Everybody knows the way to a dog's heart is through their stomach, and pet owners always strive to provide their furry friends with the most well-balanced, healthy diet they can.
Despite being primarily carnivorous the diet of a dog will still need to contain vitamins and minerals, much the same as a human. Whilst there is the temptation to simply pass your plate to your pooch it, unfortunately, is not that simple. The digestive system of a canine is not the same as a human, and some food that we can digest easily can even be toxic to a dog.
So how can you make sure that your four-legged friend is getting all that they need to have a healthy balanced diet, and what vitamin-rich fruits can you begin to incorporate into your dog's daily routine. In this article we will be talking about a whole variety of different fruits, touching upon whether your dog can eat them, as well as whether or not your dog should eat them.
It is important to note that whilst some fruits are safe for your pet in limited quantities, introducing new foods into your pet’s diet may cause your pet to experience symptoms of an upset stomach therefore we always recommend consulting a vet prior to introducing a new diet.
Can Dogs Eat Grapes?
Grapes are great for humans. They have a high water content, as well as containing vitamins and minerals that can play a part in a healthy, balanced diet. They are great as a healthy snack, and are just as good when dehydrated and eaten as raisins. With that being said, can you give your dogs grapes?
No. You should never give your dogs grapes or raisins. Grapes are well known for being toxic to dogs and should never be given as treats. Whether they are peeled, in small quantities or even sliced finely, keep your dogs away from grapes. If your dog ingests grapes you will need to act quickly and get in touch with a vet straight away. For a small puppy as few as three grapes can be lethal. For an adult dog, 10-12 grapes will provide a lethal dose.
Can dogs eat grapes? NO!
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
Whilst it may not seem like it, a tomato is in fact a fruit. For botanists, fruit is considered anything that is fertilised from the ovary of a flower. This means that tomatoes are actually a fruit and not a vegetable as they may seem. Tomatoes are one of the staple ingredients in human cooking, making up the key for many sauces, the accoutrement to many salads, and the base layer for one of the best foods available, pizza.
A tomato is not a regular part of a dog's diet, much like many other fruits on this list. Whilst tomatoes are healthy for human consumption, it can be a different story for dogs. If you are wanting to feed your dog a tomato you should always make sure that it is fully ripe. Even then, you should only feed a tomato to a dog on rare occasions. Too often and your dog may begin to experience an upset stomach due to enzymes inside the tomato. As a rule, it would be best to stay clear of tomatoes, just in case.
Can dogs eat tomatoes? OCCASIONALLY.
Can Dogs Eat Bananas?
Perhaps the most recognisable of all the fruits, the humble banana is a staple of a human diet. Being high in potassium and vitamin C they are great for providing the human body with key nutrients and antioxidants that promote a healthy body. But, can dogs eat bananas?
Simply put, yes, dogs can eat bananas! There are no chemicals inside of a banana that can negatively affect a dog's digestive system, in fact, a chunk of banana can be a good alternative to other treats that have a high-fat content. If you are wanting to give your dogs bananas as treats from a young age however it is recommended that you start off small, for example only giving a quarter of a slice as opposed to a full slice. This will allow the potentially sensitive stomach of a puppy the chance to get used to digesting bananas.
Can dogs eat bananas? YES!
Can Dogs Eat Apples?
As an excellent source of vitamin A and vitamin C, apples are widely recommended for human consumption. We have all heard of the phrase an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but does an apple a day also keep the vet away?
Dogs can in fact eat apples, but not in large quantities. An apple contains a large amount of natural sugar that could potentially cause upset in a dog's stomach should they have too much. If you are wanting to give your dog an apple as a treat, it is recommended that you only provide them with small amounts such as a chunk or cube. You should also consider peeling the apple as the skin could have been treated with chemicals following the apple being picked. Apples are great for older dogs who are in need of a boost in vitamins A and C. If your dog however is diabetic or is suffering from cancer it is recommended to steer clear of an apple. And remember, always remove the core and any seeds from the apple before giving it to your dog.
Can dogs eat apples? YES!
Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?
Who doesn’t love a strawberry on a warm day? This summer fruit is one of the most popular available thanks to its sweet taste and bright red colouring. Whether you’re lounging at home or sitting in Centre Court at Wimbledon, you’re likely to be eating a strawberry.
