WHAT FRUIT CAN DOGS EAT?

PLUS, DOG FRIENDLY VEGETABLES.

As experts in animal nutrition, we’re often asked, ‘what fruit can dogs eat?’ so, in this post we’ll be delving into that, as well as looking at dog friendly vegetables. In the wild, dogs are both hunters and scavengers, and their diet is made up of different types of food.

Primarily, they eat prey and thrive on a diet with a high meat content. However, they supplement hunting with foraging and scavenging and benefit from the nutrients that certain fruits and vegetables provide. Here at Natures Menu, knowing exactly what dogs need – and what they don’t – forms the basis of our real, natural recipes.

A healthy treat

Fruits are a great natural source of vitamins, which can support your dog’s wellbeing, and many dogs enjoy the bit of sweetness they provide. Giving your dog a suitable bit of fruit every now and then can be a great way to give them a healthy, natural treat.

For a safe and healthy way to treat and reward your dog with fruit, try our Country Hunter Superfood Bars. Tasty, tender protein is blended with dog friendly vegetables and fruits, then gently airdried to preserve nutrients in their natural state. We’ve yet to meet a dog who doesn’t devour them!

Making dinner extra delicious

A small proportion of fruit can also be a tasty addition to their main meal and help them to get the right balance of vitamins and minerals they need. Our complete and balanced Country Hunter raw nugget range combines a high content of tempting protein with a superfood blend of dog friendly vegetables and fruits and is a great way to give your dog the enjoyment of fruit as part of a balanced diet.

So, what fruits can dogs eat?

If you’re planning to include fruit in your dog’s diet, remember that fruits are high in sugar and so should be fed sparingly. Additionally, we recommend checking with your vet before adding additional fruits and vegetables to your dog’s diet, especially if they’re suffering from any medical conditions. On the other hand, not all dogs are mad about fruit so don’t worry if they’re not interested in a fruity treat!

What fruits can dogs eat?

Apple slices make a tasty, crunchy snack for dogs and are high in vitamins A and C. They’re also a great source of fibre – just be sure to remove the seeds and core.
Bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs, when given in moderation. They’re high in potassium, vitamins, biotin and fibre. However, as they are high in sugar, they should only be given as a rare treat and not part of an everyday diet.
Blueberries are a good source of antioxidants and vitamins C & K. As a superfood, they’re packed with fibre and phytochemicals which are great for keeping your dog healthy.
Cantaloupe melon is a good low-calorie source of vitamins & minerals, and a great source of water and fibre. Just be sure to remove the seeds and rinds before feeding to your dog.
Cranberries are a powerful antioxidant, but their tart flavour may not be popular with your dog. If they do eat cranberries, moderation is key as eating too many can cause stomach upset.
Honeydew melon is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and water for your dog. Just be sure to remove the seeds and rinds before feeding to your dog.
Mangoes are packed with vitamins A, B6, C, and E. But, as high-sugar fruit it should be given as an occasional treat. Dogs can only eat the flesh of mangoes, so remove the stone and skin before serving.
Nectarines are low calorie and rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Dogs can only eat the flesh, so remove the stone and skin before feeding.
Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and fibre but their strong citrus scent may be off-putting to dogs. If your dog does like oranges, remove the pith, seeds, and peel before feeding.
Peaches are a great source of fibre and vitamin A. However, dogs must only eat the flesh as the stone contains cyanide and is toxic. If feeding peaches to your dog, ensure it is fresh and chopped up small – avoid canned peaches as they are very high in sugar.
Pears are high in copper, vitamins C and K, and fibre, making them a great snack. Just remove the stone and skin, and only feed your dog the flesh. Also avoid tinned varieties as these are high in sugar.
Plums can be given to dogs in moderation, but only the flesh. The stone and skin must be thoroughly removed as they are toxic.
Pineapple is a tasty, sweet treat for dogs which is full of vitamins, minerals and fibre. As long as the crown and outside peel is removed, fresh pineapple is safe for dogs.
Raspberries are low in sugar and calories and full of antioxidants. Raspberries are a particularly good treat for senior dogs, as they have anti-inflammatory properties which can help joints.
Redcurrants are rich in fibre, vitamin C and antioxidants and can be enjoyed in small amounts.
Strawberries are full of fibre and vitamin C but should be given as an occasional treat due to the high amounts of sugar they contain.
Watermelon is high in water and fibre, as well as vitamins A, B-6, and C, and potassium. Be sure to remove the rind and seed before serving.

