Although most dogs don’t need fruit in their daily diets, it can provide a host of nutritional benefits, according to Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, DVM, a veterinary medical consultant for the pet service app Rover and owner of Kleinburg Veterinary Hospital in Kleinburg, Ont. .
“Fruit offers pets a healthy way to explore new flavors and textures without sacrificing 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 check with your vet before adding anything new to your dog’s diet, especially if he has underlying medical conditions or is on a prescription diet,” says Joslin.
If you decide to supplement your dog’s diet with fruit, here are the benefits and ways to prepare it 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 at Pawp, a virtual pet care site.
Owners should wash, core, core and slice apples before feeding them to their dogs.
Bananas
Bananas are high in potassium, B7, fiber and copper, which is great as a low-calorie snack for dogs, says Dr. Aziza Glass, DVM, expert veterinarian at Freshpet and owner of Personal Touch Veterinary Clinic.
However, bananas are also high in sugar, so owners should limit how much of this tasty treat they give their pets.
“Bananas are packed with fiber, which can help with gastrointestinal issues, and magnesium, which facilitates bone growth, protein production and vitamin absorption,” Christy Love, founder of Super Snouts and pet nutrition expert, wrote in an email -email to Forbes Advisor.
Blueberries
“Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and their small size makes them perfect to use as a treat and reward for your dog,” says Gorman. They can be given to your dog either fresh or frozen.
Melon
Melon is packed with fiber and is a good source of vitamin C and potassium. The high water and fiber content in melons makes them excellent for better digestion and preventing constipation and dehydration.
But like bananas, melons are also high in sugar, so they should be given sparingly as a treat to your pet.
Owners should make sure to remove the rind from the melon before feeding their dog. In addition to being a choking hazard, the crust can also cause stomach problems and affect a dog’s digestive tract.
Cranberries
Cranberries are high in fiber and antioxidants and are safe to feed your dog dried or fresh, in small amounts.
Although cranberries can help with urinary tract problems, they should only be given in small amounts or they can cause stomach upset.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a great source of vitamins and also make a great low-calorie treat to 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 this can cause stomach upset. And to avoid choking, the 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 high in vitamins A, B-6, C, E and potassium.
The safest way to feed your dog mangoes is to peel them, remove the pit and cut them 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 packed with vitamin C, but are high in fiber and can cause stomach upset in your pet. Make sure to peel the orange first, divide it into segments and remove any 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 these.
Peaches
Peaches are a safe and healthy treat for your dog and are high in vitamin A and fiber. Before feeding peaches to your dog, remove the pit and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Peach kernels not only pose a choking hazard, but 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 consultant 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,” says Conrad.
Like 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 digestion and immune system.
“I specifically recommend pineapple because it contains bromelain, an enzyme that can help reduce inflammation and aid digestion,” says Love.
Make sure to peel the pineapple and cut it into small pieces before giving it to your dog as a treat.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a great addition to any dog’s diet as it is full of fiber, vitamins and minerals, and is good for a 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 if you serve it to your pup in canned or dried form, as these methods provide a greater amount of fiber and nutrients compared to fresh pumpkin,” says Love.
Raspberries
Raspberries are fine to give to your dog in moderation, according to Dr. Samantha Morici, DVM and head of veterinary services at Koala Health, a website for pet medications and health products.
“Raspberries naturally contain xylitol, a sugar alcohol that is toxic to dogs in large quantities or at the higher concentrations in processed foods,” says Morici. “No more than a handful should be consumed at a time.”
Strawberries
Strawberries are high 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 a choking hazard.
Strawberries can also be high in sugar, so give them to your dog sparingly.
Watermelon
Watermelon is one of the healthiest fruits a dog can eat because of its high density of hydration and antioxidants.
Watermelon, which is 92% water, is a great source of vitamins C, A, B-6 and potassium.
“Just be sure to remove any seeds, peel, or peel before feeding him, as this can cause intestinal blockages,” says Gorman.
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