Are These Fruits Harmful to Your Dog’s Health?

If you’re a dog owner, you know how important it is to keep your pet healthy and safe. One way to do that is by watching what they eat. While many fruits are safe for dogs to eat, some can be harmful or even toxic. Knowing which fruits to avoid can help keep your pup healthy and happy.

Some fruits to avoid giving your dog include grapes, raisins, and avocados. These fruits can cause kidney damage or other health problems in dogs. Additionally, cherries, peaches, and plums all contain pits that can be a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockages. It’s important to always remove the pits and seeds before giving these fruits to your dog.

According to the American Kennel Club, other fruits that can be harmful to dogs include citrus fruits, such as lemons and limes, as well as persimmons and pomegranates. These fruits can cause upset stomachs or other digestive issues. While it’s important to keep these fruits away from your dog, there are still plenty of safe and healthy fruits that you can give them as a treat.

Quick Table of Harmful Fruits for Dogs

Here is a table of fruits that are harmful to dogs:

Fruit	Harmful Component	Potential Effects
Grapes	Unknown	Kidney failure, vomiting, diarrhea
Raisins	Unknown	Kidney failure, vomiting, diarrhea
Cherries	Cyanide	Dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, shock
Persimmons	Seeds	Intestinal blockage
Avocado	Persin	Vomiting, diarrhea, fluid buildup in the lungs
Citrus fruits	Essential oils and psoralens	Upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea
Rhubarb	Oxalates	Kidney failure, tremors, seizures
Stone fruits (peaches, plums, apricots)	Pits	Intestinal blockage, cyanide poisoning
Tomatoes	Solanine	Upset stomach, weakness, confusion
Figs	Furanocoumarins	Upset stomach, diarrhea

Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list and that some dogs may have different sensitivities or allergies to certain fruits. If you suspect that your dog has ingested a harmful fruit or is experiencing any unusual symptoms, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately.

Why Some Fruits Are Bad for Dogs

While many fruits like kiwi are safe and even beneficial for dogs, some can be harmful. Some fruits contain compounds that can be toxic to dogs or cause digestive upset. Others can pose a choking hazard or obstruct the digestive tract.

Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and grapefruits are not recommended for dogs. The fleshy part of these fruits is acidic and can cause stomach upset. The peel of all citrus fruits presents a choking hazard and can also cause GI issues.

Avocado is another fruit that is not recommended for dogs. Avocado contains a chemical called persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. In large quantities, persin can cause breathing difficulties and even death.

Grapes and raisins are also not recommended for dogs. These fruits can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts. Symptoms of grape or raisin toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.

Other fruits that can be harmful to dogs include cherries, which contain cyanide in their pits, and apricots, which can cause digestive upset and even obstruction if the pit is swallowed.

It’s important to always research and consult with your veterinarian before feeding your dog any new foods, including fruits. When introducing a new fruit to your dog, start with a small amount and monitor for any signs of digestive upset or allergic reaction.

Sources: American Kennel Club, WebMD, Pawlicy Advisor

Fruits That Are Toxic to Dogs

If you have a dog, it’s important to know which fruits are toxic to them. Some fruits can cause serious health problems, and in some cases, even death. Here are a few fruits you should avoid feeding your dog:

Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure. Even a small amount can be dangerous, so it’s best to avoid feeding your dog grapes or raisins altogether. Symptoms of grape or raisin toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and a loss of appetite. If you suspect your dog has eaten grapes or raisins, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Avocado

While avocado may be a healthy snack for humans, it’s toxic to dogs. Avocado contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. In severe cases, it can also cause breathing difficulties and fluid accumulation in the chest. If you have an avocado tree in your yard, make sure your dog can’t access the fruit.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits are not toxic to dogs, but they can cause digestive upset if fed in large quantities. The high acidity of these fruits can irritate your dog’s stomach, leading to vomiting and diarrhea. Additionally, the oils and psoralens found in citrus fruits can be toxic to dogs in large quantities. If you want to give your dog a citrus treat, make sure to remove the peel and seeds first.

Remember to always monitor your dog’s diet and keep toxic foods out of reach. If you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Fruits That Are Safe for Dogs

Apples

Apples are a great source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a healthy snack for dogs. However, be sure to remove the seeds and core, as they contain cyanide, which can be harmful to dogs.

Bananas

Bananas are a good source of potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. They are also low in sodium and cholesterol, making them a healthy treat for dogs. However, like with any treat, moderation is key.

Blueberries

Blueberries are high in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, making them a great addition to your dog’s diet. They are also low in calories, making them a good treat for overweight dogs. However, be sure to give them in moderation, as too many can cause diarrhea.

