What fruits are safe for dogs to eat?

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Copy-of-Healthy-Summer-Snacks-1024x1024 What fruits are safe for dogs to eat?

Following my article on human foods that dogs can eat, I was asked, “Can my dog eat fruit” “My dog loves an apple. Is that ok”

Like many things, particular fruit is good for dogs when fed in moderation, whilst others, such as grapes, are toxic and should be avoided at all costs.

Hopefully, after reading this article, you will have a better understanding of what fruits your dog can eat and what fruits you should run a mile from

So can dogs eat fruit?

The short answer is yes, and fruit has many benefits, provided it is one of the safe fruits.

A great thing about fruit is that because it has high water content, it makes the ideal refreshing snack to give your dog, especially in the summer.

Another great thing about safe fruit is that tye can be put in the food processor with a little bit of water and blitzed.  Then placed in ice cube trays and frozen for a nice and healthy cooling summer snack.

So what safe fruits can dogs eat?

Fruits should be washed before being given to the dogs to remove any pesticides, and then any pips and stones should be removed along with the skin and cut up into small, bite-size pieces to avoid choking.

Another reason to remove the seeds apart from the obvious choking hazards is that many can be toxic.

Apples

Apples are great for dogs and a good source of fibre, potassium and antioxidants.  As part of a balanced diet, Apples provide vitamins A and C.  Just like humans; apples can help your dog’s dental hygiene in terms of fresh breath and helping to keep their teeth clean.

As mentioned before, please remove the core and pips to prevent choking.

Oranges

Oranges are safe fruit for dogs to eat.  However, a lot of dogs don’t like the smell.  If your dog does, make sure that any peel, pips and pith are removed, as these can be toxic.

Watermelon

Watermelons are a refreshing fruit to give your dog to eat as a treat.  They are rich in Vitamins A, B6 and C, and potassium.  Watermelons are also high in fibre.  So the next hot day, we get consider watermelon as a refreshing treat

As with all fruit, please remove the skin and remove all seeds to prevent choking.

Pineapples

pineapples are made up of 87% water and contain lots of vitamins and minerals, so they are good for hydration in the summer.  However, it is essential you only feed in small quantities.

Pineapples contain bromelain.  Bromelain is a natural enzyme that can help reduce inflammation.

Only feed dogs the soft fleshy bits inside.

Mango

It is safe fruit to give your dog to eat. Magos, and again, you could freeze these in the summer for a nice cooling snack.

Like all fruit, ensure the skin and pit are removed as, believe it or not, the pit does contain a low dose of cyanide (maybe a murder mystery there somewhere), but, more importantly, is likely to be a choking hazard.

Pears

Pears are high in fibre and can be found in many better-quality foods because they aid digestion.

Remove the core and pips and cut them into fun-size pieces

Melon

Dogs can eat melons, and they are a delicious way to help keep your dog hydrated and can be frozen for a summer treat.

The best melon to feed your dog is the Honeydew melon.  Like pears, it is high in dietary fibre to help assist digestion. It also contains B6 and C.

Watermelons can also be fed and packed with vitamins but do not contain the same dietary fibre.

Coconut

This is fine if you feed coconuts in small amounts and only occasionally.  The coconut itself is safe, but the medium-chain triglycerides can cause bloating and gastrointestinal upset, especially if fed in excess.

Coconut is a superfood and excellent for supporting the immune system.  It is also known for its anti-inflammation properties, which is why coconut oil is often added to the more senior dogs’ food to help with arthritis.

Apricots

Because they also contain beta-carotene, Apricots can be beneficial to help with your dog’s eyesight.

Apricots are safe for dogs and contain anti-inflammatory polyphenols.

The hard stone in the middle must be removed as it is a choking hazard and contains cyanide.

Bananas

Bananas are safe fruit for your dog to eat. However, they should be fed in small bite-size pieces and not too many as they are high in sugar.

Avoid processed fruit.

Whilst the fruits mentioned above are safe for your dog to eat raw. It is probably best to avoid fruit products unless you are absolutely sure what is in them.

For example, apples are good for dogs, but apple sauce and apple pies are not.  These generally contain high amounts of sugar and other harmful ingredients to dogs.

Many other fruit products, such as Jam, also contain Xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is very harmful to dogs.  This is the same with canned fruit.

So please make sure you only feed your dogs fresh, safe fruit

Fruits to avoid

Here is a list of fruits that should not be fed to your dog.  If they get hold of any of these fruits, please consult your vet.  

Grapes
Raisins
Cherries
Grapefruit
Lemons?

What to do if your dog eats something toxic

If your dog does consume any of the above and you have to contact the vet, try and provide as much of the following information as you can

  • What they have eaten, and how much of it
  • Your dog’s weight
  • Any medication your dog is o or other useful information

The benefits/risks of fruit in your dog’s diet

If your dog is not used to fruit, then like all new foods, it should be slowly introduced to ensure it is not intolerant.

If your dog is on medication or has a health condition, then please check with your vet, as I know I can’t take grapefruit because of the tablets I am on.

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