A list of fruits that puppies can eat. Here are some examples: Apples, bananas, raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries. However, you must be careful when feeding these fruits to your puppy as they may interact with certain medications the dog is on. It is important to note that the majority of these fruits are safe for dogs.
Fruits & Vegetables Dogs Can Eat (with Infographic)
In general, fruits and vegetables are healthy for humans. But not all of them are actually good for our dogs. Of course, dogs love a good human snack, and it’s fun to give them a treat now and then, but it’s critical to know what is good and what is bad for your dog.
We’ll go over which fruit and veggies are good for your dog, the ones that should only be given to them on occasion, and what kinds you need to avoid entirely.
How Much Fruit/Vegetables Should My Dog Eat Each Day?
To start, dogs don’t actually require any fruit or veggies as a part of their diet. If given the right kind of vegetables and fruit, it won’t hurt them as a snack, but it shouldn’t be more than 10% of the daily calories for your dog.
As long as your dog is eating a nutritious and well-balanced diet, then extra fruit and veggies are unnecessary, so it’s best to use them for a treat rather than as a part of your dog’s diet.
9 Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can Safely Eat
1.Apples
- Good for: Vitamins A and C, high fiber, low fat
- Prep: Cut out core and remove seeds before serving
The core and seeds contain small amounts of cyanide, so it’s very important to cut as much of the core out as possible.
2.Blueberries
- Good for: Vitamins C and K, low calorie, high fiber, antioxidants
- Prep: Cut larger berries up if you have a small dog
Be sure to wash them thoroughly, and they can be given fresh or frozen.
3.Cucumbers
- Good for: Vitamins C, K, and B1, magnesium, low in carbs, calories, and fat
- Prep: Cut into small bites
Cucumbers are great for overweight dogs as they are super low in calories and contain about 96% water.
4.Peaches
- Good for: Vitamins A and C, high fiber, antioxidants
- Prep: Remove pit and cut around the pit area
Like some of the other fruits on our list, the pit contains cyanide, so it’s important to remove the pit (which can also be a choking hazard) and cut the flesh out of the pit area as well. Cut them up into chunks, or they can be given frozen as well.
5.Pears
Good for: Vitamins C and K, high fiber, copper
Prep: Remove seeds and core
Cut the pears into bite-sized chunks and be sure to remove the core and seeds (cyanide again).
6.Watermelon
- Good for: Vitamins A, C, and B6, potassium
- Prep: Remove the rind and seeds
Watermelon is an excellent way to hydrate your dog as it’s 92% water! Be sure to remove the rind and all seeds as they can potentially cause intestinal blockage.
7.Carrots
- Good for: Vitamin A, beta-carotene, high in fiber
- Prep: Cut into bite-size pieces
Carrots are low-calorie, and their crunchiness makes them great for your dog’s teeth.
8.Celery
- Good for: Vitamins A, B, and C, antioxidants
- Prep: Cut into small pieces
Celery is great for doggy breath, but it needs to be cut into small pieces because the strings in the celery can be a choking hazard for small dogs.
9.Green Beans
- Good for: High fiber, low calorie, protein
- Prep: Cut into pieces
Green beans can be served frozen, fresh, or even canned, as long as they don’t contain any salt.
10.Bananas
Good for: High in potassium, vitamins, fiber, copper
Prep: Peel and cut into small chunks
Bananas are a great snack for a dog, but they do have a high sugar content so bananas should only be given as an occasional treat.
What Fruits Can Dogs Eat?
Discover our range of dog food
Worried your pet may have eaten something they shouldn’t?
Is your fruit bowl constantly watched by those prying canine eyes? If your dog is keen to try every fruit you bring home, it’s worth checking which ones are actually safe for them to eat, so you can avoid an emergency trip to the vet. Here are some of the safest options you can choose.
Some are sweet, some are sour, but they’re all delicious, low in calories and packed with many of the vital nutrients our bodies rely on. Fruits are one of the best parts of a healthy diet for us humans, so it’s natural to want to share all of that goodness with our canine companions. But does the ‘five a day’ mantra apply to our dogs too?
Dogs are omnivores, which means their diet should include both meat and plant-based foods. However, if you feed your canine companion a complete and balanced dog food, this should contain all the nutrients they need and they won’t require any extra fruit or veg to keep them healthy.
Fruit can be a great way to treat your dog though, but it’s important to remember that the high sugar content means it’s more appropriate as an occasional treat than a daily indulgence. So, as long as you offer them in moderation, your dog can enjoy some of your favourite fruits too! If you’re wondering what fruits are safe for dogs to eat, here are a few ideas to help you decide what to add to your shopping list.
