With summer approaching, we can finally look forward to having many fresh and tasty fruits, which are not only extremely healthy, but also very delicious.
Everyone knows that you need to include various types of fruits and vegetables in your diet if you want to lead a healthy life, but is this the same for dogs?
Some might think that if it’s so healthy for humans, it also must be for our furry children. Well, this is where things get a bit complicated.
Most fruits are very healthy for dogs, and they provide them with many health benefits, but then there is a small amount of fruits that are completely opposite, and sadly, very toxic to doggos.
To avoid accidentally harming your dog, it is necessary to know exactly which fruits are safe for our beloved pups and which are, on the other hand, completely toxic.
Summer Fruits SAFE For Dogs
#1 Watermelon
With its high water content, watermelon is a great summer fruit for hydration. It is low in calories, but very rich in potassium and vitamins A, B6, and C.
Also, it does not contain any fat or cholesterol, and it’s good for a dog’s urinary tract and kidneys. Most dogs enjoy the taste of this people’s favorite summer fruit, which thus makes watermelon a wonderful snack.
Before you give this fruit to your dog, make sure that you remove all the seeds because they can be a choking hazard for pups. Also remove the rind because it can be hard for dogs to digest, and thus, cause obstruction.
Keep in mind that although this is an excellent and healthy treat for dogs, it still should be offered to dogs in healthy moderation.
#2 Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe can be a very healthy treat option for your pup. It is low in calories, but rich in vitamins A, B6, and C, as well as fibers, beta-carotene, and folic acid.
Just as with watermelon, you should remove the seeds and the rind before you give this fruit to your pup because they can cause digestive problems and choking hazards.
There is no danger to dogs when eating cantaloupe, but they should only be given this as treats or as snacks occasionally. It shouldn’t be a staple in your dog’s diet because it contains a high amount of natural sugar.
However, if your dog loves it, there is no harm in sharing with him small pieces of this fruit snack.
#3 Blueberries
Blueberries are also one of the great low-calorie treats that are completely safe for your dog. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. [1]
This fruit, which is often also called a “superfood” is a great snack for dogs just as it is for humans.
You can offer fresh blueberries to your dog as a treat, mix them in your dog’s food, or freeze them for a refreshing summer snack. In addition to them being a treat for your dog, you can also use this fruit as a training tool.
But, do not overdo it. This fruit is high in fiber and if you give your dog too many blueberries every day, you can actually upset his stomach or cause diarrhea.
#4 Mangoes
Finally, my favorite fruit. I absolutely love mangoes, and I am so happy that this fruit is safe to share with dogs. They are a great treat for your dog as they are filled with different vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium and potassium.
All of this helps improve your dog’s overall health and immune system.
However, you should be careful that you give your dog only a little bit of mango at a time since it contains a lot of natural sugar.
Also, make sure that you remove the pit of the mango and the peel, and that you feed the dog only the edible flesh part since anything else can be quite a choking hazard.
#5 Honeydew Melon
Just like watermelon, a honeydew melon, with its high water content, makes a great hydrating treat for all dogs. It is rich in vitamins (A, E, B6, and C), as well as antioxidants and minerals.
This fruit is also low in calories and rich in fiber content, which helps with obesity and overeating.
However, like many fruits that I have mentioned before, honeydew melon also contains a relatively high amount of natural sugar, which means that portions should be controlled.
Before feeding this fruit to your dog, remove the seeds and the rind, which can be hard to digest.
#6 Strawberries
Strawberries are the ultimate summer fruit and one of the favorites. When it comes to dogs, they are a great addition to their healthy diet.
Strawberries are high in fiber, vitamin C, and other antioxidants, and they contain an enzyme that helps whiten the dog’s teeth and improve his dental health.
They’re also high in natural sugar, so keep that in mind. Before you give strawberries to your dog, remove the stem and consider chopping them in half if they are big.
Most dogs also love eating strawberries, so it’s a win-win situation.
