WHAT ARE THE HEALTHIEST FRUITS FOR DOGS TO EAT

WHAT FRUIT CAN DOGS EAT?

The following article will outline the healthiest, and safest, fruits for dogs and their associated health benefits as well the dangers of those fruits, and parts of fruit, they shouldn't be fed.

Fruits are not only delicious but also nutritious for both humans and dogs. They provide various vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that support your dog’s health and well-being. However, not all fruits are suitable for dogs as some may contain substances that can be harmful or toxic to them. Therefore, it is important to know which fruits are safe and healthy for dogs to eat and which ones to avoid or limit.

In this article, we will explore some of the healthiest fruits for dogs to eat and their benefits. We will also discuss how much fruit you should feed your dog and how to prepare them properly.

HOW MUCH FRUIT SHOULD I FEED MY DOG?

Fruits are best given to dogs in moderation as treats rather than part of their regular diet. Too much fruit can cause digestive problems such as diarrhoea or vomiting due to the high sugar content or acidity. It can also lead to weight gain or diabetes if fed excessively.

The general guideline for fruit treats is to not exceed more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. This means that for a 30-pound (13.6 kg) dog, you should not give more than 90 calories worth of fruit per day. This translates to about half a cup of chopped fruit or one small whole fruit.

You should also consider your dog’s size, age, activity level, health condition, and preferences when deciding how much fruit to feed them. Some dogs may have allergies or sensitivities to certain fruits so always monitor them for any signs of adverse reactions after feeding them new foods.

HOW TO PREPARE FRUITS FOR DOGS?

Before feeding fruits to your dogs, you should always wash them thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt, pesticides, or bacteria. You should also peel off any skins that may be hard or indigestible for dogs such as apple skins or orange peels. You should also remove any seeds, pits, stems, cores, or other parts that may pose a choking hazard or contain toxins for dogs such as apple seeds or cherry pits.

You should cut fruits into bite-sized pieces that are appropriate for your dog’s mouth size and chewing ability. You can feed fruits raw or cooked depending on your preference and availability. However, avoid adding any sugar salt spices or other ingredients that may be harmful or unnecessary for dogs.

You can store fruits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to six months. You can thaw frozen fruits before feeding them to your dogs or give them frozen as a cool treat on hot days.

Apples

Apples are one of the most popular fruits for humans and dogs alike. They have a crunchy texture and a sweet flavour that most dogs enjoy.

Apples are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, antioxidants, and fibre[5]. Some of the benefits of apples for dogs include:

• Preventing joint and bone diseases: Vitamin C helps synthesize collagen a protein that forms the connective tissue of your dog’s joints and bones[5]. It also helps prevent scurvy a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency that can cause bleeding gums loose teeth and joint pain[5].
• Fighting free radicals: Antioxidants help protect your dog’s cells from free radical damage that can cause inflammation cancer and aging[5].
• Cleaning teeth and freshening breath: Chewing apples can help remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth and gums thus improving their oral hygiene and preventing bad breath[5].

However, apples also contain seeds and core that can be harmful or dangerous for dogs. The seeds contain cyanide a poison that can damage your dog’s nervous system if ingested in large amounts[5]. The core can also cause choking or intestinal blockage if swallowed whole[5]. You should always remove the seeds and core before giving apples to your dog. You can give your dog apple slices or small cubes as they are or mix them with their food. You can also use dried apple chips as a crunchy treat for your dog.

Apricots

Apricots are small orange fruits that grow on trees native to Asia. They have a soft flesh and a sweet flavour with a hint of tartness.

Apricots are rich in vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, potassium, and fibre. Some of the benefits of apricots for dogs include:

• Supporting eye health: Vitamin A helps maintain your dog’s vision and prevent eye diseases such as cataracts and night blindness.
• Improving skin and coat health: Vitamin A also helps keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy by promoting cell growth and repair.
• Boosting immune system: Vitamin C helps support your dog’s immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells that fight infections.

However, apricots also contain pits (seeds) that can be toxic or dangerous for dogs. The pits contain cyanide like apple seeds and can also cause choking or intestinal blockage if swallowed whole. You should always remove the pits before giving apricots to your dog. You can give your dog fresh apricot flesh as it is or cook it lightly without adding any sugar or other ingredients. You can also use dried apricot slices as a chewy treat for your dog.

Bananas

Bananas are soft yellow fruits that grow on large plants native to tropical regions. They have a creamy texture and a sweet flavour that many dogs love.

Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, fibre, magnesium, and manganese. Some of the benefits of bananas for dogs include:

• Supporting cardiovascular health: Potassium helps regulate your dog’s blood pressure by balancing the effects of sodium. It also helps maintain normal heart rhythm and muscle function.
• Fighting anaemia: Vitamin B6 helps your dog to produce red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout their body. It also helps synthesize hormones, proteins, and neurotransmitters.
• Strengthening immune system: Vitamin C helps support your dog’s immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells that fight infections. It also helps with collagen and cartilage synthesis and combats degenerative conditions.

However, bananas are also high in sugar so you should limit how much you feed your dog. Too much sugar can cause weight gain or diabetes in dogs. You should also avoid giving your dog banana peels as they can be hard to digest and cause stomach upset or blockage. You can give your dog banana slices or small cubes as they are or mash them and mix them with their food. You can also use dried banana chips as a crunchy treat for your dog.

Baobab

Baobab is a tropical fruit that grows on large trees native to Africa, Madagascar, Australia, and Arabia. It has a hard shell that contains a dry pulp and seeds inside. The pulp can be eaten fresh or dried and ground into a powder that can be added to food or drinks.

Baobab is rich in vitamin C, potassium, phosphorus, carbohydrates, protein, and fibre. It also has high levels of antioxidants that can protect your dog’s cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals¹.

Some of the benefits of baobab for dogs include:

• Boosting the immune system: Vitamin C helps support your dog’s immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells that fight infections¹.
• Improving digestion: Fibre helps promote healthy digestion by adding bulk to your dog’s stool and preventing constipation¹. It also feeds the beneficial bacteria in your dog’s gut that help digest food and produce vitamins¹.
• Supporting cardiovascular health: Potassium helps regulate your dog’s blood pressure by balancing the effects of sodium¹. It also helps maintain normal heart rhythm and muscle function¹.
• Preventing cancer: Antioxidants help prevent cancer by neutralizing free radicals that can damage your dog’s DNA and cause abnormal cell growth¹.

However, baobab seeds can be a choking hazard for dogs so make sure to remove them before feeding baobab to your dog¹. You can give your dog fresh baobab pulp as it is or cook it and add it to their food. You can also use baobab powder to make homemade treats for your dog.

Blackberries

Blackberries are dark purple berries that grow on thorny bushes native to Europe, Asia, and North America. They have a sweet and sour flavour and a soft texture.

Blackberries are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, antioxidants, and fibre. Some of the benefits of blackberries for dogs include:

• Boosting immune system: Vitamin C helps support your dog’s immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells that fight infections. Vitamin K helps with blood clotting and wound healing.
• Supporting bone health: Manganese helps your dog’s body absorb calcium and phosphorus which are essential for bone formation and maintenance.
• Fighting free radicals: Antioxidants help protect your dog’s cells from free radical damage that can cause inflammation cancer and aging.

However, blackberries also contain natural sugars so you should limit how much you feed your dog. Too much sugar can cause weight gain or diabetes in dogs. You should also avoid giving your dog blackberry jams or pies as they can contain added sugar or other ingredients that may be harmful or unnecessary for dogs. You can give your dog fresh blackberries as they are or mash them and mix them with their food. You can also use dried blackberry pieces as a chewy treat for your dog.

Blueberries

Blueberries are small blue berries that grow on shrubs native to North America and Europe. They have a sweet and tangy flavour and a juicy texture.

Blueberries are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, antioxidants, and fibre. Some of the benefits of blueberries for dogs include:

• Supporting brain health: Antioxidants help protect your dog’s brain cells from oxidative stress that can cause cognitive decline (loss of mental abilities) and dementia (memory loss) in older dogs.
• Improving blood circulation: Vitamin K helps with blood clotting and prevents excessive bleeding. Manganese helps activate enzymes that are involved in various metabolic processes including antioxidant defence.
• Preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs): Blueberries contain phytochemicals (such as proanthocyanidins) that prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall thus reducing the risk of UTIs. UTIs are common in dogs especially females and can cause pain inflammation and blood in urine.

However, blueberries also contain natural sugars so you should limit how much you feed your dog. Too much sugar can cause weight gain or diabetes in dogs. You should also avoid giving your dog blueberry jams or pies as they can contain added sugar or other ingredients that may be harmful or unnecessary for dogs. You can give your dog fresh blueberries as they are or mash them and mix them with their food. You can also use dried blueberry pieces as a chewy treat for your dog.

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is a large orange fruit that grows on vines native to Africa and Asia. It has a thick skin and a soft flesh with a sweet and refreshing flavour.

