Fruit can be a great treat for your dog, but not all fruit is suitable for them to eat. Today, our Diamond Bar vets from Diamond Bar Veterinary Clinic talk about which types of fruit you can safely feed your pup.
Fruit: A Sweet Treat
Dogs are omnivores and require a variety of vegetables and meat in their diets. Fortunately, modern dog food contains all of the nutrients your pup requires to thrive, so you won't need to supplement their diets. Having said that, fruit is a great treat to give your dog.
Always keep in mind that treats should make up no more than about 10% of your dog's diet, so if you're adding fruit to the mix be sure to cut back on other treats so as not to overfeed your pooch.
Introducing New Foods
With any new food introduction, you should go slowly to ensure your dog tolerates the food and does not experience any gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions. Introduce one type of fruit at a time with just a piece or two a day to see how your dog reacts.
When feeding a dog any type of fruit, make sure it is cut into small pieces and that any seeds, rinds, or pits are removed before feeding it to your dog—these parts of the fruit often contain toxins that can make dogs ill, or in some cases be fatal.
Fruits That Are Safe For Dogs
The following fruits are great options for your pup:
- Apples: Because apples are high in fiber and low in fat, they are an excellent choice for overweight or senior pets with slower metabolisms. They also contain vitamins A and C, which aid in the maintenance of healthy bones and tissue. Apples are toxic to dogs, so feed them in moderation and remove the core and seeds first.
- Apricots: The fleshy fruit of apricots can make a great treat for dogs. They are potassium-rich and contain beta-carotene, which can help fight cancer. Be sure to remove the pit, stem, and leaves.
- Blueberries: Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and a good source of fiber and Vitamin C. You can freeze blueberries for a fun summer treat.
- Cantaloupe: Cantaloupe may help alleviate inflammatory issues in pets. Be sure to cut the fruit into manageable pieces and remove the skin and seeds before serving it up to your pup as a treat.
- Mango: Small pieces of mango with the skin and core removed are great, vitamin-packed treats for dogs.
- Pear: Pears have lots of fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin. As with apples, be sure to remove the core and seeds before feeding your pet.
- Pineapple: Pineapple has vitamins and minerals like folate and zinc that can be great for your dog's digestion and immune system. They are high in sugar so shouldn't be fed to your dog all the time be sure to remove the spiky skin and hard core before giving pineapple as a treat.
- Strawberries: Strawberries are great for the immune system and make a great treat—fresh or frozen—for your dog.
- Watermelon: Watermelons are mostly water, so they're a great option for keeping your pet hydrated during the hotter months. They also have the added benefit of being rich in vitamins.
Fruits That May Be Unsafe For Your Dog
- Avocado: Avocados have an extremely high-fat content which can cause some dogs to develop pancreatitis or an upset stomach, so they typically don't make great treats. The pit should never be fed to a dog.
- Bananas: Bananas are a good source of potassium but are high in sugar and carbohydrates. Because of this bananas should only be given to dogs sparingly. A small slice is okay for an occasional treat.
- Blackberries & Raspberries: Blackberries and raspberries are low in sugar, high in fiber and vitamin C, and have anti-inflammatory properties, making them ideal for senior animals. However, they should only be given in small amounts because they contain trace amounts of xylitol, a sweetener that can be fatal to dogs in large quantities.
- Tomatoes: While the ripe fruit isn't toxic to dogs it commonly causes stomach upset and should typically be avoided.
Fruits To Never Feed Your Dog
- Cherries: Cherry pits, stems, and leaves contain cyanide, which is poisonous and can be fatal if consumed in large amounts. Cherry pits can also become lodged in a dog's digestive system and cause blockages.
- Grapes: Grapes are highly toxic to dogs and can cause serious kidney damage that can lead to acute (sudden) kidney failure, which can be fatal.
- Lemons & Limes: While not toxic, lemons and limes can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs and should be avoided
- Wild berries: It is always better to err on the side of caution as many wild berries are poisonous to dogs.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.