fiber, Vitamin C, and A. Apples make for a great treat and snack for older dogs, especially because they are low on carbs and fat.
Just make sure you take out the core and the seeds.
Also, freezing them makes for a refreshing treat during the warmer months.
Ensure to wash the apple and remove the core and any seeds or stems before giving it to your dog. The seeds contain a substance that, when ingested, generates the poison cyanide, and the core can pose a choking hazard.
Although the amount of cyanide your dog would consume from one piece of fruit would be negligible, it is still advised to avoid giving your dog any apple seeds.
If your dog’s stomach is sensitive, you should peel the fruit or vegetable to eliminate the additional fiber. You can try varying the sort of apple you give your dog for variation since it is entirely up to you.
Avoid giving your pets applesauce because most varieties on the shelves are loaded with sugar. However, purchase organic apples whenever possible because non-organic cultivars are known to contain higher levels of pesticide residue.
Can Dogs Eat Peaches?
There are many popular fruits that you may be wondering if your dog can eat. One of the most common is peaches, and the answer is yes! There are a few different types of fruit that dogs can eat without any issue at all. So you shouldn’t have trouble if you’re paying attention to how much they should eat.
Peaches have a lot of fiber and vitamin A; dogs can eat the flesh in moderation. Before serving little pieces, make sure the peaches have been thoroughly rinsed.
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.
Unfortunately, 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 complete form by keeping them away from him. Instead, chop up the flesh of the peach into bite-sized pieces and give them fresh or refrigerated as a snack. Avoid buying canned peaches.
Can Dogs Eat Pears?
Dogs can indeed eat pears. Because they are rich in fiber, copper, and vitamins Kand C, pears make a terrific snack. In addition, based on some research, eating fruit can cut your chance of suffering a stroke in half.
Just remember to chop pears into bite-sized pieces and remove the seeds and pit because the roots contain cyanide. Also, avoid pear cans containing sweet syrups.
You should also be careful if you’re giving your pup peelings or fruit cores because they may contain pesticides or harmful bacteria that could make your dog sick.
Can Dogs Eat Grapes?
Although most fruits are safe for your dog to eat, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure. So while there is no evidence of a dog eating grapes or raisins and dying, it’s still not recommended that they have them in their diet because grapes can be toxic to dogs.
Despite their health benefits, dogs should never be given grapes or raisins, which are dried grapes. Grapes contain toxic chemicals to dogs leading to upset stomachs and can result in significant symptoms or even death, while the exact causes are unknown.
Loss of appetite, dehydration, kidney failure, increased thirst, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and increased/ decreased urine production are all symptoms of grape poisoning in dogs.
Can A Dog Eat Citrus Fruits?
Dogs can eat citrus fruits. However, you should be aware of the acidic content in these foods. Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit are also high in sugar which may not be suitable for them. If the dog eats a large quantity of citrus fruit, you should take the dog to the vet as he may have eaten something that disagreed with his stomach.
Oranges
Oranges, known for their vitamin C content, may pass as a tasty treat for your dog, but only in very modest quantities. Also, 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 pieces first and start with just one (or smaller portions for little dogs) to see how their stomach reacts. For example, oranges may cause vomiting and diarrhea because of their acidic nature.
Lemons
Oranges are acceptable in moderation, but lemons, which contain more acid, should never be consumed. There’s a considerable risk that your dog will experience digestive problems like diarrhea from ingesting some lemon.
Additionally, it’s unlikely that your dog will enjoy the fruit due to its unpleasant taste.
Lemonade isn’t any different. Lemonade’s sugar and acid content can cause nausea and diarrhea. It’s advisable to stay away from lemons and choose one of the many other fruits that dogs can eat.
Grapefruit
Although a dog can eat grapefruit flesh, it’s best to avoid pressuring it. It might experience issues after eating grapefruit, such as loose stools and vomiting. In addition, because grapefruit’s citric acid content is so high, it may disrupt your dog’s digestive tract.
Can Dogs Eat Coconut?
You might be surprised that dogs can eat coconut. The meat of the coconut is safe for dogs to eat, but they should not consume the fruit because it has high acidity and is not nutritionally dense.
Coconut meat can provide dogs with additional amino and essential fatty acids. It also contains fewer calories than other treats, such as table scraps or bones, so you can feel better about giving your dog a few pieces daily.
The oil of the coconut has been advocated for anything from allergies and itchy spots to assisting with dog dental care. Therefore, it shouldn’t come as a massive surprise that coconut meat can, in moderation, create a healthy treat for dogs.
Many potential advantages, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties, and anti-fungal characteristics, are attributed to the coconut chemical 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 with digestion, but as always, moderation is crucial. Having too much fiber could cause intestinal problems.
Can Dogs Eat Avocados?
Avocado is a member of the fruit family and contains numerous vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. The avocado seed is also edible but should not be consumed in large quantities as it can cause stomach upset. It is safe for dogs to eat tiny amounts of avocado, but keep in mind that avocados are high in calories, so do not feed them too often.
Both humans and dogs may benefit from eating avocados. Healthy monounsaturated fatty acids in avocados can help your pet retain a glossy coat.
The fruit also has a lot of vitamins and fiber. However, dogs should only consume the meat of avocados—not the pit or the skin—and in very modest quantities since excessive consumption of avocados might disturb a dog’s digestive system.
Additionally, since the fruit is high in calories, you should choose healthier alternatives such as snacks and meal additions to avoid gaining weight.
Persin, an avocado toxin, is mainly found in the fruit’s leaves, pit, and skin. Never allow your dog to consume those pieces since they may be choking hazards or cause digestive blockages.
Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?
Yes, dogs may safely eat pineapple. If the prickly outer peel and crown are first removed, a few pieces of pineapple make an excellent sweet treat for dogs. This tropical fruit has a lot of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, it has bromelain (an enzyme that facilitates protein absorption in dogs).
Can Dogs Eat Cranberries?
Yes, dogs can consume cranberries without any problems. Dogs can be given tiny amounts of both fresh and dried cranberries. Another issue is whether your dog will enjoy this sour treat.
As with any treat, feeding cranberries to dogs should be done in moderation because too many cranberries can cause gastrointestinal distress.
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
No, dogs must stay away from tomatoes. While tomatoes’ ripe fruit is typically regarded as healthy for canines, the green parts of the tomato plant are poisonous due to a compound called solanine.
Therefore, it’s advisable to avoid tomatoes altogether, even though a dog must consume a significant portion of the tomato plant to become ill.
Tomatoes are a healthy fruit, but some dogs may not be able to eat them. Tomatoes have high water content and an acidic flavor, which can cause stomach upset for some dogs. If you want to give tomatoes to your dog, go ahead.
But ensure it is cut up into small pieces so the dog can swallow it without getting sick or choking on the chunks.
What Other Fruits Can Dogs Eat?
The best step is to consult the vet before giving your dog any fruit to ensure it is safe for them to eat. After that, dogs can eat other fruits: mango, blackberries, cantaloupe, cucumbers, and nectarine.
Some vegetable dogs include kale, carrots, broccoli, celery, spinach, green beans, etc.
Final Thoughts
Dogs can eat fruits, but they need to be fed in moderation. Too much sugar can lead to overweight dogs and can cause health problems. A good rule of thumb is to provide your dog fruit as a treat once or twice a week. If you’re worried about the sugar amounts your dog consumes, talk to your vet about the best way to limit their intake.
In addition to feeding them fruits less often, other options include using a small amount of low-sugar jam for peanut butter sandwiches or spreading it on top of cottage cheese. Giving dogs a few pieces at a time is vital because they’ll likely get filled up on that instead of their regular meal.
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