We all want our dogs to have a healthy diet. We know that for us, part of a healthy diet means having plenty of fruits and vegetables. And a lot of small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters love fruit, but can out dogs eat safely eat all fruits too?
There are some fruits our dogs are able to happily eat, however there are other fruits that are dangerous and be avoided entirely.
Fruits to Avoid:
Cherries – This fruit contain cyanide which is toxic to dogs. The cyanide disrupts oxygen transport, meaning your dog’s blood cells can’t get enough oxygen. Symptoms of this include dilated pupils, trouble breathing and red gums.
Grapes – Both grapes and raisins are extremely toxic for all dogs. Although the exact substance that causes the adverse reaction is not yet know, they have proven toxic time and time again. Grapes and raisins can lead to sudden acute kidney failure.
Tomatoes – In general this should be avoided by dogs, even though it is not always toxic. In fact, it’s only the green parts of the plant that are dangerous. These contain a toxic substance called solanine. It may take a decent amount to cause illness, but it’s best to play it safe and skip this fruit.
Healthy Fruits to Choose From:
Most other fruits are just fine for dogs. Just remember to wash them, remove any rinds, seeds, inedible skins, and pits before giving them to your pet. They are a great source of nutrients, vitamins, minerals and aid in digestion. While they shouldn’t be the main source of nutrition in your pet’s diet, they are certainly a needed part of a well balanced diet.
- Apple
- Apricot
- Banana
- Cantaloupe
- Cranberries
- Mango
- Orange
- Pear
- Pineapple
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Watermelon
Incorporating Fruit in Your Dog’s Diet
Make sure to gradually introduce any new foods to your pet’s diet to avoid any stomach upsets. Feed your pet small amounts of the fruit or vegetable to begin with, and always introduce one type of fruit or vegetable at a time so if your pet does have an adverse reaction, it will be easier for you to determine the cause if they have a reaction. Symptoms include diarrhea, sickness, and even skin issues. Make sure to contact to your vet if you think your pet has an allergy. They can confirm the allergy and let you know how to best deal with it.
A well rounded diet is key to a healthy and happy dog. Just be careful not to make a whole lot of drastic changes at once. And always talk to your vet before you alter your pet’s diet. After all, they are experts and will help you formulate the best nutrition plan for your dog.