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Veterinarians generally warn against feeding your dog table scraps, but that doesn’t mean all food from your kitchen is off-limit to your dog. Some foods are actually good for both you and your dog.
Before delving into this topic, we want to stress you should always check with your vet before feeding your dog new foods, including safe fruit. Certain breeds or medical conditions may react differently, so this list is intended as general guidelines.
Can dogs eat fruit? It depends on the fuit. So what kinds of fruit can dogs eat, and which ones are dangerous?
Can Dogs Eat Bananas?
Yes, dogs can eat bananas. They’re a great source of potassium, B6, and more. Bananas are good with rice to soothe a dog’s upset stomach.
Serving idea: Make a doggie PB&B. Mash a ripe banana with a heaping tablespoon of peanut butter. Stuff in a Kong and freeze. This will entertain your dog for quite some time.
Can Dogs Eat Honeydew?
Dogs can safely eat honeydew melons. Like watermelons, dogs should eat only the ripe flesh of the fruit, not any seeds or rind.
Serving idea: Simply chop and serve raw.
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
Yes, dogs can eat watermelon. Make sure the seeds and rind are removed, and you are serving only the ripe flesh of the fruit.
Serving idea: Freeze chunks and put them in your dog’s water bowl for a refreshing drink.
Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe?
Canteloupe melons are safe for dogs to eat, so long as they don't get unripened fruit, seeds, or rinds.
Serving idea: Make a melon mix with canteloupe, honeydew, and watermelon for a tasty summer treat.
Can Dogs Eat Grapes?
No, dogs cannot eat grapes in any form. Both raisins and grapes have been connected to kidney failure in dogs.
Serving idea: Never.
Can Dogs Eat Oranges?
Yes, dogs can eat oranges. The fruit and pulp are good, but the rind and seeds are not. Peel and seed orange slices before giving them to your dog.
Serving idea: Mix 1 part orange juice with 1 part yogurt. Pour into small paper cups and freeze. Use a small dog biscuit as a stick and voila – doggie creamsicles.
Can Dogs Eat Apples?
Apple flesh and skins are fine for dogs to eat. Be sure to remove the seeds, which contain cyanide. This also means that apple cores are a big no-no: not enough of the good stuff and all the bad stuff.
Serving idea: Slice and de-seed an apple. Put peanut butter in ice cube trays, then put apple slices in as sticks to make protein-rich pup-sicles for your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
Blueberries are safe for dogs. They're rich in antioxidants and nutrients, so they're a healthy treat. Because they're so small, you can even use them as bite-size training treats.
Serving idea: Mix up a fruit salad. Try chopped apples, blueberries, and oranges for a tangy mix.
Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?
Strawberries are safe, just like blueberries are.
Serving idea: Slice a strawberry or two, remove any leaves and stems, and mix with plain yogurt. Stuff in a Kong and freeze.
Can Dogs Eat Blackberries?
Blackberries are safe for dogs, packed with nutrients, and a favorite of many pups. Many owners report their dogs eating blackberries fresh off the bush when they're in season.
Serving idea: Use as a tasty surprise in a game of catch. Be sure to play outdoors so the berries don't stain your floors or carpets.
Can Dogs Eat Raspberries?
Like blackberries, raspberries are a safe and tasty treat for dogs.
Serving idea: Cut raspberries and blackberries in half, then give your dog a small amount as an after-dinner dessert.
Can Dogs Eat Cherries?
Cherries contain pits, which are very dangerous for dogs. Err on the side of caution and pass on cherries.
Serving idea: Never.
Can Dogs Eat Cranberries?
Cranberries are safe for dogs. Stick to fresh cranberries; dried cranberries are usually processed with sugar. When in doubt, check the label or stick with fresh cranberries.
Serving idea: Mash up some fresh cranberries and serve a little on the side of his regular meal for a dog-safe version of cranberry sauce.
Can Dogs Eat Kiwi Fruit?
Kiwi fruit are safe for dogs and rich in nutrients like potassium and vitamin C.
Serving idea: Offer your dog a tangy fruit tart with blueberries and chopped kiwi. Use his regular kibble to make a fake crust.
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?
Pumpkin is a delicious fruit that is safe for dogs. If you choose to use canned pumpkin, be sure only to serve pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. It contains spices and seasoning that are bad for dogs.
Serving idea: Top your dog's regular food with a dollop of steamed, mashed pumpkin. It's a safe way to add a treat to his dinner. It's also a good way to entice a dog to eat when his appetite isn't up to normal.
Can Dogs Eat Dragon Fruit?
Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, are safe for dogs to eat.
Serving idea: Chop and serve to let the fruit's natural flavors shine through.
Many fruits are safe for dogs to eat. They’re healthy, natural alternatives to harmful table scraps and fatty dog treats. Confirm with your vet that any fruit you're planning to give your dog is safe for his or her specific health situation. Once you have the all-clear, offer your dog a piece and see if he likes it. You’re likely to find a treat you enjoy together.
If you liked this, you may also like:
What Human Food Can Dogs Eat - 13 foods from your kitchen that are safe for your dog.
Poisonous Foods Dogs Beg For - These human foods are strictly off limits to dogs
Photo credit:
Top right: OakleyOriginals
Lower left: VMiramontes
Sources:
http://www.dogchannel.com/dog-food/fruits-for-dogs.aspx
http://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_multi_healthy_snacks
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/pitaya
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