What Fruits For Dogs Are Good?

See which fruits are Duke’s Favorites.

Do you eat fruits and think to yourself if your dog can have fruit too? The good news is that there are lots of fruits that are good for dogs and have good nutritional benefits.

Apples are good for dogs. They contain vitamin A and C, are full of antioxidants which help relieve allergies and improve gut health. Apple skins are especially nutritious so be sure to keep it on. Make sure you buy organic or wash really good to get the pesticides off. Also, make sure to remove the apple core because apple seeds do contain cyanide. Duke loves apples.

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. Don’t feed too much bananas because they are high in sugar and starch, which feed the bad bacteria and yeast in your dog’s gut. If you do feed your dog bananas, make sure you remove the peel or cut it up into small pieces.

Duke doesn’t like bananas but his sissy Star is a huge fan.

Berries taste delicious that is why most dogs love them. Berries are also packed full of antioxidants and vitamins that help keep your dog healthy.

Here are 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 they do better at memory and brain work. Duke loves blueberries.

Cranberries are safe for dogs and can be helpful for urinary tract infections 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. They 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. Cucumbers contain magnesium, potassium, and vitamin K. They’re also full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory polyphenols that can prevent cancer. All that water in cucumbers can help keep your dog stay hydrated on a hot day.

If you give your dog cucumber, be sure to keep the peel on – it contains the most nutrients.

Oranges And Other Citrus Fruit

Don’t be surprised if your dog won’t eat citrus fruit, most dogs find the flavor off-putting.

Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and helps with everyday functions. Dogs can eat citrus fruits like tangerines, oranges, mandarins and clementine’s. Most dogs produce their own vitamin C but as your dog ages, or if he’s stressed, a dietary boost may be necessary. Citrus fruit also contains anti-inflammatory flavonoids that may help with weight management.

Lemons, limes, and grapefruits have the same benefits and are safe for dogs. 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.

Pear seeds contain cyanide just like apple seeds though the amount is very low. You can remove the core before you give it to your dog.

Pineapple is full of vitamin C and Band 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.

Single pit fruits like cherries, peaches, mangos, plums, nectarines and dates are all safe for your dog to eat. First, you have to remove the pits.

The pits contain cyanide that can stop your dog’s blood cells from getting enough oxygen. The pits can also cause bowel obstructions.

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 Duke’s favorite fruit.

How To Share Fruits With Dogs

Fruits are best given as a treat. Fruits have natural sugars and starches and too much can be harmful to your dog. 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 obstruction. 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.