Cantaloupe is rich in vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, folate, potassium, and water. Some of the benefits of cantaloupe for dogs include:

• Supporting eye health: Vitamin A helps maintain your dog’s vision and prevent eye diseases such as cataracts and night blindness.
• Hydrating your dog: Cantaloupe is 90% water which can help keep your dog hydrated especially on hot days.
• Reducing inflammation: Cantaloupe may have anti-inflammatory properties for dogs that can strengthen an active dog’s (or older dog’s) joints and muscles by reducing the swelling that can occur in these areas due to exercise including hip dysplasia and canine arthritis.

However, cantaloupe also contains natural sugars so you should limit how much you feed your dog. Too much sugar can cause weight gain or diabetes in dogs. You should also avoid giving your dog cantaloupe rind or seeds as they can be hard to digest and cause stomach upset or blockage. You can give your dog fresh cantaloupe flesh as it is or mash it and mix it with their food. You can also use frozen cantaloupe cubes as a cool treat for your dog.

Cranberries

Cranberries are small red berries that grow on evergreen shrubs native to North America. They have a tart flavour and are usually consumed as juice or sauce.

Cranberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, phytochemicals (such as proanthocyanidins), and fibre[2]. Some of the benefits of cranberries for dogs include:

• Preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs): Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins that prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall thus reducing the risk of UTIs[2]. UTIs are common in dogs especially females and can cause pain inflammation and blood in urine[2].
• Protecting against oxidative stress: Antioxidants help protect your dog’s cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals which can lead to inflammation, cancer and aging[2].
• Supporting immune system: Vitamin C helps support your dog’s immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells that fight infections[2].

However, some dogs may not like the sour taste of cranberries so you may need to mix them with other fruits or foods[2]. You can give your dog fresh cranberries as they are or cook them lightly without adding any sugar or other ingredients[2]. You can also use cranberry juice or powder as long as they are unsweetened and pure[2].

Cucumber

Cucumbers are safe for your dog to eat. They are 96% water which make them an excellent, low calorie and hydrating treat.

Though commonly thought to of as a vegetable, cucumbers are actually fruit.

• They are high in beneficial nutrients, as well as certain plant compounds and antioxidants that may help treat and even prevent some conditions. It is best to feed unpeeled cucumber as much of the fibre and nutrients are found in the skin.
• They contain a decent amount of soluble fibre, making them ideal for aiding in weight loss and management.
• Rich in Vitamin K, which aids blood clotting, bone health, allergy reduction and inflammation reduction.
• Cucumbers also contain phytosterols, antioxidants that help to reduce free radical levels and oxidation.
• They may also help to reduce blood sugar levels and prevent some complications of diabetes.
• Helps to prevent anaemia and supports heart health
• Is good for the oral hygiene and health, particularly gums

It is important to limit the amount of cucumber you feed your dog, as with most food stuffs excess could cause digestive issues.

Kiwi Fruit

Kiwi fruit is safe for dogs. it is a nutrient-dense fruit which makes it good for your dog.

They are rich in vitamin C (more than found in oranges), calcium, potassium (more than found in bananas), Vitamin E and fibre. They are also high in lutein, a nutrient that supports healthy eyes, as well as beta carotene, which acts as an antioxidant.

Benefits for your dog's health include:

• Soluble fibre supports blood regulation and heart health
• Provides both insoluble and soluble fibre. Studies show that kiwis contain about one-third soluble and two-thirds insoluble fibre which aids digestive health.
• Vitamin C helps protect your dog's body from oxidative damage
• Lutein helps support good eye health

It is important to thoroughly wash and scrub the skin of a kiwi before slicing it for your pet to remove any pesticide residue. It is best to cut the kiwi into small pieces so they aren’t a choking hazard for your dog.

Because of the sugar levels it is best to limit feeding kiwi to your dog as a treat.

Oranges

Oranges are round orange fruits that grow on trees native to Asia. They have a thick peel and a juicy flesh with a sweet and sour flavour.

Oranges are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, potassium, and fibre. Some of the benefits of oranges for dogs include:

• Boosting immune system: Vitamin C helps support your dog’s immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells that fight infections. It also helps with collagen and cartilage synthesis and combats degenerative conditions.
• Preventing scurvy: Vitamin C also helps prevent scurvy a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency that can cause bleeding gums loose teeth and joint pain.
• Hydrating your dog: Oranges are 87% water which can help keep your dog hydrated especially on hot days.

