Can Dogs Eat Fruit?

Dogs are famous for loving table scraps. And even if you're a dog owner that tries to limit your dog's access to human food, you've probably been tempted on more than one occasion to indulge your pup's desire for a special snack from the dining table.

Unless your dog is on a restrictive diet, it's typically safe for dogs to consume certain foods in small amounts. But you shouldn't give any table food to your dog unless you're aware of the potential safety risks that come with certain types of foods.

Chocolate contains a chemical that can be fatal to dogs, for example, and uncooked chicken bones could be a choking if the bone splinters when chewed by your dog. You should only give dogs foods you have confirmed to be safe of any toxins or other potential hazards that could befall your dog.

This rule applies to all types of fruit. While many fruits are safe for dogs to eat, certain fruit can be dangerous and even fatal. To help you out, here's an overview of some common fruits and whether they're safe for your dog to consume.

Can Dogs Eat Bananas?

Not only are bananas safe for dogs, but they're also a common ingredient found in many dog treats. Bananas are great because dogs love them, and they're a good low-sodium treat that offers a number of important vitamins while being low in sodium.

However, bananas are also very high in sugar content, which can make dogs sick if they consume too much. For this reason, dog owners are encouraged to limit the amount of banana their dogs consume, and to use it as a small treat rather than a regular food item.

Can Dogs Eat Apples?

Apples are another dog-safe treat, offering several vitamins and nutrients that can support your dog's health. When you feed apples with the skin still on, the skin can even help clean your dog's teeth.

However, dogs should never eat the seeds or core, which can make them sick and even cause a bowel blockage. Always slice apples and remove the seeds and core before giving them any pieces of this fruit.

Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?

Yes! Blueberries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, all of which benefit your dog's health. As a bite-sized snack, they can also work really well as a training treat, or as a replacement or supplement to more conventional dog treats.

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?

Watermelon is 92 percent water, and it's also packed with several important vitamins, making it a great treat for your dog. As with other typs of fruit, remove the rind and seed first to avoid any risk of choking or possible bowel issues.

Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?

Not only are strawberries a safe treat for your dog, they're also a great dietary item that can support improved immune health in your dog. Potassium and manganese are the two immune-boosting nutrients found in strawberries, which also offer high amounts of fiber and vitamin C.

Can Dogs Eat Grapes?

Grapes may be the most dangerous food to your dog, and should be avoided at all costs. Grapes contain chemicals that can damage your dogs' kidneys and even lead to kidney failure. Even if your dog consumes a single grape, you should contact your local vet office to find out whether you should bring in your dog for treatment or other emergency services.

Keep in mind that this ban on feeding grapes to your dog also applies to raisins, too.

Can Dogs Eat Oranges?

Many dogs love the citrus smell of oranges, and oranges are a great treat for dogs in small amounts. Make sure you peel the orange and remove any seeds first, and control the amount of orange your dog consumes so they don't consume too much sugar.

Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?

Wait a second—aren't tomatoes a vegetable? While they're commonly lumped into the vegetable family, tomatoes are actually, technically, a fruit—and when it comes to your dog, they're a fruit that should be avoided.

Ripe, red tomatoes are typically safe for dogs, but unripened, green tomatoes—including green portions of a ripened red tomato—contain a
chemical called solanine, which is toxic to dogs. Although dogs would need to consume a large amount of green tomato to become seriously ill, small amounts could cause mild illness in your dog, and the risk isn't worth the reward.

Even if you give your dog fruit that you have confirmed to be safe, pay attention to their body language after eating that fruit, and watch for signs of discomfort or illness. While the fruit your dog has eaten might not be dangerous, it's possible for dogs to have a bad reaction, or to develop an upset stomach from consuming a new food. Avoid fruit and other foods that seem to give your dog trouble, even if they seem safe—and if you suspect any health trouble, call your local vet's office right away.