10 Fruits to Feed (and Avoid) for a Healthy, Happy Dog

Who doesn’t love sharing their favorite foods with their beloved four-legged family member — especially when it comes to nutritious and delicious fruit? While many fruits are safe, some have special considerations regarding portion size, and others are not safe at all. Here are 10 popular fruits, with insights on their safety for dogs, the health benefits they offer and key issues before feeding them to your pet.

Important note: Veterinarians recommend supplementing about 10% of your dog’s daily diet with healthy treats. So, while many of these fruits are safe, too much of a good thing can cause digestive issues. These are not often serious and typically resolve on their own, but consult your vet if you have any concerns.

1. Bananas

Bananas are good for dogs and puppies.

The yellow fruit is packed with many essential nutrients and boasts an array of positive health benefits, including helping to reduce blood pressure and promote overall heart health.

Bananas are filled with:

• Potassium (helps with fluid balance and kidneys)

• Fiber (aids in digestion)

• Lectin (improves blood sugar and intestinal health)

• Folate/vitamin B9 (contributes to healthy cell growth)

• Vitamin C (immune booster)

• Tryptophan (an essential amino acid for regulating the sleep-wake cycle, appetite, mood and pain)

What to know before feeding bananas to your dog

• Don’t feed your dog a banana peel or any parts of a banana tree. While the banana peel isn’t toxic, it can cause intestinal upset as it is difficult to digest and it could potentially cause intestinal blockage. Contact your veterinarian if your dog swallows a peel.

• If your dog has a medical condition like diabetes, check with your veterinarian before feeding them bananas, which have a high sugar content. Also, keep in mind that the sugar can leave a small residue on your dog’s teeth that could lead to cavities.

2. Blackberries

Blackberries are safe snacks for dogs and puppies (even wild blackberries — just be careful of the thorns!).

Blackberries are not only delicious, they are also low in calories and high in fiber and vitamins. The berry contains an abundance of:

• Vitamin C (promotes a strong immune system)

• Vitamin K (for blood clotting and cardiac health)

• Vitamin E (an antioxidant)

Blackberries contain the minerals manganese (helpful for brain function) and magnesium (boosts heart and bone health) and have the highest content of the antioxidant anthocyanin (polyphenol) of any fruit. This is what causes their rich purple color and can help protect against heart disease.

In addition, blackberries have some antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that promote healthy teeth.

What to know before feeding blackberries to your dog

• Choose berries that are plump and purple, and stay away from any that are shriveled or oozing juice.

• Carefully clean and rinse fresh berries to remove pesticides or residues. Make sure the pieces are small enough for your dog to eat so they will not be a choking hazard.

• Wild berries can be safe, too — the plants, leaves and stems are not considered toxic, but be careful of the thorns.

3. Apples

Apples are an A+ choice for canines.

With so many varieties of apples, ranging from sweet to sour, it can be fun to do a taste test to find out which flavor your dog likes best. Red apples may taste sweeter, but green apples have less sugar and more vitamin A, which makes them an excellent choice for your dog.

Apples are low in calories, high in fiber (good for digestion) and filled with antioxidants and vitamins:

• Vitamin A (helps with vision and cell growth and supports the immune system)

• Vitamin C (helps repair tissue, boosts immunity and may help with plaque removal)

The fruit contains malic acid, which is what gives apples their flavor and helps break down plaque, remove stains and increase saliva production for a healthier mouth.

What to know before feeding apples to your dog

• Apples are very healthy for your pup, so long as their core and seeds are removed. Apple seeds contain cyanide, which is poisonous to dogs. If your dog eats the core and seeds, contact your veterinarian right away.

4. Strawberries

Strawberries are a super snack option for dogs and puppies.

This tasty fruit has around 200 seeds per berry, and the seeds contain protein and fiber.

Strawberries are packed with:

• Vitamin C (boosts immunity and helps break down plaque)

• Anthocyanins (antioxidants that give strawberries their gorgeous color and have anti-inflammatory properties)

• Flavonoids (antioxidants that benefit the cardiovascular system, stabilize blood sugar and may improve brain function)

Strawberries can be beneficial to a dog's teeth because they contain malic acid, which helps break down plaque, remove stains and increase saliva production for a healthier mouth.

What to know before feeding strawberries to your dog

• Don't feed your dog strawberry leaves or stems. Although strawberry plants, including the leaves and stems, are not toxic, those parts may upset your dog’s stomach if ingested.

5. Blueberries

Blueberries are a delicious and nutritious fruit your dog will love.

Even better, they contain a variety of vitamins and antioxidants, such as:

• Vitamin C (immune booster)

• Vitamin K (helps with blood clotting)

• Vitamin A (excellent for eye health)

• Phytochemicals (offers many benefits, from anti-inflammatory properties to protection against cardiovascular disease and improved eye health)

• Polyphenols (antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help prevent oral diseases)

What to know before feeding blueberries to your dog

• Steer clear of wild blueberries. The nightshade plant — with its small, shiny berries — looks very similar but is toxic and dangerous for dogs (and humans).

