Can my dog eat fruit?

Like humans, dogs are omnivores, which means they can eat both meat and fruit (as well as some vegetables). In fact, a little fruit can make a nice healthy treat for your dog.

Some fruits are better for them than others. Plus it’s important to know that there are even some which – although safe for humans – can be dangerous to dogs.

Another way to help keep your furry friend healthy is with peace-of-mind dog insurance.

Which fruits can my dog eat?

Something important before we continue… Any fruit or vegetables you choose to feed to your dog should always be regarded as an extra treat, on top of their regular dog food. Vets and nutritionists always recommend that treats only make up 10% of a dog’s diet with a high-quality, complete feed making up the remaining 90%.

Here are some of the most popular fruits and their benefits for dogs, as well as some to avoid.

Can dogs eat apples?

Yes, apples are a great fruit to give your dog. They’re a source of vitamin A, vitamin C and fibre. They’re also low in protein and fat, which makes them a good snack for less active or older dogs.

You should remove the pips and core of the apple before your dog eats any. The pips do contain a very small amount of cyanide which is released when chewed. And while a couple of pips are unlikely to cause a problem, it’s best to make sure they’re all removed.

Health benefits of dogs eating apples

Apples contain nutrients that are very beneficial to dogs, including antioxidants, vitamins C and A, potassium and plenty of fibre.

Another bonus of feeding apples to your dog is, thanks to their crunchy texture, they’re good for cleaning their teeth. They may also help make their mouth and breath that little bit fresher!

Top tip: Try frozen apple slices to help keep your dog cool in hot weather.

How many apples can my dog eat?

As mentioned, all dog-friendly fruit should be regarded as a treat, and should take up no more than a tenth of their daily diet.

It’s worth knowing that – while apples are very healthy – they do contain sugar, albeit in a naturally occurring form. Canine diabetes is on the rise, and the risk of developing it is much higher if your dog is overweight. So it’s best to limit sugars and treats if you’re trying to get your dog back to a healthy weight.

Also be aware that, since apples contain a lot of fibre, you may find they have an upset stomach and diarrhoea if you feed them too much.

What about feeding apples to puppies?

Apples are an excellent treat to feed to puppies, although sparingly. Just make sure they’re cut into tiny, bite-sized pieces to avoid any risk of choking.

Can dogs eat bananas?

The good news is yes! Adult dogs can eat bananas, but it’s a little more complicated with puppies.

Introducing bananas to a dog’s diet

Bananas don’t contain toxins for dogs, even the skins, so don’t panic if your dog decides to gulp down a whole one.

But dogs who aren’t used to bananas may be sick or have diarrhoea if they eat too many at first. This is because their digestive systems won’t be used to the huge amounts of fibre in banana skins.

Avoid this problem by chopping the bananas into treat-sized chunks, minus the skin. Feed them sparingly to begin with. Some dogs will love the sweet fruity flavour of banana, and others will literally turn their noses up at them!

How much banana can my dog eat?

If your dog decides they like bananas, they can make a handy and tasty treat. They’re a healthier choice than many manufactured dog treats, as they’re not as calorific, and there’s no added fat or salt.

Banana chunks are great to use for training purposes if your dog enjoys them. But be aware that they contain natural sugar. If you are watching your dog’s weight, don’t feed them too much. Use them as a treat!

Health benefits for dogs eating bananas

Although bananas contain lots of fibre, potassium, vitamin C and vitamin B6, they don’t really provide much nutritional value to dogs. They should only be fed on top of a balanced and complete dog food.

Some vets may recommend feeding bananas to dogs:

• With gastrointestinal problems
• If they need extra magnesium to help with the absorption of vitamins, promotion of bone growth or production of protein

It’s worth pointing out this would be under the guidance of your vet. If your dog is sick or has diarrhoea, take them to the vet before you feed them a bunch of bananas.

What about feeding bananas to puppies?

Be a little more cautious about feeding bananas to puppies. They usually have a very specific diet to help them grow properly. By adding in too many banana treats, you can upset the balance of your feeding plan.

Plus when puppies experience foods for the first time, they can get very upset stomachs. So all in all, it’s best to avoid giving them banana until they’re a bit older.

Can dogs eat blackberries?

Yes, dogs can safely eat blackberries in moderation. These juicy berries are low in calories and packed with antioxidants, fibre and vitamins such as C and K.

Because blackberries contain small amounts of natural sugar and sometimes xylitol, they should only be given as an occasional treat, not a daily snack.

Can dogs eat blueberries?

Yes, blueberries are another fruit that’s good for your dog. Popular as a superfood, these berries are full of fibre, phytochemicals and antioxidants that help prevent cell damage in dogs and humans.

Health benefits for dogs eating blueberries

Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamin C and vitamin K, making them a very healthy treat. Another bonus of blueberries is their low calorie count. Great for dogs that are watching their waistlines!

