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July 11, 2022 | Dog

Can Dogs Eat Fruits?

The way to a dog's heart is through their stomach, everybody knows that. Pet owners are always striving to provide their furry friends with a well-balanced, healthy diet, and they are constantly trying to find ways to change up their dog's routine.

Whilst dogs are carnivores, their diet still needs to contain vitamins and minerals, much in the same way as a human. There is always the temptation to pass your plate to your pet however it is unfortunately not that simple. A canine digestive system does not work in the same way as humans, some of the food that we can digest easily can even be toxic to a dog. 

How can you make sure that your pooch is getting all that they need to maintain a healthy and balanced diet? What vitamins and minerals can you begin to incorporate into your dog's daily routine through fruit? This article will provide you with all the answers you need. We will be talking about a whole variety of different fruits, touching upon whether your dog CAN eat them, as well as whether or not your dog SHOULD eat them.

Are all fruits toxic to dogs?

No. Not all fruits are toxic to dogs although it's important to check before feeding your dog a fruity treat. Whilst some fruits are safe for your pet in limited quantities, it is important to note that when introducing new foods into your pet’s diet, your pet may experience symptoms of an upset stomach. We always recommend consulting a vet before introducing a new diet into your dog's routine.

Google Web Story: Can Dogs Eat Fruits?

Can Dogs Eat Apples?

Apples are widely recommended for human consumption as they are an excellent source of both vitamins A and C. Everyone has heard of the phrase an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but would an apple a day also keep the vet away? 

Dogs can in fact eat apples, as long as they do not eat them in large quantities. Apples contain a large number of natural sugars, these sugars could potentially cause upset in a dog's stomach if they have too much. If you decide that you want to give your dog some apple as a treat, we recommend that you only give them small amounts in cubes or chunks. You may also wish to peel the skin of the apple as it could have been treated with chemicals after the apple had been picked. Apples are ideal for older dogs as they provide a boost in vitamins A and C. However, if your dog is diabetic, or if your dog is suffering from cancer, it is recommended to steer clear of an apple. And remember, you will always need to remove the core, as well as any seeds from the apple before giving it to your dog.

Can dogs eat apples? YES!

Can Dogs Eat Oranges?

A nice juicy orange provides the person consuming it with many vitamins, minerals and natural sugars that are perfect for maintaining a healthy digestive system. There are many different varieties of oranges. Some oranges are large and some are small, and others are used simply for their juice. Oranges are high in vitamin C, potassium and fibre, but can a dog experience the benefits of these vitamins and minerals too?

Simply put, yes, a dog can eat an orange, and the health benefits are definitely there. However, due to the acidity of the fruit, as well as the sharp taste of an orange, your dog may turn its nose up. However, you can actually give your dog the peel. The peel of an orange is high in fibre, vitamin C, vitamin B6, calcium, and many other key nutrients. Whilst humans might dislike the taste of orange peel, your dog may well find it just as tasty as we find the fruit itself. 

Can dogs eat oranges? YES!

Vitamin D can be found in orange juice specifically but this can be toxic to dogs. Find out more about vitamin D toxicity in dogs by checking out our Google Web Story below.

Google Web Story: Is Vitamin D Poisonous To Dogs?

Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?

Strawberries are the perfect fruit for a hot day. This summer fruit is one of the most popular fruits that humans eat thanks to its sweet taste and bright red colouring. Whether you’re lounging at home or sitting at Centre Court at Wimbledon, you’re more than likely going to be eating a strawberry.

And the same can be said for your pet pooch. Dogs can in fact eat strawberries! Strawberries are high in fibre and vitamin C, both of which can play a great role in boosting a dog's overall health. Strawberries do contain a high amount of natural sugar, so you should only give them to dogs in moderation. As well as the high nutrient content, an enzyme in strawberries can be linked towards tooth whitening. This means strawberries will even play a role in turning your dog’s gnarly gnashers into pearly whites! 

Can dogs eat strawberries? YES!

Can Dogs Eat Bananas?

Perhaps the most recognisable fruit, the banana is a staple of the human diet. Bananas are high in potassium and vitamin C and are great for providing the human body with key nutrients and antioxidants that promote a healthy body. But, can dogs eat bananas?

Yes, dogs can eat bananas! There are no chemicals inside a banana that can have negative effects on a dog's digestive system, in fact, a chunk of banana can be a good alternative to other treats that have a high-fat content. If you are wanting to give your dogs bananas as treats when they are puppies however it is recommended that you start off small, for example only giving a quarter of a slice as opposed to a full slice. This will allow the sensitive stomach of a young dog the chance to get used to digesting bananas.

Can dogs eat bananas? YES!

Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?

Pineapple is a flavour that is prevalent in many exotic dishes and drinks. Found in many cocktails or even controversially on pizza, pineapple is one of the most popular fruits you can buy. Pineapple also happens to contain many nutrients that are needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and it has been shown to have disease-fighting qualities.

