Can dogs eat fruit?

Can dogs eat fruit?

Yes dogs can eat fruit. Fruit has many benefits when included as part of your dog’s diet in moderation, providing it is one of the types that is safe for consumption.

Fruit is typically high in water content, making it a refreshing snack, as well as being full of vitamins, fibre and antioxidants.

Alongside being a tasty addition to the canine diet, fresh fruit can be fed in a range of exciting ways which is great for canine enrichment, including making it into a puree and freezing in an ice cube tray for a delicious treat in warm weather.

What fruit can dogs eat?

There are many different types of fruit that dogs can eat. Scroll down to learn more.

As with all foods, fruit that is suitable for dogs should be fed in moderation and cut into manageable, bitesize portions to reduce the risk of choking.

Can dogs eat apples?

Yes, dogs can eat apples. This commonly found fruit is a great source of fibre, antioxidants and potassium, as well as vitamins A and C, providing dogs with nutritional benefits as well as helping to keep their teeth clean and their breath fresh, while boosting their immune system and protecting against free radicals.

Apples are a good source of quercetin, a natural anti-histamine, so may be helpful for dogs that are prone to allergies, while the polyphenols in apples work to protect against chronic disease as well as inflammation.

The pectin found in apples is a type of fibre which is an important prebiotic, feeding beneficial bacteria in pets’ guts, promoting a healthy microbiome and supporting the immune system.

The core and seeds of an apple should always be removed before feeding it to a dog to prevent the risk of choking and reducing the consumption of very small amounts of arsenic, which are not harmful unless consumed in a vast quantity.

Can dogs eat oranges?

Yes. Oranges are safe for dogs to eat, however the strong citrus smell can be off-putting for some.

While humans require vitamin C from their diet to stay healthy, dogs naturally produce vitamin C within their own bodies, meaning they do not need it from their food.

Before feeding oranges to dogs, remove the skin, seeds and any pith, as these can contain toxic compounds.

Can dogs eat watermelon?

Yes dogs can eat watermelon. The flesh of a watermelon can be a refreshing treat for dogs, particularly on a hot day. Rich in potassium and vitamins A, B6 and C, it is also high in fibre which can promote healthy digestion.

Watermelon seeds have the potential to cause intestinal blockages and the outer skin of a watermelon can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, meaning both must be removed before feeding to dogs.

Can dogs eat pineapple?

Yes, dogs can eat pineapple in small quantities. Full of vitamins and minerals, pineapples contain 87% water, helping to make hydration more fun in hot weather.

Beneficial properties in pineapple include antioxidants, which help to repair damaged cells, vitamin C which can boost a dog’s immune system and works as an anti-inflammatory, bromelain which is an enzyme that also works to reduce inflammation and vitamin B6, which can regulate fluid balance and hormones.

Dogs should only be fed the soft flesh inside the pineapple, removing the hard and spiky skin, as well as breaking it down into small chunks to prevent choking or intestinal blockages.

Can dogs eat mango?

Yes. Mangos are perfectly safe for dogs to consume, providing they are fed in moderation. High in Vitamins A, B6, C and E, they also contain potassium, alpha-carotene and beta-carotene.

Before feeding to dogs, make sure the skin is removed and ensure the pit is also removed, as it contains low amounts of cyanide and can also be a choking hazard for dogs.

Can dogs eat pears?

Yes. Pears can be fed to dogs and their high fibre content can aid digestion, as well as being an excellent source of vitamins A and C.

Remove the core of pears and cut them into bitesize pieces, also disposing of any seeds as these include traces of cyanide, which is toxic to dogs

Can dogs eat melon?

Yes, dogs can eat melon and it can be a delicious source of hydration that is low in calories with no fat or cholesterol.

Honeydew melon has dietary fibre which assists digestion, as well as vitamins B6 and C. Watermelon is also packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, B6 and C and potassium.

Seeds should be removed before feeding melon to dogs to prevent choking and intestinal blockages, and the rind should also be removed as this can cause an upset stomach in dogs.

For some exciting ways to give your dog melon, try turning melon into a puree and then freezing it in an ice cube tray after removing the seeds, or even freezing the melon into small chunks.

Can dogs eat avocado?

Yes, although caution is recommended. The reason for this is that the skin, leaves and pit contain a fungicidal toxin called persin, which can cause health complications and even be fatal when consumed in significant quantities.

The pit or stone of an avocado can also become a choking hazard for dogs, so it’s important to make sure avocados are kept out of reach of doggy paws.

That said, when fed properly, the avocado can be a nutritional powerhouse with numerous benefits. Full of nutrients, as well as heart-healthy fats and fibre, avocados also contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, pantothenic acid, vitamins K, B6, C and E, as well as B-complex vitamins.

Their antioxidants protect against free radicals while their oleic acid supports healthy brain function.

The healthy fats in avocado may help dogs that suffer from arthritis and will also improve skin and coat health, while boosting the absorption of vitamin A, K, D and E.

To safely feed dogs avocado, remove the skin and pit and cut the flesh into small bitesized pieces, or alternatively, puree and mix with meals, or into smoothies.

Can dogs eat coconut?

Yes. Coconut can be fed to dogs in small amounts and infrequently. Coconut itself is non-toxic to dogs, but it is worth noting that medium chain triglycerides it contains can cause bloating and gastrointestinal upset, especially if fed in excess.

Coconut meat is high in lauric acid, which is a medium-chain fatty acid, meaning this can be used as a source of energy.

Coconut is also high in antioxidants to support the immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties which can be beneficial for dogs with arthritis.

Make sure the shell of coconut is removed and the chunks of coconut meat are broken down into bitesize pieces to make it safe to swallow.

Can dogs eat peaches?

