Your dog might eat fruits for many reasons. Some of these are as simple as it smells good, its sugary and sweet, boredom, or curiosity. There are likely reasons we don’t understand, and possibly never will.
But are fruits actually good for dogs? Some are, some are definitely not. There are various health benefits a dog can get from fruit like vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, etc…
On the other hand some fruits, like grapes, can outright kill your dog. Which is why it’s extremely important to know what is safe and what is not.
Should I Feed My Dog Fruit?
First off, you don’t have to. Dogs have adapted an ability to digest plant matter to a small degree, unlike cats. Even though some consider dogs omnivores, it’s often miss-leading to call them a true omnivore like we are. Dogs have a strong carnivorous bias and require meat and other animal products to meet their main nutritional needs.
So if you do feed your dog fruits occasionally (nothing wrong with that), it shouldn’t account for more than 5-10% of their diet.
But like I said before there are actually health benefits dogs can get from fruit. Moderation is just really important and can’t be stressed enough.
What Fruits Can Dogs Eat?
I’m glad you asked! Here’s a list of the most common, and some uncommon, fruits that you might think about giving your dog or that they have access to. To make it easy it’s in alphabetical order.
Apples
Yes, dogs can safely eat apples! Apples are packed with vitamins, fiber, and different minerals that benefit dogs. But don’t just give your dog a whole apple. The seeds and core are toxic and can also cause blockages.
Apricots
Yes, dogs can eat apricots. Very similar to apples, they also have many nutrients your dog needs. The seed, or kernel, also needs to be removed before your dog devours this tasty treat.
Avocados
No, dogs should not eat avocados! They are high in fat, too high for dogs, and they contain persin (mildly toxic to dogs) which can leave you with a sick pup. In small amounts they aren’t deadly and you shouldn’t need to run off to the vet, but they certainly aren’t good either. The large solid pit is also a choking hazard. 0/10 do not recommend.
Bananas
Yes, dogs can eat bananas. Bananas are a great treat because they have low sodium and cholesterol, plus healthy nutrients and fiber. The downside is they have quite a bit of sugar, so don’t overdo the banana treats too much. Remember to take the peel off, you don’t want to eat it either.
Blackberries
Yes, dogs can eat blackberries! Loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and omega 3 fatty acids; blackberries are great for your dogs health in small amounts. It’s believed that blackberries can boost your dogs digestion and brain function as well as reduce inflammation and prevent cancer. All good things in my book. Blackberries do naturally contain xylitol (toxic), but the trace amounts aren’t worrisome as long as you aren’t letting your dog gorge on this fruit everyday.
Blueberries
Yes, dogs can eat blueberries! They are one of the best fruits you can give your dog. This power-packed superfood is rich in antioxidants and nutrients. It’s also low in calories, high in fiber, and high in phytochemicals. Put it all together and you’ve got a treat to use when training that also repairs cell damage and helps prevent cancer.
Cantaloupe
Yes, dogs can eat cantaloupe. It’s high water content makes it a refreshing and hydrating snack for those hot summer days playing disc dog at the park. Cantaloupe is also low in calories and has quite a few good nutrients. Make sure you remove the rind and seeds. While not toxic, they are a choking hazard and can cause blockages.
Cherries
No, dogs should not eat cherries! The pits, leaves, and stems contain the toxin cyanide which can potentially kill your dog. The meat of the cherry itself is safe and has many nutrients and vitamins, but nothing particularly essential for dogs. It’s best to just avoid giving your dog cherries. No matter how much they beg.
Cranberries
Yes, dogs can eat cranberries. This is another fruit that’s absolutely packed with healthy things like antioxidants, phytochemicals, vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. Just like for us they can prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), reduce plaque and tartar, and fight bacterial infections. Dried cranberries are also a good treat but most of the store bought stuff has a bunch of sugar added in. Either find unsweetened dried cranberries or simply stick to the fresh or frozen ones. Now your dog liking this tart fruit on the other hand… is a completely separate issue. Many dogs don’t.
Cucumbers
Yes, dogs can eat cucumbers. They are hydrating and have beneficial vitamins and minerals, plus dogs seem to like the crunchiness. If you feed your dog cucumbers cut them into thin slices or small pieces so they don’t choke. Avoid pickles and store bought cucumber water. Pickles are extremely high in salt and may have harmful seasonings added in. Cucumber water often has xylitol added in as a sweetener which is extremely toxic to dogs.
Dragonfruit
Yes, dragonfruit is good for dogs! They are extremely rich in calcium, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. This variety of nutrients can help your dog all over, from boosting their coat health to making their bones stronger. It does have a high amount of sugar so keep the treats to a minimum and remove the skin and seeds before giving it to your dog.
Figs
Yes, dogs can eat figs. Figs also have tons of nutrients like potassium, calcium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Many dogs seem to think they are tasty and juicy making it an easy treat. Figs have also been known to cause allergic reactions in dogs so be sure to give your dog a small piece and watch them until you know it’s safe.
Grapes
NO!
No, dogs cannot eat grapes! Grapes are extremely toxic and fatal to dogs, even in small quantities. Grapes can cause kidney failure, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and eventually death. The exact reason grapes are so toxic to dogs is unknown, and it seems to affect every dog differently. Because of this there is no safe amount. Keep your dogs away from any products that have grapes as well like raisins, jelly, jam, juice, wine, etc…
Grapefruit
No, dogs can’t eat grapefruit either. Grapefruit skins and other plant parts contain essential oils that are toxic and harmful to your dogs health, potentially even causing death. The flesh of the grapefruit is not toxic but it has very high levels of citric acid that can hurt your dogs digestive system. Don’t give your dog grapefruit or any products that contain grapefruit.
