Our dogs love to eat human food as often as we’ll let them. While hearty proteins like steak, chicken, and even fish are no surprise to us, we would never think that fruits and vegetables would earn a position on Fido’s list of favorite things to eat. Yet dogs do love fruit, and many fruits provide tremendous health benefits for our dogs when fed in moderation and in combination with a balanced, nutritious diet.
Still, there are some fruits and vegetables which are toxic to dogs that must be avoided entirely. This fact can leave dog owners nervous about which fruits are safe for canine consumption and which are forbidden. After all, with a poisonous food, there are far more serious consequences at stake than just an upset tummy.
The Top Ten Fruit Choices for Dogs
With this in mind, we have formulated a list of the top ten fruits that are safe, healthy, and enjoyable for our dogs.
Oranges
Pears
Peaches
Watermelon
Cranberries
Both dried and fresh cranberries are safe fruit options to feed your dogs. However, many dogs are not fans of the tart nature of this fruit. When fed in moderation, cranberries provide many health benefits for Fido; however, excess consumption can result in bladder stones and upset stomachs… more
Apples
Pineapple
Pineapple is a delectable, healthy treat that many dogs enjoy. As with most fruits, fresh is far preferable to its canned cousin due to the latter’s much higher sugar content. Pineapple is high in fiber which assists with your dog’s digestion; however, its high sugar content can lead to upset stomachs and diarrhea if consumed in excess… more
Strawberries
Everyone loves strawberries including your dog! Strawberries are packed with vitamins and nutrients which provide valuable support for your dog’s immune system and overall health. For best results, feed only fresh strawberries to your dog… more
Mango
While mango is a safe and healthy treat for your dog to enjoy, not all parts of this decadent fruit are edible. Much like peaches, the mango pit itself is toxic and should be removed prior to feeding the mango flesh to your dog. In addition to this, the skin or rind of the mango is unpalatable. Mangos should be peeled then sliced or portioned for canine consumption. This fruit is rich in vitamins and is high in fiber, but it is also much higher in sugar content than some other fruits. For this reason, moderation is key… more
Raspberries
Raspberries are a natural detoxifier. They help with reducing swelling and are an excellent immunity booster. Packed with helpful vitamins, raspberries have many benefits to offer your dog. However, raspberries do contain low levels of the toxic substance Xylitol naturally present in the berry itself. While obtaining dangerous levels of Xylitol from raspberry consumption is unlikely, it is best to limit this berry to an occasional treat… more
Other Considerations
Feeding your dog fruit that is safe for his consumption is a great way to add variety to his diet. Many dogs enjoy having a little piece of pear or apple as a snack, and others consider it a high reward treat, making it suitable for training exercises.
As with all things, there are some factors you should bear in mind when feeding fruit to your dog. Since most fruits are generally high in sugars, it is best to feed them on an occasional basis only. This will help prevent unpleasant side effects such as upset stomachs, diarrhea, or even simply painful gas.
Always ensure that fruits are added to a healthy and balanced diet. They should never replace it. Dogs are largely carnivores and require meat to survive. Fido cannot live on fruit alone. Use it to supplement an already great diet not in place of one.
Prior to feeding any fruit to your dog, you should always thoroughly wash it. Since many fruits are grown in environments which make use of pesticides, it is critical that you bathe the fruit to remove any particles or remaining pest repelling agents which may be harmful for your dog if consumed.
Thinking of adding a little fruit to Fido’s diet? Choose from one of our top ten best fruits for canine consumption. Your dog will thank you for it!