How many blueberries can my dog eat?

Slipping the odd blueberry or two to your dog is perfectly safe but don’t hand them a whole punnet! While blueberries are a healthy and delicious treat for dogs, they shouldn’t be fed in excess.

They contain a lot of fibre which can cause gastrointestinal problems and diarrhoea in large amounts. Blueberries also contain natural sugars, which can cause cavities in their teeth.

And while blueberries are fine for dogs, don’t be tempted to feed them blueberry-flavoured foods such as sweets and cakes. These are full of fat and sugar, plus various additives and preservatives that aren’t good for dogs at all.

What about feeding blueberries to puppies?

Sweet blueberries make an excellent treat for puppies, and you’ll probably find they love them! While blueberries are pretty tiny, be careful when feeding them whole if you have a small puppy, as they can be a choking hazard. Instead, feed them squished up!

Can dogs eat cherries?

Generally, no – dogs can’t eat cherries. This is because the stones, stems and leaves can release cyanide if they’re chewed or digested, which is toxic to dogs.

The stones are also a potential choking hazard. They could also cause a blockage in their digestive system, especially in smaller dogs. So while the flesh of the cherry itself isn’t toxic, it’s much safer to stick to dog-friendly fruits.

If your dog accidentally eats whole cherries, especially if it’s a lot of them, it’s a good idea to contact your vet for advice – particularly if they show any signs of illness such as difficulty breathing, vomiting or lethargy.

Can dogs eat cucumber?

Yes, dogs can eat refreshing cucumber. They’re 96% water, so nice and hydrating on a hot day. Plus they’re full of vitamins and minerals. As with all complementary foods, just don’t give them too much.

Also, yes: cucumbers are a fruit!

Can dogs eat grapes?

No! Grapes (and raisins) must be avoided completely. They’re highly toxic, and the reaction they cause can lead to sudden severe kidney damage. If you suspect your dog has eaten any, get in touch with your vet straight away.

This also applies to sultanas, currants and raisins, all of which are dried grapes. Beware of feeding your dog or puppy any food product such as cakes or cookies with raisins or sultanas in them.

Grape toxicity: what are the symptoms?

If you suspect your dog has eaten grapes or you see any of the following signs, contact your vet for advice immediately. Your dog can become ill very quickly, and it can be fatal:

• Vomiting and/or diarrhoea within the first couple of hours after eating the grapes/raisins
•  Weakness, lethargy, and not wanting to move
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain (a painful stomach when touched)
• Dehydration – excessive panting, dry nose, and pale gums. To check for dog dehydration, pull up the skin on the top of the neck (known as the scruff) and if it doesn’t spring back into place, your dog is dehydrated
• Increased thirst with either excess urination, or lack of urination. In some cases, none at all
• Seizures

Don’t know where your closest vet is? Find a vet near you here.

Can dogs eat kiwi?

Yes, dogs can eat kiwi fruit in small amounts as an occasional treat. These tangy gems are rich in vitamin C, fibre and antioxidants, which can help support your dog’s immune system and digestion.

Be aware that the skin can be tough and hard to digest, so it’s best to peel it first and remove the seeds. Cut the rest into bite-sized pieces for your dog.

Can dogs eat mangos?

Yes, dogs can eat mango in moderation. They’re sweet and nutritious, packed with vitamins A, B6, C and E. The soft flesh makes it easy for dogs to chew and digest, and it can be a refreshing treat particularly on warm days.

Remove the skin and pit first, as the pit poses a choking hazard and contains small amounts of cyanide. Because mango is high in natural sugar, you should only offer it to your dog occasionally to avoid stomach upset or excess calories.

Can dogs eat melon?

Yes, dogs can eat melon – including varieties like cantaloupe and honeydew – as an occasional refreshing treat. Melon is packed with vitamins A and C, as well as plenty of water, making it great for hydration – especially on hot days.

It should be given in moderation though, and always without the rind or seeds. These can be difficult for dogs to digest and pose a choking hazard.

Can dogs eat oranges?

Dogs can safely eat oranges in moderation, as long as they’ve been peeled. The peel can give them an upset stomach. Also try to avoid giving them pith or seeds.

Oranges are a great source of vitamin C, fibre and potassium, which are all great for your dog’s health.

Health benefits for dogs eating oranges

Oranges are a good source of vitamin C, potassium and a little fibre. And there’s virtually no sodium in oranges. So far, so good.

On the other hand, oranges are pretty high in calories for a fruit. This is because they’re packed full of naturally occurring sugar. If you need to keep your dog’s weight down, avoid oranges. Likewise if your dog is diabetic, avoid giving them oranges as it’ll spike their blood sugar levels.

How many oranges can my dog eat?

