Although most dogs don’t need fruit in their daily diet, it can provide many nutritional benefits, according to Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, DVM, veterinary medical advisor for pet services app Rover and owner from the Kleinburg Veterinary Hospital in Kleinburg, Ontario. .
“Fruit offers pets a healthy way to explore new tastes and textures without losing their daily calorie quota, while also providing a rich source of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients,” says Greenstein.
“It’s always a good idea to consult your veterinarian before adding anything new to your dog’s diet, especially if he has underlying health conditions or is on a prescribed diet” , explains Joslin.
If you decide to supplement your dog’s diet with fruits, here are the benefits and ways to prepare them for your pet.
Apples
Apples are a great low-calorie treat and a good source of vitamins C and A, potassium, antioxidants and fiber, according to Dr. Yui Shapard, DVM and medical director of Pawp, a virtual pet care site. company.
Owners should wash, core, core and slice apples before giving them to their dog.
Bananas
Bananas are high in potassium, B7, fiber, and copper, making a great low-calorie snack for dogs, says Dr. Aziza Glass, DVM, an expert veterinarian at Freshpet and owner of Personal Touch Veterinary Clinic.
However, bananas are also high in sugar. Owners should therefore limit the amount of this delicious treat they give to their pets.
“Bananas are packed with fiber, which can help ease gastrointestinal issues, and magnesium, which aids bone growth, protein production, and vitamin absorption,” wrote Christy Love, founder of Super Snouts and pet nutrition expert, in an email to Forbes Advisor.
Blueberries
“Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, and their small size makes them perfect for treats and rewards for your dog,” says Gorman. They can be given to your dog fresh or frozen.
Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe is full of fiber and is a good source of vitamin C and potassium. The high water and fiber content of cantaloupes makes them excellent for improving digestion, as well as preventing constipation and dehydration.
But like bananas, cantaloupes are also high in sugar, so they should be given sparingly as a treat to your pet.
Owners should be sure to remove the rind from the cantaloupe before feeding their dog. Not only can the scab pose a choking hazard, but it can also cause stomach issues and impact the dog’s digestive tract.
Cranberries
Cranberries are high in fiber and antioxidants and are safe to feed to your dog, dried or fresh, in small amounts.
Although cranberries can help with any urinary tract problems, they should only be given in small quantities, otherwise they can cause stomach upset.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a great source of vitamins and are another great low-calorie treat you can give your dogs, especially if they need to lose weight.
As with any food, owners should be careful not to give their dog too much cucumber, as it could cause an upset stomach. And to avoid choking, cucumber (like any food) should be cut into bite-sized pieces before feeding your dog.
Mangoes
Mangoes are a great treat for your dog because they are rich in vitamins A, B-6, C, E as well as potassium.
The safest way to feed your dog mangoes is to peel it, remove the pit and cut it into smaller pieces to avoid choking.
Again, mangoes are high in sugar, so keep this treat as an occasional treat for your pet.
Oranges
Oranges are full of vitamin C but are high in fiber and can cause an upset stomach in your pet. Be sure to peel the orange first, divide it into segments, and remove all the seeds before feeding your dog.
Interestingly, dogs are not fans of strong-smelling citrus fruits, including oranges, so your dog may not be inclined to eat them.
Peaches
Peaches are a safe and healthy treat for your dog and are rich in vitamin A and fiber. Before feeding your dog peaches, be sure to remove the pit and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Not only are peach pits a choking hazard, they also contain cyanide.
Owners should also stick to fresh or frozen peaches and avoid feeding their dogs syrupy canned peaches.
Pears
Pears are an excellent source of vitamins C, A and K, as well as potassium, calcium and fiber, according to Dr. Megan Conrad, DVM and veterinary advisor at Hello Ralphie, a telehealth site for pet owners.
“As with apples, owners should always remove the core and seeds from a pear before feeding it to their dog in small pieces,” Conrad says.
As with peaches, owners should avoid canned pears when giving them as a treat to their dog.
Pineapple
Pineapple is packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are great for supporting your dog’s digestive and immune systems.
“I especially recommend pineapple because it contains bromelain, an enzyme that can help reduce inflammation and aid digestion,” says Love.
Be sure to peel and cut the pineapple into small pieces before giving it to your dog as a treat.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a great addition to any dog’s diet because it is full of fiber, vitamins and minerals and is great for the dog’s digestive system.
It’s also great for helping dogs who suffer from digestive issues like constipation or diarrhea, says Dr. Paula Simons, DVM and veterinary consultant at K9 of Mine, an educational website for dogs.
“Pumpkin is most beneficial when served to your pup in canned or dehydrated form, as these methods contain a higher amount of fiber and nutrients than fresh pumpkin,” says Love.
Raspberries
Raspberries are perfectly fine to give to your dog in moderation, according to Dr. Samantha Morici, DVM and chief veterinary officer of Koala Health, a pet medicine and health products website.
“Raspberries naturally contain xylitol, a sugar alcohol that is toxic to dogs in large quantities or at higher concentrations found in processed foods,” Morici says. “You should not consume more than a handful at a time.”
Strawberries
Strawberries are rich in fiber, vitamin C, micronutrients and enzymes that can help keep your dog’s teeth clean. Always wash and remove the stem before giving it to your dog; they should also be cut into small pieces to avoid any risk of choking.
Strawberries can also be high in sugar, so they should be fed sparingly to your dog.
Watermelon
Watermelon is one of the healthiest fruits a dog can eat due to its high moisture and antioxidant density.
Watermelon, which is 92% water, is an excellent source of vitamins C, A, B-6 and potassium.
“Just be sure to remove any seeds, bark or skin before feeding, as this can cause intestinal blockages,” says Gorman.
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