Feeding our dogs a healthy diet that provides them with all the healthy nutrients they need is an important consideration for all pet owners. It’s also nice to offer them treats to give variety to their diets as well as a reward within training. Treats can be used as a healthy snack given for good behaviour or during training. Your dog may show interest in your own food, or maybe you’ve wondered what fruits dogs can and can’t eat, and if they’re just as refreshing for our dogs as they are for us humans.
In this article we will answer a couple of frequently asked questions about what fruits dogs can eat and what signs to look out for if they should eat something, they shouldn’t have.
Can Dogs Eat Bananas?
Bananas are the pawfect snack for your dog. They’re sweet and act as a great, tasty treat, but that isn’t to say they won’t cause digestive upset for your pooch. For example, puppies need a specific diet to support their development and the added calories of the banana may interfere with their specially formed diet. If you are giving your dog a banana snack, ensure it is peeled and cut into appropriate serving sizes. Although banana peels aren’t considered toxic to dogs, your dogs digestive system may not be able to digest all the fibre the banana peel contains. Bananas contain natural sugars and too much sugar can cause weight gain in your dog which may lead to other health issues, so be aware how much banana your dog is eating. If your dog displays diarrhoea symptoms, call your veterinarian to be sure.
Can Dogs Eat Apples?
A slice of apple can make a great, tasty treat for your dog. The delicious snack can help keep your dog’s teeth clean and their breath fresh. But the core of an apple and especially apple seeds can be harmful to your dog. Apple seeds contain cyanide which is released when broken/chewed. It’s best to remove seeds from the apple before feeding it to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Grapes?
Grapes are highly toxic to your dog and even one single grape can cause a severe reaction. If your dog does eat a grape, contact your vet immediately. Eating a grape can cause acute kidney failure or even death in your dog. Although it’s not known exactly what it is in the grape that causes such a reaction, it’s best to avoid them all together.
Can Dogs Eat Cherries?
Much like apples, the pits and stems of the cherry contain cyanide which is harmful to dogs. The flesh of the cherry is safe for dogs to eat and contains vitamin A and C, antioxidants and fibre - but unfortunately could cause an upset stomach. Generally we wouldn’t recommend feeding your dog a cherry, as de-pitting the cherry is a lot of work for the very limited nutrients your dog will benefit from. If your dog eats a handful or more of cherries, watch for signs of troubled breathing, red gums and dilated pupils. Call your veterinarian for instruction on any dangers your dog may be in.
Can Dogs Eat Raisins?
Just like grapes, raisins are highly toxic to your dog. If your dog digests a single raisin, call your vet immediately. Watch out for signs such as vomiting and/or diarrhoea (often within a few hours), abdominal pain, dehydration/pale gums, increased thirst or urine production. Treatment via your vet is critical, it’s always best to call your vet anytime you have questions about something your dog may have eaten.
Freezing a fruit or vegetable is a great way to change the texture - making the fruit interesting again. Make sure you stick to the 10% rule when feeding your dog a healthy snack - treats should only make up to 10% off your dogs diet. Follow your veterinarians advise when making changes in your dogs diet and be aware of over feeding treats as this could lead to health implications, such as weight gain.
