What Fruits Can Dogs Eat? | Top 20 Options
As an omnivore, dogs can digest plants and animals. It might confuse many pet owners whether can dogs eat fruits? if yes, are fruits safe for dogs to eat?. While some fruits are good for dogs, some might lead to several health issues (based on the consumption amount). So, it is always a good idea to do a little bit of research on it.
Generally, it is safe to give fruits to your dog in small amounts as it can provide them with great health benefits. However, this case is an exception because you cannot serve just every fruit to your dog. This guide is going to help you understand what fruit can dogs eat and are safe for dogs to eat.
Note:
Be aware when introducing a new fruit to your dog because it can trigger their health and could result into allergies. It is always a safe idea to get pet expert’s advice to ensure that your dog won’t suffer later.
Can Dogs Eat Fruits?
The answer to this question is yes! But it depends! That’s because some fruits are healthy for them while others might be toxic which could result in allergic reactions and sensitivities. Also, these sensitivities and allergic reactions in result of giving fruits can vary from breed to breed.
While these fruits are considered nutritionally balanced and complete, it is not really necessary to supplement your dog’s diet with fruits. Fruits should not be served daily or don’t let it become the part of your daily diet. However, you can give some particular fruits as a treat in moderation to your dog.
Are Fruits Safe for Dogs to Eat?
While you are curious to know can my dog eat fruit everyday, it is also advised to know if it is safe for dogs to eat fruits. Although you can serve fruit to dogs as a treat, selecting the safe options is highly recommended. Fruits can be a healthy treat only when you give them in safe amount, and that too, with vet’s guidance.
Serving some fruits in moderation is okay but keep your puppy away from some fruit options which are not good for dogs, like grapes, avocados, and raisins. Below we are going to discuss a more detailed breakdown of the safe fruit’s dogs can eat.
Which Fruits Can Dogs Eat?
Fruits are not necessarily part of a dog’s diet, but they can be served as simple, cheap, and easy treats. A dog’s diet must be recommended by a vet or nutritionist keeping the safety standards, health conditions, and breed’s personal preferences in mind. Here’s the list of fruits dogs can eat safely.
1. Apples
Common question rise in dogs owner’s mind that can dogs eat apples? Yes, dogs love apples which is a low calorie, safe, and healthy choice. Apple is not only the tasty treat option but also beneficial for nutrient amounts. This fruit famous for “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” can promote immunity and cellular health.
Also, it offers several nutritional benefits like fiber, potassium, antioxidants, and vitamins A and C. Make sure to remove the core, stem, leaves, and seeds and chop the apples into small pieces to avoid intestinal blockage and choking. What’s interesting is that your dogs and pup’s love it when apple is being served to them by their owners.
2. Bananas
Has it ever happened when you just started peeling off a banana and your dog arrives to take a bite? If yes! consider giving them a small piece of this sweet fruit but don’t be sweet enough to feed them a whole banana at a time as it could be dangerous to their health.
Dogs definitely can eat bananas; however, they should not be served banana peel as it can be difficult to digest them due to intestinal blockage concerns. Bananas are rich in vitamins C/B6, fiber, and potassium. Bananas are also high in sugar and should be served in bite-sized pieces.
3. Mangoes
Another fruit that is high in sugar is mango which is why should be fed to dogs moderately. Mangoes are highly rich in vitamins A, C, E, and B6, and fiber, potassium, and fiber. Although mangoes are safe in little amount but they also contains carbs and high amount of sugar, which is why it can harm your dog with some potential issues like obesity, upset stomach, oral health, and diabetes as well.
Before serving, make sure to remove the mango seed and chop it into small pieces when feeding your pup. Also, mangoes pit contains a little bit of cyanide amount that is not safe for dog’s health because your dog can choke to it. Dog parents should feed mangoes only as an occasional treat.
4. Oranges
Oranges are a healthy and safe treat for dogs but some dogs like and some dislike this fruit because of its acidity. However, if you remove the rind and seeds, your dog will surely love the juicy flesh. This juicy flesh contains the safe amount of fibers, minerals, and vitamins.
Dogs with obesity and diabetes issues should not be given oranges due to their high moisture content. Dog owners can follow the portion control strategy when it comes to giving oranges to your pets. It is advised to serve it as an occasional treat in small amounts, and of course, after removing the peel, pith, and seeds. That’s because this peel and seeds can cause digestive upset.