Strawberries

Strawberries are a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, making them a healthy snack for dogs. However, like with any treat, moderation is key. Also, be sure to remove the stem and leaves, as they can cause stomach upset.

Watermelon

Watermelon is a good source of vitamins A, B6, and C, as well as potassium and magnesium. It is also low in calories, making it a healthy treat for dogs. However, be sure to remove the seeds and rind them, as they can cause digestive problems. Sources: – American Kennel Club (AKC) – PetMD – Preventive Vet

Conclusion

Now that you know which fruits are bad for your dog, you can make informed decisions about what to feed them. Remember, just because a fruit is safe for humans to eat doesn’t mean it’s safe for dogs. Always do your research before giving your dog any new food.

If you’re unsure about a particular fruit, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid giving it to your dog altogether. Stick to fruits that are known to be safe, like apples, bananas, and blueberries.

It’s also important to remember that even safe fruits should be given in moderation. Too much fruit can upset your dog’s stomach or lead to other health problems. As with any treat, fruits should only make up a small part of your dog’s diet.

If you suspect your dog has eaten a fruit that’s toxic to them, contact your veterinarian immediately. They can help you determine the best course of action and provide any necessary treatment.

FAQ

Are Tomatoes Bad For Dogs?

Tomatoes are not good for your dogs. The tomato itself, if it is ripe, is not dangerous for your dog, but the stem and plant are very bad for them. These parts of the tomato have a toxin in them that can make your dog very sick.

Is Rhubarb Bad For Dogs?

You should not let your dog get anywhere near your rhubarb pie. Rhubarb is not good for your dog at all. This fruit can wreak havoc on your dog’s organs and digestive tract, causing some extreme discomfort and potential danger. 

Are Persimmons Bad For Dogs?

Persimmons have become somewhat of a trendy fruit, but your dog should ignore the trend altogether. While it is the seeds of the persimmon that your dog will get sick from, it’s best to just say no to the entire fruit as they don’t need to meet their dietary needs. 

Are Cherries Bad For Dogs?

Cherries contain a small amount of cyanide, which is very dangerous for your dog. The cyanide can cause some very disheartening and uncomfortable side effects for your dog, such as difficulty breathing and red gums. 

Are Citrus Fruits Bad For Dogs?

If your dog gets a little bite of an orange, it should be okay. However, dogs will probably find the tart flavor of citrus fruits unpleasant. If they don’t, you should probably avoid giving them citrus fruits regardless. They won’t get super sick unless they eat the peel, the leaves, or the stem, but it’s not worth the risk. 

Are Blackberries Bad For Dogs?

Blackberries and raspberries are okay for your dog to eat a very small amount of. These berries have a small amount of xylitol in them, which is very toxic to dogs. If they eat a couple of berries, they will be fine. A large amount of these two berries can be bad for your dog, so don’t let them have these very often. 

Are The Pits Of Fruits Bad For Dogs?

Anytime you are feeding your dog fruit, you should be sure that the seeds, pits, and cores are removed. The pits are especially bad for your dog, as they have some traces of cyanide in them. 

Is Dried Fruit Bad For Dogs?

Dried fruit is not recommended for your dogs to nibble on as they tend to have a lot of sugar. It’s best to aim for fresh fruit, but frozen fruit is okay too. You can even puree some fruit for them if you would like. Canned or fruit cups are also not recommended, as they usually have added sugar. 

How Often Should My Dog Be Allowed To Eat Fruit?

Some dog foods will have a little bit of fruit in them to help them meet their daily vitamin and mineral needs. They are most likely getting enough of what they need in their kibble and occasional wet food that they don’t need to be eating fruit. 

Consider letting them indulge in fruit like you would allow them to indulge in treats. Only let them have it occasionally as something special. Stick with lower-calorie fruits without a ton of sugar as much as you can, as they shouldn’t interfere with their diet nearly as much.

What Do I Do If My Dog Accidentally Eats A Fruit That Is Bad For Them?

Your dog will inevitably sneak some bites of your food now and then. Try not to panic, and do not yell at them.

Just be sure to keep your eye on them for the next day or so to detect if they are having some sort of reaction to the food. It’s possible they didn’t eat enough of the fruit for it to have any effect. 

When it comes to grapes, even if they get one, you should take them to the vet. Grapes are extremely dangerous for dogs even in small quantities so you want to get them to the vet as soon as you can to avoid any serious issues. 

If your dog is vomiting or having diarrhea often, and/or has a change in appetite or energy level, it is worth a trip to the vet just to be safe.