Fruit can make a healthy, low-calorie treat for many dogs, and most dogs love the taste. But not all fruits are safe, and even safe ones need to be prepared the right way. Here is a guide to which fruits you can share, which to avoid and how much is too much.
Fruits that are generally safe in moderation
Always remove seeds, pits, cores, stems and tough rinds, and cut fruit into pieces sized for your dog to prevent choking.
- Apples. A crunchy source of fiber. Remove the core and seeds; apple seeds contain compounds that can release cyanide when chewed.
- Blueberries. Small, easy to portion and a favorite low-calorie training treat for many dogs.
- Bananas. Soft and popular, but relatively high in sugar, so offer small slices only occasionally.
- Watermelon. Refreshing and hydrating. Remove the seeds and rind, which can cause stomach upset or blockages.
- Strawberries. Remove the stems and cut larger berries into pieces.
- Cantaloupe and other melons. Remove the rind and seeds. Higher in sugar, so keep portions small.
- Pears. Remove the core, seeds and stem.
- Mango. Peel it and remove the large pit.
- Pineapple. Small pieces of fresh pineapple, without the skin or tough core. Avoid canned fruit in syrup.
- Oranges. A few peeled segments are usually fine for dogs who like them, though the acidity may upset some stomachs.
Fruits to avoid
- Grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas. These can cause sudden kidney injury in some dogs, and there is no known safe amount. Never feed them.
- Cherries. The pits, stems and leaves contain cyanogenic compounds, and the pits are a choking and blockage hazard.
- Avocado. The pit is a serious blockage risk, and the fruit is high in fat. Best avoided.
- Stone fruits with pits, such as peaches, plums and apricots. The flesh in small amounts is not usually a problem, but the pits can cause choking or intestinal blockage and contain cyanogenic compounds. Many owners simply avoid them.
- Unripe tomatoes and tomato plants. The green parts contain solanine, which can upset the stomach. Ripe tomato flesh in small amounts is usually tolerated.
- Fruit products with added sugar or sweeteners, such as canned fruit in syrup, fruit snacks, jams and baked goods. Watch especially for xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs.
How much fruit is okay?
Fruit should be a treat, not a meal. A common guideline is to keep all treats, including fruit, to no more than about 10 percent of your dog’s daily calories. For a small dog, that might mean just a few blueberries or a couple of small apple slices a day.
Too much fruit can cause diarrhea or stomach upset because of the sugar and fiber. Introduce one new fruit at a time in a small amount and watch how your dog reacts.
Dogs who should be more careful
- Dogs with diabetes need a carefully controlled diet; ask your vet before giving any fruit.
- Overweight dogs can still enjoy low-calorie options like blueberries, but portions matter.
- Dogs with sensitive stomachs may not tolerate acidic or high-fiber fruits well.
Fun ways to serve fruit
- Freeze blueberries or small banana slices for a cooling summer treat.
- Mix a few pieces of fruit into a food puzzle toy.
- Use tiny pieces of apple or blueberries as training rewards.
If your dog eats something dangerous
If your dog eats grapes, raisins or another potentially toxic food, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service immediately, even if your dog seems fine. You can read more in our guide to human foods that are toxic to dogs.
This article is for general information only. Ask your veterinarian before adding new foods if your dog has a medical condition.