Fruits dogs can eat (and the ones you should never give them)

Many fruits make a healthy, refreshing treat for your dog, but some are dangerous. Here's the full list and how to serve them safely.

Key takeaways

Apple, banana, blueberries, watermelon and strawberries are good choices in small amounts.
Never grapes or raisins: they can cause serious kidney damage.
Always remove seeds, pits, cores and tough peels.

Do dogs need fruit?

No. A dog eating a complete and balanced food gets everything it needs. But fruit can be a low-calorie treat with water, fiber and vitamins, much healthier than many commercial snacks. The key is choosing well, preparing it properly and keeping portions small.

Fruits dogs can eat

Apple: in slices, without seeds or core. Crunchy and refreshing.
Banana: very tasty but fairly high in sugar. Just a few slices.
Blueberries: small, perfect as training treats.
Strawberries: washed and cut, in small amounts.
Watermelon: seedless and without rind. Perfect on hot days.
Cantaloupe: without rind or seeds, in moderation because of its sugar.
Pear: without seeds or core.
Mango: without the pit or skin.
Pineapple: fresh, in small pieces. Canned pineapple usually comes in syrup.
Orange and tangerine: a few segments without peel or seeds. Some dogs don't tolerate the acidity.
Raspberries and blackberries: in small amounts.

Dangerous fruits to avoid

Grapes and raisins: can cause sudden kidney failure, even in small amounts. There's no known safe dose.
Cherries: pits, stems and leaves contain toxic compounds, and the pit can cause a blockage.
Avocado: the pit can cause blockages and the skin and leaves contain persin. Best avoided.
Peach, plum and apricot pits: can block the intestines and contain toxic compounds.
Fruit in syrup, jams or with sweeteners: xylitol is very dangerous for dogs.

If you're unsure about a fruit, look it up in our Is it toxic? tool. For every forbidden food, read Foods dogs can't eat.

How much fruit is OK

All treats combined, fruit included, shouldn't exceed 10% of what your dog eats in a day. For a small dog that's a few pieces; for a large dog, a bit more. If your dog is overweight or diabetic, check with your vet first, since some fruits are fairly sugary.

How to prepare it

Wash it well to remove pesticide residue.
Remove seeds, pits, cores, stems and tough peels.
Cut it into pieces suited to your dog's size to prevent choking.
Serve it plain, with no sugar, salt or spices.
Introduce one new fruit at a time, in small amounts, and see how it agrees with your dog.

Refreshing summer ideas

Freeze seedless watermelon chunks or blueberries in an ice cube tray with water for a cool treat on hot days. You can also fill a rubber toy with mashed banana and freeze it to keep your dog busy for a while. Remember to subtract these calories from its daily portion, which you can calculate with the daily food tool.

What about vegetables?

Many vegetables also make good treats: raw or cooked carrot, green beans, plain cooked pumpkin, cucumber, small amounts of broccoli and zucchini. Avoid onion, garlic, leeks and chives, which are toxic, and wild mushrooms. As with fruit, serve them without salt, oil or seasoning, in small pieces. Many dogs love crunching raw carrot, which also keeps them busy.

Signs something didn't agree with it

If your dog has vomiting, diarrhea, itching or facial swelling after trying a new fruit, stop giving it and contact your vet. If it ate grapes, raisins or a fruit pit, call your vet right away, even if you don't see symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs eat banana every day? A few slices now and then are fine, but not large amounts daily because of the sugar.

Can they eat apple skin? Yes, the skin is fine; the seeds and core are the problem.

What about puppies? They can try tiny pieces of fruit, but their regular food should always be the foundation.

This article is for information only and does not replace a visit to your vet.