Yes, dogs can eat peaches. Full of fibre and vitamin A, peaches can help to aid digestion and fight infections, as well as being a delicious addition to a dog’s diet.

Preparation is key to make sure peaches are safe for dogs, as the pit contains cyanide. Make sure the pit is completely removed from peaches before feeding them to dogs, cutting them up into small, manageable chunks.

Can dogs eat apricots?

Yes. Dogs can eat apricots and they contain anti-inflammatory polyphenols, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health. Packed with beta-carotene, they can also help to protect eyesight.

When feeding apricots to dogs, the stone must be removed from the middle before it is safe for canine consumption. This is to remove the choking hazard, as well as it containing cyanide.

Can dogs eat figs?

Yes. Figs are non-toxic for dogs, however it is important that they are only fed in moderation and not too often.

The high amounts of dietary fibre in figs can be beneficial for the digestive system, however, when eaten excessively, they can cause diarrhoea. In addition to this, the ficin found in figs can irritate dogs’ stomachs.

Can dogs eat bananas?

Yes. Bananas are safe for dogs to eat and they are a great source of vitamins C and B6.

Banana should be fed in small quantities due to its sugar content, meaning the safest way is to feed a small, bite-sized slice.

We go into more detail about bananas in our main guide “Can dogs eat bananas safely | 6 benefits“

Can dogs eat kiwi fruit?

Yes. Kiwi fruit can be a healthy snack for dogs, however it is recommended to remove the skin and seeds to make it safe for dogs to eat.

There is the potential for the seeds to be toxic to dogs if ingested in large quantities and while the skin is not toxic, it can be a choking hazard.

High in vitamins C and K, kiwi fruit also provides dogs with an enzyme called actinidin, which can break down proteins and assist with digestion.

Other nutritional benefits of kiwi fruit for dogs include containing some vitamin E, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and iron as well as folate.

Packed with antioxidants, they are able to help protect pets from cancer, keep their immune systems healthy and slow down the ageing process.

Please note, preparation is key to make sure the intake of fruit is safe for your dog.

Any choking hazards or unsafe parts of the fruit must be removed, washing the fruit to remove any potential pesticides or fertilisers. They should then be cut up into small, manageable chunks to reduce the risk of choking.

Avoid products containing processed fruit

While dogs can eat the raw fruits that are listed as safe in this article, this does not mean all products containing these fruits are safe.

For example, apple sauce or cranberry sauce is high in sugar and typically contains numerous other ingredients, making it unsafe for dogs to eat.

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in many fruit-based products such as strawberry jam and yoghurt, which has the potential to be deadly to dogs.

Canned fruits typically have added sugar and preservatives, which should also be avoided.

What fruit can dogs not eat?

The following fruits should not be fed to your dog. If your dog ingests any of the following they may suffer from an upset stomach, diarrhoea, vomiting, lethargy, tremors and more.

Can dogs eat grapes?

No, dogs should never be fed grapes as they are highly toxic to them. The same applies for raisins, as they are simply dried grapes.

Consuming just one raisin or grape can be fatal for dogs, as it can lead to acute kidney failure.

If you are concerned that a dog may have consumed a grape or raisin, you should seek veterinary help immediately, as acting quickly can save a dog’s life.

Research has been carried out into the impact of dogs consuming grapes and raisins.

Signs your dog has eaten a grape tend to present within the first 6 hours of consumption.

Can dogs eat raisins?

No. Raisins should never be fed to dogs because they have the potential to cause severe health problems, including kidney disease and in extreme cases kidney failure. Even the smallest quantity of raisins can make a dog severely unwell, meaning they should be avoided at all costs.

Can dogs eat cherries?

It is not recommended that dogs are fed cherries, due to the risks associated with them.

The reason for this is that while the flesh of a cherry is safe for dogs to eat, the pits, stones, stems and leaves of cherries contain cyanide which is toxic to dogs.

Cherry pits can also become lodged, causing intestinal and digestive blockages.

Can dogs eat grapefruit?

No. These acidic fruits have a skin, or peel, which is highly toxic to dogs, meaning dogs must not be fed grapefruit.

The flesh of the grapefruit is not toxic, however it can still cause stomach irritation to dogs, particularly if it is fed in significant quantities.

Because of the risk of fatalities associated with dogs eating grapefruit, it is best to avoid them completely.

Can dogs eat lemons?

No. Lemons, like other citrus fruits, include toxic ingredients such as limonene, linalool and psoralens. These components are not only hazardous to your dog’s health, but they also have the potential to be fatal if ingested by dogs.

If your dog eats something toxic

Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten any of the items above or is exhibiting symptoms such as an elevated heart rate, tremors or seizures.

It will help if you have the following information to hand

1. How much your dog weighs
2. How much of the item your dog has eaten
3. What type of food they have eaten

Your vet may ask you to induce vomiting in your dog or bring them around to the surgery.

The benefits / risks of fruit in your dog’s diet

Fruit should be fed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, as well as being gradually introduced. Individual dogs’ requirements such as allergies and pre-existing health conditions should be taken into account before feeding any new food.

The high sugar content in many types of fruit means it is best given as an occasional treat. This also means it is not suitable for dogs with health conditions such as diabetes and pancreatitis.

Canned fruit can contain excess sugar, meaning it should be avoided as part of a dog’s diet. If fed excessively, fruit can cause irritation to dogs’ digestive tracts and lead to diarrhoea as well as obesity in dogs, so it should be introduced gradually and not as a main part of any dog’s diet.

If a dog reacts badly to fruit consumption in any way, they should stop eating it immediately and if in any doubt, it is always best to seek veterinary advice.

Remember, there are plenty of healthy dog treats that can be fed as alternatives to fruit for dogs.