If you’re a dog parent, you’ve likely had your food stolen on many an occasion. Our dogs may love us, but they also love to devour everything. However, not all human food is compatible with dog digestive systems. Since the last thing we want is to unintentionally danger our dogs, it’s important to know what they can and cannot eat. Can dogs eat fruit? Today we are going to explore this popular food category.
Can Dogs Eat Fruit?
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. But what about the vet? Our physicians recommend getting your daily servings of fruits and veggies, and we all love the feeling of pride that comes with passing on a sweet in favor of a fruity treat.
But can dogs eat fruit, too? Fear not fruit fanatics, dogs can also enjoy the benefits of fruit and other product products. However, there are a number of fruits that are especially beneficial for dogs and others that are strictly off limits.
Fresh Fruit for Fido
Let’s dive into the fruits that are safe for dogs to eat.
One of the best fruits for dogs are apples, as long as the seeds and core are removed before serving. Bananas are also a great choice full of potassium, while blueberries are a superfood option, and oranges are certified safe for canines.
Mango is another fruit that dogs can enjoy, as long as you limit the sugary servings. Also, as you should do with any other pitted fruit, remove the pit first. Another excellent choice for dogs is pears. Pears can even reduce the risk of your dog having a stroke.
Other fruits that are fine for dogs to eat in moderation are cantaloupe, cranberries, peaches, pineapple, raspberries, strawberries, and watermelon. Different fruits provide different benefits, so be sure to research them more in-depth if you are interested in culling the ideal canine diet.
Danger Fruits for Dogs
The number one fruit to never feed dogs is grapes, which includes raisins as well. Grapes and raisins can be so toxic that they can lead to sudden kidney failure, which can be fatal. Don’t underestimate the toxicity of grapes for dogs.
Cherries are another fruit that isn’t canine compatible. Cherry plants are toxic to dogs due to cyanide present in select cherry elements. Also hold off on feeding your dog avocados. Though they can be served safely, it isn’t worth the risk of persin toxicity.
Lastly, like avocados, tomatoes aren’t the best option for dogs. Though you can serve small portions of ripened tomatoes safely to dogs, it’s best to play it safe and stick with a guaranteed safe fruit option.
Safe Serving Tips
While many fruits are dog-approved, it is always important to research the best way to serve specific food to your canine. When it comes to fruit, and the majority of safe human foods for dogs, it’s best to serve the product in its most natural form. The flavored, canned, and preserved products often contain too much sugar or additives to be safe for dogs.
It’s also important to make sure that the majority of a dog’s diet is comprised of animal protein. However, this doesn’t mean that dogs can’t reap the benefits of fruit as a snack. Just be sure to keep snacks at less than ten percent of your dog’s daily diet.
When you serve fruit to your dog, be sure to excess caution. A little bit of goodness can go a long way, since dogs shouldn’t be eating too much sugar. Always make sure to keep pits and other dangerous parts of the fruit away from your dog. When in doubt, don’t serve a fruit product or just serve the flesh of the fruit if you know it is safe.
Fruity Finds
Let’s see what we’ve learned. Can dogs eat fruit? Yes, there are plenty of fresh produce options that you are free to share with your pup. However, other fruits don’t fare as nutritious. And the number one fruit to steer clear of is grapes for dogs.
For further reading, check out why dogs should never eat grapes or raisins.