5. Pears
Dogs are welcome to eat pears safely because they offer various health perks like vitamins C and K and copper or fiber. However, don’t feed canned pear due to added sugars. Pears can be combined with many other commercial treat options that can collectively give health benefits.
Also, remove the seeds, stems, pits, and leaves before feeding your puppy. Seeds of pears also combine cyanide traces, so, don’t let your dog have pears by themselves and more than the safe amount. Give pears to your dog in moderation while making bite-sized pieces and watch them for any allergy or negative reactions, like diarrhea and vomiting.
6. Peaches
Peaches are also a great fruit choice for dogs when fed moderately due to their high sugar value. They come with low-calorie and fat content and are rich in antioxidants and fibers. Like pears and mangoes, it’s pit also contains minimal cyanide amount that can be toxic for dogs. However, flesh of peace is a good vitamin A and fiber source.
Be sure to remove the leaves, stem, and peach pit before serving as it can become the cause of choking while eating. Also, the moderate amount should be given to dogs to prevent digestive issue against fiber and excess sugar.
7. Pineapple
Pineapples are another good fruit choice for dogs due to their hydrated and antioxidant nature. Enriched with vitamins, it supports immunity and digestion. But it also has acidity and sugar content, which is why some dogs might not like it, so, don’t serve it excessively.
Pineapple not only contain vitamin C and B6 but also some essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron. Also, pineapple has bromelain enzyme that effectively helps in digestion and inflammation reduction.
8. Blackberries
Blackberries are another safe fruit choice that dogs can eat but in moderation. These are enriched with Vitamins A and C and contain antioxidants and phytochemicals. This low-in-calorie and sugar fruit helps fight cancer. The fiber in blackberries can aid in digestion and help prevent constipation. And antioxidants help protect against cell damage.
Although, blackberry is generally a safe and healthy treat, it should not be a part of your dog’s daily diet. That’s because it also contains xylitol, so, a little amount a week is okay to feed. However, you should not give even a little bit of wild berries.
9. Blueberries
Among all fruits, dogs can eat blueberries which is the most dominant option which is loaded with phytonutrients, antioxidants, dietary fibers, and vitamin C, serving as the best dog treat. But only 10% intake of it is advised.
This powerhouse fruit is good for the gut and brain health of your dog. Also, you can serve it with yogurt. While blueberries can be a part of their diet, you must give them a safe amount that wouldn’t upset their stomach due to high fiber content and sugar.
10. Raspberries
Raspberries are rich in antioxidants, copper, potassium, manganese, iron, fiber, folic acid, and potassium. Their anti-inflammatory properties make them the best fruit for dogs. The antioxidants in raspberries protect against cell damage, fibers aid in digestion, and vitamins and minerals contributing to overall health.
However, it contains a high amount of xylitol which is highly toxic for animals. Hence, you should serve raspberries in moderation like one cup a day is enough. Despite their benefits, giving a safe amount should be practiced, and size (small handful) must be considered.
11. Strawberries
Strawberries is full of vitamin C and fiber, the question is can dog eat strawberries? Yes! Another ingredient that dogs can safely eat is strawberry. Strawberries are relatively a healthy snack option for dogs. It also contains specific enzymes that help with dog’s teeth health and immunity as well.
Fiber in strawberry helps in digestion and promotes gut health function, vitamin C supports immunity, potassium regulates BP, and manganese helps with bone and connective tissue health. However, dog parent must offer strawberries to dogs in moderation as well due to high sugar content.
12. Cantaloupe
The list of healthy and nutritious fruit for dogs to eat also comprises cantaloupe. It is highly rich in minerals, fibers, potassium, and vitamins A and C. It is also a good solution for hydration due to 90% water content. Cantaloupe is particularly a safe and healthy fruit choice to give to your dog in summer due to it’s hydration benefit.
This nutrient-rich dog food contains dietary fibers, minerals, and vitamin A and C. You can try cantaloupe cubes or freezing balls after removing seeds to serve to your dog. Feed it in low amounts to dogs suffering from diabetes and obesity issues.
