We're well into summer, which means it's prime time for summer fruits and vegetables! The season's produce makes for quite the tasty snacks to humans, but what about for your pup? Can dogs eat the same summer fruits that we can? We've got the answers. Just remember that even if a food is safe for dogs to eat, it's best to feed it in moderation and with no seasoning or added sugar. Read on to find out what summer fruits your dog can eat:
1. Apricots
Yes! But not the pit, leaves or stem.
Apricots are safe for your dog to eat in moderation, as long as it's just the flesh. These fruits are a good source of fiber as well as several vitamins and minerals, such as potassium and beta carotene. But the pit, leaves or stem contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. Because of this, it's best to avoid feeding your pup any part of an apricot besides its flesh.
2. Blackberries
Yes! In moderation.
Blackberries are low in sugar while being high in fiber and vitamins, making them a good snack for your pup. They are full of antioxidants that fight free radicals in dogs, have anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects, lower the risk of heart disease and cancer, and improve brain function.
Just remember to feed your dog blackberries in moderation, as too many can cause gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea and vomiting. In addition, blackberries contain a tiny amount of the substitute sweetener xylitol, which is toxic to dogs (though your dog would have to eat a massive amount to feel the toxic effects).
3. Blueberries
Yes! In moderation.
Blueberries provide many of the same benefits to dogs as they do to humans. That includes the antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals (naturally occurring chemical compounds found in plants). All of this, while being low in calories. But fruits should still be considered treats, which is why it's important to feed them in moderation because treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's diet.
Pro Tip: Try freezing blueberries to give your dog a healthy, sweet and crunchy treat!
4. Cantaloupe
Yes! But not the seeds or rind.
Cantaloupe is safe for dogs to eat in moderation and is a particularly good alternative to conventional treats if your pup is overweight. This orange melon is low calorie but full of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals (like potassium), and other nutrients. In addition, cantaloupe is high in water content, which makes it a great way to rehydrate (especially on a hot summer day) or relieve constipation.
But be careful not to feed your dog cantaloupe seeds or rind. Although the seeds should be harmless, they can be a choking hazard. The rinds can also be a choking hazard and, even worse, cause gastrointestinal upset or blockage if swallowed.
5. Cherries
Yes, but with a few caveats.
Technically, dogs can eat the flesh of cherries. This part of the fruit contains vitamins, fiber and antioxidants, which are all good for dogs. But the flesh can cause gastrointestinal upset, especially when too much is consumed, so feed them in moderation. Furthermore, the cherry pits, stems and leaves contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. In addition, the pits can get stuck in a dog's digestive track and cause intestinal blockages.
6. Figs
Yes! In moderation.
Figs are packed with fiber, which can have real benefits to your dog's digestive system. In particular, it can help regulate your dog's bowel movements and relieve constipation. Figs are also full of natural sugar, which can give your dog an energy boost without a sugar crash later. Just make sure to feed figs in moderation (no more than one or two a week) as too many can cause an upset stomach.
Pro Tip: Some dogs have allergic reactions to figs. Because of this, it's recommended that you start by feeding your dog one fig (or part of one) and wait a few days to see how he or she reacts. The most common symptoms of an allergic reaction are a skin or mouth rash, while more severe ones include itchy eyes, coughing and wheezing. Call your vet right away if you see signs of allergic reaction.
7. Honeydew
Yes! But not the seeds or rind.
Honeydew melon is packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals (like potassium), and fiber. Plus it's super low calorie, has no fat or cholesterol and is 90% water. This last factor makes it a great way to prevent dehydration or to rehydrate, as well as relieve constipation. Honeydew, however, is higher in sugar than other fruits, so feed it in moderation. In addition, make sure not to give your dog the seeds or rinds, as they can cause choking as well as gastrointestinal upset or blockages.
8. Mango
Yes! But not the skin or pit.
Mangoes are safe for dogs to eat in moderation, as long as they are peeled since the skin can be tough to digest. They are full of vitamins and fiber, which can benefit your pup. Too much fiber, though, can cause gastrointestinal upset. In addition, the pit can be a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage and also contains a small amount of cyanide, which is toxic to dogs.
Pro Tip: Even though mangoes are soft when ripe, it's probably best to cut the fruit to avoid choking.
9. Nectarine
Yes! In moderation.
Nectarines are full of vitamins and minerals, such as potassium and magnesium, as well as fiber. But it's best to feed this fruit in moderation for two reasons. First, that same fiber content that can help your dog's stomach, may upset it when too much is consumed. Second, nectarines are higher in sugar content. Also of important note, make sure not to give your dog a nectarine pit, as it contains minuscule amounts of cyanide.
10. Peaches
Yes, but with a few caveats.
Peaches are safe for your dog to eat in moderation. It's recommended that you feed your dog small, cut-up portions with no skin or pieces of the pit. This tasty fruit is a good source of antioxidants and vitamins, as well as fiber. But because of the high fiber content, it can cause an upset stomach, so moderation is key. In addition, the pit is a choking hazard and, if swallowed, can cause intestinal blockages. Furthermore, the pit contains cyanide, as do the stem and leaves, so avoid feeding those to your pup.
11. Plums
Yes, but with a few caveats.
The flesh of a plum can be safe for dogs to eat and even has some benefits, due to their high content of vitamins and antioxidants. But they should be given in moderation, as they are high in sugar content. In addition, the plum's pit is a choking hazard and, if successfully swallowed, can cause intestinal blockage. Even more serious is the fact that the pit, stems and leaves contain cyanide and are thus toxic to your pup.
12. Raspberries
Yes! In moderation.
Raspberries are low calorie, low sugar fruits packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals (like potassium and magnesium) and fiber. In addition, these berries have anti-inflammatory properties that can be helpful with join pain and arthritis, which is especially beneficial for senior dogs. However, raspberries have one of the highest amounts of natural xylitol, which can be toxic to dogs. This doesn't mean you can't feed your dog raspberries, just means they need to be given in moderation.
13. Tomatoes
Yes, but with a few caveats.
Ripe tomatoes are generally considered nontoxic to dogs and safe to eat in moderation. But because tomatoes are a nightshade vegetable, they can contain some components that are harmful to animals (like dogs) when consumed in large quantities. For example, one such component is solanine. Solanine is found in the stems and leaves, as well as in young and unripe green tomatoes. And because of this, it's best not to let your dog eat any of them.
Pro Tip: If you have tomato plants in your garden or home, make sure your dog doesn't get into them, as they have several components that are harmful to dogs.
14. Watermelon
Yes! But not the seeds or rind.
Watermelon is a great treat for your pup because it's very low in calories yet full of vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients. It's also low in sodium, fat-free and cholesterol-free. And the fruit is over 90% water, so it's great for rehydrating or relieving constipation in your dog. But it's best to feed watermelon in moderation as it's high in fiber, which can cause an upset stomach. It's also important to note that dogs should not be given watermelon seeds or rind. For smaller dogs, the seeds pose a risk of choking and, if swallowed, can cause intestinal blockages. Similarly, the rind is a choking hazard and can cause intestinal blockage in dogs of all sizes.