And the same can be said for your furry friends, dogs can in fact eat strawberries! A strawberry is high in fibre and vitamin C which can play a great role in boosting a dog's overall health. Again, strawberries do contain natural sugar so should only be given to dogs in moderation. As well as healthy nutrients, an enzyme in the strawberry can be linked towards tooth whitening. Strawberries will definitely play a role in turning your pet’s gnarly gnashers into pearly whites!
Can dogs eat strawberries? YES!
Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
The blueberry is an often overlooked fruit. They may be small, but they pack a punch in terms of both flavour and vitamins. Often found baked inside of a muffin, a blueberry is usually a treat for humans, but, can the same be said for dogs?
Due to its small size and vitamin content, a blueberry can be a great alternative to a high-fat treat such as a biscuit. Blueberries are high in vitamin C and K, as well as being high in antioxidants. The number of blueberries you give your dog should vary depending on both size and age. For smaller dogs, a handful of blueberries would be best suited, but for larger dogs, you can consider giving them more. For younger dogs, a more fat and protein-heavy diet would be recommended, whereas older dogs will need higher vitamin content, making blueberries ideal.
Can dogs eat blueberries? YES!
Can Dogs Eat Oranges?
A large, ripe, juicy orange provides the human diet with many vitamins, minerals and natural sugars that are ideal for our digestive systems. Oranges come in many different varieties, some large and some small, and others squeezed for their juice. Oranges are high in vitamin C, potassium and fibre, so, can a dog experience these benefits too?
A dog can eat an orange, and the health benefits are definitely there. However, due to the acidity of the citrus fruit, as well as the sharp taste an orange has, your dog may well turn its nose up. A way of getting your dog to eat oranges is by giving them the peel. The peel of an orange is high in fibre, vitamin C, vitamin B6, calcium, and many other key nutrients. Whilst we might dislike the taste of orange peel, your dog may well find it just as tasty as the fruit itself.
Can dogs eat oranges? YES!
Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?
Pineapple is a taste synonymous with exotic dishes and drinks. Found in many cocktails or on gammon during a pub lunch, pineapple is one of the most popular fruits you can buy. Pineapple contains many nutrients that are key to a healthy lifestyle and even has disease-fighting qualities.
These benefits can also be shared with your dog by giving them pineapple. A pineapple is safe for consumption by a canine, but again, they may dislike the flavour. There is no need to force a flavour on a dog. Imagine if someone tried to give you dog food and wouldn’t leave you alone until you ate it, you would hate every second. The same goes for dogs. Whilst the food will be good for them, you shouldn’t force it upon them. If you do want to get pineapple into your dog's diet then consider looking at recipes for pineapple dog smoothies or pineapple dog ice lollies.
Can dogs eat pineapple? YES!
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
Another exotic fruit that humans eat in their millions, watermelon is a delicious seeded fruit that provides the body with many useful nutrients and, you guessed it, plenty of water. Served in chunks or slices, or in some strange recipes, barbecued, watermelon is so delicious that you could even forget that it is healthy.
Yes, your dog can enjoy watermelon with you. High in fibre and water content, watermelon is completely non-toxic for your dogs and is even recommended as a healthy treat alternative. If you are going to be giving your dog watermelon it is important to point out that you will need to make sure all seeds have been removed, much in the same way that you would for yourself. The seed of a watermelon is large and can be a choking hazard, if digested the seed could even lead to stomach upset in a dog.
Can dogs eat watermelon? YES!
Can Dogs Eat Mango?
Mango is one of the most popular flavours around right now. Whilst it may seem like a sugary, sweet treat, mango is in fact very good for you, again, you could even forget that it is a fruit. Served in dishes such as sorbet, or in different states such as dried, a mango is a definite treat.
But, it can also be a treat for a dog too! Mango is definitely safe for dogs to eat, and again contains many nutrients and vitamins that will contribute to a healthy diet. Much in the same way as you would for yourself, you should always make sure the mango is prepared correctly. Remove any pulp and peel the mango fully before giving it to your dog. You should be wanting to eat the mango just as much as your dog would! You should also only give mango to your dog in moderation as the natural sugars could lead to an upset stomach.
Can dogs eat mango? YES!
Giving your dog a piece of fruit can seem like a great idea, but you should always check before doing so. Whilst the majority of fruits are dog friendly it is not worth running the risk without doing your research. And remember, a dog is carnivorous and will always need a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of other food groups included.