In moderation, many fruits make great snacks for dogs. From apples to watermelon, these safe fruits are not only OK for your canine companion to enjoy as treats, but they also offer health benefits. Conversely, a handful of fruits are no-gos.
We spoke with vet experts, who gave us the lowdown on what fruits dogs can eat (including the benefits, serving size and best way to prepare them), what fruits dogs cannot eat and more.
Before incorporating any new human foods into your dog’s diet, always consult with your veterinarian to make sure it’s a safe addition to your pet’s diet given their health, diet needs and current medications.
Fruit That Dogs Can Eat
Click on a fruit to learn more.
Apples
Benefits:
- Excellent source of vitamins A and C
- Contain potassium and antioxidants
- Fiber-rich
Preparation:
- Remove the core and stem. It is imperative to remove all seeds, as they contain a small amount of the toxic compound cyanide.
- While dogs can eat the peel, if your pooch has a sensitive stomach, remove it first.
- Slice the apple and cut into bite-size pieces to avoid a choking hazard.
- Store-bought jarred or canned applesauce with added sugar should be avoided. It’s best to stick with fresh apples.
Dog treat portion size:
- You can treat your pooch to one or two slices, depending on their weight.
Bananas
Benefits:
- High in potassium
- Low in sodium
- Source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and manganese
- Naturally sweet, which can be very enticing to dogs
Preparation:
- Remove the peel. While it’s not toxic to dogs, a banana peel can be hard on a dog’s digestive system due to the high fiber content. It can cause digestive issues and stomach upset, including vomiting and diarrhea.
- Larger dogs can eat banana chunks. To avoid a potential choking hazard for smaller dogs, mash the serving of banana.
Dog treat portion size:
- Larger dogs can have no more than half a banana, while smaller dogs can have a slice or two of banana.
- Although they’re natural, bananas still have a high sugar content as well as more carbohydrates than many other fruits. Therefore, it’s best to limit portion sizes.
Blackberries
Benefits:
- Contain vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin K
- Great source of antioxidants
- Great source of polyphenols, tannin, fiber, manganese, folate and Omega-3s
Preparation:
- Wash blackberries thoroughly (even those labeled organic) before serving.
- Larger dogs can eat whole blackberries, but they can be a choking hazard for smaller dogs, so mash them if your furry friend is on the petite side.
- Frozen blackberries are safe for your doggo if they are not sugared.
- Avoid canned blackberries or jarred blackberry jams and preserves. These are more likely to have added sugar or sugar substitutes such as xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs.
Dog treat portion size:
- Smaller dogs can have one to three berries, while larger dogs can have three to five berries.
Blueberries
Benefits:
- Contain vitamins C and K, which support your pup’s immune system, as well as manganese
- Antioxidant-rich
- High in fiber
- Low-calorie
- About 85 percent water, which aids in hydration
Preparation:
- Wash blueberries thoroughly (even those that are labeled organic) before serving.
- Larger dogs can eat whole blueberries, but they can be a choking hazard for smaller dogs, so mash them before offering them to little dogs.
- Frozen blueberries are safe for your pup if they are not sugared.
- Avoid canned or jarred blueberries, as they are likely to have added sugar.
Dog treat portion size:
- Smaller dogs can have one to three (smashed!) berries, while larger dogs can have three to five berries.
Cantaloupe
Benefits:
- Contains vitamins A, B and C
- High in fiber, beta-carotene, potassium, magnesium, thiamine, niacin, pantothenic acid, antioxidants and folic acid
- 90% water, which aids in hydration
Preparation:
- Wash cantaloupe well and remove the outer rind. Do not serve the rind.
- Scoop out seeds, slice into thin wedges and then chop the wedges into bite-size pieces to avoid a choking hazard.
Dog treat portion size:
- Smaller dogs can have one or two 1-inch cubes, while larger dogs can have four or five 1-inch cubes.
Cranberries
Benefits:
- Good source of vitamins C, E, K, B1 and B2, plus manganese and copper
- Fiber- and antioxidant-rich
- May help fight urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Preparation:
- Serve cooked rather than raw, as cooked cranberries are easier on a dog’s digestive system.
- Stew cranberries by placing them in a saucepan with water, covering and simmering until tender (about 30 minutes). Do not add sugar or artificial sweeteners to this mixture.
- Strain the cranberries, then add to your dog’s food as a topper.
- Avoid canned cranberry products such as cranberry sauce or frozen sweetened cranberries, as these may have added sugar or even xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs.
Dog treat portion size:
- Serve your smaller furry friend a couple tablespoons of cooked cranberries with no added sugar as a treat or food topper. Larger dogs can have up to 2 tablespoons.