Dog friendly vegetables

Having answered the question, ‘what fruits can dogs eat?’, we’ll now look at dog friendly vegetables. We all need our greens! As well as being rich in a range of vitamins and minerals, vegetables can also be a great source of fibre and a healthy source of carbohydrates. Again, vegetables should be a supplement to your dog’s diet, not the mainstay, which should always be meat or a suitable protein.

As with fruit, there are some watchouts as certain veggies are toxic to dogs. Some also cause undesirable side effects, like too much gas, which no one wants to inflict on their furry friend – or themselves! From leafy greens to pumpkin, we’ll go through some dog friendly vegetables.

Asparagus is packed with vitamins and minerals but can lose some of its nutritional value when cooked. But if your dog loves the taste there is no harm in feeding them asparagus.
Beans are a good source of fibre and protein for your dog. Serve them cooked and in moderation and be aware they can cause gas.
Broccoli is rich in fibre and vitamin C and makes a good occasional treat for dogs. Ensure it is either boiled or steamed, before feeding to your dog.
Carrots are a great source of vitamin A and a low-calorie option for dogs. Serve lightly steamed or raw to help your dog’s teeth.
Cauliflower florets are rich in nutrients and are best served lightly steamed for your dog. Cauliflower can cause gas, so may not be a good option for sensitive tummies.
Celery is high in fibre, low in fat, and contains vitamins A, B, and C. Feeding your dog celery can also help to naturally freshen their breath.
Courgettes are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a tasty treat for your dog. Courgette can be given cooked or raw, and the flowers are also safe for dogs.
Cucumber is full of water and great for hydrating your dogs in a low-calorie way.
Green peppers are safe for dogs to eat, they contain vitamin C and a form of Vitamin A called beta carotene. Take care not to mistake this for spicy peppers such as jalapenos or chilli peppers, which can be unsafe for dogs.
Lettuce contains high water content and is great for a low-calorie snack and when fed in moderation.
Peas are a powerful source of vitamins, antioxidants and fibre for your dog and can be eaten fresh or from frozen. Avoid canned peas as they have added sodium.
Potatoes contain a mix of Vitamins such as Vitamin A, B6 and C. They can be served boiled, steamed, or baked.
Pumpkin is a nutritious treat for dogs. Not only is it tasty, but it’s also packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibre. We’d suggest serving it lightly cooked.
Spinach is high in iron and can be a good addition to your dog’s diet if served in moderation.
Sweet potato is nutritious and easy to digest. You can serve it boiled, steamed, or baked.

Non dog friendly vegetables

Avocados – As well as being high in fat, which can cause tummy upset, avocados contain persin in the pit, skin, and leaves, which are toxic to dogs.
Garlic – Like onions, garlic is part of the Allium family and is toxic to dogs. Garlic contains thiosulfate, which is safe for humans, but toxic to dogs.
Onions – Dogs should never consume onion. All types of onion are part of the Allium plants family and contain N-propyl disulphide, which is highly toxic to dogs.
Tomatoes – While the ripe flesh of tomato is generally safe, the stem and leaves, plus unripe tomatoes, contain solanine, which is toxic to dogs.

Making the most of your dog's dinner

If you came to this post wondering ‘What fruits can dogs eat?’, or looking for guidance on dog friendly vegetables, then we hope we’ve given you a good steer. We’re big believers in making our four-legged friends’ dinners as nutritious and delicious as possible and ensuring our Natures Mates get everything they need and nothing they don’t. This means that we never add sugar or use cheap fillers or any artificial colours or additives – just real, natural, dog friendly ingredients.

As well as our complete and balanced Country Hunter nuggets range, with dog friendly vegetables, fruits and a wide selection of tasty, novel proteins, we also have fruit and veggie Mixers, which allow you to create your own dishes when combined with our Home Prepare range. Why? Because variety is the spice of life! As well as giving your dog all the nutrients they need, we believe they benefit from the different tastes and textures our real, natural, recipes provide. Why not give them a go and let us know!