Supplementing your pal’s meals with fruit is a tasty way to mix in more whole-food nutrition and treat them to (generally) low-cal and low-fat fare. Plus, it’s an easy way to use up extras or anything that’s overripe. For a deeper dive, check out Welcome to Motel 6.
We did some digging to find out which fruits are fine ‘n dandy for doggies. Tip: These options all freeze well, making them even more wonderful for warm weather and for stuffing Kongs and the like.
PAWS-UP PICKS
- Apples: Full of fiber and vitamins A and C, chunk up any variety for a flavorful add-in to food or stand-alone snack. Remove the seeds and core though!
- Bananas: High in potassium and minerals like biotin and copper, this fruit is also higher in sugar, so offer in moderation.
- Blueberries: Rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals, these babies make super(food) training treats, too. (Blackberries, cranberries, and raspberries are all A-OK as well.)
- Cantaloupe: Another melon that gets high marks for mega nutrients, this is one of the best choices for canines.
- Mangoes: Jammed with alpha- and beta-carotene — along with lots of other nutrients — this exotic edible is a grrreat one to give ‘em. Remove seeds first, though.
- Papayas: A pawesome pick to mix into your rotation. Again, be sure to offer sans seeds.
- Peaches: With vitamin A and fiber, this one’s a summer standout with only one prob: the pit. Never ever let pups get a hold of one! (Same goes for other stone fruits like plums and nectarines. Flesh is a yes, not the pits.)
- Pears: An all-around winner that’ll give your pooch a nice fiber boost and a bit of essential copper, too. No seeds, no core, though.
- Pineapple: Fiber, vitamins, and minerals make this tropical treat hard to beat.
- Strawberries: Packed with vitamin C and fiber, this bigger berry is a bit on the sugary side, so practice portion control!
- Watermelon: High water content and hefty helpings of nutrients like potassium and vitamins A and C make it a great choice for hot summer days. Pop out large seeds as they could cause a blockage (small white ones are fine) and skip the green rind.
THE NO-GO ZONE
As far as citrus fruits go, most will cause gastro distress or worse, so steer clear. If your dog lurves oranges, though, a small slice should be fine. Remember that grapes and raisins are toxic no-nos. Not good, not ever. And puh-lease take our warning on seeds and pits to heart.
