Dogs and Fruit: What Dogs Can Eat and What They Can’t

Bacon gets all the glory, but dogs love fruits and vegetables too. It’s true! However, not every fruit or vegetable is safe for dogs to eat. Giving ends to our furry friends feels stupendous, so we’ve put together a guide for how to treat your pup with seasonal produce more carefully. 

Remember, we’re fruit geeks, not veterinarians. We always recommend talking with your pup’s doctor before introducing any new fruits or vegetables into their diet to be sure it’s safe for your particular dog to eat.

Whether you are looking for high value treats to train your pup or figuring out your dog’s dietary needs, here’s an easy guide for treating your dog with delicious fruits and vegetables.

Know the Nos

The good news is that there’s more fruit you can share with your dog than what you can’t. However, it’s best to understand what’s a hard-no when it comes to pooches and fruits. 

According to the American Kennel Club, certain fruits are just plain toxic to dogs and should be kept away from them at all times, no matter how sad those puppy-dog eyes look. Never feed dogs avocados, grapes, tomatoes, whole cherries, mushrooms or onions. These fruits and vegetables are considered to be toxic to dogs. If your dog does consume these, give your vet a call right away.

Then, there are inedible parts of produce that dogs physically cannot process safely. Be sure to remove all pits, seeds, rinds, peels and pithy bits to minimize the risk of your dog experiencing an internal blockage.

Moderation is Key

Dogs, like humans, are omnivores. But their nutritional needs are very different from humans. 

To treat dogs responsibly with fruit, do so in moderation. We’ve heard that treats should be no more than about 10% of your dog’s diet, but we bet your vet can give you good guidance on what’s best for your best friend.

Fruits contain varying levels of sugar, so it’s smart to keep track of how much your dog might take in. Offer fruits with lower sugar content more frequently than ones that are highly sweet. Super sweet fruits that are safe for dogs to eat, such as orange slices with the pith and peel removed, can generally be given once in a while as a high-value treat.

Doggo Favorites

You’ve talked to the vet and are laser-focused on pupper safety. Now let’s get to the fruit! 

One of the best things about having a dog is sharing a snack with them every once in a while. We’ve heard of fruit fans who bond with their dog over a morning banana, and dogs who will do just about anything for a fresh green bean. 

Here are some of the most popular fruits and vegetables that dogs love as a special treat: apples, blueberries, peas, cantaloupe, peaches, cherimoya flesh (seeds and skin removed, of course!), mangosteen, watermelon, papaya, carrots, pumpkin, strawberries and raspberries, broccoli, spinach, coconut flesh and celery. 

Fruit can be used as a low calorie training treat or as a vet-recommended addition to your dog’s everyday diet. Dog-safe fruits are not only tasty for your dog, but have the potential to add healthy fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to a healthy and balanced diet. 

With a little bit of research and easy precautionary measures, you and your dog can enjoy many different fruits together. Check out our FAQs for even more fruits you can share with your pooch!