You can also share these benefits with your dog, simply by giving them pineapple. Pineapple is safe for consumption by canines, but again, they may dislike the flavour. There is no need to force the food on your dog. If someone tried to give you dog food, and then wouldn’t leave you alone until you ate it, you would hate every second. The same can be said for dogs. Whilst the food will be good for them, you should never force it upon them. If you do want to get pineapple into your dog's diet then consider looking at alternative recipes for dog smoothies or dog ice lollies.

Can dogs eat pineapple? YES!

Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?

Blueberries are an often overlooked fruit. They are small and they pack a punch in terms of both flavour and vitamins. Blueberries are most often found baked inside muffins or cakes, and are considered treats for humans, but, can the same be said for dogs? 

Due to their small size and vitamin content, blueberries are considered a great alternative to a high-fat dog treat such as a biscuit. Blueberries are full of vitamin C and K, as well as being high in antioxidants. The number of blueberries you give your dog should depend on two things, your dog's size, and the age of your dog. For smaller dogs, a handful of blueberries would be best suited, but for larger dogs, you can consider giving them more. Smaller dogs are best suited to a more fat and protein-heavy diet, whereas older dogs will need higher vitamin content, making blueberries ideal. 

Can dogs eat blueberries? YES!

Can Dogs Eat Mango?

Currently, mango is one of the most popular flavours in the world. Whilst it may seem like a sugary, sweet treat, mango is in fact very good for you. You could even forget that it is fruit at all. Served in sorbets or in different states such as dried, mango is definitely a treat. 

It can also be a treat for a dog too! Mango is completely safe for dogs to eat, and contains many nutrients and vitamins that will contribute to a healthy diet. Much in the same way as you would for yourself, you should always make sure the mango is prepared correctly. You should remove any pulp, and peel the mango fully before giving it to your dog. You should be wanting to eat the mango just as much as your dog would! You should only give mango to your dog in moderation, again because of the natural sugars it contains. Too much and this could lead to an upset stomach.

Can dogs eat mango? YES!

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?

Another exotic fruit that humans eat in their millions, watermelon is a delicious seeded fruit that provides the body with many useful nutrients and, you guessed it, plenty of water. Watermelon is usually served in chunks or slices, or in some strange recipes, barbecued. Watermelon is so delicious that you could even forget that it is healthy, much in the same way as mango.

Owners will be happy to know that their dogs can enjoy watermelon with you. High in fibre and water content, giving your dog watermelon is completely non-toxic and is even recommended as a healthy treat alternative. If you are going to be giving your dog watermelon, it is important to point out that you will need to make sure all seeds have been removed, much in the same way that you would for yourself. Watermelon seeds are large and can be a choking hazard, if digested the seed could even lead to stomach upset in a dog. 

Can dogs eat watermelon? YES!

Can Dogs Eat Grapes?

Grapes are great for humans. They have high water content and contain vitamins and minerals that can play a part in a healthy, balanced diet. Grapes are great as a healthy snack, and are just as tasty and healthy when dehydrated and eaten as raisins. With that being said, can you give your dogs grapes?

No. You should never under any circumstances give your dogs grapes or raisins. Grapes are famously toxic to dogs and should never be given as treats. Whether they are peeled, in small quantities or even finely sliced, keep your dogs away from grapes. If your dog ingests a grape you may need to act quickly and get in touch with a vet straight away. For a small puppy, as little as three grapes can be lethal. For an adult dog, 10-12 grapes will provide a lethal dose. 

Can dogs eat grapes? NO!

Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?

Whilst it may not seem like it, a tomato is in fact a fruit. Botanists consider fruit to be anything that is fertilised from the ovary of a flower. This makes tomatoes a fruit and not a vegetable as they may first seem. Tomatoes are a staple ingredient in human cooking, making up the key for many sauces, the accoutrement to many salads, and the base layer for everyone's favourite, pizza.

A tomato is not a regular part of a dog's diet, much like all of the other fruits on this list. Whilst tomatoes are healthy for human consumption, it is a much different story for dogs. If you are wanting to feed your dog a tomato you should always make sure that it is fully ripe. Even then, you should only feed a tomato to a dog on rare occasions. Too often and your dog will experience an upset stomach. This is due to some enzymes inside the tomato. As a rule, it would be best to stay clear of tomatoes, just in case.

Can dogs eat tomatoes? OCCASIONALLY.

Giving your dog a piece of fruit may seem like a great idea, but you should always check before doing so. Whilst the majority of fruits are dog friendly, it is not worth running the risk without doing your research. Dogs are carnivores, and will always need a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of other food groups including a majority of protein.

Speak to a vet at PocketVet today for expert, tailored advice.

Sources

https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/can-dogs-eat-apples-grapes-potatoes-and-other-fruit-and-veg

https://www.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-care/dog-care/what-should-feed-dog

https://www.animaltrust.org.uk/blog/what-can-dogs-eat/

ttps://www.purina.com/articles/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-fruits-and-berries

https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/dog-care-advice/toxic-food-dogs

Medically reviewed by: