Ask a Vet: My Dog Loves Fruits. Can I Safely Feed Him a Variety Every Day?

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

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