Q. My dog loves fruits. As long as they are safe for dogs, there’s no harm in feeding him a variety every day right?
Most fruits are generally safe for dogs in small quantities, and can be a good option as healthy treats!
Fruits, such as blueberries are rich in antioxidants and beneficial for general health. Fruits can also provide additional dietary fiber, which aids digestive tract health.
Having said that, you should take the following precautions when giving fruits to your dog:
1. Check to see whether the fruit is safe for dogs
Grapes, for example, are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure in sufficient quantities. You should never feed them to your dog! [Editor’s note: See other fruits that are toxic to dogs here.]
2. No seeds and solid cores
Do not feed your dog seeds and solid cores (e.g. from apples and pears) as they can cause digestive tract obstructions.
3. Beware of high sugar content
Fruits can be quite high in sugar content and should be avoided if the dog is on a weight loss plan for obesity, or if she is on a specific diet for medical issues (e.g. diabetes).
4. Feed your dog in moderation
For small- to medium-sized dogs, multiply the amount of fruit you are feeding by six to 10 times to have a general sense of what’s the human equivalent portion.
ALSO READ: Recipe: Frozen Berry Delight to Beat the Heat
Subscribe to join our pack and find us on Facebook and Instagram.
Dr. Brian Loon graduated from Murdoch University, Western Australia in 2007 and has since been practising as a small animal veterinarian in Singapore. His areas of special interest include diagnostic ultrasonography, endoscopy, and minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery (laparoscopy).
He is also certified in Veterinary Acupuncture with the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) and a certified and registered member of PennHIP, an internationally known modality for diagnosing hip dysplasia in cats and dogs.