- For a dog treat that contains cranberries, try Hill's Natural Fruity Snacks with Cranberries & Oatmeal, a crunchy bite that provides the benefits of cranberries without the prep.
Cucumber
Benefits:
- Excellent source of vitamins such as B, C and K
- Contains minerals such as potassium and magnesium
- Low-calorie dog treat
- Hydrating, due to it being 95% water
Preparation:
- Wash the cucumber, peel the skin and remove the seeds. While the skin and seeds aren’t dangerous for dogs, they can be difficult to digest, which can lead to stomach upset.
- Cut into bite-size pieces to avoid a choking hazard.
Dog treat portion size:
- Smaller dogs can have one to two bite-size pieces, while larger dogs can have three or four bite-size pieces.
Kiwis
Benefits:
- Excellent source of vitamins C, E and K; also contains vitamin A
- Contain potassium and calcium
- Fiber-rich
Preparation:
- Choose a ripe kiwi (slightly soft, brown and fuzzy).
- Remove the skin and seeds.
- Cut the kiwi into small pieces before feeding to your dog to avoid a choking hazard.
Dog treat portion size:
- Smaller dogs can have anywhere from half a slice to one full slice, while larger dogs can have one or two slices.
Mangoes
Benefits:
- Contains vitamins A, B6, C and E
- High in fiber
- Can help with diarrhea and constipation
- Note that you shouldn’t offer mangoes to dogs who have diabetes or pancreatitis, due to the high sugar content
Preparation:
- Remove the skin and the pit.
- Cut into bite-size cubes.
Dog treat portion size:
- For smaller dogs, stick with one or two cubes cut into 1/2-inch chunks. For larger dogs, treat them to one or two cubes cut into 1-inch chunks.
Oranges
Benefits:
- Contains vitamins A, C, B1 and B6
- Good source of fiber, potassium, calcium, folic acid, flavonoids and phytonutrients
Preparation:
- Always remove the rind and seeds from this citrus fruit before serving.
- Slice the orange.
- While orange juice without added sugar is technically safe for dogs, the naturally occurring high sugar content isn’t good for your dog’s health, and therefore you should skip the OJ.
Dog treat portion size:
- Smaller dogs can have half a segment, while larger dogs can have one slice.
- Limit your dog's orange intake to avoid stomach upset.
- Do not offer oranges to overweight dogs or those with diabetes.
Pears
Benefits:
- Source of vitamins A, C, K, E, B1 and B2
- Contains folic acid, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, copper and pectin
- Fiber-rich
Preparation:
- Wash the pear and remove the skin if you wish, stem and core. Be certain to remove all seeds.
- Cut into bite-size pieces to avoid a choking hazard.
- Frozen pears are fine if they are not sugared.
- Avoid canned or jarred pears (such as some baby foods), as these may contain added sugar or even xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
- For a simple way to incorporate pear into your dog’s diet, feed them Nulo Freestyle Duck Recipe with Pears. This nutrient-dense food is packed with naturally occurring probiotics that support healthy digestion and a strong immune system.
Dog treat portion size:
- Larger dogs can have three or four bite-size pieces, while smaller dogs can have one or two bite-size pieces.
Pineapple
Benefits:
- Hydrating (it’s comprised of 80 to 89 percent water)
- Fiber-rich
Preparation:
- Peel and core the pineapple.
- Cut into bite-size pieces.
- Frozen pineapple is fine if it’s not sugared.
- Avoid canned or jarred pineapple, as it may have too much sugary syrup.
Dog treat portion size:
- If your pup has never had pineapple before, begin with a very small amount—just a small bite—and watch to see how it affects them. If they do OK, you can offer a few pieces next time.
- Limit the amount of pineapple you offer your dog, as its fiber content can lead to constipation or diarrhea if your dog consumes too much.
Pumpkin
Benefits:
- Great source of vitamins A and C.
- Rich in potassium and beta carotene.
- Promotes a healthy gut. Pumpkin can help with both constipation and diarrhea.
Preparation:
- Peel, remove the seeds and roast the pumpkin, then create a mash or puree.
- Do not add sugar or salt.
- Canned unsweetened pure pumpkin is a safe fruit, but ensure you’re not using pumpkin pie filling.
- You can also try making DIY pumpkin treats, like these pumpkin pie dog treats.
Dog treat portion size:
- An ideal serving size is 1/2 teaspoon for small dogs and 1 to 4 tablespoons for large dogs.
- Don’t over serve, as too much pumpkin can cause an upset stomach.
