Every living thing on earth needs to eat to survive, and dogs aren’t an exception. They’re very much like humans and can eat most things we eat, including fruits and vegetables. If you’re keen on serving your dog fruits, you might wonder, “what fruits can dogs eat?”
Fruits are excellent sources of nutrition for dogs, but not all fruits will do good for them. Fruits like cucumbers, apples, berries, and pineapples are safe for them. But fruits like avocados, tomatoes, and cherries might do some harm to them.
As a dog owner, you should understand the stress of your dog falling sick. So, to prevent this, you should serve them a healthy diet. Here’s a list of fruits dogs can eat and their benefits to your dog. Read on!
What Fruits Can Dogs Eat?
1. Blueberries
Dogs love blueberries because they taste delicious and are a sweet treat. It’s a win-win because it contains lots of nutrients.
Blueberries have antioxidant properties and have been proven to prevent cancer in humans. So, it’s safe to say that blueberries can help to improve your dog’s overall health.
However, the fruit’s tiny size can cause problems if eaten in large quantities. If your dog eats too many, it might cause upset stomachs and vomiting. Also, cavities can form when your dog overeats sugar, and blueberries contain too much sugar.
So, it would help if you talked to your vet about serving them safely. Once you have your vet’s recommendations, serve your dog the suggested amount of blueberries. Further, fresh blueberries make a delicious treat, but frozen ones are delicious on warm days.
2. Bananas
While asking yourself, ‘what kind of fruits can dogs eat?’ Should you leave bananas out? No! Banana is a great treat for dogs too.
Bananas are rich in potassium, essential for maintaining muscle strength and nerve function. Potassium also helps regulate blood pressure. Vitamins B6 and C are not left out in banana nutrients, so why shouldn’t you serve your dog some?
Moreover, bananas can help prevent gastrointestinal issues in your dogs due to their fiber content. However, the sugar content in bananas is high, so serve your dog moderately. Also, note that too much banana can lead to kidney failure.
Another crucial fact is that serving your dog banana peels is not advisable. Though peels are not dangerous, they could cause digestive issues in your dog.
3. Apples
If you want to give your dog apples, go ahead. Apples serve as a healthy snack for dogs. The reason behind this is that apples are an excellent source of vitamins.
And some of these include Vitamin A and C, with the former being crucial for eye health. Additionally, apples are a source of iron, calcium, and phosphorus.
These minerals are vital for bone growth and development. Also, apples are low in calories and fat, making them a perfect treat for your dog.
However, we can find some amounts of cyanide in apple seeds. Cyanide is toxic and could pose a health risk, but that’s when your furry friend overeats apples. So, you can make apples an occasional treat for your dog or, better still, serve them without the seeds.
4. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are another kind of fruit that your dog can eat. They’re rich in vitamin K, which is essential for proper blood clotting. It’s also great for active dogs, as it strengthens their bones.
Moreover, cucumbers have a high water content, so they’re great for hydration. On top of that, cucumber is a natural diuretic that promotes urination, making it helpful in treating bladder stones.
Further, if your dog is on a weight loss journey, you should serve them some cucumbers. The reason is that they have low-calorie content.
5. Oranges
Oranges are another healthy and tasty treat you can serve your dog. This citrus fruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, essential for immune system functioning. Additionally, oranges contain antioxidants, such as beta carotene and lycopene.
Oranges are also good sources of potassium, magnesium, copper, zinc, and manganese. All these minerals play a role in keeping your dog’s body healthy.
Lastly, oranges contain citric acid, which is helpful for dogs with digestive issues. We can find citric acid in other fruits, including lemons and limes. But, unlike citrus fruits, oranges do not contain any pectin.
6. Watermelons
If you primarily serve your dog fruits, the listed fruits might not be enough for you. So, if you still ask, “what fruits can dogs eat?” Try watermelon!
Watermelon is another healthy fruit for dogs. It contains lots of water and carbohydrates, making it a great energy booster. Also, it has high water content, keeping your dog hydrated on hot summer days. Moreover, watermelon has a lot of vitamin A, which is essential for vision and skin health.
This fruit is a good source of potassium, necessary for heart and muscle functions. In addition to that, watermelon is a source of folate, which helps prevent congenital disabilities.
Lastly, watermelon is an excellent source of fiber, helping keep your dog’s digestive tract clean.
7. Mango
Mangoes are another fresh fruit that your dog can enjoy, and they contain nutrients like vitamin B6, C, and folic acid. These nutrients help maintain normal metabolism and boost immunity. Also, mangoes are a good source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion.
On top of that, this tropical fruit is low in calories and fats, making it a healthier alternative to many other fruits.
Moreover, they are a great source of potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and magnesium. These minerals are essential for bone development and strong muscles.
8. Pears
My list of fruits dogs can eat would be incomplete without mentioning pears. Pears are very nutritious, containing vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, D, E, and F. Also, they are a great source of dietary fiber, promoting regular bowel movements.
Pears are a rich potassium source, which controls your dog’s blood pressure. Moreover, they are a good source of vitamin K, which plays a role in maintaining bones and teeth.
Another thing worth knowing is that pears are a source of vitamin C, which is beneficial for wound healing.
9. Peaches
Peaches are loaded with nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and niacin.
Vitamin A is vital for eye health, while vitamin B1 is essential for brain function. While Vitamin B2 promotes growth and cell division, B6 helps proper nerve transmission. Lastly, vitamin B12 is vital for red blood cell production.
Additionally, peaches are a good source of potassium and manganese. Potassium is crucial for regulating heartbeat and fluid balance.
Meanwhile, manganese is involved in many metabolic processes, such as fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Lastly, peaches are a rich source of dietary fiber, aiding digestion.
10. Cranberries
Cranberries reduce inflammation, fight urinary tract infections, and improve eyesight. They are a great source of antioxidants, which protect against cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Also, cranberries are a good source of copper, zinc, and selenium. Copper is essential for blood formation and maintenance of hair and nails. Zinc is required for immune system function and protein synthesis. Meanwhile, selenium is vital for thyroid hormone production.
Further, cranberries are a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin B1, and vitamin B6. Vitamin C is beneficial for wound healing and tissue repair. Vitamin B1 is essential for nervous system function. Lastly, vitamin B6 is helpful for energy production.
11. Grapes
Grapes are also healthy for dogs as they contain vitamins B1, C, K, folate, and pantothenic acid. Vitamin B1 is necessary for healthy skin and nerves, and Vitamin C helps prevent scurvy and supports collagen production. Lastly, vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and bone growth.
12. Pineapples
Pineapple contains high levels of vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin B1. It is a good source of potassium, vitamin B2, and vitamin B3.
Potassium is essential for muscle contraction and nerve conduction, while vitamin B2 is vital for the body’s use of carbohydrates. Meanwhile, vitamin B3 is needed for normal liver function.
Pineapples are also a rich source of magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. Magnesium is vital for heart rhythm regulation and muscle relaxation, while Calcium is necessary for strong bones and teeth.
Conclusion
What Fruits Can Dogs Eat? Fruit is a healthy food option for both humans and pets. But some fruits can be toxic to dogs. Some fruits could cause diarrhea, stomach pain, bloating, and other gastrointestinal issues in your dogs.
However, you can serve them apples, watermelons, grapes, and many others. It’s best to talk to your vet first, though. Thanks for reading!
