Can a dog eat fruit? In this blog article, we’re happy to explain it to you.
Fruit for dogs: a good idea?
Strawberries for dogs, apples, watermelon… is fruit for dogs a good idea? Yes, fruit for dogs is definitely a good idea. Just like people, dogs that age experience health problems. Just like people, fruit helps your dog combat these health problems. Some of these problems are linked to oxidative stress.
What is oxidative stress?
In oxidative stress, the cells of a dog’s body are attacked by free radicals. These free radicals can be created by external factors (such as food containing too many bad fats and sugars, medications, light pollution), or by internal factors (chronic stress, disease, too much and too intense exercise).
Consequences of oxidative stress
Oxidative stress causes damage to the body’s cells. This can lead to (age-related) diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease, accelerated aging or a dull coat, among others. All the more reason to counteract this!
Can you do something against oxidative stress?
The good news is : yes, you can certainly do something about oxidative stress in your dog. The antidote of a free radical is in fact an antioxidant. These antioxidants can neutralize and disable free radicals. But they do more: they fight inflammation, boost the immune system, are good for the eyes and have a positive effect on the brain.
Fruit for your dog as an antioxidant
Fruit is therefore very healthy for your dog! In fruit there are substances that can defuse the free radicals so they can not attack the cells of your dog. But is all fruit healthy? Or are for example grapes toxic for dogs?
Which fruit is healthy for your dog?
Many fruits are good for your dog, such as pineapple, apple, mango, melon (Cantaloupe or watermelon), pears, strawberries, raspberries or blueberries. Many vegetables are also healthy, such as sweet potato, bottle pumpkin and carrots. But about: vegetables we are going to talk separately. For now, we are only talking about fruits for dogs.
Fruit for dogs is good for the eyes
In dogs, antioxidants have a tremendously good effect on the eyes. A scientific study with Beagles shows that antioxidants (such as fruit) for dogs helps to improve and maintain eye functions.
Fruit is good for the heart for dogs
Heart disease has also been linked to oxidative stress. Several studies have shown that the antioxidants in fruit (among other things) help keep the heart healthy.
Fruit for dogs is good for the brain
In a study where blueberries were fed to elderly rats after which they had to do all kinds of tests, it was found that brain functions improved enormously. Blueberries are therefore good for the brain. The ability to learn and the ability to remember improved. A study of dogs showed the same results. Even after only two weeks. Blueberries for dogs are very healthy. Dogs that were given antioxidants were better able to complete difficult tasks. It had an even greater effect if the dogs were mentally stimulated.
Fruit contains a lot of fiber
Fruit, such as raspberries or strawberries, contains a lot of fiber, which is healthy for your dog. This is because fiber helps digestion and contributes to the healthy functioning of the intestines. And they are important for the composition of the intestinal bacteria.
Fruit for dogs
So giving fruit to dogs has several health benefits. It is recommended that you do not give fruit until a dog is older. The younger your dog gets fruit, the more long-term effect it will have. But it is never too late to start giving fruit to your dog. After all, it has an effect on brain functions after only two weeks.
What fruit can a dog eat?
Hopefully we have convinced you by now that fruit is healthy for your dog. But now you want to know: can a dog eat banana? Or is banana toxic to dogs? Can a dog have pineapple? In short: which fruit can you give to your dog?
Apple
Can a dog have apple? Or is apple toxic to dogs. The answer is yes and also yes. Apples are very healthy for dogs and are good treats. You can also pieces of apple by the food of your dog do. There is here, however, a BUT. You can give a dog namely no apple pits. Apple seeds are toxic for dogs.
Why is apple healthy for dogs? In apple is among other vitamin A. vitamin C and fiber. Also the peel is very healthy for dogs. It contains certain secondary plant substances, which have been discovered to help prevent the growth of cancer cells. And apple helps for fresh breath (nice for us dog people too!). So feel free to give apple to your dog, but do remove the pips (and don’t peel the apple).
Banana
Can a dog have banana? Maybe new to you, but bananas are (also) very healthy for dogs. Bananas are good for your dog’s digestion, but also for a healthy heart and muscles.
Among other things, bananas contain a lot of potassium, fiber and Vitamin C. A true superfood.
Blackberries
Blackberries constitute healthy snacks for your dog. You may have to cut them into small pieces. Your dog will have a distinct preference for sweet blackberries and not the sour ones.