- As an alternative to fresh pumpkin, the Weruva Pumpkin Patch Up! pouches come in single servings for a quick and easy way to include pumpkin in your dog's food
Raspberries
Benefits:
- Excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin B-complex; also contains vitamin K
- Rich in nutrients like potassium, manganese, copper, iron and magnesium
- Contain powerful antioxidants
- Fairly low-calorie
- High in fiber
Preparation:
- Wash raspberries thoroughly (even those that are labeled organic) before serving.
- Larger dogs can eat whole raspberries, but you should mash the raspberries for smaller dogs so they're not a choking hazard.
- Stick to fresh or frozen plain raspberries. Steer clear of canned or jarred raspberries, which likely have added sugar.
Dog treat portion size:
- Smaller dogs can have one or two berries, while larger dogs can have three or four berries.
- Raspberries contain a low level of natural xylitol, an all-natural sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs. So, serve raspberries in moderation.
Strawberries
Benefits:
- Rich in vitamins C and vitamin K, plus immune system-boosting vitamins B1 and B6
- High in minerals, including potassium, iodine, magnesium and folic acid
- Loaded with fiber to aid digestion
- Contain omega-3s for skin and coat health
- Contain malic acid, an enzyme that can help whiten dogs’ teeth
- Low-calorie treat
Preparation:
- Wash fresh strawberries thoroughly (even those labeled organic). Thaw frozen strawberries before serving.
- Chop into smaller pieces to avoid choking hazards.
- Frozen strawberries are fine if they are not sugared and are thawed before serving.
- Avoid canned or jarred strawberries, as these are likely to have added sugar.
Dog treat portion size:
- Smaller dogs can have 2 to 3 slices, while larger dogs can have 5 to 7 berries.
- If you’re seeking a prepared product, try Fruitables Yogos Treats.
Watermelon
Benefits:
- Great source of vitamins A, C, B1, B5 and B6
- Rich in minerals, including potassium and magnesium
- High in antioxidant carotenoids, including beta-carotene and lycopene
- Low-calorie, healthy snack
- High in water content, which is helpful for hydration
Preparation:
- Remove the skin, rind and seeds. The skin is difficult to digest, and the rind can cause an intestinal blockage.
- Cut watermelon into slices, then chop into smaller pieces.
Dog treat portion size:
- Smaller dogs can have one or two bite-size chunks of watermelon, while larger dogs can have three or four watermelon chunks.
5 Best Fruits for Dogs
Lots of different fruits are good for dogs, but if you’re not sure where to start when introducing fruit to your pooch’s diet, Dr. Sabrina Kong, DVM, a vet at a small animal clinic in Northern California and a veterinary consultant for We Love Doodles, recommends the following five best fruits for dogs.
1. Blueberries
Blueberries top the list for Kong due to their antioxidant properties, because those can boost a dog's immune system.
2. Apples
Apples are an excellent source of vitamins A and C when they are served without seeds.
3. Watermelon
Dr. Kong likes watermelon for dogs (stick to the seedless version) because this fruit provides hydration and offers essential nutrients.
4. Bananas
Rich in potassium, bananas make a healthy choice for an occasional treat.
5. Cranberries
Cranberries round out Dr. Kong’s top five best fruits for dogs list because they may help with urinary tract health. She just reminds pet parents to stick to small portions.
What Fruit Can Dogs Not Eat?
Avocados
All parts of avocados—the leaves, fruit, pit and skin—contain a fungicidal toxin called persin. While the avocado flesh contains less persin and may be OK in small quantities, the leaves, pit and skin have a more concentrated volume, making those parts potentially more toxic to dogs.
Furthermore, avocado is a high-fat food. It’s a healthy source of fat for humans, but for our four-legged friends, too much avocado can lead to pancreatitis. GI upset and/or weight gain are also risks.
For all these reasons, skipping avocado is the safe bet.
Cherries
Cherries land on the list of toxic fruits for dogs for three reasons:
- Cherry pits contain cyanide, and even small amounts of cyanide can be toxic to dogs.
- Cherry pits can pose a choking hazard and have the potential to cause an intestinal blockage.
- The fruit itself can cause stomach upset.
Grapes and Raisins
Under no circumstances should dogs eat grapes or raisins. These healthy snacks for humans are highly toxic to our four-legged friends.
Both grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. Your dog doesn’t need to consume a large amount of grapes or raisins to suffer ill effects. No quantity is considered safe.
Never offer your dog grapes or raisins; and if they accidentally ingest either, seek immediate veterinary care.
