Dog Health Problems

Lots of people like to feed their dogs the same things that they eat themselves.  Food trends for feeding dogs often follow human trends.  For example, today many dog foods contain more holistic, natural ingredients, and people are interested in organic foods for their dogs.  Some owners are also curious about feeding their dogs fruits. Can dogs eat fruits?  The answer is that fruits for dogs have to be considered on a case by case basis.  Some fruits are all right to feed your dog while others can be toxic.

Are Fruits Beneficial For Your Dog?

Technically, from a health standpoint, your dog doesn’t really need to eat fruits.  Even if you feed your dog a RAW diet, fruits make up a very small amount of what you feed your dog.  Vegetables are added to a RAW diet, but even then, they must be pureed or processed so your dog can digest them.  Your dog may enjoy eating fruits and vegetables but he’s a carnivore and his digestive system doesn’t digest fruits and vegetables very well.  You can still give him fruits and vegetables in small amounts if he likes them.  So, the answer to the question, Can dogs eat fruits? is that dogs can eat fruits, but they don’t need to do so.

Which Fruits Are Okay To Give Your Dog?

There are lots of fruits that dogs like and which you can safely give your dog to eat, especially as treats.  Apples and bananas, for example, are often big favorites with dogs.  Most berries are also safe for your dog to eat, such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, and the like.  You can also safely give your dog melons such as cantaloupe and watermelon.

If you give your dog apples, pears, peaches, plums, or cherries, be sure to remove the seeds or pits.  The fruit itself is safe for your dog but the seeds and pits are not.  They contain minute amounts of cyanide which could be poisonous to your dog (or to you).

Many people ask if avocados are safe for dogs.  The answer is yes, the fruit is safe.  However, do not give your dog the pit.  It is also unsafe for your dog.  Some dog foods contain avocado and it is very good for your dog’s skin and coat.  Dogs who have avocado trees in the yard will often devour the fruit right off the tree.

Whether it’s a fruit or a vegetable, you can give your dog tomatoes, though there is some suggestion that they may be bad for dogs who have arthritis.

Which Fruits Are Unsafe For Dogs?

You should not give your dog grapes or raisins.  They have been associated with acute renal failure in some dogs.  You should not give your dog currants for the same reason.

Although they are not a fruit, you should not give your dog Macadamia nuts.  They can be toxic to dogs.

Do not give your dog mushrooms.  Some of them contain toxins which can cause shock to your dog, or even death.

Do not give your dog persimmons.  The seeds can cause intestinal problems.

If you are in doubt about a particular fruit, vegetable or other food you want to give your dog, it’s best to ask your vet or check a good source to find out if it’s safe to give to your dog.  Most fruits are safe to give your dog, but it’s best to be safe.

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