Because blackberries have antibacterial properties, they are good for oral and dental hygiene. Blackberries contain vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese and magnesium, among other things. Blackberries contain a relatively high amount of fiber, so it helps to keep dogs at weight.
The so-called anthocyanins (the substances that give blackberries that beautiful color) are good for heart health.
Blueberries
Can dogs eat blueberries? Yes, blueberries (like blackberries) are low in sugar, making them good treats for heavy or overweight dogs. They contain vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, calcium, zinc, among other things. And they are full of antioxidants.
Melon
Can a dog have melon? Yes, melon is a delicious and safe treat for your dog. But don’t give that part close to the skin, because of its texture.
Melons (cantaloupe) contain a lot of beta-carotene, which is good for the eyes and immune system. There is also a lot of vitamin A, vitamin B6 and vitamin C in melon. As well as potassium and folic acid. Above we already mentioned that dogs can also have watermelon.
Cranberries
Are cranberries toxic to dogs? No, cranberries are a very good snack for your dog. You can give them raw or cooked. They are good for bladder health. So if your dog has bladder problems, you can safely take them home. There is also a lot of vitamin C and vitamin E in cranberries. And also a lot of B vitamins, like B6.
Pineapple
Can a dog eat pineapple? Yes, pineapple is safe for dogs. Most dogs love pineapple because of its sweet taste. Pineapple is full of vitamins, minerals and fiber. It also contains bromelain, an enzyme that makes it easier for dogs to absorb protein.
Papaya
This exotic snack is super healthy for your dog. And also for puppies! But never give the peel or the seeds to your dog. These are poisonous.
Papaya is good for just about everything: a good immune system, digestion, eyes and heart. It contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and K. It contains folic acid, potassium, calcium. And, of course, lots of fiber.
Grapes
Can a dog eat grapes? Or are grapes toxic to dogs? Dogs should not eat grapes. Grapes are toxic to dogs, regardless of breed, gender or age. So no grapes for your dog. Are currants and raisins poisonous to dogs? Yes, you should not give your dog raisins.
Raspberries
Can dogs eat raspberries? They are allowed per se, but don’t overdo it with the amount of raspberries. If you give your dog raspberries in moderation, these little delicious sweet treats are very healthy. There are a lot of antioxidants in raspberries, which help fight off the ailments of old age.
In addition, it is full of vitamin C, magnesium, folic acid.
Coconut
Is coconut actually a fruit? No strictly speaking it is a nut. But for convenience we put the coconut here in the list. The coconut is namely very healthy for your dog. This fruit contains many vitamins, minerals and fiber and is therefore a healthy treat for your dog. Coconut contains a lot of manganese which is good for bone health and contributes to a well functioning immune system. Coconut is full of antioxidants. Coconut also contributes to healthy skin and coat.
Can dogs eat strawberries?
Strawberries smell delicious so if you have a bowl on the table as a family, your dog will often come and sit there to also want to claim a portion of this delicious snack. As with raspberries, don’t overdo it. Strawberries are a healthy snack, do not contain as many calories and are also easily digestible. But a dog doesn’t necessarily need it.
Cherries
Can dogs have cherries? No, cherries are not a good idea. By itself, dogs are allowed to eat the inside, the fleshy part of the cherry. But under no circumstances should they eat the pit, the leaves or the stem. Those are really poisonous to dogs. So rather don’t give them at all, it’s just as safe.
Are tomatoes toxic to dogs?
A tomato is a vegetable, right? No, strictly speaking a tomato is a fruit. So this question definitely belongs in this blog. The answer is that dogs should only eat ripe tomatoes and preferably in moderation. Unripe tomatoes and tomato plants should be avoided because a certain substance (solanine) in unripe tomatoes and the plants themselves is toxic to dogs.
What other fruits can you give?
- Pears (without seeds)
- Watermelon
- Mango (without stone)
- Oranges
- Peach (seedless)
- Note the pips!
So you can give many kinds of fruit to your dog. But make sure you do not give pips. The pips of many fruits is namely not good for dogs. Grape pips are toxic for dogs. But also the pips of apples, pears, peaches, mango, cherries, plums. As a rule of thumb, you should assume that a dog is not allowed to eat pits! An exception is watermelon, these pips are not harmful. Also be careful with cherries! Everything is toxic to your dog except for the flesh.