Can dogs eat fruit? Which ones are safe?

Dogs are omnivores, meaning they eat both meat and plants, including fruit. Some fruits are good for them and they can eat them as part of a balanced diet.

But that doesn’t mean they can eat all the fruit. Some are toxic and dangerous for them. They should only eat other fruits in small quantities, as they may get an upset stomach.

Dogs don’t necessarily need fruit in their diet, but they make easy and cheap treats if your pup likes them.

Here is a list of fruits that are safe for your dog to eat:

• Apples
• Blueberries
• Cantaloupe
• Cranberries
• Cucumbers
• mango
• Oranges
• Peaches
• Pears
• Pineapple
• Raspberries
• Strawberries
• Watermelon

Just because your dog can safely eat fruit doesn’t mean they’re all good in large quantities. Here are some healthy fruits for dogs that are great as snacks:

• Blueberries. You can create treats with fresh or frozen blueberries for dogs. They’re full of antioxidants and fiber, so they’re good for your dog’s gut and brain.
• Cucumbers. Crunchy cucumber is a good snack if your dog needs to lose some weight because it is low in calories. It also contains lots of vitamins and very few carbohydrates.
• Raw pineapple. If you want a powerful dose of nutrients, it’s hard to beat pineapple for dogs. It is full of vitamins and minerals, as well as calcium, phosphorus and zinc.
• Watermelon. As long as you remove the skin and seeds, watermelon is a superfood for dogs. It contains potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. Since it is mainly water, it also hydrates on hot days.

Some fruits must be prepared in a certain way before they are safe for dogs to eat. Others are only suitable for dogs in small amounts or may give them stomach upset.

Here are some of the other fruits your four-legged friend can eat in moderation:

• Apples. Remove the seeds and core before offering them as a treat.
• Cantaloupe. This is another sweet treat that you should only give in moderation.
• Cranberries. If your dog likes the tart taste of cranberries, don’t give him too many as it could give him an upset stomach.
• Mango. If you’re sharing your mango, remove the skin and hard pit first. The pit contains a small amount of cyanide and poses a choking hazard.
• Oranges. Dogs should not have orange peels or seeds, so remove them before sharing.
• Peaches. The same goes for peaches: first remove the skin and hard pit. And don’t give canned peaches. The syrup contains too much sugar.
• Pears. Pear seeds also contain a trace of cyanide, so don’t leave them out if you’re offering finger foods.
• Raspberries. Limit raspberries to no more than ½ cup per day. They contain xylitol, a sugar alcohol that is toxic to dogs in large quantities.
• Strawberries. These berries are also full of sugar, so only give your pup a few per day.

There are several fruits that you should never give your dog. Some might just give them an upset stomach, but others can cause poisoning in dogs, regardless of their size or breed.

Never feed your dog:

• Lawyer. This fruit contains persin, a toxin that causes dogs to vomit and have diarrhea.
• Cherries. Cherry pits contain traces of cyanide. It’s usually not harmful if you accidentally swallow one, but if your dog chews the seed and releases cyanide, it could make him sick.
• Grapes. Grapes (and raisins) are very toxic to dogs, although research still hasn’t confirmed why. Even a grape or raisin can be fatal or cause sudden kidney failure in dogs.
• Tomatoes. A ripened tomato is probably OK, but the green parts of the tomato plant contain solanine, which is toxic to dogs. Your dog would have to eat a plant large enough to get sick, but avoid it and be careful.

Dogs sometimes eat things that are bad for them. Even if you simply suspect your dog ate something toxic, contact your veterinarian. Don’t wait to see if symptoms appear, as some take a few days to appear.

Dogs who eat toxic foods have the best chance of making a full recovery when you take them to the veterinarian immediately. When you call your vet, they will tell you if you should come in or if you should wait and watch for symptoms.

Symptoms of Poisoning in Dogs

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Standing with your back arched
• Shaking or convulsing
• Vomiting
• Drooling or foaming at the mouth

Treatments for poisoning in dogs:

• Activated charcoal to absorb toxins
• An injection to make your dog vomit
• An operation
• Medications to reduce the effects of toxins
• X-rays or ultrasound

If your veterinarian is not available, there are other experts you can contact 24/7, including holidays:

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
• AKC Veterinary Line: Access to a team of veterinary professionals for an annual subscription