What Fruits Are Good for Dogs?

Are you trying to feed your dog healthy choices so Spot can live a long life?  You may be considering avoiding some of the dog treats that are so popular with the four-legged crowd.

Are you wondering what dogs can eat that is a low calorie treat and provides some health benefits too? Maybe when you try to be a healthier eater, you opt to stay away from the chips and instead opt for fruits and vegetables. 

Guess what? Your dogs can happily enjoy fruits and vegetables in their diet too. If you’re wondering what types of fruits dogs can eat and which should be avoided, you’ve come to the right place.

Read on to learn more about the fruits your beloved dog will adore and which should be avoided to keep him healthy and safe.

Fruit Dogs Can Eat and Will Love

You might be surprised at how quickly your dog falls for eating fruits in their diet. These fruits are all good choices. 

Apples

The same adage an apple a day keeps the doctor away applies for dogs too. Apples are a great snack for your dog as they’re low in protein and fat. Apples are a source of fiber and high in vitamin C. 

Many healthy dog foods use spinach, sweet potato, and apple as part of the recipe for their healthy properties. 

Bananas

Bananas in moderation are delicious fruit for your dog and his or her treat time. They have high levels of potassium, biotin, copper, and vitamins. Bananas are low in cholesterol, but are high in sugar content. For this reason, you probably only want them to be an occasional treat for dogs.

Blueberries

For the same reason that blueberries are a good super fruit for you, they are also a great fruit for dogs. Packed with antioxidants and phytoflavinoids, blueberries are high in potassium and vitamins c and k, as well as low in calories.

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is high in fiber, beta carotene, and chock full of nutrients. Dogs eat, okay devour, this sweet treat. Take caution with how often they get it though, since it can have a high sugar content. Give them small quantities of this treat.

Peaches

Peaches are another of the fruits you can feel good giving your dog. Packed with vitamins a and c, high in fiber, and low in calories, peaches can be enjoyed fresh or frozen by your pup. Just be sure to cut up away from the pit, since like cherries, their pit can contain cyanide and can be a choking hazard. So long as peaches are served properly, they are a refreshing and healthy fruit for dogs.

Pineapple 

Another treat for your dog is a few chunks of pineapple. Of course, you have to remove the peel and crown first. 

Sweet potatoes, pineapple, and turmeric are used together in our Porky’s Luau recipe of dog food because the pineapple contains vitamins and minerals, and a high fiber count.  Bromelain is an enzyme also found in pineapple which makes protein absorption easier for dogs. Bromelain also has anti-inflammatory properties and is a natural antihistamine, allowing it to aid in reducing pain, swelling, and allergy symptoms

Raspberries

Dogs eat fruit because it tastes good. But your dogs will love raspberries for their anti-inflammatory properties. They’re also rich in fiber and vitamin C. 

Strawberries

Choose feeding your dog strawberries for a number of good reasons. Dog’s teeth can actually whiten from an enzyme found in strawberries. They’re full of fiber and a good source of vitamin C, making them good for the immune system too. 

Fruit Dogs Should Avoid or Not Ever Have in Their Diet

While the list is long of good choices of fruit for your four-legged pal, there are some fruits that are not healthy choices to give your dog too. Avoid these as they can be unhealthy and even toxic for them. 

Cherries

Cherries are one fruit your canine should absolutely skip. When dogs eat cherries they can actually get toxic poisoning from the cherry plants cyanide content. The cyanide can prevent cellular oxygen transport. 

If your pet gets into cherries, watch for pupils dilating, breathing problems, or red gums. These are all symptoms pointing to cyanide poisoning

Grapes

Grapes can be highly toxic to dogs and should never be given to them. Avoid raisins that are just dried grapes too. Grapes are indigestible for animals and can cause acute kidney failure. 

In addition to knowing what fruits you can and can't feed your dog, here is an exhaustive list of foods you can and can't feed your pup. 

Fruit to Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy Too

You might be surprised to learn about the many fruit choices you can make a part of your dog’s diet. Skip the high calorie and processed dog treats and eat fruit instead. 

You might even decide to give your pet a diet of healthy dog food that contains fruit as a part of its ingredients. Giving your canine a diet of food with fruit provides a great source of vitamins while also being low in calories.