Honeydew
Yes, dogs can eat honeydew. Much like cantaloupe, it has many beneficial nutrients and high water content. But it also has high sugar so treating your dog to this fruit should be limited. Remove the rind and seeds before giving it to any dog.
Kiwi
Yes, dogs can eat kiwis. They also have a high sugar content but are packed with antioxidants, potassium, and other awesome nutrients. The skin can be hard for your dog to digest so remove it before giving them some kiwi.
Lemon
No, dogs can’t eat lemons. Lemons are toxic to dogs, especially the outsides. They contain limonene, linalool, and psoralen which can cause many health problems in your dog. The flesh is not toxic but has high levels of citric acid and sugar which isn’t good for dogs either. Avoid lemons and lemon flavored products.
Lime
No, dogs can’t eat limes. Sorry pup, no margaritas for you! Limes are also toxic and harmful to dogs. They can cause everything from vomiting to death and the sourness can upset or irritate your dogs stomach. It’s best to keep the limes out of your dogs reach.
Mango
Yes, dogs can eat mangos. With all the antioxidants, potassium, and vitamins A, B6, C, and E, they are very supportive of your dogs health. Watch the sugar content and remove the pits, but otherwise mangos are a good tasty treat dogs like.
Oranges
Yes, dogs can eat oranges. They are known to boost your dogs immune system, digestion, and kidney function. To much can upset your dogs stomach because of the sugar and citric acid. But there’s nothing too harmful as long as dogs eat oranges in moderation. Remove the peel and any seeds to reduce choking hazards.
Papaya
Yes, dogs can eat papaya. Papaya has vitamin C, potassium, and papain, which can all boost your dogs health. Many dogs also like the creamy taste too. They are high in sugar so once again watch the amount your dog eats and remove the peel and seeds.
Passionfruit
No, dogs should not eat passionfruit. While the fruit itself is not harmful, other than having high sugar, the skin and seeds are toxic. Just like apples and cherries, the skin and seeds contain cyanide. So steer clear of this fruit, there are better snack choices for your pup.
Peaches
Yes, dogs can eat peaches. They also have cyanide in the skin and pits but the flesh is safe and nutritious for dogs. Stick to fresh peaches, the canned and frozen varieties usually have a lot of added sugar. Otherwise your dog will be happy to enjoy this popular summer fruit, without the skin and pits of course.
Pears
Yes, dogs can eat pears. They are low in calories and high in vitamins. Once again, remove the seeds and core as they can be toxic.
Pineapple
Yes, dogs can eat pineapple. Pineapple has vitamin C, A, fiber, and antioxidants to boost they immune system and prevent cell damage. It also has a lot of sugar though. The core and skin are choking hazards so remove them and only give your dog the delicious fruit inside.
Plums
Yes, dogs can eat plums, but probably shouldn’t. Plums aren’t toxic to dogs but they aren’t nutritious and are instead just high in sugar. The pits, stems, and leaves also contain some cyanide compounds. Your dog can probably stand a few bites now and then but there are much better fruits them.
Pomegranate
No, dogs can’t eat pomegranate. The fruit isn’t toxic but it’s hard for dogs to digest. It’s really not worth the little bit of nutrients they will get, especially when coupled with the high sugar. Once again there are better choices.
Pumpkin
Yes, dogs can eat pumpkin. Pumpkin is popularly given to dogs to settle upset stomachs and soothe digestive issues. It can also help their vision and is low in calories. Stick to plain pumpkin though! Pumpkin pie filling has a lot of sugar and may contain things that are harmful to your dog.
Raisins
NO
No, dogs can’t eat raisins! Grapes are extremely toxic to dogs and raisins are just dehydrated grapes. They are actually worse because once dehydrated they have a higher concentration of toxins. As little as one raisin can potentially be fatal. If your dog does get into the raisins get them to the vet immediately!
Raspberries
Yes, dogs can eat raspberries. In moderation, raspberries are a great source of vitamin C, K, and antioxidants for your dog. They are low in sugar and calories but do contain some xylitol (toxic to dogs in large doses). Don’t overfeed the raspberries and your dog will have a healthy treat.
Star Fruit
No, dogs can’t eat star fruit. It contains calcium oxalate crystals which can calcify the kidneys leading to kidney failure and death. Keep your dog away from star fruit at all costs!
Strawberries
Yes, dogs can eat strawberries! Strawberries can help your dogs immune system, vision, digestion, and even dental health. They are low in calories and sugar as well as a good source of vitamin A, C, fiber, and antioxidants. They are also easy to grow in the backyard making great daily snacks for your family and dog. During certain times of the year anyway.
Tomatoes
Yes, dogs can eat tomatoes. Any green parts, including unripe tomatoes, contain tomatine which is a toxin that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, tremors, seizures, or kidney failure in dogs. Ripe tomatoes on the other hand do not contain tomatine and are a great source of vitamin A, C, Potassium, and folate.
Watermelon
Yes, dogs can eat watermelon. This popular hydrating fruit is a great refreshing treat for your dogs. It’s low in calories and fat, high in water content, and contains many vitamins and nutrients. Either remove the seeds and rind to prevent choking or get seedless watermelon and just cut off the rind.
