What fruits can dogs eat?

You already know fruit is important for keeping yourself healthy, but did you know it’s good for your dog too? While dogs don't need fruit to stay healthiest, adding fresh fruit to your pup's normal diet, with your veterinarian's approval and guidance, can provide them with additional vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, as well as some always welcome of extra moisture.

However, the important thing to remember when feeding your dog fruit is that while many fruits are suitable for dogs, not all fruits are suitable for dogs. In addition to checking out our list of fruits you shouldn't feed your furry friends at the bottom of this page, you should also make sure to pay attention to how your dog reacts to certain fruits. If you notice an upset stomach or other signs of discomfort, don't feed them that fruit again, even if it's safe for them.

Now that we’ve got the important disclaimer out of the way, let’s get started. Here are 10 of the best fruits to feed your dog.

1. Apple

An apple a day may not keep the vet away, but slices or other small pieces can make excellent snacks and meals. Just be sure not to feed your dog any apple seeds, as they contain small amounts of cyanide and can also pose a choking risk.

benefit:

Helps clean teeth and freshen breath.

Containing vitamin A, vitamin C and fiber, the skin also contains phytochemicals that have been found in laboratory studies to fight the growth of cancer cells.

2. Banana

Bananas have many health benefits for our furry friends. They're also naturally portable, making them a great snack for two to share on a long walk.

benefit:

The fiber in bananas may benefit your dog's digestion.

Contains high amounts of potassium, fiber and vitamin C.

3. BlackBerry

It's safe to share blackberries with your dog, but use your best judgment when cutting them into small pieces. Stick with sweeter blackberries, rather than tart ones, which your dog may prefer.

benefit:

May have antibacterial properties that support good oral health.

Contains vitamins C and K, manganese and fiber.

4. Blueberries

Dogs tend to love blueberries, which are already sized perfectly for both large and small mouths. If you're dealing with small or large blueberries, cut the berries in half before eating.

Benefits:       

Blueberries are low in sugar and fat, making them a great treat for dogs who need to avoid too many extra calories.

Contains vitamins C and K, as well as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron and antioxidants.

5. Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is a safe and healthy fruit for your dog to enjoy, but avoid feeding cantaloupe rind as the rough texture can cause intestinal damage.

benefit:

High doses of beta-carotene, good for your dog's vision and immune system.

Contains vitamins A, B-6, and C, as well as fiber, potassium, folate, and niacin.

6. Cranberry

Thanksgiving isn't the only reason to stock up on these sweet treats at home. Cranberries can be fed to your dog raw, cooked, or dried, but avoid the sugary cranberry sauce (sorry, Fido).

benefit:

Cranberries are rich in antioxidants.

Contains vitamins C and E, as well as a range of B vitamins including thiamine, niacin, riboflavin and B-6.

7. Papaya

Go ahead and feed your puppy papaya. The pulp of this exotic fruit makes an excellent snack.

benefit:

Contains vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as folic acid.

Rich in fiber, calcium and potassium.

8. Raspberry

Raspberries are a delicious treat for your dog if eaten in moderation. Most dogs seem to enjoy them, especially when their sweetness is at its peak in the summer.

benefit:

Thought to help fight cancer, circulatory diseases, and age-related decline.

Contains vitamin C, folate, copper, magnesium, fiber and antioxidants.

9. Strawberry

Like most other berries, strawberries are rich in antioxidants. For safe feeding, cut off the top leaves first, then cut the strawberries into quarters. If your dog is small, cut each quarter in half (or smaller).

benefit:

Strawberries contain high levels of antioxidants, which can greatly boost the immune system. 11They are also high in water, making them a hydrating snack.

Contains vitamins C, B-6, K and E, as well as folate, potassium and manganese.

10. Watermelon

There's nothing more satisfying than a juicy slice of watermelon on a hot day, and our dogs agree. Just don't feed your dog skins or seeds, they have a hard time digesting them. 12

benefit:

High in lycopene, an antioxidant that prevents cell damage.

Contains vitamins A, B-6 and C, as well as thiamine, which helps convert fats, proteins and carbohydrates into energy.

It has an incredible moisturizing effect due to its high water content.

Fruits You Should Not Give Your Dog

While the list of fruits that dogs can eat is long, as a responsible pet parent you should also be aware of the fruits that dogs cannot eat. These include:

cherry

Grapefruit

Grape

lemon

lime

Plum

Always be careful when giving your dog any type of fruit for the first time. Even fruits not on this list may cause problems for your particular dog, so do your research, feed only small amounts at first, and watch for signs of adverse reactions.

How to feed fruit to your dog

Fresh or frozen fruit is easy to feed your pet as long as you remove the skin, seeds, and core, and cut the fruit into small, easy-to-handle pieces. But you can get more creative if you want.

Freeze some mini popsicles. Pour fresh water or a tablespoon or so of plain yogurt into each slot of an ice cube tray, then add small, chopped pieces of fruit and freeze. On warm days, break out a popsicle for a cool treat.

Make smoothies. Start with a base like water, plain yogurt, or beef, chicken, or vegetable broth (if you're using store-bought broth, just check the ingredient list first to make sure there aren't onions, garlic, or other off-limits). Mix with fresh or frozen fruit and serve. If you make too big a portion, freeze the leftovers in ice cube trays for quick-frozen meals.

Encourage your dog to play with food. Swap the traditional treats in your dog's favorite puzzle toy for small pieces of fruit. They'll get delicious, healthy snacks and plenty of brain exercise.

Sprinkle fruit over meals. Use chopped fruit as a topping on your dog's normal breakfast or dinner to add some excitement to meal time. This is a great way to mix up your meals and add an extra dose of health benefits.

Of course, fruit isn't the only delicious human food dogs can eat. Learn about the benefits of feeding vegetables to your puppy.

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