We love fruit and know it’s good for us, but is fruit good for our pups too? Some fruits are safe and even beneficial to dogs to help them digest and receive nutrients they wouldn’t otherwise. Just remember — everything in moderation! Fruits need to be secondary to your pooch’s main dish of meats and other proteins. If you want healthy alternatives to commercial pet treats, these are our top picks for dog-friendly fruits!
Safe Fruits for Dogs
- Apples are a great source of fiber and vitamins for your pup! As a bonus, they’ll even help clean your dog’s teeth and freshen their breath! Make sure to take out the seeds and remove the core before giving it to them. Half of an apple slice is the perfect-sized treat!
- Watermelon is everyone’s favorite hot-weather snack — and your pooch will love it too. It’s perfectly safe for your pup because it’s made up of 92% water, making it really great for hydration. It’s also a good source of vitamins and potassium. Just make sure you don’t feed your furry friend the seeds or the rind. Check out these dog-safe DIY Watermelon Pupsicles for the warmer days!
- Cantaloupe is fantastic for your canine’s eyesight. Plus they’re loaded with vitamins and help reduce your dog’s risk of cancer. This is one fruit salad staple you can sneak under the table.
- Blueberries are an all-around healthy snack for your pup. They are anti-cancer, fight heart disease and help to prevent urinary tract infections. Plus, they taste yummy! Passing your pooch 2 to 3 blueberries will make for a good treat.
- Strawberries will make your dog go wild. They’re a great source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins. Just don’t overdo it – one strawberry is sure to satisfy your dog!
Fruits to Avoid
Not all fruits are good for pups, though. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney damage, so avoid these entirely. Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and grapefruits can cause an upset stomach so keep your pup happy and away from these as well!
Before you head to the grocery store, make sure you talk to your vet about introducing new foods into your dog’s diet. When you begin introducing your dog to fruit, take it slowly and only give them one at a time. You don’t know how individual foods will affect your dog specifically, so keep an eye on him while he tries new things. Once your fruit of choice is dog-approved, you can enjoy it together!
Sources: AKC , I Heart Dogs, One Green Planet, Cesar’s Way
This post was updated on 4/14/2022