It’s a hot day and you are cutting up some watermelon for yourself and decide to give your dog a taste. Seems easy and harmless! For majority of fruits it is! However, it is important to be aware what fruits your dog can eat and what fruits they can not eat!
The Good
Not all fruits are bad for your dog! In fact certain fruits can be very beneficial to your canine companion’s health! Bananas, apples, strawberries, and blueberries are all great ways to give your dog diet variety and up their vitamin C intakes and antioxidants! It is not harmful for you pup to share a slice of watermelon on the back porch with you this summer or an orange after a day of playing in the yard!
A list of fruits that are considered safe for your dog are:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupe
- Cranberries
- Cucumbers
- Mango
- Oranges
- Peaches
- Pears
- Pineapple
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Watermelon
The Bad
So, while your pup can enjoy plenty of fruits as a yummy treat there are certain fruits that need to be avoided when it comes to giving your dog a treat:
- Avocado: While avocado maybe a healthy snack for you, the skin, pit, and leaves of an avocado contain a toxin called persin. This can induce diarrhea and vomiting in dogs. The inside of the avocado does not contain as much persin as its counterparts but it is still to much and can be harsh on your dog’s stomach.
- Cherries: Cherries contain cyanide which can be very toxic to your dog. Cyanide can disrupt cellular oxygen transport which in simple terms means your dogs blood can not get the oxygen it needs. If you suspect your pup has ingested cherries look for dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and red gums as this can indicate cyanide poisoning.
- Grapes: Grapes and raisins are a major no-no to your dog. Research has shown that acute sudden kidney failure can occur after your dog ingested grapes or raisins (dried grapes). Be very mindful of this dangerous fruit around your dog.
- Tomatoes: While the ripened fruit, aka a red tomato, is considered safe for your dog, the green tomato is not. Tomatoes that have not ripened yet contain a toxin called solanine which can be toxic. So if you have a garden with tomatoes, be watchful that your dog does not sneak a quick snack.
