STOP! Don’t Feed Your Dog Fruit Until You Read This List

When offered correctly, certain fruits can be a wonderful, low-calorie addition to your dog’s diet, supplementing their regular meals with a burst of flavor and nutrition. Think of them as nature’s healthy dog treats! Here’s a look at the benefits packed into these pup-approved snacks:

• Vitamins & Minerals: Fruits like cantaloupe and bananas are rich in essential vitamins like A, C, and B6, as well as potassium, which is vital for healthy muscle and nerve function.
• Antioxidant Power: Berries, especially blueberries, are famous for their high antioxidant content. These powerful compounds help fight free radicals, which can damage cells and contribute to aging and disease. They’re great for supporting your dog’s overall immune system and cognitive health.
• Fiber for Digestive Health: Many fruits, such as apples and pumpkin (yes, it’s a fruit!), are excellent sources of dietary fiber. Fiber helps regulate the digestive system, promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation.
• Hydration Boost: Fruits with high water content, like watermelon and cucumbers, are a fantastic and tasty way to help keep your dog hydrated, especially on hot summer days.
• Low-Calorie Treat Option: Compared to many commercial dog biscuits, which can be high in fat and calories, a few pieces of fruit are a much lighter option. This makes them a great choice for dogs who are watching their weight.

Expert Tip: Always introduce new foods, including fruit, to your dog slowly and in small amounts to see how their digestive system reacts.

Ready to treat your pup? Here is a detailed list of fruits that are generally safe for dogs. Remember to always follow the preparation guidelines to avoid any choking hazards or digestive issues.

• Apples

  Benefits: A great source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. They’re low in protein and fat, making them a good snack for senior dogs. Preparation: ALWAYS remove the core and seeds. Apple seeds contain small amounts of cyanide and are a serious choking hazard.

• Bananas

  Benefits: Packed with potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium. Preparation: Peel and serve in small pieces. Due to their high sugar content, bananas should be given as an occasional treat, not a regular part of their diet.

• Blueberries

  Benefits: A superfood for dogs! They are a rich source of antioxidants, which can help support the immune system and prevent cell damage. Preparation: Simply wash and serve. They are small and easy for dogs of all sizes to eat, and can even be served frozen for a crunchy, cool treat.

• Cantaloupe

  Benefits: Full of nutrients, low in calories, and a great source of water and fiber. It’s packed with vitamins A, B, and C. Preparation: Remove the rind and seeds, and cut the flesh into manageable chunks. The rough rind can cause intestinal damage.

• Strawberries

  Benefits: Full of fiber and vitamin C. They also contain an enzyme that can help whiten your dog’s teeth as they eat them. Preparation: Wash thoroughly and remove the stem. You can serve them whole for larger dogs or sliced for smaller ones.

• Watermelon

  Benefits: An amazing source of hydration, as it’s 92% water. It’s also packed with vitamins A, B-6, and C, as well as potassium. Preparation: Completely remove the rind and all seeds (both black and white) before serving. The rind is difficult to digest and the seeds can cause intestinal blockage.

• Pears

  Benefits: A good source of copper, vitamins C and K, and fiber. It’s been suggested that eating pears can reduce the risk of having a stroke by 50 percent. Preparation: Slice them into bite-sized chunks and remove the pit and seeds, which contain traces of cyanide.

This section is non-negotiable. The following fruits should NEVER be given to your dog, as they can cause serious health problems. If you suspect your dog has ingested any of these, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.

• Grapes and Raisins

  Danger: This is a big one. Grapes and raisins are highly toxic to dogs and can lead to sudden, acute kidney failure. The exact substance that causes the toxic reaction is unknown, but even a small amount can be fatal. There is no “safe” quantity.

• Cherries

  Danger: The fleshy part of the cherry is generally safe, but the pit, stem, and leaves contain cyanide, which is poisonous to dogs. Cyanide disrupts cellular oxygen transport, meaning your dog’s blood cells can’t get enough oxygen. Plus, the pits can cause intestinal blockages.

• Avocado

  Danger: The pit, skin, and leaves of avocados contain persin, a toxin that often causes vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. While the fleshy inside has less persin, it’s still too risky. The pit is also a major choking and obstruction hazard.

• Citrus Fruits (in large amounts)

  Danger: While a tiny bit of orange or lemon flesh isn’t likely to cause problems, the stems, leaves, peels, fruit, and seeds of citrus plants contain citric acid and essential oils that can be irritating. Large amounts can cause an upset stomach or even central nervous system depression.

• Tomatoes (especially the green parts)

  Danger: While the ripe, red flesh of a tomato is generally considered safe, the green parts of the plant (stem, leaves, and unripe fruit) contain a substance called solanine. In large quantities, solanine can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, and weakness.

Even with safe fruits, moderation is everything. A common guideline recommended by veterinarians is the 10% rule. This means that treats, including fruit, should only make up about 10% of your dog’s total daily caloric intake. The other 90% should come from their complete and balanced dog food.

Why is this so important? Two main reasons: sugar and tummy troubles.

• Sugar Content: Fruit contains natural sugars (fructose). While better than processed sugars, too much can lead to weight gain, which puts stress on a dog’s body and can contribute to other health problems like diabetes and joint pain.
• Digestive Upset: The high fiber content in fruit is beneficial in small amounts, but too much can overwhelm your dog’s digestive system, leading to diarrhea, gas, and stomach cramps.

Here’s a very general guide to help you visualize portion sizes, but always consult your vet for advice tailored to your specific dog’s needs, age, and activity level.

General Daily Fruit Treat Guidelines

Proper preparation is just as important as choosing the right fruit. Following these steps will ensure your dog enjoys their treat safely and you avoid an emergency trip to the vet.

1. Wash Thoroughly: Always wash fruits well under running water to remove any pesticides, dirt, or chemicals from the surface. Organic is a great choice if it’s available.
2. Remove All Seeds, Pits, and Stems: This is a critical step. Many pits and seeds (like those from apples, cherries, peaches, and plums) contain cyanide. They are also significant choking and intestinal blockage hazards. When in doubt, remove it!
3. Ditch the Rind and Peel: Rinds, like those on watermelon and cantaloupe, and thick peels can be very difficult for a dog to digest and can cause gastrointestinal obstruction. It’s best to remove them completely.
4. Cut into Bite-Sized Pieces: To prevent choking, always cut fruit into a size that is appropriate for your dog. For small dogs, this means dicing fruits into tiny pieces. For larger dogs, larger chunks are fine, but still small enough to not be a choking risk.

Fun Serving Ideas

• Frozen Treats: On a hot day, try freezing small pieces of fruit like blueberries or chunks of banana. You can also puree fruits with a little water or plain yogurt and freeze them in an ice cube tray for a delicious pupsicle.
• Food Topper: Mash up some banana or add a few berries to your dog’s regular food bowl to make mealtime more exciting.
• Toy Stuffer: Stuff some mashed banana or small pieces of apple into a Kong or other puzzle toy to provide mental stimulation along with a tasty reward.