Limes
While this sour citrus fruit may not be all that enticing to dogs, it’s important to know that lime can be particularly bad for dogs. Some pet parents have lime trees in their yards and need to be especially mindful of preventing access.
Limes are high in citric acid, which can cause stomach upset in higher quantities.
Additionally, lime rinds contain essential oils and psoralens (phototoxic compounds), which are also dangerous for dogs and can lead to central nervous depression and loss of coordination.
Plums
Plums are dangerous for dogs for several reasons.
- Like cherry pits, plum pits also contain cyanide. The seeds inside the pits, as well as the stems and leaves, have compounds that can produce cyanide.
- In addition to the pits being a toxic risk, they can also pose a choking hazard or even cause an intestinal blockage.
- Plums have high sugar content.
Fruits to Feed with Caution: Peaches and Apricots
While the skin and flesh of peaches and apricots aren’t dangerous for dogs and, in fact, offer health benefits, the pits of these stone fruits are very unsafe. As is the case with plum pits, peach and apricot pits contain cyanide-producing compounds.
Additionally, apricot and peach pits are also both a choking hazard and a potential source of intestinal blockage.
If you offer your pup peaches or apricots, be certain to completely remove the pit and safely dispose of it. Cut the fruit into bite-size bits and only offer a few small pieces to your pup.
What Vegetables Can Dogs Eat?
Fruits aren’t the only healthy snack you can add to your dog’s diet. You can also consider feeding your pooch small quantities of veggies.
The following 12 veggies are safe for dogs:
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Edamame
- Green beans
- Peas
- Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Zucchini
What To Do If Your Dog Eats a Toxic Food
If your dog eats a food that’s toxic, Dr. Kong stresses that immediate action is crucial.
The first thing you should do is try to identify what your dog ate. Then, take your dog to the vet or call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.
"Immediate veterinary attention is required if it's a known toxic fruit, like grapes," she says. "It's always best to err on the side of caution and consult with a veterinarian if there's any suspicion of toxic ingestion."
She notes that toxicity symptoms can range from diarrhea and vomiting to more serious issues, such as difficulty breathing or lethargy. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so seek immediate veterinary care if your dog eats a toxic food.
FAQS About Fruits and Dogs
Q: Can dogs eat packaged human fruit snacks?
A:
No, dogs should not eat fruit snacks. Although packaged human fruit snacks are not toxic to dogs, they can have a lot of sugar, which can lead to weight gain, obesity and diabetes.
Additionally, fruit snacks can cause digestive issues, such as an upset stomach.
A small handful of fruit snacks are sweetened with grape juice, which is toxic for your pup.
Q: Can dogs eat dried fruit?
A: While some dried fruits such as dried apricots and dried cranberries aren’t harmful to dogs when served in moderation, others, like raisins, are toxic.
Fresh fruit is your best bet, but if you decide to give dried fruit a go, consider the following:
- When using store-bought dried fruit, read the ingredients on the packaging to ensure they don’t have any added chemicals.
- Because dried fruit can have a high sugar content, it’s important to pay careful attention to how much you’re offering your dog.
Q: What fruit improves a dog’s coat?
A:"Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial in ensuring a shiny and healthy dog coat," Dr. Kong says. "While fruits are not the primary source of omega-3s, some, like blueberries, have antioxidant properties that can contribute to skin and coat health."
She also notes that some vitamins in fruits such as bananas can help promote a healthy and radiant coat.
Q: What fruit can be used as a supplement for dogs?
A:Fruits can supply several health benefits. For example, "blueberries can serve as a natural antioxidant supplement, while cranberries may support urinary health," says Dr. Kong.
However, fruit should never be a primary source of nutrition but rather used to complement a balanced diet. Always consult with your vet before you add fruit as a supplement to your dog’s diet. It’s essential to ensure your dog’s nutritional needs are being met.
Q: What fruit can help with constipation in dogs?
A:If your dog is dealing with constipation, Dr. Kong says some fruits can serve as natural constipation remedies. She recommends pumpkins because they are rich in fiber and can help regulate bowel movements.
Dr. Kong also recommends apples—just be certain to remove all seeds—because they are also a fiber-rich fruit that can help alleviate constipation.
"I guess you could say an apple a day keeps the vet away, as they have numerous benefits for dogs (and humans)!" she says.
Q: What fruit is good for a dog’s digestion?
A:Papaya!
“For promoting a healthy digestive system in dogs, papaya is the best, hands down,” Dr. Kong says, adding that this tropical fruit contains papain, an enzyme that can help break down proteins and aid in digestion.
Apples are also good for a dog’s digestion because they’re an excellent source of fiber, which further supports digestive health.
Share:
