Fruit can make a tasty treat for your pooch, however, not all fruit is good for them to eat. In this blog, our vets at Ygnacio Animal Hospital in Walnut Creek discuss the types of fruits your dog can eat safely.
Fruit: A Delicious Treat
Dogs are omnivores so they require a combination of veggies, meats, and fruits in their diets. Thankfully, today dog food comes with all the nutrients your furry friend needs to be healthy so you don't need to worry about adding supplements to their diets. Although, there are a handful of fruits that can make a great treat to offer your dog.
It's important for you to remember that treats should make up no more than approximately 10% of your dog's daily diet, so if you're adding fruit into the mix you need to cut back on other treats so you don't end up overfeeding your pooch.
Introducing New Foods
When you introduce any new food to your dog, you should do it slowly to make sure your dog can tolerate it and doesn't develop any gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions. Introduce one type of fruit at a time with just one piece or two a day to see how your pup reacts.
When feeding a dog any type of fruit you need to cut it up into small pieces and remove any pits seeds, or rinds before feeding it to them—these parts of the fruit often contain toxins that can make dogs ill and can sometimes even be deadly.
Safe Fruits For Dogs to Eat
Below are some safe and delicious fruit options to feed your dog:
- 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 remember to remove the core and seeds first, because they are toxic to dogs.
- Apricots: The fleshy fruit of apricots can be a yummy treat for dogs. They are rich in potassium and contain beta-carotene, which can help fight cancer. Be sure to remove the pit, stem, and leaves.
- Blueberries: Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and a good source of fiber and Vitamin C. You can freeze blueberries for a fun summer treat.
- Cantaloupe: Cantaloupe can help alleviate inflammatory issues in pets. Before giving it to your dog you must cut the fruit into manageable pieces and remove the skin and seeds.
- Mango: Small pieces of mango with the skin and core removed are excellent, vitamin-packed treats for dogs.
- Pear: Pears have lots of fiber and vitamin C. As with apples, you need to remove the core and seeds before feeding them to your dog.
- 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 you shouldn't feed them to your dog all the time and be sure to remove the spiky skin and hardcore before offering pineapple to your pooch as a treat.
- Strawberries: Strawberries are great for the immune system and make a delicious 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 warmer months. They also have the added benefit of being rich in vitamins.
Fruits That Could Be Unsafe For Your Pup
- Avocado: Avocados have an extremely high-fat content which can lead to pancreatitis or an upset stomach for dogs, so they typically don't make great treats. You should also never feed the pit to a dog.
- Banana: Bananas are a good source of potassium but are high in sugar and carbohydrates. Because of this bananas should only be given to dogs 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.
Never Feed Your Dog These Fruits
- 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 could be fatal.
- Lemons & Limes: While not toxic, lemons and limes can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs and should be avoided
- Wild berries: It is always better to err on the side of caution as many wild berries are poisonous to dogs.
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.