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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 its high water content. It makes the ideal refreshing snack for 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 by providing fresh breath and keeping 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
Pineapple is made up of 87% water and contains lots of vitamins and minerals, so it is 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 a 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, which are delicious and help keep dogs hydrated. They can also 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 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, so 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.
Many other fruit products, such as Jam, also contain Xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is very harmful to dogs. The same is true for 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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