Can Dogs Eat Fruit?

You may be wondering if dogs can eat fruit and the simple answer is Yes! However, dogs do not need fruits as part of their daily diet.  That said, they are another great occasional treat for our furry friends.

Fruit has some nutritional value as they are a rich source of vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber.  These nutrients help promote their physical well-being and mental stimulation through the experience of trying new textures and flavors. 

Additionally, sharing a piece of fruit with your canine FURiend can strengthen the bond between you and your furry companion, creating moments of togetherness and enjoyment. While it is generally safe to give dogs small amounts of fruit always keep portion size in mind due to the high sugar content in many fruits.

However, some fruits need to be completely avoided as they can harm your pup.  You may be asking yourself - Can dogs eat bananas? Can dogs eat blueberries? Can dogs eat avocado? Keep reading to find out!

Apples 

Can dogs eat apples? When deciding what fruits dogs can safely eat consider apples. Most dogs will love having a bite out of your apple. Fall is a great time to go to an apple orchard with your dog.   You will find some of the best-tasting apples fresh from the tree. Apples are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and carbohydrates. They make the perfect snack for senior dogs because they are low in protein and fat.  When can dogs eat apples? Anytime, just remove all the seeds and the core as those can cause digestive issues.

Strawberries 

Can dogs eat strawberries? According to the  AKC (American Kennel Club) the simple answer is “Yes”. Strawberries are full of fiber and vitamin C. They also contain an enzyme that can help whiten your dog's teeth as he or she eats them. Like all fruits, strawberries contain natural sugar, so offer them in moderation.

Blueberries 

Blueberries are a very healthy treat for your dog’s bowels. (Yes, we said bowels.) They are a superfood that are filled with fiber and antioxidants. Try serving these frozen as a special cool treat when it is warm outside.  See if your dog can catch one as a new trick!  If you enjoy baking try making some Blueberry dog treats for your pup to snack on. The little blueberries also fit nicely in many educational feeding puzzles. 

Bananas

Bananas are very high in sugar, so you may want to limit your dog's consumption. Dogs get excited over bananas because they are so yummy and pair nicely with doggy peanut butter.  Bananas are high in potassium and help support healthy digestion for dogs.  While dogs can eat bananas make sure to monitor their sugar intake.

Oranges

Dogs can eat oranges, but make sure to peel them first.  Eating oranges can promote your dog’s immune, digestive, and heart and muscle health.  Oranges are high in amounts of vitamin C, fiber, and potassium.

Watermelon

USAToday.com confirms that your dog can eat watermelon.  However, it is critical that the watermelon be seedless or you will need to remove the seeds before giving it to your pet. The seeds could lead to an intestinal blockage, so be sure to choose a seedless watermelon.

As you can see, there are several fun and healthy fruit treat options available for your dog.  That said, there are definitely some fruits to avoid. Please read below to understand which fruits dogs should not eat.

Pineapples

Can dogs eat pineapple? The answer to whether dogs should eat pineapple is not so simple.  Fresh and frozen pineapples are safe when the core and skin are removed, but canned pineapples are not safe for dogs.  When in question, it is best to avoid pineapples.

 Avocados

 Avocados are very healthy for humans but can dogs eat avocados?  They cause gastrointestinal problems and should be kept out of the pup's reach at all times. And yes, this includes guacamole too.

Cherries

 Cherries are very dangerous for your pooch. Cherries will alter your dog’s blood cells by not allowing enough oxygen into the dog's bloodstream, so please do not let your dog eat cherries.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes and any derivatives such as pasta sauce or ketchup should be avoided. While dogs would need to eat a large amount of tomatoes to make them sick, they are best to avoid.

Grapes

Can dogs eat grapes? The answer is easy - “No”! They are very bad for dogs and can lead to acute kidney failure. Also, remember that raisins are dried grapes and should be avoided.

As you can see from the information listed above, the answer to "Can dogs eat fruit?" is not always straightforward and it is critical to be educated before letting your dog eat any type of fruit. As a general rule, all pit-bearing fruits should be avoided and if any fruits are on this list to avoid, please do not give them to your dog.

In general, you should always research or check with your vet if you have questions regarding the safety of feeding your pet fruits or any other table scraps or human food. Additionally, always try new foods in moderation and monitor your pup for negative reactions. Remember that dogs digest foods differently than humans do, so giving them dog-safe fruits as a treat or a snack in moderation is best for your canine pal. 

At Farm to Pet, we love fun single-ingredient dog treats and want you to enjoy all your treats in a safe and responsible manner with your pets.  Enjoy!