You may find that your dog doesn’t like oranges. Dogs don’t tend to enjoy citrus fruits as they can be bitter, and the smell doesn’t appeal to them.

Of course, some dogs eat anything you give them! If you own an unfussy dog and want to share some orange with them, make sure you remove all skin, pith and seeds. These parts of the orange can contain harmful toxic chemical compounds.

Again, since treats or extras should only make up 10% of a dog’s diet, only give your dog one to three slices of orange as a maximum.

All citrus fruits are acidic, which can upset your dog’s digestive system. If you choose to feed them a little orange flesh, make sure you limit the amount and introduce your dog to it slowly.

And don’t give your dog orange juice to drink. It’s full of sugar and too acidic for dogs. Stick to water only!

Can dogs eat pears?

Pears are a healthy snack for dogs, providing a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, fibre and copper. It’s been suggested that pears can even help reduce the risk of suffering a stroke. When giving your dog pear as a snack, make sure you remove the seeds – as with apples, these can also contain a very small amount of cyanide.

Can dogs eat pineapple?

Yes, pineapple makes a great treat for dogs and is perfectly safe. Containing plenty of vitamins, minerals and fibre, it also contains an enzyme called bromelain which helps dogs to absorb proteins. When giving your dog pineapple, always ensure it’s peeled and cored.

Health benefits for dogs eating pineapple

Pineapples are nutrient-dense and contain plenty of vitamin C and riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, Vitamin B6 and folate. You’ll find they’re also full of minerals, including iron, magnesium, potassium, copper, manganese, and small amounts of calcium, phosphorus and zinc. These nutrients help keep your dog’s immune system and digestive system in tip-top health.

How much pineapple can my dog eat?

While feeding pineapple to dogs is fine as a healthy treat, there are a couple of things to bear in mind. First, pineapple is high in fibre and high in sugar, albeit natural sugar. If you’re trying to keep your dog’s weight down, avoid too much pineapple, as high in sugar means high in calories.

Second, the amount of fibre in pineapple can affect your dog’s digestive system if fed in large quantities. So if there’s any diarrhoea or your dog appears to have an upset stomach, avoid feeding them this fruit again.

Don’t feed tinned or dried pineapple. The amount of sugar is too high for dogs, particularly if the tinned pineapple is in syrup.

What part of the pineapple can my dog eat?

Make sure you cut off all the outer skin, including the spiny bits. Remove the core as this can be difficult to chew, making it a possible choking hazard. Cut it into tiny pieces first.

Can my puppy eat pineapple?

Puppies can eat pineapple but in minimal quantities. Make sure it’s introduced to them slowly. As with adult dogs, pineapple can cause digestive system upset. If your puppy gets diarrhoea, avoid feeding them pineapple again! Make sure you give them little cubes to avoid any choking.

Can dogs eat plums?

Yes, dogs can eat the flesh of plums, but only in small amounts. The pit, stem and leaves need to be completely removed, as these parts contain cyanide and can be a choking hazard or cause an intestinal blockage. The high sugar content can also lead to digestive upset if your dog eats too much.

Can dogs eat raspberries?

Yes, dogs can eat raspberries in moderation. They’re a healthy, low-calorie treat rich in antioxidants, fibre and vitamins.

They should only be given occasionally because they contain small amounts of naturally occurring xylitol, which can be harmful in large quantities. Always wash raspberries thoroughly, and they should be fresh or frozen without added sugar.

Can dogs eat strawberries?

Yes, strawberries are a nice healthy treat for your dog. They contain plenty of fibre, as well as vitamin C, manganese and potassium, which all help to support your dog’s immune system.

Health benefits for dogs eating strawberries

There are lots of health benefits for any dog that enjoys a strawberry or two! Vitamin C, potassium and manganese are in abundance in this delicious berry.

They also contain an enzyme that helps with teeth whitening!

How many strawberries can my dog eat?

Strawberries do contain naturally occurring sugar. For that reason, don't feed your dog a whole punnet, but the odd one here and there may well be beneficial.

What about feeding strawberries to puppies?

Strawberries are totally safe for puppies to eat. Make sure they’re small pieces to avoid any issues with choking.

Can dogs eat tomatoes?

Yes and no. Dogs should only be given red tomatoes, not green or unripe ones, which can contain a higher level of toxins. As with all complementary foods, only give them a little tomato if they’re keen on it.

What’s in tomatoes that can be bad for dogs?

Tomatoes are part of the nightshade family of vegetables, and the tomato plant contains substances that are harmful to dogs. Solanine is found in the green leaves and stems of the plants as well as in green tomatoes. Tomatine is another natural chemical found in tomato plants that can be toxic. These toxins are found in higher levels in the green parts of the plants and in unripe tomatoes (green ones).