Apples
Remove the core and the seeds and you’ve got a great fruit snack ready for your dog to enjoy. Apples are high in vitamins A and C, and there’s a good amount of fibre in each serving, making it one of the best types of fruit to offer to your dog. Do bear in mind that apple seeds contain a tiny amount of cyanide which is toxic to your pet (and to humans, but the quantity is too small for us to worry about). Make sure you remove the seeds and cut the apple into small pieces your dog can easily handle. It’s important not to feed too large chunks, as they could be a choking hazard for your pet.
Bananas
When we’re considering what fruits are good for dogs, many of us think of bananas straight away. Containing a fantastic range of nutrients from potassium to fibre and vitamins, bananas make a great treat for humans and dogs alike. However, they’re also high in sugar which means it’s best to only give your pet a little bit at once, and just very occasionally as a reward for those really good deeds. Keep the banana peel out of their reach though, as it can be difficult for canine stomachs to digest. Chop the fruit up into bite-sized pieces for your pup to enjoy.
Blueberries
This fruit is not only tasty and full of antioxidants and vitamins, but also comes in handy bite-sized pieces! This means there’s no need to chop blueberries up for your dog, but do be mindful that they can potentially be a choking hazard for excited pets. Mashing them up can help avoid this risk, and it’s recommended to do this particularly for smaller breeds.
Although blueberries aren’t a necessary addition to your dog’s diet, you can satisfy your dog’s curiosity and offer them as a treat every once in a while. As long as they’re fed in moderation, blueberries won’t pose a risk to your dog’s health. Find out more from our handy article can dogs eat blueberries.
Mango
Another sweet treat, perfect for summer days, mango can be enjoyed by our canine friends too. But don’t forget to remove the hard pit before offering it to your pet. It’s also best to peel off the skin, as this can be a bit hard to digest. Cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces and offer it in moderation to your canine friend as a delicious treat.
Oranges
This well-known citrus fruit might not be to every furry friend’s taste, but if it looks like your dog is a fan, you can safely feed them a bit of orange – minus the peel and the seeds. Oranges aren’t just a tasty treat, they’re also full of vitamin C, fibre and potassium too! However, it’s important to keep an eye on the quantity you’re offering, as this fruit is high in sugar, which can encourage weight gain. This fruit can also upset the stomach of some dogs, so it’s important to only feed a little bit to start with. Find out more in our article can dogs eat oranges.
Peaches
As long as they’re fresh and not straight out of a can, peaches are another great fruit you can safely feed to your dog. As with any stoned fruit, make sure you remove the hard pit before it goes in your dog’s food bowl. Two or three small pieces offered for especially good behaviour is the perfect way for your furry companion to enjoy this summer fruit.
Pears
Bursting with vitamins C and K plus lots of fibre, pears are one of the best ‘five a day’ choices for us humans. When it comes to what fruits are good for dogs, pears are on the safe and nutritious list for our pets too. Remove the seeds, cut the fruit into bite-sized chunks and let your dog dig in.
Pineapple
There’s plenty to love about this tropical fruit, from the refreshing taste to the vitamins, minerals and fibre it has to offer. But is it also on the list of fruits and veggies for dogs? Well, pineapple is not toxic for dogs, but the high sugar content means it’s generally better avoided. If you decide to give a couple of bites to your canine friend on rare occasions, it’s important to avoid the indigestible core or the skin of the fruit, as these could potentially cause intestinal obstructions. Just give a little of the fleshy part of the fruit and cut it into small bite-sized pieces – find out more about feeding pineapple to your dog by reading our quick guide.
Strawberries
These red little berries are a favourite in many households and if dogs are present, they might develop a fondness for this summer fruit too. The good news is that strawberries have no toxic substances that dog owners should worry about. But their sugar content can create health problems if this fruit ends up on your dog’s menu too often. Particularly if your dog is small, it’s worth cutting these fruits up into little pieces to minimise the risk of choking. Find out more about how to feed strawberries to your dog in our guide.
Watermelon
Watermelon, minus the rind and the seeds, is another fruit you can safely offer to you dog. Plus, it’s over 90% water, making it a tasty source of extra hydration in those hot summer months. Did we mention it’s also packed with potassium and vitamins? Offer watermelon to your pet in two or three bite-sized chunks and watch them enjoy this refreshing treat.
Always remember that if you’re in any doubt over what fruits your dog can eat, it’s best to check with your vet, especially if your dog is overweight, suffering from diabetes or a particular digestive problem.
Want to find out more about other human foods and whether your dog will be safe trying them out? Our simple daily feeding guides will dispel common myths and mysteries and help you find the answers you’re looking for.
10 Human Foods Dogs Can Eat
According to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, no more than 10% of your dog’s diet should consist of treats, including human food. Just because a food is good for us doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe for dogs.
