Can My Dog Eat Fruit?

Can dogs eat fruit? 

Make sure you're feeding your pup safetly with this guideline of fruits that are great for dogs, and fruits your dog should stay away from. As always, ensure you introduce new foods slowly in your dog's diet, and confer with your vet before making any big diet changes. 

Watermelon

This sweet, water-laden fruit is a great choice for sharing with your dog. It’s high in vitamins A and C as well potassium and magnesium. Plus, it’s low in calories and can help ward off dehydration. A win-win! Just don’t feed your dog the seeds or rind.

Avocados
Avocados can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs (think vomiting and diarrhea). The culprit is persin, a toxic-to-dogs element found in avocado fruit, seed, leaves, and bark, making avocado a no-no for dogs.

Blueberries
This antioxidant-rich fruit is loved by many dogs. Mix some into a dog cookie recipe or feed a few berries as a treat.

Grapes
Grapes (and, even worse, their dried counterpart, raisins) are a BIG no-no for dogs. Even a few can send your dog to the vet. The consequences are dire—too many grapes or raisins can cause death.

Figs
Figs have caused allergic reactions in some dogs.

Oranges
The citrusy taste may not make them a favourite with all dogs but oranges are safe for dogs to eat and a great source of vitamin C.

Cranberries
Cranberries, which contain vitamin C, manganese, and fiber, can help fight urinary tract infections. Most dogs don’t like them fresh (too tart) but stewed is another story! Cook them down in a bit of water (no sugar added), then add a teaspoon or two to your dog’s dinner.

Bananas
Potassium laden bananas are a sweet treat many dogs love. Add them to a biscuit recipe or make a pup-approved smoothie. (Find a banana smoothie recipe you can share with your dog at moderndogmagazine.com/banana-smoothie.)

Apples
Apple slices make a super, crunchy treat for your dog. They are a source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. Bonus: apples with the skin on are full of phytonutrients thought to protect against some types of cancer in humans. Apple seeds, however, contain cyanide so your dog should not be allowed to eat the core. Though the effects of a few apple seeds will likely not harm your dog, the deleterious effects can accumulate over time if allowed to eat apple seeds regularly.

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*As with all treats and new foods, remember to just give a little bit or potentially face stomach upset. A couple berries or an inch or two of a slice/segment is a good starting point for most dogs.

For more "people" foods that are safe for your dog to eat, click here!