What fruits can dogs eat?

Updated 04/09/2024

While pups might enjoy the odd meaty treat, there are some fruits out there that are also beneficial for doggos. So, what fruits can dogs eat? And how much fruit should dogs be having on a daily basis?

Before we start, always consult your vet before adding anything new to your pup’s diet. Never rely on the Internet for food facts - every pup is different and might have a hidden allergy or intolerance that only your vet can test for.

With that in mind, let’s learn more about fruits that dogs can eat and some tips on what fruits dogs cannot eat.

What fruits can dogs eat?

Blueberries

It’s not often you find a snuffle baby who would turn their nose up at a blueberry. This simple snack is a fur favorite with many dogs and it’s generally considered a fruit safe for dogs. Not only this, blueberries are a good source of vitamins and are packed with antioxidants that come as a paw-fect pup-sized snack! However, these shouldn’t be a part of their daily diet, and more of an occasional treat now and again.

Watermelon

Another gentle fruit with lots of vitamins and minerals and a great source of hydration on hot days. Remember to remove the rind and seeds as these can cause tummy upsets and even be a choking hazard for some pooches. 

Bananas

High in fiber and potassium, given in bite-sized pieces, bananas are a delicious side snack for almost all drool-babies. The soft flesh makes it easy for puppies and senior doggos to munch down even with tiny or missing teeth. Don’t feed pups the skin as this is difficult for them to digest and could cause constipation or vomiting. 

Apples

Low in calories and an excellent source of vitamins A and C, apples are a great go-to for snack time. Remember to remove the pips, core, and stem and cut them into small pieces to make it easier for doggos to digest and swallow.

Pineapple

Another paw-fect fruit for hydration and for pups to build up those antioxidants, pineapple in bite-sized pieces is great for active dogs on warm days who need a quick energy boost. However, as pineapple has a high sugar content it’s best to only make this an occasional treat in small portions.

Grapefruit

While some citrus fruits are a big no-no for doggos, there are a few like grapefruit which are safe for snuffles to swallow. However, all the seeds and skin must be removed before feeding to your doggo as these are toxic to dogs. As grapefruit is high in acidity, it’s best to spread out portions over time and only offer small pieces. Too much at once can cause tummy upsets so stay cautious.

Strawberries

Another fruit with beneficial vitamins and minerals for your dog, strawberries as a favorite simple snack that’s universally considered safe for dogs. Make sure these are in safe-sized pieces with the stems removed or even mashed into a puree for smaller, older, or younger dogs.

Cranberries

This is definitely a love-it-or-hate-it type of fruit for pups, just as it is for humans. Cranberries can be too tart for some dogs, but, if this doesn’t bother them, they’re another good source of vitamin A and antioxidants. Because of their acidic content, these need to be offered up in moderation and not as a regular snack. But every now can be a nice boost of vitamins and minerals for your pupper.

The best fruits for puppies

Tiny tummies are very sensitive, so never suddenly introduce your bark baby to a new food or treat without talking to your vet first. They’ll often recommend a very slow adjustment period with watery fruits that are less likely to cause an upset stomach. This includes fruits like watermelon, blueberries, and bananas. Remember, it’s best to avoid citrus fruits until they’ve grown into their paws.

What fruits can dogs not eat?

Grapes and raisins

Grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs and can cause them to become very ill if ingested. While the odd grape might not affect your pup, it’s simply not worth the risk, particularly with smaller doggos and puppies. The toxin and toxic dose are not precisely known and sensitivity may vary a lot between individual dogs, so no amount of grapes or raisins is considered safe. Make sure you take them straight to their vet if you think or have seen them eat either grapes or raisins.

Avocado

This innocent brunch bestie contains a powerful toxin called perisin. This causes nasty spells of vomiting and diarrhea and, in some extreme cases, it can cause kidney failure. Similarly, the avocado pip is also a choking hazard, so be sure to dispose of these safely if you’re in the mood for a mid-morning avo on toast snack.

Wild berries

Just as you’d stop your pup from eating an unknown flower or plant on a walk, keep an eye out for wild berries too. Although some like blackberries and raspberries are considered fine for dogs to digest, you won’t know whether they’ve been sprayed in a toxic bug spray or peed on by another animal. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so avoid scavenged snacks as much as possible.

Meet our veterinary expert, Greg

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Greg Steele MA VETMB MRCVS. A mixed vet working in the UK since qualifying from Cambridge University in 2015. Greg enjoys working with all species of animals in all settings, but equally takes pride in communication and education of clients too. He lives with his wife and their cat, and enjoys a variety of sports, gardening, and the great outdoors.

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