Can Dogs Eat Fruit?
While a fresh, balanced diet comes first, there's usually room and demand for a few additions to your dog's day. However, if you're going to be feeding treats, it's best to know exactly what's in them, which makes single-ingredient, whole foods an attractive option.
Most dogs can eat fruit. Certain fruits, such as bananas, apples, strawberries and blueberries can provide dogs with a healthy variety in their diet and work as a treat. They are full of antioxidant compounds, including vitamins A and C, carotenoids, and flavonoids, which have been shown to promote health and longevity. They also provide increased hydration as they are a good source of water.
As with all treats, be sure not to overdo it – ALL extras should be kept to no more than 10% of a dog's daily caloric intake, otherwise you risk weight gain and nutritional imbalance. All fruits have more sugar than vegetables, so moderation is especially important for your dog's diet.
Some additional warnings about fruit: make sure you wash it well before feeding, avoid the stems, pits, and seeds, and keep in mind that not all varieties are beneficial to dogs, some are actually toxic. Here is a list of the good, the bad, and the doubtful, and what you should know about feeding these fruits to your dogs.
Apples
Just like for humans, dogs can eat apples as a healthy snack. But instead of a whole apple a day, stick with a slice or two for your canine companion. Packed with vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, and dietary fiber, apples are rich in nutrition and flavor.
Before you feed your dog some apple, be sure to wash it, remove the core and remove the stems and seeds. The core can represent a choking hazard and the seeds contain a compound that produces the toxin cyanide when digested.
Peeling the apple is up to you. However, if your dog has a sensitive stomach, it's best to peel it to remove the extra fiber. Avoid feeding applesauce because most are high in sugar. However, buy organic apples whenever possible because non-organic varieties are known to have higher levels of pesticide residue.
Bananas
Most homes probably have a bunch of bananas somewhere in the kitchen ready for family members to munch on. High in potassium, magnesium, vitamins B6 and C, and dietary fiber, bananas can provide everyone in the family, including dogs, with a healthy boost. However, bananas are also high in sugar and starch, so you should feed them in moderation.
Distributed prudently, bananas can provide a sweet, fiber-packed treat that can help if your dog has minor digestive issues. There are different ways to feed your dog bananas. For example, try freezing the whole banana, peeling it, and then cutting it into small pieces. You can also mash it up and mix it into your dog's food for a bit of variety, or place a peeled banana in a rubber toy, freeze it all, then give it to your dog for a fun toy experience.
Blueberries
Blueberries are not only packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamins C and K1 and manganese, they are also known for their high levels of antioxidants and phytochemicals. Antioxidants help fight free radicals, which cause cell damage. Phytochemicals are compounds found naturally in plants that offer many health benefits, including as a potential cancer fighter.
Due to their small size, blueberries are ready-to-go treats. Just wash them well and feed them one by one to your dog orally or add some to his food. You can also freeze them and give them to your dog straight from the freezer for a fun new texture. Be careful, especially when feeding them to small dogs because they can represent a choking hazard.
Coconut
Coconut in oil form has been recommended for everything from relieving allergies to aiding in dog dental care. So it should come as no surprise that coconut meat can be a beneficial treat for canines. Coconut is rich in lauric acid, which has many potential benefits, including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory. Inflammation can play a role in many common illnesses, such as arthritis and allergies. Coconut is also high in antioxidants that can help build the immune system as a whole. Like many other fruits, coconut is also high in fiber.