• Due to the sugar content in blueberries, check with your veterinarian if your dog has a medical condition like diabetes.

• Blueberries are acidic and contain chromogens, which could leave a residue on your dog’s teeth that could potentially lead to cavities.

6. Grapes

Grapes are a definite no for dogs and puppies. In fact, they are one of the most common foods that poison dogs. Even a single grape or raisin can be a problem for your pup.

Grapes in any form — including fresh and dried raisins, currants and sultanas — belong to the Vitis species, which is toxic to dogs. If you have this fruit in your home, make sure your dog doesn't gobble any up by accident. And remember that raisins are found in foods like granola and breads, too.

If your dog ingests a grape, immediately contact poison control and your closest veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital. The sooner you get your dog treatment, the better the prognosis will be. The biggest threat is acute kidney failure, but other symptoms of your dog eating a grape include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and lethargy or weakness.

7. Watermelons

Watermelons are deliciously hydrating for puppies and dogs.

With a very high water content — over 90% — watermelon is a refreshing treat when the temperature rises.

Watermelons are high in amino acids, antioxidants and vitamins, while also being low in fat. They contain L-citrulline, an amino acid that helps with muscle soreness and improves blood flow. The luscious red color comes from lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that is good for bone health and may help regulate blood sugar. (It’s also found in tomatoes!)

Watermelons contain:

• Vitamin C (good for the immune system)

• Vitamin A (good for healthy vision and growth)

• B vitamins including thiamine, niacin and riboflavin (support the nervous system and digestive system and protect the body from disease)

• Electrolytes

• Malic acid (a natural teeth whitener that can help reduce stains on your dog’s teeth)

Last but not least, the high water content means that watermelon can help keep your pooch hydrated.

What to know before feeding watermelon to your dog

• When slicing up watermelon for your dog, be sure you discard the rinds and seeds. These are difficult to digest and can cause gastrointestinal issues for your dog.

8. Pineapples

Pineapples are a tasty treat for your puppy or dog, but only in small amounts.

This tropical fruit is rich in healthy nutrients that can benefit your dog:

• Flavonoids and phenolic acids (two antioxidants that fight free radicals, unstable atoms that attack cells and can cause chronic disease)

• Vitamins C and B6 (immune system booster)

• Manganese (an essential mineral that helps keep many systems in the body running smoothly)

• Bromelain (helps break down plaque and is an anti-inflammatory that can reduce swelling and help with wound healing; also promotes healthy digestion by helping break down foods)

What to know before feeding pineapple to your dog

• Don’t feed your dog the inner core of the pineapple, the leaves, the skin or any part of the pineapple plant. These can cause gastric irritation or even intestinal obstruction. If your dog eats anything other than the juicy flesh of the fruit, call your veterinarian immediately.

• If your dog has a medical condition like diabetes, check with your veterinarian before feeding them pineapple, which has a high sugar content. Additionally, the acidity of pineapples can contribute to tooth decay.

9. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a healthy treat for dogs, but only when they are fully ripe and red.

Tomatoes are full of nutrients and antioxidants, including:

• Lycopene (a potent antioxidant that helps with bone health and boosts the immune system)

• Naringenin (an anti-inflammatory antioxidant)

• Vitamin C (boosts immunity)

• Vitamin K (supports blood clotting, bone health and heart health)

What to know before feeding tomatoes to your dog

• Only red tomatoes are safe for your dog to eat. Green or unripe tomatoes contain poisonous alkaloids called solanine and tomatine. If your dog ingests green tomatoes or the leaves or stems of any tomato plant, call your veterinarian or emergency hospital immediately. Signs of poisoning in your dog include weakness, tremors, cardiac effects and seizures.

• Tomatoes are very acidic, and this can contribute to tooth decay.

10. Oranges

Oranges are safe for puppies and dogs to enjoy. Just be sure to remove the rind, peel and seeds from the fruit before giving them to your four-legged family member.

Oranges have many health benefits, including:

• Vitamin C (boosts immunity)

• Fiber (good for digestion and heart health)

• Potassium (helps regulate many bodily functions)

• Phosphorus (helps with the formation of bones and teeth)

• B vitamins (essential for many cellular functions)

What to know before feeding oranges to your dog

• Always remove the orange peel, rind and seeds. The peel contains an essential oil called limonene which can be toxic to dogs and cause liver injury. The rind has a lot of fiber and may cause intestinal upset. The rind is also a choking hazard, as are the seeds.

• The citric acid in oranges can upset your dog's stomach and can accelerate tooth decay.

• Oranges have a moderate to high amount of sugar, so if your dog has a condition like diabetes, talk to your veterinarian before giving this fruit to them.

Fruits can be a delightful and healthy addition to your dog's diet when selected wisely and served in moderation. Always consult with your veterinarian to ensure your furry friend enjoys these treats safely and without any health hazards.

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Author Bio

Dr. Kathy Wiederkehr (Wentworth) has been practicing veterinary medicine at pet care facilities in California since 2001. Most recently, she served as medical director of the VCA PetPoint Medical Center and Resort in Irvine. She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and became board-certified as a diplomate in Canine and Feline Practice by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in 2010.