Pet Nutrition Kingston - What Fruits Can Dogs Eat?
Have you ever eaten a piece of fruit and wondered if it was safe to share with your dog? The good news is that many fruits make nutritious treats. Some can even help prevent disease. But some fruits can be toxic for your dog. And others that can be harmful if they aren’t properly prepared.
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What Fruits Are Good for Dogs?
Let’s take a look at some of the more common fruits pet owners feed their dogs and why they’re a good choice. After that, I’ll talk about some of the fruits you should never share with your dog.
Apples are good for dogs. They contain vitamin A and C, are full of antioxidants like quercetin, which help relieve allergies and improve gut health. Apple skins are especially nutritious so be sure to keep them on. You can remove the apple core if you want, but this isn’t necessary. While apple seeds do contain cyanide, the amount is so minuscule it’s not a cause for concern.
Bananas are full of vitamins and minerals that can help strengthen your dog’s muscles, bones, and immune system. They can also improve brain function and digestive health. But bananas are high in sugar and starch, which feed the bad bacteria and yeast in your dog’s gut so don’t overdo it.
If you do feed your dog bananas, make sure you remove the peel or cut it up into small pieces. Banana peels aren’t toxic for dogs but they can cause bowel obstructions.
Most dogs love berries because they taste delicious. But these fruits are also packed full of antioxidants and vitamins that help keep your dog healthy. Let’s look at some of the most popular berries that dogs can eat
Blueberries have a special nutrient that can cross the blood-brain barrier to help protect your dog’s brain function. They also pack more antioxidants than any other food. Studies show that animals who eat blueberries are healthier, have less inflammation, and do better at memory and brain work.
Cranberries are safe for dogs and can be helpful for UTIs but … that isn’t all they’re good for. Cranberries also fight cancer, balance the gut and help manage inflammatory diseases. They can even protect your dog’s teeth.
Raspberries are full of nutrients like vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, C, and E. So they aren’t only delicious, they’re nutritious. Raspberries are also full of antioxidants, which means they’re able to reduce inflammation and boost your dog’s immune system.
Strawberries contain lots of fiber and vitamin C, as well as enzymes that help keep your dog’s teeth clean.
Cantaloupes are a fruit your dog can eat and they’re a great way to keep your dog hydrated on a warm day. They have high water content and are a good source of fiber and vitamins your dog needs. If you decide to give your dog some cantaloupe, feed it without the rind. The rinds can be choking hazards or cause bowel obstructions.
Cucumbers are a low-calorie snack that’s great for overweight dogs. They’re also full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory polyphenols that can prevent cancer. And they can help keep your dog hydrated on a warm day. If you give your dog cucumber, be sure to keep the peel on – it contains the most nutrients.
Oranges and Other Citrus Fruit
Dogs can eat citrus fruits like oranges, tangerines, mandarins, and clementines. These fruits are high in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and helps with everyday functions. Most dogs produce their vitamin C but as your dog ages, or if he’s stressed, a dietary boost may be necessary. Citrus fruit also contains anti-inflammatory flavanones that may help with weight management.
Lemons, limes, and grapefruits have the same benefits and are safe for dogs. But don’t feel surprised if your dog won’t eat citrus fruit most dogs find the flavor off-putting. You’ll also want to remove the peel to prevent obstructions.
Pears are a tasty treat for your dog and high in copper, fiber, and antioxidants. This makes them a great choice to improve digestive health, fight cancer and reduce inflammation. Like apples, pear seeds contain cyanide, though the amount is very low. If you want, you can core the pear before you give it to your dog but it isn’t necessary.
Pineapple is full of vitamin C, B vitamins, and minerals that help with your dog’s health. You’ll want to remove the skin and crown before you feed your dog pineapple. You’ll also want to core the pineapple or cut it up into very small pieces to avoid an obstruction.
Stone fruits are fruits that have a single pit or seed in the center. This includes cherries, peaches, mangos, plums, nectarines, and dates. While the flesh of fruits I’ve listed are safe for your dog to eat, you’ll want to remove the pits first. The pits contain cyanide that can stop your dog’s blood cells from getting enough oxygen. The pits can also cause bowel obstructions. If your dog accidentally eats a stone fruit whole, watch for signs of bowel obstruction or cyanide poisoning.
Like nightshade vegetables, tomatoes contain solanine. Generally, ripe tomatoes are safe for your dog to eat because the solanine levels are low. And they’re full of healthy antioxidants and fiber. But you should feed them in moderation and shouldn’t give tomatoes to dogs with inflammatory diseases. That’s because solanine can aggravate inflammation.
Green tomatoes, stems, and leaves contain high levels of solanine and can poison your dog. Be sure tomatoes are ripe and remove the stems and leaves before you feed them to your dog. You shouldn’t share tomato sauce and other tomato-based products. They might contain ingredients (like onions) that can be harmful to your dog.
Watermelons are a fruit your dog can eat. They contain vitamin A and C, plus they’re very refreshing. Watermelon also has an important antioxidant called lycopene. Watermelon is safe for dogs but … don’t give him the rind or seeds. They’re a choking hazard and can cause bowel obstructions.
How to Share Fruits with Dogs?
Even when the fruit is safe for your dog to eat, you want to use some caution. Fruits have natural sugars and starches and too much can be harmful to your dog. Fruits are best used as a treat. Together with vegetables, fruit can make up 10% of your dog’s diet.
You also want to introduce new fruits slowly. Otherwise, they may give your dog an upset stomach or diarrhea. And remember to go with bite-sized pieces to prevent choking and obstructions. If your dog is the type to swallow his food whole, you may want to mulch the fruit, to help him digest it better.
Fresh or frozen is the best way to serve your dog fruit but always try to buy organic. Fruits and vegetables are regularly spread with pesticides to protect them from insects and weeds. But these toxins are harmful to your dog. Even proper washing won’t guarantee that you’ve removed all the chemicals. Your dog can also eat dried fruit or fruit juice so long as there are no added ingredients. But they’re also higher in natural sugar and lower in fiber than fresh or frozen.
If you have a question about feeding your cat or dog, Gardiners Road Animal Hospital is here to help. Our friendly veterinary staff in Kingston can provide complete preventive, therapeutic, and surgical care for your furry friend. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
Pet owners are welcome to visit our Animal Hospital in Kingston. We can help determine the proper Pet Nutrition Service in Kingston for your pet that can prevent your pet from diseases.
