Unknown to many pet owners, dogs can enjoy a treat of selected fruits. Although dogs are carnivores, giving them an occasional fruit as a treat is recommended. You will be surprised to know that your four-legged buddy can get some benefits from eating various fruits.
In as much as dogs can eat fruits, they do not consume every piece of fruit that you give them. Dogs digest differently, and eating the wrong foods can lead to serious health problems. Therefore, you might ask as, “What kind of fruits can dogs eat?”.
Without further ado, here is a list of common fruits that you can feed your dog:
Apples
Dogs can consume both red and green apples. Apples are healthy, affordable, and a good source of fiber and vitamins C and A for your dog. Besides, the fiber found in apple is helpful when your dog suffers from stomach upsets.
Additionally, apple is an excellent snack for senior dogs because it is low in protein and fat. Before feeding your dog, make sure to remove the core and the seeds first. Then, serve them when frozen during the warm weather.
Although dogs eat both types of apples, you should note that some dogs may not like green apples because they are sour. When treating your dog with apples, begin by giving him a slice to test his reaction, then you can adjust accordingly until he can feed on a full apple.
Bananas
Believe it or not, you can give your dog some bananas but in moderation. A banana is a good treat for your dog because it is low in calories. It’s also low in sodium and cholesterol but has high sugar content.
On the other hand, bananas are rich in copper, vitamins, fiber, potassium, and biotin. Hence, they are good for promoting a dog’s growth and development.
Dogs should be given the fleshy part of a banana. They can also eat the skin, but it is not recommended because it can cause blockage of the digestive tract. Take note to give your four-legged friend a banana only as a treat and not a part of his main diet.
Mangoes
Mangoes are nutritious tropical fruits that make a good treat for your dog. Mangoes are sweet and contain vitamins C, E, A, and B6 as well as fiber.
Take note that dogs don’t easily digest the mango’s skins. Therefore, you should peel the mango before giving it to your dog. The mango seed should also be removed because it can cause choking if swallowed.
Oranges
Oranges are another type of fruit that dogs can eat. Oranges are rich in minerals like vitamin C which is useful for boosting immune protection.
Oranges can be used to clean your dog’s stomach, especially when they take dangerous foods like onions. Remove the skin and the seeds first because they can cause digestion problems.
It is advisable to give your dog the “pith” which is the white layer of oranges. This is because this part is less acidic and is also the healthiest.
Pineapples
It is safe for dogs to eat pineapples; however, the crown and the prickly outside peel should be removed first before giving it to your dog.
This tropical fruit is enriched with vitamins, fiber, and minerals. It also contains an enzyme called bromelain that helps your dog absorb essential proteins.
Watermelon
Dogs can be treated with a watermelon snack since it is rich in potassium and vitamins C, A, and B6. Plus, it keeps your dog hydrated during hot summer days due to its 92% water content.
However, the seeds and the rind should be removed first; otherwise, they can cause intestinal blockage. The watermelon “flesh” is otherwise good for dogs.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a perfect treat for overweight dogs because they hold little to no oils, fats, or carbohydrates. As a result, cucumbers help in boosting the energy levels of your dog.
They are rich in vitamins B1, K, and C as well as minerals such as potassium, biotin, copper, and magnesium. Needless to say, cucumbers are crunchy and low-calorie snacks that many dogs like.
Final Thoughts
Although dogs are carnivores, they can be treated with fruits or vegetables occasionally. Some fruits are healthy and rich in essentials minerals and vitamins needed by them. If you were wondering what fruits can dogs eat, we hope that this article has given you some ideas.