Hello World! Welcome Friends! Contrary to popular belief, dogs are not primarily carnivorous. Like humans, they enjoy a wide range of fruits and green leafy vegetables every so often to supplement their diet. However, dogs and humans don’t metabolize the same way. Therefore, while we have no problem eating and digesting some foods, these same foods can be toxic and even lethal to dogs.
Of course, everybody knows that chocolate is toxic to dogs, but that’s the only food most people know is bad for dogs. Unbeknownst to most, some fruits and vegetables are just as poisonous, and can even lead to death if consumed by your dog. Some can cause illness and pain to your dog but won’t be fatal. For this reason, if you have found that your dog has eaten something that could be harmful, ensure that you research thoroughly about the consumed food and its safety for dogs, as well as perhaps look into getting dog pain meds or visiting your local veterinarian for a professional opinion.
This list covers every fruit that is safe for your dog to eat so that you know which ones to feed them and which ones to avoid altogether.
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Fruits That Are Safe for Your Dog to Eat
1. Apple
Apple is the best fruit for dogs. It is a tasty treat that can be served any time in small amounts. They are a rich source of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Before feeding your dog an apple, slice it, and then de-seed it first.
2. Banana
Bananas are a healthy snack for humans, so it’s no surprise if you’re eating one in the morning and think to yourself, “Can I give this to Fluffy?” So, can dogs eat bananas?
Yes, bananas are a safe and healthy treat for your dog, but they should always be given in moderation. Too much of a good thing can cause health issues, particularly in the case of bananas. Potassium, which is a healthy mineral in moderate quantities, can lead to problems such as cardiac arrhythmias in large amounts.
Bananas are good for dogs, but only in moderation. They contain lots of minerals, vitamins, and fiber, which can supplement their diet. Though there is no scientific evidence backing this claim, it is said that bananas help dogs with nausea. An excellent way to feed bananas to your dog is by mashing it and mixing it with regular dog food. You can always toss him the occasional banana slice or two if they like the taste.
3. Peach
Peaches are a tricky subject. On the one hand, peaches are ok for dogs to eat, but on the other hand, the pit is toxic (contains cyanide, which is lethal) and can be a choking hazard. Otherwise, it is a nutritious, vitamin-rich fruit that you can treat your furry best friend to every so often.
4. Pear
If you feel like your dog could shed some pounds, try substituting their usual treats with pear cubes. Pears contain 80% water, so they are low in calorie content. Avoid feeding them the part with seeds, though, because these may cause digestive problems.
5. Pineapple
Pineapple is considered one of the healthiest fruits to feed your dog. They contain lots of vitamins, including vitamin B1, C, and B6, as well as lots of water and natural fiber. Pineapple can help with indigestion and improve your dog’s metabolism.
6. Blueberry
Blueberries are known sources of antioxidants as well as vitamins and minerals. The blueberry is a healthy fruit that can supplement your dog’s diet with nutrients and antioxidants.
7. Mango
Mangoes are a good source of natural fiber, as well as vitamin A that helps their coat grow shiny and healthy. You can mash them or juice them and mix with their food, or feed them cubes or slices. Leave the skin on because it contains lots of natural fibers that are good for digestion.
8. Papaya
Dogs LOVE the taste of papaya. The sweet taste and squishy texture is very appealing to them, which is why papaya is one of the most enticing fruits for dogs. Apart from mixing it with dry dog food, dogs love eating it in slices or cubes. Just remember to limit their consumption because too much of it can make them sick.
9. Coconut
Coconut is very nutritious, both to humans and to dogs. Coconut packs a lot of vitamins and minerals in its flesh and oil, but most prominently, it contains vitamin E, a natural antioxidant. Your dog can consume coconut flesh and oil safely, provided you chop it up into bite-sized pieces for them.
The oil, which many believe helps with their skin and fur, can be added to their food to give it some flavor.
Avoid giving your dog too much of it, though, because coconut oil contains a considerable amount of fat and calories. Too much too often can cause weight problems in the long run. How much oil is enough? That depends on your dog’s size and daily physical activity, though you should never go beyond one tablespoon a day.
10. Watermelon
Watermelon is excellent for most animals, dogs included. Like pears, it is a great low-calorie treat that is rich in vitamins A, and C. Take out the seeds and remove the rinds as well because they can be a choking hazard and can cause digestive problems if consumed. Make sure you limit how much of it they eat—too much of it may make them bloated and nauseous.
Fruits That Are Bad for Your Dog
Munching on fruits while laying comfortably on Lucky Paws bed is one of the activities that your dogs most probably enjoy. In as much as there are a lot of fruits that are safe for dogs, some should never come close to their feeding bowls. These fruits are just as toxic (if not more toxic) than chocolate. Luckily, it is not a very long list.
1. Avocado
Dogs should never eat avocados because they contain a toxin known as persin. Persin, which is present in all parts of the avocado, including the fruit, pit, and skin, causes fluid accumulation in their lungs, causing difficulty breathing, oxygen deprivation, and, eventually, death. Never feed it to your dog.
2. Grapes and Raisins
There are toxins present in grapes and raisins, which can lead to rapid kidney decline in dogs as well as death. Even the smallest amount of grapes and raisins is enough to have adverse effects on your dog. Therefore, these fruits remain firmly on the list of fruits to never feed your dog.
3. Fruit Seeds and Pits
Apple seeds, peach pits, avocado pits—all seeds and pits generally—should be kept well away from your dog. While some like peach pits and apple seeds contain a dangerous toxin known as cyanide, others are mostly a choking hazard. Avocado pits contain persin, a toxin that leads to respiratory issues. Dogs’ digestive systems are not designed to handle seeds anyway, so always de-seed fruits before giving them to your pets.
Most Fruits are Ok for Dogs; You Just Have to Know Which Ones
Many fruits are healthy and nutritious for dogs, but some can be lethal. Avocados, grapes, and all fruit seeds and pits are very dangerous and should not be consumed by dogs. As for peaches, apples, mangoes, and the rest? Well, these are perfectly safe for dogs when consumed in moderation.
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Toodles,
A very detailed guide about Dog fruits. Thank you for sharing it.
Incorporating fruits into a dog’s diet can be beneficial, but it’s crucial to know which ones are safe. While many fruits offer vitamins and nutrients that can complement a dog’s diet, others like grapes, avocados, and certain seeds and pits can be harmful. Understanding which fruits are safe and in what quantities is key for dog owners to ensure their pets enjoy these treats without any health risks. This awareness contributes to a balanced diet and overall well-being of our canine companions.