Can Dogs Eat: Fruits and Other Foods

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While it might seem like dogs can eat everything humans can, you’re smart to double check. Fruits in particular are high in sugars and contain vitamins that your should be aware. This ensures you keep a balanced diet for your dog.

If you’re interested in trying a supplement for your dog’s gut and immune health, check out these brands and supplements.

So, what foods can you give to your dog and which ones should you never share? Here is a list of the most common fruits that are safe to feed and not safe to share with your dog.

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Fruits

As a dog owner, you may notice your pet looking at you with puppy eyes when you sit down with a juicy piece of fruit. It is tempting to share that piece of fruit that you were planning on eating because it looks just as appealing to them as it is to you.

This can be an easy way to reward your dog after they have performed a trick or made you laugh. There are many reasons why you should make sure that your dog eats the right fruits.

Some fruits can cause problems due to the high sugar content, while others are toxic for dogs and could be lethal for them if ingested. If you do decide to share some of the non-toxic fruits with your pup, make sure to put those small pieces in their dog bowl set in order to avoid any messy juices on the floor!

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As much as dogs can eat dates, this fruit is not exactly ideal as a treat. Dates are a great source of energy to provide stamina, but they can also cause stomach upset and diarrhea in dogs due to the high sugar and dietary fiber content. If you do decide to feed your dog some dates, only give them a small serving at one time.

This is especially vital for small dogs. Any more than that, and you risk the dog’s health. On top of that, always chop the date into smaller pieces for easier consumption by your dog. Dates aren’t toxic to dogs, so it may sound surprising that most veterinarians list them as one of the ten foods you should never feed your dog. But dates do pose risks for dogs that can go from harmless to serious in the blink of an eye. 

Dogs are not designed to digest plant pits, but dates are a fruit that does not have any of these pit-related drawbacks. As a matter of fact, large breed dogs get numerous health benefits from the nutrients in dates. So, it’s best to feed them whole dates or use the dried variety in your dog’s diet. You can mix dried dates with other fruits for a nutritional punch.

The answer is yes, but not all types of dogs can eat them. There are some smaller varieties of dog breeds like the Chihuahua who also love the taste of this delicious fruit. So let’s take a closer look at what nutrients are in Kiwi fruit and how your pet dog can reap the benefits from this fun treat. It is full of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that help to strengthen the immune system as well as protect cells against cancer growth. The fruit contains potassium and folate which are required for an active and healthy lifestyle.

The answer is certainly no. Lemons contain certain compounds like psoralen and aromatic oils that may be harmful to dogs depending on their size and health status. While the citric acid in lemons is not toxic to dogs, psoralen and aromatic oils are. Additionally, these compounds are very dangerous for your dog’s stomach and could result in vomiting, diarrhea, and even the breakdown of red blood cells.

Dogs can eat mandarins, but like with many fruits, it’s not always the best idea. While most dogs can eat oranges without a problem (more on that in a bit), eating mandarins regularly is not advised because they are high in acid and sugar. These digestive properties lead to gastrointestinal issues that could be inconvenient at best or dangerous at worst. The other main issue is the seeds and peel. You might be surprised but dogs don’t have the ability to chew and digest fruit seeds as herbivores do. Plant matter can also pose a risk of intestinal blockage which may require surgery to treat.

The bottom line is that yes, dogs can eat mandarins, but they shouldn’t become part of your dog’s diet. Although they may be safe in moderation and won’t necessarily harm your dog’s health, many veterinarians don’t recommend regularly letting your four-legged friend enjoy the taste of these oranges. 

Yes! Dogs are naturally attracted to sweet flavors, and many love the taste of papaya, making it an excellent treat for dogs. However, you do not want to feed them the skin or pit of papaya.

You can easily integrate papaya into their diet and can offer this tropical fruit as a snack on an everyday basis. Papayas contain many health-promoting nutrients that aid in digestion, help repair stomach ulcers, improve kidney health, boost blood flow, and support liver function.

Dogs can eat papaya, and if they are more prone to weight gain, then it may be a good option for them. Not only is papaya a good source of sugar, but the sugar is combined with other nutrients that can be helpful for dogs. If you decide to give your dog some papaya, the general rule of thumb is half a gram of papaya for every pound of your dog’s weight. 

Yes, dogs can eat pears. The flesh or skin of a pear is safe for dogs to eat, but pear seeds contain traces of cyanide and should be removed. Pears are a good choice as a fruit snack for your dog because they’re high in fiber and vitamins. They also contain small amounts of copper and potassium. Pears are excellent for digestion and help relieve constipation when eaten with the rind on. Eating pears can also help lower blood lipid and cholesterol levels, which is helpful in preventing cardiovascular disease. It’s even been said pears can help reduce a dog’s risk of stroke by 50%.

Dogs can eat plums. However, it’s important to consider the possible risks involved. Just like with dates and cherries, the main concern is with the pits, which can be sharp and easily damage your pet’s esophagus, stomach, or intestines. There’s also a risk of the pit obstructing the intestinal tract, especially in smaller dogs. If you notice your dog is vomiting but can’t pinpoint the cause, check and make sure plums weren’t left in their reach. 

Plums are a delicious and healthy treat that your pup will love. However, due to the size of the pit, care must be taken not to harm your dog. If you choose to feed your dog plums, remember to remove the pits and check the flesh for mold or rotting before you give it to your pet.

The answer isn’t a clear-cut yes or no if your dog can eat a pomegranate. This is due to pomegranates containing several different parts which aren’t all safe for pups. The seeds and juice within the seeds are edible for dogs, although large quantities of seeds can cause digestive upset, and since they don’t break down easily. They can also cause a digestive tract blockage. In general, pomegranate leaves should not be consumed by dogs (there are small amounts of nutrients in them that aren’t really worth eating, considering the risk).

Today, pomegranate is used increasingly often in dog food and dog treats. Additionally, a number of pet companies have begun to make their own pomegranate supplements to increase the overall health of your pup. Overall, if your dog can eat fruit, then they can probably eat a pomegranate. The fruit helps to promote joint health in dogs. Pomegranate also promotes blood flow to increase energy levels and overall health. Some other benefits: 

  • Treatment of ear infections for dogs
  • Pomegranate extract can treat oral infections which promote oral hygiene
  • Antioxidants help reduce dog food spoilage 

Yes, dogs can have raspberries in moderation. Raspberries are low in sugar and calories but are high in fiber, manganese, and vitamin C. The antioxidants in raspberries are good for senior dogs or dogs with aging joints because they have anti-inflammatory properties. The high levels of antioxidants can also help improve your dog’s health and reduce the risk of diseases like cancer. However, raspberries contain xylitol which is dangerous to dogs, so limit the average dog to less than a cup of raspberries at a time.

Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. The watermelon rind is thin and hard, which makes it difficult for most dogs to eat safely. While the rind itself is non-toxic and not overly dangerous, there are also problems with giving any part of the watermelon to a dog.

Some of the toxins that cause problems in humans like lissamine green are found in very high levels in the fruit’s peel, but dogs don’t experience the same gastrointestinal issues when eating them.

You are safe to give your dog the actual flesh of watermelon but make sure to take out the seeds. We suggest throwing out the rind instead of sharing it with your pup as there is no real benefit for them.

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