Can Dogs Eat Fruit?
Dogs are omnivores, which means they eat both meat and plants, including fruits. Some fruits are good for them, and they can eat them as part of a balanced diet.
But that doesn't mean they can eat every fruit. Some are toxic and dangerous for them. They should eat other fruits only in small amounts because they can upset their stomachs.
Which Fruits Can Dogs Eat?
Dogs don't necessarily need fruits as part of their diet, but they do make cheap and easy treats if your pup likes them.
Here's a list of fruits that are safe for your dog to eat:
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupe
- Cranberries
- Cucumbers
- Mango
- Oranges
- Peaches
- Pears
- Pineapple
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Watermelon
Healthy Fruits for Dogs
Just because your dog can safely eat fruits doesn't mean all of them are good in large quantities. Here are some healthy fruits for dogs that are perfect as snacks:
- Blueberries. You can create treats with fresh or frozen blueberries for dogs. They're full of antioxidants and fiber, so they're good for your dog's gut and brain.
- Cucumbers. The crunchy cuke is a good snack if your dog needs to lose a bit of weight because it's low in calories. It also has lots of vitamins and very few carbohydrates.
- Raw pineapple. If you want a powerful punch of nutrients, it's hard to beat pineapple for dogs. It's full of vitamins and minerals, plus calcium, phosphorus, and zinc.
- Watermelon. As long as you remove the rind and seeds, watermelon is a superfood for dogs. It's packed with potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. Because it's mostly water, it's also hydrating on hot days.
What's the Best Way to Prepare Fruits for Dogs?
Some fruits need to be prepped a certain way before they're safe for dogs to eat. Others are only OK for dogs in small amounts or they can upset their stomachs.
Here's some of the other fruits your four-legged friend can have in moderation:
- Apples. Remove the seeds and core before you offer them as a treat.
- Cantaloupe. This is another sweet treat that you should only give in moderation.
- Cranberries. If your dog likes the tart flavor of cranberries, don't give them too many because they can upset their stomach.
- Mango. If you're sharing your mango, remove the skin and hard pit first. The pit contains a small amount of cyanide and is a choking hazard.
- Oranges. Dogs shouldn't have orange peels or seeds, so remove both before you share any.
- Peaches. Same goes for peaches—remove the skin and hard pit first. And don't give canned peaches. The syrup contains too much sugar.
- Pears. Pear seeds also contain a trace of cyanide, so don't leave them in if you're offering up bites.
- Raspberries. Limit raspberries to no more than ½ cup per day. They have xylitol, a sugar alcohol that is toxic for dogs in large amounts.
- Strawberries. These berries are full of sugar, too, so only give your pup a few per day.
Which Fruits Can Dogs Not Eat?
There are a several fruits that you should never feed your dog. Some might only give them an upset stomach, but others can cause poisoning in dogs, no matter their size or breed.
Never feed your dog:
- Avocado. This fruit contains persin, a toxin that makes dogs throw up and have diarrhea.
- Cherries. Cherry pits contain trace amounts of cyanide. It's usually not harmful if you swallow one by accident, but if your dog chews the seed and releases the cyanide, it could make them sick.
- Grapes. Grapes (and raisins) are very toxic to dogs, though research still hasn't confirmed why. Even one grape or raisin can be fatal or can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs.
- Tomatoes. A ripened tomato is probably OK, but green parts of the tomato plant have solanine, which is toxic to dogs. Your dog would have to eat a pretty big plant to get sick, but just avoid it and be safe.
What If My Dog Eats Something Toxic?
Dogs sometimes eat stuff that's bad for them. Even if you just suspect your dog has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian. Don't wait to see if symptoms develop, as some take a few days to show up.
Dogs who eat toxic foods have the best chance for a full recovery when you take them to the veterinarian right away. When you call your veterinarian, they will let you know whether to come in or whether you should wait and watch for symptoms.
Symptoms of poisoning in dogs
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Standing with a hunched back
- Twitching or seizures
- Vomiting
- Drooling or foaming at the mouth
Treatments for poisoning in dogs:
- Activated charcoal to soak up the toxins
- An injection to make your dog vomit
- An operation
- Medication to reduce the effects of the toxins
- X-rays or an ultrasound scan
Pet Poison Hotlines
If your veterinarian isn't available, there are other experts you can contact 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including on holidays:
- ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
- AKC Vetline: Access to a team of veterinary professionals for an annual subscription fee