Ripe tomatoes (red ones) are generally safe to feed to dogs, but only in small quantities. On occasion they can cause an upset stomach, particularly for any dogs with a sensitive tummy. Stick to feeding your dog a quality, balanced food specifically designed for dogs.

If your dog likes tomatoes, a little bit of red tomato once in a while won’t do any harm. Choose organic as it won’t have been sprayed with pesticides.

What about tomato sauces or tinned tomatoes?

Don’t feed your dog any tomato sauces, pasta sauces or tinned tomatoes. There are likely to be additives added to these manufactured foods, such as salt and preservatives, which are not healthy for dogs. Plus many tomato-based sauces contain onions and garlic, which are toxic for dogs.

What should I do if my dog eats lots of tomatoes?

Should your dog decide to munch down on the green part of a tomato plant, they can get tomatine poisoning. Luckily this is very rare, but if you notice any of these symptoms following a tomato plant chewing session, take your dog to your vet straight away:

• Weakness
• Tremors or lack of coordination
• Sickness and diarrhoea (gastrointestinal upset)
• Seizures
• Abnormal heart rate

If you grow tomato plants in your garden and know your dog likes to chew on anything available, you may want to consider fencing your plants. Apart from preventing your dog from getting ill, another upside of fencing your plants is that more tomatoes are left for you!

Can dogs eat watermelon?

Watermelon is a perfectly safe and healthy treat for dogs and puppies. But only feed them the red flesh, and take out the seeds and rind.

Health benefits for dogs eating watermelon

Watermelon has a high water content, so it’s extremely hydrating. It’s a great treat when the weather’s hot.

There’s very little sodium in watermelon, no fat, and the calorie content is low. It’s also full of vitamins A, B6 and C, plus potassium for good measure.

It does contain a fair amount of sugar though. It’s best not to feed your dog too much of this, especially if they’re overweight. As with all other dog-friendly fruit, keep watermelon to an occasional treat.

Again, sugary foods can also be bad for your dog’s teeth. Find out how to keep on top of your dog’s teeth and dental issues.

How much watermelon can my dog eat?

Want to share some delicious watermelon with your dog? Make sure you only feed the red fleshy part and remove the seeds and rind. Too many seeds can get caught in your dog’s digestive system, leading to a blockage, especially if they’re a smaller breed.

The rind is challenging to digest and can cause gastrointestinal upset. Avoid feeding this to your dog. Find out what to do if your dog is vomiting.

Top tip: Freeze chunks of watermelon and feed your dog pieces on a hot day to help cool them down!

Can my puppy eat watermelon?

It’s perfectly safe for puppies to have a little bit of watermelon as a tasty treat. Make sure you cut it into small bite-sized pieces to avoid any choking hazard. Introduce it to them slowly to help their digestive system get used to a new food type.

Watermelon recipes for dogs

Fancy getting a bit more creative? Here are some dog-friendly watermelon treats you could make for your furry friend:

• Watermelon pupsicles (frozen dog treats) by BellyFull
• Two-ingredient watermelon ice cream at Rover.com (we bet you can guess at least one of the ingredients.
• If you have a dehydrator, you could make watermelon jerky for your dog

How nutrients benefit your dog

•  Antioxidants are great for fighting free radicals, the chemicals that cause cellular and molecular damage in dogs. Giving your dog treats rich in antioxidants can also help reduce brain ageing, making apples extra beneficial for older dogs.
• Fibre is good for dogs because it supports healthy digestion, helps regulate bowel movements, and can help maintain a healthy weight.
• Manganese supports bone development, metabolism and the proper function of enzymes involved in energy production.
• Potassium found naturally in food, such as apples, is excellent for nerve and muscle function.
• Vitamin A is good for dogs in the right amounts, as it supports healthy vision, immune function and skin health.
•  Vitamin B6 helps regulate hormones, supports brain function and aids in the metabolism of proteins and red blood cell formation.
• Vitamin C helps to keep the immune system healthy and is an essential part of any omnivore diet.
  It’s worth noting that healthy dogs don’t often need vitamin C in their diet because they can synthesise their own in their liver. That said, in certain situations – like if your dog has joint issues, a weakened immune system or is getting old – vitamin C can be a beneficial supplement. Speak to your vet.
• Vitamin E supports healthy skin, a strong immune system and proper cell function.
• Vitamin K is needed for blood clotting, and also works alongside calcium to keep bones healthy and strong.

Fruit can be an excellent addition to your dog’s diet, due to the vitamins, minerals and fibre it contains. But it should only make up a small proportion of your dog’s daily food.

For more useful information about your dog’s health, check out:

• How to choose the right dog food
• Diet and nutrition guides for dogs
• List of substances which are toxic to dogs
• Can dogs eat chocolate? The reason why chocolate is highly toxic for dogs
• Can dogs eat nuts and which are poisonous
• Why do dogs eat grass?
• Things for your puppy to chew