However, oranges also contain natural sugars and acids so you should limit how much you feed your dog. Too much sugar can cause weight gain or diabetes in dogs. Too much acid can cause stomach upset or damage your dog’s enamel (the hard outer layer of their teeth). You should also avoid giving your dog orange peels or seeds as they can be hard to digest and cause stomach upset or blockage. You can give your dog orange segments or small cubes as they are or mash them and mix them with their food. You can also use orange juice or powder as long as they are unsweetened and pure.

Papaya

Papaya is a large yellow fruit that grows on trees native to tropical regions. It has a thick skin and a soft flesh with a sweet and creamy flavour.

Papaya is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, potassium, and fibre. Some of the benefits of papaya for dogs include:

• Improving digestion: Papaya contains papain a type of enzyme that helps break down protein into amino acids which are essential for your dog’s growth repair and energy production. Fibre helps promote healthy digestion by adding bulk to your dog’s stool and preventing constipation.
• Boosting immune system: Vitamin C helps support your dog’s immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells that fight infections. Vitamin A helps maintain your dog’s vision and prevent eye diseases such as cataracts and night blindness.
• Preventing anaemia: Folate is a B vitamin that helps produce red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout your dog’s body. A deficiency of folate can cause anaemia (low red blood cell count) which can make your dog weak, tired, and pale.
• Supporting eye health: Vitamin A helps maintain your dog’s vision and prevent eye diseases such as cataracts and night blindness¹.
• Enhancing skin and coat health: Vitamin A also helps keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy by promoting cell growth and repair¹.

However, papaya seeds can be toxic to dogs as they contain cyanide-like substances that can damage your dog’s nervous system. You should also avoid giving your dog unripe papaya as it can cause stomach upset. You can give your dog ripe papaya flesh as it is or mash it and mix it with their food. You can also use dried papaya slices as a chewy treat for your dog.

Pears

Pears are green or yellow fruits that grow on trees native to Europe and Asia. They have a thin skin and a juicy flesh with a sweet and mild flavour.

Pears are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, copper, potassium, and fibre. Some of the benefits of pears for dogs include:

• Supporting cardiovascular health: Pears help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels by improving blood circulation and preventing plaque build-up in the arteries.
• Cleaning teeth and freshening breath: Chewing pears can help remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth and gums thus improving their oral hygiene and preventing bad breath.
• Boosting immune system: Vitamin C helps support your dog’s immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells that fight infections. Vitamin K helps with blood clotting and wound healing.

However, pears also contain natural sugars so you should limit how much you feed your dog. Too much sugar can cause weight gain or diabetes in dogs. You should also avoid giving your dog pear seeds stalks or leaves as they can contain trace amounts of cyanide a poison that can damage your dog’s nervous system if ingested in large amounts. You should also avoid giving your dog canned pears as they can contain added sugar or other ingredients that may be harmful or unnecessary for dogs. You can give your dog fresh pear flesh as it is or mash it and mix it with their food. You can also use dried pear slices as a chewy treat for your dog.

Pineapple

Pineapple is another tropical fruit that grows on large plants native to South America. It has a spiky skin and a juicy flesh with a sweet and sour flavour.

Pineapple is rich in vitamin C, manganese, bromelain (an enzyme that helps digest protein), and fibre[4]. Some of the benefits of pineapple for dogs include:

• Improving digestion: Bromelain helps break down protein into amino acids which are essential for your dog’s growth repair and energy production[4]. Fibre helps promote healthy digestion by adding bulk to your dog’s stool and preventing constipation[4].
• Reducing inflammation: Bromelain also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease arthritis pain (joint inflammation) in older dogs[4]. It may also help reduce swelling redness and itching caused by allergies or infections[4].
• Boosting immunity: Vitamin C helps support your dog’s immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells that fight infections[4]. Manganese helps activate enzymes that are involved in various metabolic processes including antioxidant defence[4].

However, pineapple is high in sugar so you should limit how much you feed your dog[1]. You should also remove the spiny skin and core from the pineapple as they are not recommended for your dog[1]. You can give your dog fresh pineapple chunks as they are or freeze them for a refreshing treat. You can also use pineapple juice or powder as long as they are unsweetened and pure[1].

Raspberries

Raspberries are small red berries that grow on thorny bushes native to Europe, Asia, and North America. They have a sweet and sour flavour and a soft texture.

