In the pet world, there are many delicious and nutritious foods that your pet may have their eyes on. We all know that chocolate is a no-no, even though it has many antioxidants for humans. We know that fried food and table scraps are not good for our pups. But, when it comes to fruits, we often think that every fruit will be perfectly fine because they’re all-natural foods. They’re healthy, so how could they possibly be bad? 

Just like with humans, dogs may have sensitivities and adverse reactions to certain fruits, such as allergic reactions as well as more severe responses like kidney failure. It’s imperative to know the fruits dogs can and can’t have in order to give them a long and healthy life. We’ve compiled a list of some common fruits pet parents may have questions about. 

Can dogs have bananas?

Bananas are a sweet, starchy fruit native to Southeast Asia, and are considered exotic to many dogs. Though, they are considered exotic, most dogs can tolerate and even enjoy bananas on occasion. Bananas are rich in potassium, which helps maintain your dog’s fluid balance. In addition, bananas also have plenty of vitamins and fiber. While they are a good source of many nutrients, they also have a high sugar level, which could cause your dog’s blood sugar to spike, or they might even gain weight if they have too many bananas.

Can dogs have berries?

Berries are rounded and pulpy fruits that come in various colors, sizes, and shapes. Many berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are perfectly safe for dogs to consume. Blueberries for instance are high in antioxidants, which can help your dog as he or she ages. In addition to making a good, low calorie snack, most berries can also be a great training tool because of their size.

Can dogs have blackberries?

Blackberries are a type of berry that is made up of clusters of smaller berries. These black berry clusters are not only safe for dogs, but they can be very beneficial. They contain high amounts of vitamin C and can boost brain health for both humans and dogs. In addition, they are high in fiber and low in calories and sugar, so they won’t give your dog a sugar crash or give them an upset tummy unless you give them too many.

Can dogs have cherries?

Cherries are a red or orange fruit that cluster in pairs. They are most notable for their pit, which is toxic for dogs and can be a choking hazard. The seed inside cherries contains cyanide, which can disrupt the passage of oxygen through the blood. Too much of this can cause cyanide poisoning, which presents with dilated pupils, red gums, and difficulty breathing.

Can dogs have dried cranberries?

Cranberries are a favorite side dish at holiday dinners, and they are also safe for your dog. Any version of cranberries is okay. However, as fruit dries, the sugar content increases, meaning that if you give your dog too many dried cranberries, they can have trouble maintaining their blood sugar levels. Cranberries contain potassium and magnesium, making them a tasty and healthy treat for your pup.

Can dogs have grapes?

Grapes are berries that grow on vines, and they are extremely toxic for dogs. It is unclear why grapes are so toxic, however, even a small amount of any type of grape product including wine, raisins or jelly can cause your dog to have immediate and sometimes fatal kidney failure. As raisins are found in many holiday side dishes and breakfast cereals, it’s important to keep your pup away from those foods.

Can dogs have oranges?

Oranges are citrus fruits that are known for their tangy and sweet flesh. Just as they are beneficial for humans, they can also supply your dog with a lot of vitamin C and other nutrients. For dogs, as they have incredibly sensitive noses, you may consider giving your pup only the interior fruit. Oils in the peel may make your dogs disinterested. In addition, the peel can be hard for their stomachs to digest.

Can dogs have orange juice?

Orange juice may offer the same nutrients as oranges, but that’s only if they are home-pressed. If you make the juice yourself, then your pup will be allowed to have it. However, many juices you buy at stores contain added sugar, which can make your dog have trouble regulating their blood sugar levels. It might be best to skip orange juice.

Can dogs have mandarin oranges?

Mandarin oranges are a smaller version of oranges, and like oranges, they are okay to feed to dogs. As with larger oranges, these mandarin oranges should have the peel and seeds removed before you give them to your pup as a snack.

Can dogs have grapefruit?

Like other citrus fruits, your dog can have grapefruit flesh. Grapefruit are a bigger and more bitter version of oranges, and they provide the same vitamins and nutrients as other citrus fruits. However, grapefruit have a very high amount of citric acid, which may cause some dogs to have upset tummies and digestive issues.

Can dogs have tangerines?

Another citrus fruit on our list is tangerines, which are also safe for dogs to consume. They are very closely related to mandarin oranges and regular oranges, so your dog could get the same benefits from these much smaller citrus fruits.

Can dogs have melon?

Melons are larger fruits that usually have a thick rind that’s edible, but it’s not very tasty. Inside of melons, there are usually clusters of seeds, or you might find seeds dispersed throughout like you would see with watermelons. Melons like cantaloupe and watermelons are safe for your dog, but take precaution when it comes to seeds as they can cause intestinal blockages.

Can dogs have honeydew melon?

Honeydew melon is characterized by its green flesh and smooth rind. Like other melons, the honeydew melon is safe for dogs, but it should be given sparingly.

Can dogs have pears?

Pears come from the same fruit family as apples, and they are generally safe. Like with apple seeds, pear seeds do contain trace amounts of cyanide. In addition, if a dog gets a pear core, it could be a choking hazard, so it’s necessary to only feed your pup the outer flesh of this fruit.

Can dogs have peaches?

Peaches are sweet and tangy fruit that contain a pit like cherries do. While this pit is larger in peaches than in cherries, it still contains cyanide, and if your dog eats the pit, it can be harmful. However, giving your dog small pieces of the outer fruit can be beneficial as peaches are a good source for vitamin A and fiber.

Can dogs have plums?

A close relative to the peach, the plum is also safe for your dog to consume. Like peaches, the inner pit needs to be removed as it contains cyanide, and if eaten, it can also cause intestinal blockage. However, the outer flesh of the fruit is edible and nutritious.

Can dogs have figs?

Figs are generally safe for dogs. However, there have been many reports of dogs having allergies to this fruit. They are high in potassium and magnesium and can be beneficial to your dog if fed in small amounts.

Final Thoughts

While many of the fruits presented here are non-toxic and even beneficial for your dog, it’s important that you pay attention to how your dog reacts to the new fruit. Some dogs may have allergic reactions that vary in severity. Make sure you start slow and start small. Only giving your pup a couple of bites, and then see how he or she reacts over the next couple of days. 

If there is no reaction, feel free to up the amount. If there is a reaction like diarrhea or a skin rash, you can stop immediately, and you won’t have given them enough it will cause any serious damage. It’s also important that you only give one new fruit at a time, so you can properly track which foods do or do not give your dog adverse reactions. 

A general rule is to not give your dog too many fruits as they can cause diarrhea. However, giving them the right amount of safe fruits can boost their immune system, stimulate brain function, and overall improve their health.