Keep in mind that every dog is different, so try any new food in small amounts. If your dog has a reaction, consult a veterinarian. The consequences of feeding your dog the wrong food can range from loss of appetite to heart damage or even death.
Here’s a list of dog-approved people foods, as well as several items you should never share with your canine companion.
Foods That Dogs Can Eat
If you want to give your dog a few treats from your kitchen, start with a small amount and watch for sensitivity. Keep in mind that treats and snacks—even healthy ones—should only be a small part of a dog’s balanced diet. This list of human foods that are good for dogs is not comprehensive, but it’s a good place to start if you’re looking for a healthy treat to share with your pup.
Yogurt
High in protein and calcium, plain yogurt is an ideal treat for dogs, especially if your pooch suffers from digestion problems. Make sure you opt for yogurts that don’t contain fruit, added sugar, or artificial sweeteners, including xylitol.
To avoid added fat, which can cause gastrointestinal distress in dogs, opt for Greek or regular, low- or non-fat plain yogurt. If your dog is lactose intolerant, skip the yogurt altogether.
Chicken
If your dog requires extra protein in its diet, cooked, unseasoned chicken is an easy addition to its regular food. A serving no larger than one half ounce of baked, boneless chicken is appropriate. Make sure you only serve your dog chicken that has been thoroughly cooked. According to the AVMA, raw or undercooked meat, including chicken, can cause the same pathogens humans’ contract by eating undercooked meat, including Salmonella, E.coli, and Listeria.
It’s also important to make sure that your pup isn’t allergic to chicken. Protein, including chicken, is a common allergen that causes an adverse reaction in some dogs.
Salmon
Dogs can benefit from omega 3 fatty acids too, so slip some cooked salmon into the food bowl for a healthier, shinier coat. You should only serve your dog salmon that has been either poached, grilled, baked, or steamed with no seasonings or added oil. Never serve raw or undercooked salmon to your dog. Salmon can become infected with a parasite that causes poisoning in dogs.
Check any fish prior to serving for bones, as even small bones can cause choking or damage to a dog’s internal organs.
Broccoli
This vitamin-rich vegetable can be a great occasional nutrition boost for dogs. However, it should only be offered in small quantities as broccoli can cause gastrointestinal irritation
Small pieces of broccoli can be served raw or cooked, with no added seasoning or oil. Broccolis talks can be a choking hazard, so make sure to cut up the stems before giving them to your dog.
Pumpkin
You can serve your dog raw or canned pumpkin as an additional source of fiber and vitamin A. It’s also a helpful addition to a doggie’s diet if your pooch is experiencing digestion problems.
Canned pumpkin can help dogs with mild diarrhea or constipation. Depending on the size of the dog, up to one to four tablespoons of pumpkin can be added to a dog’s regular canned food to help alleviate constipation.
Other Cheeses
In small quantities, cheese is a great treat for pets, says the American Kennel Club, as long as your dog isn’t lactose intolerant. Choose plain, low-salt, low-fat cheese options like mozzarella and goat cheese to avoid increasing the amount of salt and fat in your dog’s diet.
Because most dogs enjoy it so much, owners often find that cheese is a great place to hide medications. However, cheese (and other milk products) should not be given with antibiotics as the high amounts of calcium can prevent proper absorption of the medication.
Eggs
If your pooch needs a protein boost, scramble or hard cook an occasional egg for a healthy snack. Eggs are high in protein, but they’re also high in fat, so don’t feed them to your pet too often.Due to the risk of illness due to Salmonella contamination, never feed raw or undercooked eggs to your dog.
Bananas
High in potassium and vitamins B6 and C, bananas are a healthy treat to share with your pup. You can offer your dog small slices of banana, or you can mash it up and mix it with your dog’s regular food. Banana peels are hard to digest, and should not be given to dogs.
Bananas are also a gentle food that can be a soothing treat for a dog with an upset stomach.
Apples
A few chopped up pieces of apple is a great snack for dogs. Remove the core and seeds before offering the fruit to your pup. While cyanide poisoning from the consumption of apple seeds is rare, it is best to avoid the risk by removing all seeds
Apples add fiber and vitamins to your dog’s diet, and are a sweet, satisfying, low calorie treat. An added benefit is that crunching on apples helps keep your dog’s teeth healthy.
Strawberries
Another delicious vitamin-rich fruit treat for your canine companion is strawberries. Remove stems, wash, and cut up fresh strawberries before serving them to your pup. Do not use frozen or canned strawberries that contain added sugar and artificial ingredients
For a refreshing snack, you can also freeze strawberries before offering them to your dog. As with any treat, make sure that strawberries do not constitute more than 10% of your dog’s diet.