Raspberries are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, antioxidants, and fibre. Some of the benefits of raspberries for dogs include:

• Improving digestion: Fibre helps promote healthy digestion by adding bulk to your dog’s stool and preventing constipation. It also feeds the beneficial bacteria in your dog’s gut that help digest food and produce vitamins.
• Reducing inflammation: Raspberries have anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease arthritis pain (joint inflammation) in older dogs. They may also help reduce swelling redness and itching caused by allergies or infections.
• Fighting free radicals: Antioxidants help protect your dog’s cells from free radical damage that can cause inflammation cancer and aging.

However, raspberries also contain natural sugars and xylitol a natural sweetener that can be toxic to dogs if consumed in large amounts. Too much sugar can cause weight gain or diabetes in dogs. Too much xylitol can cause liver disease and hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) which can be life-threatening if left untreated. You should limit how much you feed your dog raspberries to no more than one cup per day for large dogs and a few berries for small dogs. You should also avoid giving your dog raspberry jams or pies as they can contain added sugar or other ingredients that may be harmful or unnecessary for dogs. You can give your dog fresh raspberries as they are or mash them and mix them with their food. You can also use dried raspberry pieces as a chewy treat for your dog.

Strawberries

Strawberries are small red berries that grow on low-lying plants native to Europe and North America. They have a sweet and tangy flavour and a juicy texture.

Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, antioxidants, and fibre. Some of the benefits of strawberries for dogs include:

• Improving digestion: Fibre helps promote healthy digestion by adding bulk to your dog’s stool and preventing constipation. It also feeds the beneficial bacteria in your dog’s gut that help digest food and produce vitamins.
• Supporting bone health: Vitamin K helps with blood clotting and prevents excessive bleeding. Manganese helps your dog’s body absorb calcium and phosphorus which are essential for bone formation and maintenance.
• Fighting free radicals: Antioxidants help protect your dog’s cells from free radical damage that can cause inflammation cancer and aging.

However, strawberries also contain natural sugars so you should limit how much you feed your dog. Too much sugar can cause weight gain or diabetes in dogs. You should also avoid giving your dog canned strawberries or strawberries in syrup as they can contain added sugar or other ingredients that may be harmful or unnecessary for dogs. You can give your dog fresh strawberries as they are or mash them and mix them with their food. You can also use frozen strawberries as a cool treat for your dog.

Watermelon

Watermelon is a large green fruit that grows on vines native to Africa. It has a thick rind and a juicy flesh with a sweet and refreshing flavour.

Watermelon is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, antioxidants, and water. Some of the benefits of watermelon for dogs include:

• Hydrating your dog: Watermelon is 92% water which can help keep your dog hydrated especially on hot days.
• Strengthening immune system: Vitamin C helps support your dog’s immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells that fight infections. It also helps with collagen and cartilage synthesis and combats degenerative conditions.
• Supporting eye health: Vitamin A helps maintain your dog’s vision and prevent eye diseases such as cataracts and night blindness.

However, watermelon also contains natural sugars so you should limit how much you feed your dog. Too much sugar can cause weight gain or diabetes in dogs. You should also avoid giving your dog watermelon rind or seeds as they can be hard to digest and cause stomach upset or blockage. You can give your dog fresh watermelon flesh as it is or mash it and mix it with their food. You can also use frozen watermelon cubes as a cool treat for your dog.

In conclusion, fruit can be healthy for dogs if given in moderation and with some precautions. Some fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre that can benefit your dog’s health. However, some fruits are also high in sugar or contain toxic substances that can harm your dog.

What Fruit Is Unsafe to Feed Dogs?

There are some fruits that you should avoid feeding to dogs because they can be toxic or cause digestive problems. Some of the fruits that are unsafe for dogs include:

• Avocado – can cause very upset stomach
• Cherries – pits/stones contain cyanide which is toxic to dogs
• Grapes/raisins – toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure
• Grapefruit – very acidic and can upset your dog’s stomach
• Lemon – very acidic and can upset your dog’s stomach
• Tomato (unripe) and tomato plants – while the ripe red flesh is safe, the green parts can be toxic so best to avoid

You should also avoid giving your dog any fruit seeds, pits or stones as they can contain cyanide or cause choking or intestinal blockage. Always cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces and feed in moderation as an occasional treat.

Bonza vegan dog food contains some of the very best fruit for your dog's health. Fruits which support specific health functions like improving the break down and digestibility of proteins, fighting the damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress, supporting their eyesight and skin and coat condition as well as fighting inflammation, the cause of many of the chronic diseases - diabetes, heart and cancer - our dogs are increasingly suffering from.

You can also learn about the healthiest vegetables for dogs.