13. Cranberries
Cranberries also come with great health benefits because they are rich in antioxidants and fiber. They also comprise manganese, copper, B1, B2, potassium, and Vitamins C and E. You can give both fresh and dried cranberries to dogs in small amount. They offer health pro like healthy urinary tract support.
But, avoid giving cranberry sauce or juice to your dog because it might contain artificial sweeteners like Xylitol. Generally, dried cranberries should be served to dogs but avoid purchasing from the store because they might contain added sugar, xylitol, artificial sweetener, and even preservatives toxic for dogs.
14. Honeydew
Adding to the list, honeydew is another safe fruit choice for dogs. Honeydew is a low-calorie fruit that comes with potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. As it contains a high volume of water, it is good for hydration. This honeydew melon offers vitamins, hydration, and antioxidants.
To avoid any intestinal blockage and potential choking, so, it is advised to remove the rind and seeds. Also, be cautious when giving honeydew to your dog with allergies and sensitivities, ensuring that their stomach won’t suffer.
15. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are also non-toxic for dogs to eat. Although your dog must not be eating the leaves and stems of tomato plants, a ripe tomato is totally fine to feed the dog. It’s also a good source of potassium, antioxidants, and vitamins A and C.
It is okay to give ripe tomatoes to your dog in small quantity. But avoid giving unripe or green tomatoes as they might contain solanine, a toxic compound for dogs. However, you must serve it to a limited extent.
16. Watermelon
Watermelon is another best treat for dogs in summer that keeps them hydrated and fresh. It also contains highly rich minerals, potassium, B6, and Vitamins C and A. It is highly beneficial for dogs by all means that should be served to your dog after removing rind and seeds.
The watermelon flesh is entirely safe and nutritious for dogs, but the rind and seeds should be removed before offering it to your dog. Chop the fruit into pieces to avoid choking and any sort of blockage. It is a safe practice, specially for smaller dogs.
17. Apricots
Just like apples, apricots are also a safe choice for dogs. Your pet can eat apricots flesh, but not the pit or stem. Thats because the pit contains amygdalin, a compound that can be hazardous for dogs if fed in large amount. Although it contains traces of cyanide which is why it can be harmful for dogs.
However, while staying within the limit in serving, you can feed it to your dog in a week. Also, you need to remove the apricot’s pit, wash them properly, and cut into the small manageable pieces before your dogs eat them.
18. Coconut
It is entirely safe for dogs to eat coconut oil and coconut meat as they both have anti-inflammatory properties to help with arthritis, skin allergies, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). But coconut contains triglycerides which can lead to pancreatitis issues for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
This fruit is high in calories and can overweight the dogs. Also, giving a large piece can make it difficult for a dog to ingest it. While coconut flesh, water, oil, and milk are safe to give to your dog in small quantity, avoid giving coconut shells to your pup as it can damage their teeth.
19. Kiwi
Can dogs eat kiwi fruit? Kiwi, also known as Chinese gooseberry, is a fruit that comes with potassium, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C. It not only improves the immune system but also prevents cancer. Additionally, it rejuvenates the skin and strongly contributes to a healthy digestive system.
However, it would be good to peel off the skin before giving kiwi to your dog. That’s because it can be difficult to digest and your dog might choke while eating it. Also, ensure giving ripe Kiwis that are firm, brown, and fuzzy. You must not give kiwi that is bruised, shriveled, or has mold, as it can overripe.
20. Cucumber
Cucumber is counted among different healthy fruits which is good for overweight dogs. This cucumber is good for hydration and comes with little to no fats and carbohydrates. Also, it is loaded with vitamins C, K, copper, magnesium, biotin, and B1. You can serve frozen slices as a snack to your dog in summer.
Before giving cucumbers to your dog, thoroughly wash them and chop them into small pieces. Also, it’s a good idea to remove the seeds that can be harmful. In addition, you cannot give pickled cucumbers to dogs because they are high in sodium which can harm your pups.
Final Note!
The question which often pop up in pet owners mind is can dogs eat fruit. While there’s no fruit that can be entirely safe for dogs to eat, we’ve compiled a list of safe fruits for dogs to eat. Not every fruit is good or bad for dogs. Either fruits or vegetables, they are safe for dogs only when fed in moderation. Go through the list mentioned above to find which fruit to feed to your dog and adjust your pup’s diet accordingly.
