Can My Dog Eat Fruit
Yes. There are many fruits and veggies that you can and should offer to your dog. Perhaps as snack instead of some of the carb-loaded, fat-laden, chemical-filled “treats”.
You know we prefer a fresh, raw diet around here and encourage all our clients to do the same. They can be a significant contributing factor to the reduction of disease, including cancer in large part due to their anti-oxidant properties.. We also see the 5 element theory come into play when choosing fruits that are “cooling” to the dogs with allergies, arousal, anxiety, even aggression.
Remember fruits are rich in fiber and natural sugars. So use in moderation, and begin introduction in very small amounts to avoid digestive upset.
We recommend fruits be fed separately from meals for digestive purposes, especially in a kibble-fed diet.
But yes — share a bite or two of your snacks with Fido. Or make his own snack bowl, frozen kong parfait, summer popsicles, lick mat, etc to support his health needs with fruits.
Here are a few single-ingredient treats your dog will love, along with their benefits:
Watermelon: Packed with water for hydration, it’s a refreshing snack, especially during warm weather.
Cucumbers: Low in calories and high in water content, making them a great choice for weight management and hydration.
Blueberries: Rich in antioxidants, helping to boost your dog’s immune system and reduce inflammation. Consider also raspberries, blackberries, wolfberries (found in Ningxi Red!) (goji berries), and elder berries (yes, you can make elderberry syrup), and cranberries. (Remember dried fruits will contain more sugar, so use them sparingly!)
Banana: A good source of fiber, supporting digestion, and offering potassium for muscle health.
Apple: Loaded with Vitamin C and fiber, promoting healthy digestion and boosting skin and coat health.
Sweet Potato: Full of beta-carotene and fiber, excellent for digestive health and supporting a shiny coat.
Tangerines/Orange Slices: High in Vitamin C, they help support your dog’s immune system and can provide a natural energy boost. They're also packed with fiber for digestive health and hydration due to their high water content.
Strawberries: Low in calories and high in fiber and Vitamin C, they help support your dog’s immune system and contribute to healthy teeth by acting as a natural teeth whitener.
Pineapple: Contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids in digestion, along with Vitamin C and antioxidants to boost immunity and reduce inflammation.
Pears: Full of fiber for digestive health and packed with vitamins like C and K to support overall well-being.
Mango: Rich in vitamins A, B6, C, and E, mangoes are great for boosting skin and coat health while also providing natural sweetness in moderation.
Cantaloupe: Low in calories but high in water content, cantaloupe is excellent for hydration and packed with vitamins like A and C for skin, eye, and immune support.
These fruits, when given in moderation (just a slice or two and with seeds/pits removed, are delicious, healthy snack options your dog will enjoy!
There are a few fruits you should not feed your dog. Keep them in mind:
Grapes — Raisins
Plums — Dates
Lemons
Limes
Kiwi — the flesh is technically ok in small amounts, but the skin and seeds are not safe for dogs.
Cherries — no pits!
BTW: we do use lemon, lime, grapefruit and other citrus essential oils in some of our detox protocols, especially heavy metals! Using the EO rather than pulp of the fruit itself, has very different benefits and results! In general, too much citrus pulp may cause digestive upset.
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