#7 Pineapple
Pineapples are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and they contain a type of enzyme called bromelain, which helps dogs absorb proteins.
It is always better to give your dog a fresh pineapple rather than a canned one because canned ones usually contain added sugars and preservatives.
When giving pineapple to your dog, remove the tough outside skin, core, and crown because they are difficult to swallow and digest. Try to cut the pineapple into smaller, bite-sized pieces, which will be easier for your dog to chew.
And, just like with the rest of the summer fruits on this list, be careful of natural sugars and feeding your dog too much of this fruit.
Summer Fruits NOT SAFE For Dogs
#1 Grapes And Raisins
Both grapes and raisins are very toxic to dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds, and they can lead to acute and sudden kidney failure.
Even a small amount of grapes can be potentially fatal to dogs. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), it is yet to be determined what actually causes toxicity for dogs, but in any case, it is better to avoid this fruit altogether.
Not all dogs will have the same reaction after ingesting this fruit, but in a lot of cases, even consuming a single grape has proven to be fatal.
If you suspect that your dog might have ingested this fruit, you should immediately seek veterinary assistance.
Some signs of toxicity in dogs include:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy and abdominal pain
- Dehydration and increased urine production
#2 Cherries
Cherries are also one of the summer fruits that are very toxic for all kinds of dogs. Both the plant and the pit contain toxic cyanide, which interferes with your dog’s oxygen metabolism. [2]
Due to its size, it is very difficult to give your dog just the flesh of the fruit, which means that your dog is at greater risk of swallowing the toxic part of the fruit.
Matthew McCarthy, a DVM at Juniper Valley Animal Hospital, in Queens, New York, says that while for us, swallowing a cherry pit might be harmless, but the difference is that dogs tend to chew things pretty thoroughly. [3]
And, even if your dog swallows the pit without chewing, there is a risk of intestinal blockage. “Dogs will have dilated pupils, bright red mucous membranes, panting, difficulty breathing, and go into shock,” says McCarthy.
#3 Avocado
The pit, skin, and leaves of the avocado contain persin [4], a fungicidal toxin that causes gastrointestinal issues. As well as causing an intestinal blockage, the pit can also lead to choking.
Avocados can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and myocardial damage in dogs, and are thus better to avoid.
If your dog has ingested an avocado in any form, please consult with your veterinarian.
Related: 9 Human Foods That Are Toxic For Dogs
Consume With Caution!
#1 Oranges
Oranges are high in vitamin C and antioxidants; however, citric acid, which can be found in the peel, seeds, and stem, can be hard on your dog’s digestive system.
Also, your dog might not like the bitter taste of this citrus fruit.
If you decide to give your dog oranges, serve only the fleshy part of the fruit and only in small amounts. Don’t go overboard, especially for the first time.
#2 Peaches
When it comes to peaches, the fleshy part of the fruit is safe to consume, but the pit contains toxic cyanide, which should be removed and disposed of safely.
#3 Raspberries
Raspberries are low in sugar and calories, but high in fiber and anti-inflammatory properties, which is great for dogs.
In spite of this, dogs should only be fed raspberries in very small quantities. Due to the small amount of xylitol in them, they are toxic to dogs if consumed in large quantities.
Read next: Feed This To Your Dog If You Want Him To Live Longer
References:
[1] WebMD Editorial Contributors. (2020, September 2). Health Benefits of Blueberries. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-blueberries
[2] Clark, S. (2021). Which Fruits Are Safe for Your Dog to Eat? MedVet. https://www.medvetforpets.com/which-fruits-are-safe-for-your-dog-to-eat/
[3] LaBianca, J. (2023, April 25). These Popular Summer Fruits Are Toxic to Dogs, Experts Caution. Best Life. https://bestlifeonline.com/summer-fruit-toxic-to-dogs-news/
[4] The Scoop on Avocado and Your Pets. (2019, May 2). ASPCA. https://www.aspca.org/news/scoop-avocado-and-your-pets