Giving fruits to your dog may not seem like an obvious thing to do, but many experts agree that fruit is safe and can even be beneficial to your dog. That’s because fruits are natural, sweet, and full of useful vitamins. But that doesn’t mean you should start stuffing your dog full with every piece of fruit under the sun.
As you can imagine, there are a number of things you will have to keep in mind when moving your dog to a fruit-inclusive diet, as well as some fruit that you should keep your dog away from. Luckily, we have put together a comprehensive beginner’s guide to the best fruit to give to your dog as well as the fruits you should stay away from.
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Is It Safe to Give Fruits to Dogs?
The first concern you probably have about giving fruits to dogs is how safe it actually is. While many experts agree that fruits are safe to give to your dogs, you will still need to practice caution to make sure you will not give them anything that is toxic to them.
Fruits are packed with minerals and vitamins that can be very beneficial to dogs. So, it’s definitely a good idea to start exploring the option if you’re looking to add some variety to your dog’s diet. But because dogs are primarily carnivores, you should treat all fruit as an occasional treat instead of a full replacement for a meal.
The Good: Fruits That Are OK for Dogs
If you’re interested in giving your dog fruit, these are the best fruits to start with as they are completely safe for dogs. Just remember to only give your fur baby fruit in moderation. If your pet has any conditions, make sure to speak to a vet before you incorporate fruit into their diet, even if it’s generally considered “dog-safe.”
- Bananas
Just like us, dogs love bananas. High in natural sugars, bananas are a great treat (in moderation) for dogs. Bananas are high in vitamin B, C, potassium, and fiber while also low-calorie and low-cholesterol. They’re also very common and easy to find, so it’s a good beginner fruit if your dog has never had fruit before.
- Apples
Apples are also a great fruit for dogs who have never had fruit before. They are high in vitamins and fiber, while also being low-calorie, making them a great treat for overweight dogs who can’t have their usual high-calorie treats. And because they are not very complex fruits, they should also be a great treat for older dogs who may have slower digestive systems.
- Mangoes
Mangoes are a very sweet fruit, so while they’re safe for dogs to eat, you should make it a very rare treat for your dog. Mangoes are high in multiple vitamins and can help aid your dog’s digestion. But before you give a mango to your dog, make sure to peel and remove the large stone/seed in the mango as it can be a choking hazard.
- Oranges
Oranges are a lovely treat to give to your dogs because they are high in vitamin C and sweet. But unlike other fruits on this list, oranges are more of a high-maintenance fruit to serve to your fur babies. The seeds, skin, and stems are poisonous to dogs, so you need to make sure you are only feeding them the actual flesh of the fruit.
- Watermelon
Watermelons are full of vitamins and also have high water content. That means that watermelon treats can also be a way to hydrate your water, especially in the middle of the summer! Just make sure to take out all the seeds and to make sure your dog does not eat any of the rinds to avoid any intestinal problems.
The Bad: Fruits That Are Dangerous to Dogs
Before you give your dogs any fruit, you should always do some research on dangerous fruit to give your dog. These are some common foods people may think are safe for dogs but that are actually toxic and dangerous to them. If you are unsure if a certain fruit is safe for a dog, always consult an expert to make sure you are not putting your dog in any unnecessary danger.
- Cherries
Cherries have a high amount of cyanide in their stems and seeds, which is toxic and can be even lethal to dogs. So while the flesh of the cherry itself is technically safe for dogs, the risk of cyanide poisoning is too high, which is why we recommend that you steer clear of cherries completely.
- Grapes
Grapes are highly toxic to dogs, with evidence that they can lead to permanent kidney damage in even young dogs. You should at no point give ripe or even dried grapes as they could seriously harm your fur babies.
- Lemons
While lemons are not necessarily poisonous or toxic to dogs, they are acidic enough that they may cause upset stomachs and nausea when ingested. So if you’re looking for a fruit treat that is high in vitamin C, we suggest staying away from lemons and choosing oranges instead (which are totally safe!).
Conclusion
Fruits are a great alternative to common treats for dogs. They’re sweet, healthy, full of vitamins, and they are low in calories and cholesterol. That makes them suitable for almost any dog, whatever their age or breed may be.
Of course, however, there are exceptions when it comes to the health of our fur babies. So if your dog has any underlying conditions – especially digestive ones – it is important that you first consult their vet before you introduce any new treats to their diet.