You already know that fruit is important for your own health, but did you know it's good for your dog too? While dogs don't need fruit to stay healthy, adding fresh fruit to a puppy's regular diet with a veterinarian's permission and guidance can provide them with extra vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, as well as some extra hydration that's always welcome.
However, an important point to remember when feeding your dog fruit is that while many fruits are suitable for dogs, not all fruits are. In addition to checking our list of fruits you shouldn't feed your furry friend at the bottom of this page, you should also be sure to pay attention to your dog's reaction to certain fruits. If you notice any stomach upset or other signs of discomfort, stop feeding them that fruit, even if it's safe for them.
Now that we understand the important disclaimers, let's get started. Here are 10 of the best fruits to feed your dog.
1. Apple
An apple a day might not keep your vet away, but slices or other small pieces of apple make excellent treats and meals. Just never feed your dog any apple seeds, as they contain small amounts of cyanide and can pose a choking risk.
benefit:
It helps clean teeth and freshen breath.
It contains vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber, and the skin also contains phytochemicals that laboratory studies have found can fight the growth of cancer cells.
2. Bananas
Bananas offer numerous health benefits for our furry friends. They're also naturally portable, making them a great snack to share during long walks.
benefit:
The fiber in bananas may aid in a dog's digestion.
It contains a large amount of potassium, fiber and vitamin C.
3. Blackberry
It's safe to share blackberries with your dog, but please cut them into small pieces according to your best judgment. Stick to sweeter blackberries rather than tart ones; your dog might prefer them that way.
benefit:
It may have antibacterial properties that support good oral health.
It contains vitamins C and K, manganese, and fiber.
4. Blueberries
Dogs often love blueberries, and the size of blueberries is perfect for both large and small mouths. If you're dealing with small dogs or large blueberries, cut the berries in half before serving.
benefit:
Blueberries are low in sugar and fat, making them a great treat for dogs who need to avoid excessive calories.
It contains vitamins C and K, as well as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and antioxidants.
5. Hami melon
Cantaloupe is a safe and healthy fruit that your dog can enjoy, but avoid feeding it the rind, as the rough texture can cause intestinal damage.
benefit:
High doses of beta-carotene are beneficial for a dog's vision and immune system.
It contains vitamins A, B-6, and C, as well as fiber, potassium, folic acid, and niacin.
6. Cranberries
Thanksgiving isn't the only reason to stock up on these sweets at home. Cranberries can be fed to your dog raw, cooked, or dried, but avoid sugary cranberry sauce (sorry, Fido).
benefit:
Cranberries are rich in antioxidants.
It contains vitamins C and E, as well as a range of B vitamins, including thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, and B-6.
7. Papaya
Continue feeding your puppy papaya. The pulp of this exotic fruit makes an excellent treat.
benefit:
It contains vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as folic acid.
It is rich in fiber, calcium, and potassium.
8. Raspberry
Raspberries are a delicious food for your dog if given in moderation. Most dogs seem to enjoy them, especially when their sweetness peaks in the summer.
benefit:
It is believed to help fight cancer, circulatory system diseases, and age-related decline.
It contains vitamin C, folic acid, copper, magnesium, fiber, and antioxidants.
9. Strawberries
Like most other berries, strawberries are rich in antioxidants. To feed safely, first remove the top leaves, then cut the strawberries into quarters. If your dog is small, cut each quarter in half (or smaller).
benefit:
Strawberries contain high levels of antioxidants, which can greatly boost the immune system. They are also very high in water content, making them a great hydrating snack.
It contains vitamins C, B-6, K, and E, as well as folic acid, potassium, and manganese.
10. Watermelon
On a hot day, nothing is more satisfying than a slice of juicy watermelon, and our dog agrees. Just don't feed him the peel or seeds; they're difficult for him to digest. 12
benefit:
It is high in lycopene, an antioxidant that can prevent cell damage.
It contains vitamins A, B-6, and C, as well as thiamine, which helps convert fats, proteins, and carbohydrates into energy.
Due to its high water content, it has an incredible moisturizing effect.
You shouldn't give your dog fruit.
While the list of fruits dogs can eat is long, as a responsible pet parent, you should also be aware of fruits that your dog cannot eat. These include:
cherry
Grapefruit
Grape
lemon
lime
Plum
Be sure to exercise caution when feeding your dog any type of fruit for the first time. Even fruits not on this list may cause problems for your particular dog, so do your research, start with small amounts, and watch for signs of adverse reactions.
How to feed your dog fruit
Fresh or frozen fruit is easy to feed your pet, as long as you remove the skin, seeds, and pits, and cut the fruit into small, easy-to-handle pieces. But you can get more creative if you like.
Freeze some small popsicles. Pour water or about a tablespoon of plain yogurt into each slot of an ice cube tray, then add chopped fruit and freeze. On a warm day, grab a popsicle for a chilled treat.
Make a smoothie. Start with basic ingredients such as water, plain yogurt, or beef, chicken, or vegetable broth (if using store-bought broth, just check the ingredient list first to make sure there are no onions, garlic, or other prohibited foods). Mix with fresh or frozen fruit and serve. If you make too much, freeze the leftovers on an ice tray for frozen food.
Encourage your dog to play with food. Replace traditional treats in your dog's favorite puzzle toys with small pieces of fruit. They'll get a delicious, healthy treat and plenty of mental exercise.
Sprinkle fruit on your dog's meals. Add some excitement to mealtimes by using chopped fruit as a topping for your dog's regular breakfast or dinner. It's a great way to mix food into your diet and add an extra dose of healthy goodness.
Of course, fruit isn't the only delicious human food dogs can eat. Learn about the benefits of feeding vegetables to puppies.
