Ten healthy fruits that are suitable for dogs

The natural diet of the dog is generally composed of mainly protein from meat, but many complete dog foods also contain a range of fruits and vegetables too. Even in the wild, dogs can and do eat fruit and veg as part of their diets, which can provide a wide range of health benefits and ensure that all of their nutritional needs are met.

However, not all fruit is suitable for dogs, and some fruit including grapes and raisins are actually toxic to dogs. Other fruits may not be toxic per se, but can be too rich for many dogs, leading to stomach upsets and diarrhoea. If you are wondering what fruits your dog can eat and what might be good for them, look no further than this list of ten healthy fruits that are suitable for dogs, and which dogs will often enjoy. Read on to learn more!

Blueberries

Blueberries are a superfruit, which are packed with healthy antioxidants, nutrients and vitamins. Making up cookies or biscuits that are suitable for your dog and throwing in a few blueberries can give them a real boost, and frozen blueberries can be added to your dog’s water bowl for a cool summer treat.

Apples

Apples are a good treat or supplement for dogs, and should be ripe and soft rather than hard and green. Apples are rich in potassium and vitamin C among other things, and can really boost your dog’s diet. Spreading a little peanut butter on a slice of apple can help to encourage your dog to give it a go! It is important to note that dogs should not eat the seeds or core of apples.

Pears

Soft, ripe pear is a lovely treat for your dog, and provides a whole range of health benefits too. Vitamins A, C, B1, B2 and E are all checked off the list, as are fibre, potassium, pectin and folic acid. Pears are slightly softer and sweeter than apples, and so can prove to be more appealing to your dog!

Melon

Melons are made virtually entirely of water, making them an excellent way of getting some extra fluids into your dog in hot weather. Steer clear of smaller melons that are very sweet in favour of watermelon and larger melons, and slice them up into sections to give your dog something to gnaw on. Like blueberries, watermelon slices can also be frozen for a cooling summer treat.

Strawberries

Strawberries are one of the most popular fruits for people, and many dog also greatly enjoy them as well. Strawberries are rich in fibre, magnesium, potassium and folic acid, as well as multiple vitamins and essential omega-3 fatty acids. Don’t overdo it with the strawberries however, or you may risk giving your dog the runs; half a handful of smaller strawberries for a medium sized dog is plenty.

Cranberries

Cranberries are another superfruit, which are equally good for dogs and people! They are rich in fibre, manganese and vitamin C, and are an excellent supplement for both perfectly healthy dogs and those that are prone to UTI infections.

Cranberries can have a rather sharp taste to them, and so if your dog is particularly underwhelmed when offered a handful, try baking them into some dog treats instead.

Raspberries

Just four or five raspberries added to your dog’s bowl now and then will provide them with valuable antioxidants, iron, potassium, magnesium and vitamins C, B and K. Raspberries that are very ripe will tend to be less tart than younger ones, and so these are the most likely to be palatable to your dog. Again, if your dog is having none of it, try baking some into their treats!

Banana

Banana is a very versatile fruit that is rich in fibre, carbohydrates and potassium, and most dogs enjoy the taste of them. You can mash a little banana into your dog’s food, or offer slices of banana as a treat. Around 1/3 of a medium sized banana is perfectly adequate for dogs, and feeding more than this can lead to the runs, as well as being rather high in calories.

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is a similar fruit to melon, but tends to be more flavourful and tasty. It is rich in a wide range of vitamins including A, B and C, as well as containing plenty of fibre, potassium and magnesium, and beta-carotene for good eyesight. A small slice of cantaloupe cut into segments is enough for your dog.

Oranges

Oranges are juicy, tasty and delicious, although when it comes to feeding oranges to your dog, sticking to larger, less sweet oranges is better. Half a segment of orange daily will provide your dog with phytonutrients, vitamins A, C, B1 and B6 and iron, and makes for a tasty and refreshing treat in hot weather. Remember to remove the pips and the skin first!