Fruits You Can Share With Your Canine Companion

Apples are a favorite crunchy snack for humans and dogs alike. However, the seeds contain a small amount of cyanide, which can harm dogs. Plus, the core can be a choking hazard, so avoid letting your dog chew on it. As long as you remove the seeds, feel free to feed your dog some apple slices. Not only are they a great source of vitamins A and C, but they’re also a good source of fiber.

Thanks to their potassium, fiber, and copper, bananas make a great snack. Plus, they’re the perfect consistency for dogs that may have issues chewing harder foods. Remember that bananas are fairly high in sugar, so use moderation. Bananas should be a treat, not a regular addition to your dog’s diet.

Melons, especially cantaloupe, are low in calories but rich in fiber and water. Like bananas, cantaloupes have tons of sugar, so use them sparingly. Remove any seeds and cut the flesh into chunks. Don’t let your dog lick the melon skin because it may carry bacteria that can upset their stomach. An occasional cantaloupe treat gives dogs some extra vitamin A, B, and C.

While not every pup likes them, cranberries can be a good treat for dogs that enjoy their tart taste. Perhaps the biggest reason to feed your dog cranberries is to help them fight urinary tract issues. Cranberries contain vitamin C and their natural acidity makes them a natural urinary disinfectant. If your dog does like cranberries, remember that eating too many may upset their stomach.

If you’re looking for a delicious tropical treat for your dog, mangoes are a perfect choice. They contain potassium and carotenoids, as well as vitamins A and C. Make sure to remove the hard pit before giving your dog a mango. Not only does the pit contain cyanide, but it is also large enough to choke on or cause a bowel obstruction. The best way to serve your dog mango is in small chunks.

Many people believe that dogs can’t eat oranges, but this is incorrect. You should avoid letting your dog eat orange skin, excess pith, or orange seeds because they contain an oil that may irritate your pet. However, the fruit itself is rich in vitamin C and can improve your dog’s fur. Peel an orange and remove as much pith as you can before giving your dog a small amount of orange as a treat.

Small amounts of cut-up peaches make for great dog treats because they have fiber and vitamin A. Cut around the pit and remove it because it contains cyanide. Avoid feeding your dog canned peaches. Many canned fruits contain incredibly sugary syrups, which can irritate a dog’s stomach or lead to other issues.

If your dog needs a softer fruit to snack on, try pears instead of apples or other crunchy fruit. Pears are a great source of vitamins C and K, copper, and fiber. Vitamin K helps with blood clotting while vitamin C improves the immune system. Like other fruits, make sure to remove any seeds from a pear before letting your dog snack on it.

Strawberries are an incredible fruit for snacking: bite-sized, rich in nutrients, and perfectly sweet. The humble strawberry contains potassium, iron, copper, manganese, and magnesium. Plus, it also provides vitamins C, E, and K. Though it’s rare, some dogs may be allergic to a certain protein inside strawberries. Signs of an allergic reaction are your dog’s lips swelling or redness in and around their mouth.

Just as cantaloupes make for a great doggy snack, watermelons do too. They’re low in calories and rich in water and fiber. They’re one of the best ways to ensure that your pup is getting enough water on those hot summer days. Plus, watermelons provide vitamins A, B, and C, along with potassium. As with other melons, remove the seeds and don’t let your dog lick the rind.