Growing up we are told that fruit needs to be one of your ‘five a day’ as fruit is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and fibre which helps us humans maintain good health. Now for the big question, what fruits can dogs eat, and can they eat any at all?
We all know the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”; can this apply to doggies too? The answer is yes – and no!
There are many types of fruit that have great health benefits for your furry friend, such as providing your pup with antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, as well as providing your pup with fibre to aid their digestive systems. And the best part is that fruit can be given to your doggie in several fun ways, such as a fruit pup-sicle on a hot, summer’s day or a fruit smoothie for your dog to lap up!
Now before you start adding a fruit salad to your pawfect pet’s diet, it is very important to note that whilst some types of fruit are fantastic additions to your dog’s daily meals, some can be harmful and should be avoided.
To steer clear of any confusion and pain for both you and Fluffy, we have put together a list of fruits that your pup can eat. Read on to learn more!
What Fruits Can Dogs Eat?
1. Apples
Apples are a great fruit to feed to your pup to help clean their teeth and freshen their breath (we all know how much doggies need this!). Apples contain vitamin A, vitamin C and are a fantastic source of fibre, which is great for your pup’s digestive system.
Read this: 4 Home Remedies for Your Dog’s Upset Stomach!
Apples are low in fat and protein, which makes them the perfect snack for elderly dogs. It is super-duper important to remove all the apple seeds, as these contain a small amount of a sneaky chemical called cyanide which is harmful to dogs, and they pose a choking hazard.
2. Bananas
Bananas are a wonderful snack for your pawfect pal as they contain high amounts of potassium, fibre and vitamin C, and are great to take along on a walk through the park (they come with the packaging!). Bananas do, however, contain a high amount of sugar and therefore should only be given to your dog as a once-in-a-while treat, rather than a staple in their diet.
3. Watermelon
Biting into a crisp, juicy watermelon slice is bliss on hot, summer’s day, and your pup will agree! Watermelon is packed with antioxidants, vitamin A, B-6 and C and is incredibly hydrating, which makes this a perfect snack for dogs in the South African climate. Be sure to remove the rind and the seeds before giving them to your dog, as these are difficult for them to digest.
Discover: 5 strange dog eating habits and what they mean about your pup
4. Strawberries
Strawberries are just for celebrating Wimbledon, they are a good everyday snack for your pup too! Strawberries are bursting with antioxidants, vitamin C, B-6, K and E and provide a big boost to your pooch’s immune system. Strawberries also function as a natural anti-inflammatory, making this a great fruit to give to ageing dogs. Be sure to cut off the leaves and cut them up into bite-sized pieces before giving them to your dog.
5. Papaya
Many South Africans have a Papaya tree in their garden that the monkeys and your dog love! The good news is that Papaya has a wide range of benefits for your dog, from promoting heart and eye heart to boosting your puppy’s immune system and aiding digestion. Try and get to the fallen Papayas in your garden first, so that you can remove the skin and seeds before feeding to your four-legged friend!
6. Peaches
Bite-sized pieces of fresh or frozen peaches provide your furry friend with fibre and vitamin A and can help fight off infection. It is essential that you remove the peach pip as this contains cyanide and can be very dangerous for your dog to ingest. Peaches should definitely be added to your dog’s snack list this summer, but be sure to skip the canned peaches, as these are drenched in syrup and opt for fresh or frozen.
5 Fruits That Are on the No-No List
As a responsible pet parent, you better brush up your knowledge of the fruits that can be dangerous for your pup to eat:
- Cherries
- Lemons
- Plums
- Avocado (yep, it’s classified as a fruit!)
- Grapes
Whilst it is fun to give your pup treats, you need to remember to always check on your dog after giving them a new type of food, especially if your furry friend is still a puppy. Puppies’ stomachs are still growing and are often sensitive to new types of foods.
And one last tip before you leave, always apply the 10% rule when giving your four-legged friend treats; snacks and treats should only make up 10% of your pup’s calorie intake. Ensure to stick to this to avoid owning a chubby puppy!
Read next: How Quality Nutrition & Pet Insurance Can Improve Your Pet’s Life
