FRUITS THAT ARE GOOD FOR DOGS

Summer is the time to enjoy fresh fruit! Humans aren't the only ones who love cool refreshing fruit in Summer, our dogs do too! Not every fruit is safe for dogs to eat, but there are several fruits that are good for dogs. 

Fruit contains healthy vitamins, minerals and fiber. Most fruit is hydrating as well, which is beneficial for dogs on those hot days of Summer.  The extra boost of fiber in many fruits can also be beneficial for dog health. 

I often give my dog fruit or vegetables as an alternative to packaged treats. They're fresher and have fewer calories. I add them to her food as a meal topper as well. My dog Icy loves fruit and veggies!

Many fruits are healthy for dogs, and they love it!

WHAT FRUITS CAN DOGS EAT?

⮞ Bananas

⮞ Watermelon (remove seeds & rind)

⮞ Blueberries

⮞ Pineapple (remove all skin)

⮞ Apples (be sure to remove the seeds and the core, especially the core as it is a choking hazard!) 

⮞ Cranberries

⮞ Strawberries

⮞ Oranges (remove the skin)

⮞ Canteloupe

⮞ Pumpkin

⮞ Cucumber - most folks think of cucumbers and pumpkins as vegetables, but technically they are a fruit! Like many people, I think of them more as veggies. I also list both of these in my earlier blog post about what vegetables dogs can eat

** I've left some fruits off this list because their seeds either contain elements that are toxic to dogs, or their larger seeds can pose a choking hazard.

Fresh fruit is best but you can use fruits that are canned or frozen as well. Just be cautious if they're packed in syrup or contain added sugar or other ingredients. If I use packaged fruit, I always choose the kind that is packed in water or in the fruit's own juices. 

DIY FRUIT TREAT FOR DOGS RECIPE

I want to share one of my favorite treat recipes I make for my dog! Using some of the fruits dogs can eat from the above list, I cut up and peel the fruit and mix it up in the blender with plain yogurt. 

DIY fruit treat for dogs starts w/ cut up & peeled dog safe fruit

Recipe:

1/4 cup Blueberries

1/4 cup of peeled, sliced banana

1/4 cup of pineapple chunks (cut skin off)

1/2 cup plain yogurt

Few chunks of watermelon

Place all ingredients in a blender. Chop or Puree until mixed well but not liquified. Then you have the base mixture.  Your dog will Love this healthy fruit concoction! 

✷ You can pour the fruit mixture into ice cube trays and freeze for treats,

✷ You can add the mixture into treat toys to freeze for treats, 

✷ You can add about 1/8 cup to your dog's food as a meal topper.  

Fruit mixture can also be added to your dog's food as a topper

Excess fruit mixture can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

** Please remember to Always check with your Veterinarian before you add any new food to your dog's diet. Your Vet knows your dog's health best, so just run it by your Vet to ensure it's ok to add fruit to their diet or as treats.

 

I sometimes just mix cut up fruit (small pieces) with peanut butter or yogurt in a bowl. If you have limited time and want something quick and simple it works well too. Both ways are great as a healthy dog treat or dog food topper.

You can also spread the fruit mixture on your dog's treat activity mat. Just don't put it on the cloth kind, especially if you're using sticky peanut butter - LOL!

FRUITS DOGS CAN'T EAT

There are plenty of fruits that are healthy for dogs that you can choose from. But there are some fruits dogs can't eat because they are actually toxic to dogs such as Grapes, Raisins, Cherries and Macadamia nuts. Some fruits, or the seeds of those fruits, contain trace amounts of cyanide, or can pose a choking hazard. 

Be cautious of what fruits you offer your dog.  Your Veterinarian knows your pet best, so it's always a good idea to contact your Vet to be sure any fruit you want to give your particular dog is ok for them to eat.  This is especially important if your dog has any health issues like Cushing's disease, Diabetes, or other health condition.

If you Love both Dogs and Cats, you don't need to choose! This adorable Pet Bandana features both a Dog and Cat surrounded by an open heart. It comes in 2 sizes and can be worn by your beloved cat or dog. Available in a white or light gray background in my Redbubble online store.

Design detail, enlarged

 

Adorable Pet Bandana with Dog & Cat design

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