Whenever you want to introduce new foods to your pet’s diet, you have to be careful. Any new food can cause an upset stomach and issues like vomiting and diarrhea.
That is why veterinarians recommend gradually changing your pet’s food. With that in mind, when it comes to what fruits can dogs eat, the list is quite long.
With fruits and vegetables, your dog gets healthy snacks and treats packed with vitamins. Just be cautious to introduce only one new fruit at a time. This will help you spot any health changes your dog might manifest.
The following fruits are safe for your dog to eat. Yes, fruits are higher in sugar than vegetables. And that is why you should limit fruits consumption. Do not give to overweight pets.
Wash the fruits and remove rinds, inedible skins, seeds, and pits before feeding them to your dog.
Here are some fruits your canine friend can enjoy.
Apples
High in fiber, apples are great for your pet’s digestive system. In the same time, apples are quite low in fat, making them ideal for overweight pets or senior pets who have a slower metabolism.
In terms of vitamins, apples contain vitamin A and vitamin C, two essential vitamins for maintaining healthy bones.
When feeding apples to your dog, make sure to remove the core and seeds first. They contain cyanide, which can be toxic for your pet. Also, make sure to feed apples in moderation.
Apricot
Apricots are another amazing treat for dogs. And they are quite healthy as well. Because they are loaded with potassium and beta-carotene, apricots help in the fight against cancer.
There are some precautions of course. Remove the poisonous pit, stem, and leaves of apricot before giving the fruit to your dog.
Banana
One of the best fruits we consume daily. There are not enough words to describe the benefits of consuming a banana. For starters, banana is the best source of potassium, a mineral that supports heart and kidney functions.
There is only one problem with the banana. They are high in carbs and high in sugar. That is why you should be careful not to overdo it. Just slice the banana into reasonable size, and give it to your furry friend as an occasional treat.
Blueberries
We know blueberries are the best source of antioxidants in the fruits and vegetable world. Because of that, they provide protection against cell and tissue damage. The same benefits apply to your dog as well.
Blueberries also improve your dog’s night vision and prevent urinary tract infections. Give them as treats to your puppy.
Cantaloupe
First thing first, always remove the skin and seeds and cut the cantaloupe into sized wedges before feeding. You should also be careful with the outside skin of the fruit. Do not let your pet lick it, as it has harmful bacteria.
Now that we’ve got that out of the door, cantaloupe is a great source of vitamin A, vitamin B, and vitamin C. And the best part is, it helps with any inflammation issues.
Cranberries
Almost all berries fall in the category what fruits can dogs eat. That is why you will find a lot of berries in dog commercial foods. Cranberries, for example, help with urinary tract infection in both cats and dogs. They are high in vitamin C, fiber, and manganese. As such, they are an attractive snack and treat.
The only downside of cranberries is your dog might not like them. Some dogs cannot handle the tartness of cranberries. Almost every form of cranberries, including raw, cooked, or dried, is acceptable as a treat. Just be sure to avoid cranberry sauce or cranberry juice, both of which are high in sugar.
Mango
Mangoes are just full of vitamins. They can be good treats for both cats and dogs. Just be careful. As with all pitted fruits, you have to remove the middle pit first. If not, your dog might just chew some cyanide, and you do not want that toxic anywhere close to your pet.
Therefore, remove the skin, remove the middle pit, and then cut the fruit into small pieces. Give it to your dog as treats.
Oranges
Dogs enjoy this sweet treat. Oranges are high in vitamin C and other helpful nutrients that boost the immune system. Oranges also help dogs flush out toxins easily.
When giving oranges to your dog, make sure to remove the seeds, peel, leaves, and stem. They all contain oils that can be poisonous for your pet. Feed your dog only the fleshy part of the orange, and you will be fine.
Pear
One of the best fruits to give to your dog with vitamin C and vitamin A. Pears also contain lofty amounts of fiber, so serve them in moderation.
The seeds contain traces of cyanide, so it is a good idea to remove them before feeding pear to your dog. Remove the peel as well, to allow your dog easier digestion.
Give pear snacks to your pet to promote cancer prevention.
Pineapple
Pineapple is just bursting with vitamins and minerals. And it also contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps the digestive system. Pineapple can vastly improve your dog’s digestion, so feed when you can.
Just remember, pineapple is a sugary fruit. Therefore, do not go over the board. Feed just small quantities of pineapple to your pet. Remove the hard core and spikey skin before feeding your dog any pineapple. They are not toxic, but they present a potential choking hazard.
Raspberries
The best part about raspberries is they are low in sugar. That makes them ideal for obese dogs and senior dogs who have trouble keeping their weight down. Additionally, raspberries have anti-inflammatory properties, giving your old dogs help with inflammation and joints pain.
The downside of raspberries is they contain small amounts of naturally occurring xylitol. Given it is toxic in large amounts, do not feed too many raspberries to your dog.
Strawberries
Strawberries are packed with nutrients that help improve the immune system of your dog. They also slow issues related to aging, like painful joints and muscles.
You can give both fresh and frozen strawberries to your dog. They are healthy either way. You can also choose to give them raw, or pureed over pet food. It doesn’t matter, your pet will love it.
Watermelon
Made of more than 90% water, watermelon is the best refreshment your pet can get in the hot summer day. It also helps your dog stay hydrated.
Watermelon is rich in vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. All of those vitamins help with muscle health and nerve function. Remove the rind and seeds before feeding it to your dog.
What to avoid
Now that we know what fruits can dogs eat, let’s talk about the fruits you should absolutely avoid. Any fruit that is not on the above list is not something you should give to your dog. But there are two very harmful we have to underline.
Starting with cherries, which are quite toxic to dogs. Most parts of the cherries contain cyanide, which can disrupt cellular oxygen transport in dogs. If your dog eats or swallows cherries accidentally, look for dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and red gums. These symptoms show cyanide poisoning.
Grapes and raisins should also be avoided. They can cause kidney damage, and they have been proven to be toxic. If given to a dog, they can cause acute sudden kidney failure.
Last, but not least, stay away from citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and grapefruit, as they can cause upset stomach due to acidity.