What Fruits Can Dogs Eat? A Guide to Safe and Unsafe Options
While some fruits (such as apples, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, and watermelon) make great occasional snacks for your dog, others (grapes and tomatoes, for example) can cause stomach problems and even severe medical issues.
Feed your dog fruit with confidence. Our guide helps you distinguish between safe, healthy treats and fruits that could be harmful, ensuring your pet's safety.
Keep in mind that the safety of fruit changes from dog to dog. Their age, weight, breed, health, allergies, and current diet have a huge effect on what’s appropriate and safe.
Always talk to your veterinarian before introducing any fruit (or any new food, for that matter) into your dog’s diet. Even small amounts of something that doesn’t suit them can affect their health.
Key Takeaways
- Apples, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, mango, pineapple, and oranges are generally safe for most dogs when prepared correctly, cut into small pieces, and served in moderation.
- Grapes, raisins, cherries, avocados, tomatoes, and limes can be toxic to dogs even in very small quantities. Never give these fruits to your dog.
- If you choose to give your dog fruit, do so only occasionally. It should never replace a complete and balanced dog food.
- Always follow your veterinarian’s advice regarding how much fruit to give your dog.
- If your dog eats a dangerous fruit or has digestive issues after trying something new, contact your veterinarian right away.
Safe Versus Unsafe Fruits for Dogs: Cheat Sheet
If you’re not sure what’s okay to share with your dog, fruit can look like a safe choice. However, while some fruits are generally safe for most dogs, others aren’t. Here’s a quick breakdown.
Fruit | Generally Safe? | Important Considerations |
Apples | Yes | Remove seeds/core Only skin and meat are safe |
Bananas | Yes | High sugar content Small portions recommended |
Blueberries | Yes | Low in calories Easy to portion |
Strawberries | Yes | Natural sugars require moderation |
Watermelon | Yes | Remove seeds and rind Very high-water content |
Cantaloupe | Yes | High sugar content Unsuitable for diabetic dogs |
Mango | Yes | High sugar content Remove pit and skin |
Pineapple | Yes | Remove core and skin Can aid digestion |
Oranges | Yes | High in citric acid Some dogs dislike citrus |
Grapes/Raisins | No | Toxic Can cause kidney failure |
Cherries | No | Toxic Pits contain cyanide |
Avocado | No | Toxic Skin and pit contain persin (poisonous to dogs) |
Currants | No | Toxic Related to grapes |
Green Tomatoes | No | Toxic Contains solanine (poisonous to dogs) |
Can Dogs Eat Fruit?
Table of Contents
Apples
Apples are full of fiber and vitamins A and C and can help support your dog's digestion.
The seeds and core contain a natural chemical that releases cyanide when digested, so always remove these parts before feeding your dog an apple. And stick to fresh slices instead of the sugary dried option.
Bananas
Bananas offer potassium and vitamins, but their high sugar content means they should be served in moderation and are best for active dogs with no health issues.
The peel is very difficult to digest, so always remove it before giving the soft insides to your dog.
Blueberries
These tiny superfoods are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins C and K. They’re also low in calories, making them a great training reward that won’t affect your dog’s weight like some other fruits.
Strawberries
Strawberries are a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants. They even contain a natural enzyme that can help freshen your dog’s breath!
The leaves and stems of the strawberry are safe but keep portions small to manage your dog’s intake of natural sugar.
Watermelon
Watermelon is a great treat option because it’s 92% water and is full of vitamins A, B6, and C. However, the seeds can cause an upset stomach, and too much rind can result in painful digestive blockage, so always remove these parts of the fruit before giving the rest to your dog.
Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe is rich in beta-carotene and fiber, but its high sugar content needs careful portioning. While the sweet aroma is tempting for dogs, be sure to remove the seeds and the tough rind, which can be a dangerous choking hazard.
Mango
Mangoes are soft, fiber-rich treats full of essential vitamins. However, you must always remove the large pit, which is a major choking risk and contains traces of cyanide. Because mangoes are very sweet, serve them only as an occasional snack.
Pineapple
Fresh pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that can help your dog digest protein. Pineapple also supports bone health.
Always remove the prickly skin and tough core, and avoid canned versions because the heavy syrup contains far too much added sugar for a healthy diet.
Oranges
Oranges offer vitamin C and potassium, though many dogs dislike the strong citrus scent and flavor. If your dog enjoys oranges, only feed them the flesh and take out the seeds and peel.
Fruits That Are Unsafe for Dogs To Eat
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins are extremely toxic and can cause sudden kidney failure. Because the exact cause of this reaction is unknown, even a tiny amount is dangerous. If your dog eats either of these fruits, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Cherries
Cherries are unsafe for dogs because the pits contain cyanide and pose a serious choking hazard. While the flesh of a cherry isn't as dangerous as the pit, it can cause intestinal blockages.
Avocado
Keep all parts of the avocado away from your dog. The skin, leaves, and pit contain persin, which causes vomiting and diarrhea. Additionally, the large pit is a major choking hazard, and the high fat content can upset digestion.
Tomatoes
While ripe red tomatoes are generally safe for most dogs in small moderation, green tomatoes (and the vines themselves) contain toxic solanine. Solanine can cause breathing issues and heart trouble. It’s best to avoid feeding your dog all types of tomatoes just to be safe.
Keep tomato plants fenced off so your dog doesn’t accidentally eat a green one. Call your veterinarian right away if they do.
Limes
Avoid feeding your dog limes. The fruit contains high citric acid and the rind contains citric oil. Both of these can cause stomach upset, and large amounts can impair your dog’s coordination.
Choose Complete Nutrition for Your Dog
Fruit can make a fun occasional treat, but your dog's everyday nutrition matters most. A complete and balanced dog food provides the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients they need to thrive, without the guesswork of mixing treats into meals.
NUTRO™ Dog Food is crafted with high-quality protein sources as the foundation of every recipe, plus vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients and no artificial flavors or colors.
Whether your dog needs support for healthy digestion, weight management, or simply loves great taste, you’ll find select formulas designed to address specific nutritional needs based on your dog’s life stage or lifestyle from the NUTRO™ Brand.
Contributor
Dena Bley is a registered veterinary technician with 25 years of experience and Sr. Expert Advice Team member. She began her career as a researcher at P&G before joining the Pet Health and Wellness Team at Mars 2014. With deep roots in Ohio, Dena brings over a decade of research experience and a passion for animal care, complemented by her hands-on work with a variety of animals on her family’s small farm.
References
- https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets
- https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/garlic-and-onion-allium-spp-toxicosis-in-animals
- https://www.preventivevet.com/pets/safe-vegetables-for-dogs-and-cats
- https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poisons/