8 Fruits You Can Enjoy With Your Dog

It’s a hot, sunny day and you, and your pooch are lying by the pool, soaking up all of those warm rays. You feel a little peckish and remember that big plate of fruit that is sitting in the refrigerator. But what about the pup?

I have good news for you! Most fruits are just as good for your dog as they are for you! Filled with a variety of vitamins and minerals, fruit can provide your dog with a number of nutrients that it won’t get from a typical all-meat dog diet.

Served in moderation, the following eight fruits are great snacks that you and your dog can enjoy together. There are a few precautions, though, so make sure you read the following points before letting your pooch dig into that big plate of fruity goodness!

Fruits That Are Good for Dogs to Eat

1. Apple

Apples are considered to be in the ‘you can give it to your dog but not every day’ pile. Although rich in numerous nutrients, vitamins and minerals, in particular, Vitamins K and C, calcium, and soluble fiber, the seeds, core and stem of an apple can be even more toxic to dogs than they can to us.

The seeds, core, and stem of an apple contains cyanide, so it’s important to remove all of these from the fruit before giving it to your dog. Once you’ve done this, it is safe for your dog to start munching away. It has been known that the tough, fibrous nature of the apple is even good to clean your dog’s teeth! Bonus!

2. Banana

As bananas are for us, they are also an excellent source of fiber for dogs. The fiber and natural enzymes in bananas make them an ideal snack for dogs that have inflamed colons or bowel problems, or even dogs that use the doggy restroom irregularly. The fiber will get things moving in your pooch’s belly and have him/her feeling a lot better!

It’s not recommended to give your dog too many bananas as this could cause constipation. However, 1-2 a day is a reasonable serving. Bananas are also a great source of Vitamins B, C, and potassium.

3. Strawberries

Strawberries are definitely one of those fruits that are made to share. They are a ‘one for me, one for you’ type of snack, and my dog loves them! In moderation, strawberries are a great source of fiber, vitamins and antioxidants for your dog, but just don’t go giving them a whole container!

I always remove the stem and leaves from the strawberry because I don’t like the texture in my mouth. Neither will your dog and it also won’t be easy for them to digest. Simply remove this part of the fruit, and strawberries can be you and your dog’s date night dessert!

4. Orange

As we tend to eat oranges to boost our Vitamin C levels, a small amount of this citrus fruit can also be good for your dog. Having a positive effect on their immune system, a large dog could be given one whole orange, whereas smaller dogs shouldn’t be given more than a third.

If your dog has been diagnosed as diabetic or has a specific diet plan, however, be sure to consider the high levels of sugar in oranges. It is also recommended to remove the rind, core and any seeds from an orange before giving it to your pet, as these could be hard for them to digest.

5. Pineapple

Pineapples have a lot of great medicinal benefits for dogs suffering with dog coprophagia; a condition where your dog eats its own poop because of their digestive system isn’t absorbing enough nutrients the first time around. The bromelain found most predominantly in the pineapple’s core, is an enzyme that makes it easier for the digestive system to break down proteins and absorb the nutrients that your dog requires from its food.

The pineapple also changes the smell and consistency of the poop, inevitably discouraging your dog from wanting to eat it. Pineapples are also rich in Vitamin C and Manganese. It is important that you don’t give your dog more than 2-3 small pieces of pineapple per day. And always remove the leaves and skin of the fruit.

6. Watermelon

Watermelon is another fruit that my dog will beg for every time! Whether it’s because of the sweetness, the large amount of water stored in watermelon, or it reminds him of summer; no matter what, he always wants some! The way I keep him happy is by cutting the watermelon up into quarters. Taking one quarter wedge, I eat most of the fleshy top while making sure all the seeds are gone, and then giving him the bottom half of the flesh.

It isn’t recommended to let your dog eat the rind, as it can be detrimental to their digestive system. I just watch him munch off all the flesh and quickly snatch it off him before he starts gnawing at the rind!

7. Mango

Have you ever thought about maybe giving your dog the seed of a mango to suck instead of just throwing it away? Although it might amuse your pet for a few minutes, and even if you are watching them, it isn’t recommended to give your dog the seed of a mango in case they do choke on it.

Due to the size of the seed, it will most certainly get stuck in your dog’s esophagus if swallowed. However, you can most certainly share the delicious flesh with your dog! Like all the other fruits, as long as you serve it to your pet in moderation and your dog enjoys eating mango, use it as a healthy snack or treat!

8. Pear

Pears are part of the apple family, so you can treat them very much the same way. Rich in many of the vitamins and minerals that can be absent in dog foods, pears are a great snack for your dog.

It is just very important to remember to remove the seeds, stem and core from the pear before giving it to your dog to eat. Not only do they contain cyanide which is toxic for dogs and humans, they will be difficult for your dog to pass and can be a choking hazard.

Not just a healthy treat for you to enjoy, fruit is also a great alternative snack for your dog! Just remember that dogs weren’t built to eat too many fruits or vegetable, so don’t give them more than a few slices of apple or a small handful of strawberries. Served in moderation and using the correct precautions to ensure your pooch is safe from harm; fruit is an effective way to keep your dog healthy and strong.

See more fruits and veggies you can share with your pet here.

About the Author: Michele Hersh is a dog lover, writer and blogger. She mostly writes about dog food and nutrition based on her own experience. She is a nurse and lives with her husband and a cute Beagle puppy. Visit her website peanutpaws.com.