Who doesn’t love a cold watermelon on a hot summer day? I know I do
Truth is, your furry friend probably does too. A dog's body temperature averages at about 101°-102° degrees Fahrenheit, in comparison to humans who average around 97°-99°.
Now we all hear our parents or teachers tell us, “eat your fruits and veggies if you want to grow up strong and healthy.” Well, the same logic does not necessarily apply to your dog.
So before you go on feeding them your favorite produce, make sure it is safe for them to eat it and which fruits are better than others.
Unsafe Fruits
- Grapes & Raisins
Major no-no. Although they look small and harmless, grapes are one of the most dangerous fruits for dogs. They contain toxins that can cause vomiting or even acute kidney failure for your pooch.
Raisins, the fruit that looks like your thumb after you spent the whole day in the pool, also known as dried grapes are no good either.
- Cherries
Ah, the cherry on top. Not for your dog.
Although not necessarily harmful to humans, cherry pits, leaves and stems contain cyanide. Even if you don’t know what cyanide is, it doesn’t sound any good.
Cyanide is an extremely poisonous chemical that causes oxygen flow to your dog’s blood cells to stop. Some symptoms of cyanide poisoning include labored breathing, dilated pupils, drooling, vomiting and death.
Moral of the story, keep cherries far away from your best friend.
- Avodaco
The avocado has become a staple of human health in the US and around the world. 6.25 billion avocadoes were consumed in the US in 2020. In 2014, that number was 3.81 billion.
Dogs can not eat avocadoes whatsoever. The outer skin, pit, and inner part of the avocado contain the toxin persin. For dogs, persin can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
- Tomatoes
Is this even a fruit? Nobody knows
Although when nice and ripe they aren’t dangerous for dogs, the stems and unripe fruit can be toxic. Solanine, the toxin found in tomatoes, can cause your pooch to have trouble breathing, heart problems, and stomach issues.
So if you are growing tomatoes in your backyard, make sure they aren’t at paws' reach.
If you are worried your dog consumed any of these dangerous items, call your veterinarian right away and make sure to keep an eye out for any of the symptoms mentioned above.
Safe & Healthy Fruits
Now on to the good stuff!
- Apples
“An apple a day keeps the vet away.” Or something like that.
Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and fiber are all great reasons why your dog can consume apples with no problem.
Maybe throw in a little peanut butter on there, and you got yourself the ultimate dog snack. Make sure they aren’t eating the seeds and core though. Duh.
- Bananas
Strawberries are not berries, bananas are. Bet you didn’t know that, huh? (I didn’t either until today, don't worry)
Bananas are a great source of potassium, fiber, biotin, Vitamin B6 and C, and copper. They are also low in calories and sodium, but high in sugar.
- Blueberries & Raspberries
The berries.
Blueberries are tiny, yet juicy and full of antioxidants that keep your dog’s cells healthy. Like some of the other fruits we mentioned, they are also a great source of fiber for dogs (or hoomans) having digestive issues.
Raspberries also contain antioxidants and strong amounts of fiber, but unlike blueberries, they contain Vitamin C and manganese. They also contain anti-inflammatory properties to help with older pooches’ joints. Did you know that Dr Woow Allergy and Immunity contain Betta Berries? Read more here.
Remember, like with anything in life, moderation is key!
- Cantaloupe
Good ole Cantalupo, as it was priorly known in 1700s Italy.
Cantalupos are full of nutrients, and fiber (again), and are a great alternative way of hydrating your dog.
However, they do contain a lot of sugar, so be careful with how much you are giving your pooch, especially if they are already on the heavier side or have other health issues.
- Cucumbers
Another great alternative hydrator, Cucumbers are ~95% water.
They also contain potassium, copper, magnesium, and biotin, and are full of Vitamin C, B1, and K. Even better, they barely store fats, oils, or carbs.
They are also just a refreshing snack for humans and dogs alike on a sunny day.
- Mangoes & Oranges
Apples and oranges, mangoes and oranges, same-same.
Mangoes are Phillip and I’s favorite. In moderation, of course, we’re watching our weight.
These sweet delicacies are full of potassium, beta and alpha-carotene, and juiced with Vitamin A, B6, C, and E. Like with some of the others though, be careful with the dangerous cyanide pit.
Oranges are also a great source of …. You guessed it, fiber, potassium, and Vitamin C. How original, oranges.
Make sure to peel the orange, remove the seeds, and you have yourself another refreshing afternoon snack for your furry friend.
- Peaches & Pears
Fuzzy peaches are full of Vitamin A and fiber for your fuzzy friend. Just be careful with the cyanide-containing pit, and don’t forget to celebrate National Peach Month this August!
Pear seeds also contain cyanide, so make sure to remove them along with the pit. Aside from that, pears are packed with Vitamin C and K, fiber, and copper.
With both of these fruits, avoid the canned alternatives as they are usually full of sugar and other unhealthy ingredients.
- Pineapple
Spongebob’s house is loaded with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. A key difference from other fruits mentioned is that it contains bromelain, which facilitates protein absorption in dogs.
Of course, make sure to chop it up first.
- Strawberries
The false berry is unique because it contains malic acid, which helps whiten dogs’ teeth as they eat them. They also contain Vitamin C, and our favorite, fiber.
As you may know, strawberries are quite sweet, so small amounts of it is key here as well.
- Watermelon
We made it to the people’s champion, the delicious watermelon. Nothing quite like it.
Aside from their refreshing qualities, watermelons are a great source of potassium, Vitamin A, B-6, and C.
Make sure to remove the seeds and outer shell, and prepare yourself for a happy pooch.
Before you go on a fruit-feeding frenzy, we want to reiterate that with most of these fruits, moderation is essential to having a healthy dog, and fruits can not completely replace all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals your pup needs for ultimate health.
