What Fruit Can Dogs Eat?

Our dogs are devoted, loved members of our families, and naturally, we want to share all the yummy things we eat with them. While dogs primarily eat protein and vegetables, they can benefit from a small amount of fruit in their diet too. 

Fruits make delicious healthy treats for our pups. But not everything we eat is safe for our dogs and in some cases can even be toxic.

Keep reading to learn more about what fruits dogs can eat and the ones that should absolutely be avoided.

What Fruits Are Safe for Dogs to Eat?

Fruits not only make delicious treats for our dogs but they are also healthier alternatives to fatty, store-bought treats.  

Typically, the fruits detailed below don’t cause health problems, especially when fed in moderation. But some dogs may not tolerate new foods well, so always start with a small amount and increase from there!

The fruits dogs can eat include:

• Apples: Apples can be great options for dogs that like to chew! However, the core and seeds do contain a small amount of cyanide and should be removed. 
• Bananas: Bananas are a great softer treat for dogs. 
• Blueberries: Blueberries are a healthy treat, especially for dogs who need some extra fiber. 
• Cantaloupe: Cantaloupe is a great source of vitamins C and A, as well as potassium.
• Cranberries: Cranberries are a good source of antioxidants, but they should be given in moderation, as they tend to upset stomachs. 
• Mango: If the pit and skin are removed, mango is completely safe for dogs. 
• Oranges: When fed in moderation, oranges are a great source of vitamin C. 
• Peaches: Peaches are a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C. Just be sure to remove the pit first, as it can be a choking hazard.
• Pears: Like most fruits, you’ll need to remove the core and seeds before giving pears to your dog. 
• Pineapple: Pineapple can give a flavorful new experience, but many dogs don’t like the taste of it. 
• Raspberries: Just like blueberries, raspberries are also fairly high in fiber. 
• Strawberries: When fed in moderation, strawberries can be a very yummy treat for your pup, especially if they have a sweet tooth. 
• Watermelon: Watermelon is a great way to keep your dog hydrated on a hot day. Plus, it has a lower sugar content than many other fruits. 

Be sure to introduce any new fruits to your dog in moderation and slowly. Too much of a new food can cause an upset stomach and diarrhea.

Dogs enjoy the same parts of the fruit as humans do which is typically the fleshy parts with all the skin and seeds removed.

Don’t forget to cut the fruit into smaller pieces to prevent choking. Many dogs tend to scarf up tasty fruits and may not chew completely!

How much fruit can dogs eat?

Fruits should be treated like you would a regular treat and be given on occasion as an enrichment activity. 

As a general rule of thumb, treats (including fruits) shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your dog’s diet. While they make great healthy snacks, they aren’t nutritionally complete and too much sugar is not well tolerated by dogs.

What Fruits Are Not Safe For Dogs?

While the fruits we listed above are completely safe, some fruits can be quite toxic.

• Avocado: All parts of the avocado, including the flesh, pit, and skin, are toxic to dogs. Persin, a toxin found in avocados, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing.
• Cherries: Both the flesh and pit of cherries contain amygdalin, which turns into cyanide after your dog consumes it. Your dog would need to eat lots of cherries to get symptoms (usually), but it’s always better to be safe.
• Grapes and Raisins: Grapes are arguably the most toxic food for our pups. Just a small amount can cause kidney failure. Anything containing grapes or made of grapes (including raisins) should be kept far away from your pup. They contain tartaric acid, which is poisonous to canines. 

 This list isn’t exhaustive, but it does include the most common fruits dog owners have lying around their kitchen that dogs should absolutely not eat. 

Grapes are by far the biggest offender, so be sure to keep grapes safely put away as part of your pet-friendly home plan. 

Final Thoughts

Incorporating safe fruits into your dog's diet can be a healthy way to spice things up a bit. That said, moderation is key. Too much of a good thing can cause stomach upset in many dogs, and fruits do not contain everything your pup needs to thrive. 

While your pup enjoys their tasty treat, why not capture their adorable expression in a timeless portrait? Commemorate your dog’s love for fruits (or any of their favorite things!) with a custom pet portrait from Crown & Paw. Our modern collection offers styles to suit every pup’s personality and owner’s preferences.