Getting fruit for your dog may sound strange, but sometimes we give our animals leftovers from our plate. But do you have to buy special fruit for the meals of your four-legged friend?
Many dogs are very fond of food and appreciate sweet snacks. Fruit for the dog can be a fresh addition to the diet. Sometimes it provides some extra vitamins. But does fruit fit in the natural dog’s diet? What types of fruit can a dog eat? In this short brief, we’ll tell you everything about giving fruit to your dog.
Aren’t dogs meat eaters?
Dogs are by nature ‘real meat eaters’, or animals that are completely built on eating and digesting meat. This can be seen from their teeth, but also from their digestive system.
Dogs digest fruits very poorly because the cell walls of these products cannot be destroyed by the dog’s body. Pureed or lightly steamed, they can more efficiently deliver nutrients than raw.
Healthy menu
Always make sure that your dog’s menu contains the correct and sufficient nutrients. Fruits and vegetables can be added as extra, but do not form an essential part of the dog’s diet. That is why you don’t have to buy them for your dog. However, a small portion can never hurt.
Fruit can also offer tasty snacks. But what kind of fruit can your dog actually have?
Which fruit can your dog eat?
Many dogs find a bite of fruit delicious! The sweet taste and the different textures make a piece of fruit a delicious snack. But because your dog is not made for this, they can’t stand against all different species.
Fruits You Can Feed Your Dog
- Strawberry
- Pineapple
- Banana
- Blueberries
- Lemon
- Raspberries
- Pomegranate
- Grapefruit
- Kiwi
- Melon
- Mandarin
- Papaya
- Orange
Fruits You Can’t Feed Your Dog
- Avocado
- Apple Core
- Dates
- Cherries
- Mango
- Nectarine
- Peach
- Plum
- Grapes
- Kaki fruit
- Currants
- Raisins
How much fruit can a dog eat?
Because your dog is a carnivore (meat eater), fruit and vegetables will not be allowed to form a big part of his diet. Your dog can’t digest fruits correctly, which can cause diarrhoea and other intestinal complaints in the long run or with large portions. Besides, your dog will lose vital nutrients if he does not get enough meat (based products). Fruit is tasty, but not a natural part of the menu.
Are extra vitamins and minerals bad?
If you give your four-legged friend good dog food, it is not necessary to provide extra vitamins, minerals or additional nutritional supplements. Your dog could then ingest too much of a certain vitamin or mineral, which can have unpleasant health effects. If you think your dog is getting too few vitamins and minerals with his current diet, ask your vet for advice. Never add vitamins and minerals to the diet of your dog without consulting a specialist. Keep the fruit as a tasty snack, instead of daily addition to the meal. Always supply small portions alongside.
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