Summer Fruits Dogs Can Eat (and 6 They Absolutely Can't)
Summer Fruits Dogs Can Eat (and 6 They Absolutely Can't)
Summer is peak fruit season, and your dog has noticed. Every time you slice a watermelon or open a box of berries, there's a nose right at your elbow. The good news is that many summer fruits are safe, healthy and refreshing for dogs in the right amounts.
Fruit can be a great low-calorie treat, full of water, fiber and vitamins. Frozen fruit makes an easy way to help your dog cool down on hot days. But some fruits are toxic to dogs, and pits, seeds, rinds and stems can cause choking or blockages.
In this guide, we'll cover the summer fruits dogs can eat, how to prepare them, how much is safe, the fruits to avoid completely and easy frozen fruit treat ideas for hot days. We'll also explain what to do if your dog eats something they shouldn't.
Why fruit can be a great dog treat
Many fruits are low in calories, high in water and full of fiber, vitamins and antioxidants. Swapping some high-calorie commercial treats for small pieces of fruit can help dogs who need to lose a few pounds, and the extra water is helpful on hot days.
Fruit also adds variety and fun. Many dogs love the crunch of apple slices or the coolness of frozen blueberries, and small berries make great training rewards.
That said, dogs don't need fruit to be healthy. A complete and balanced dog food provides all the nutrients they need. Think of fruit as a fun extra, not a necessity.
Ground rules for feeding fruit
Before you share, keep these basics in mind:
- Small portions. Treats, including fruit, should make up no more than about 10 percent of your dog's daily calories.
- Remove pits, seeds, stems and rinds. These can cause choking, blockages or toxicity.
- Wash fruit well. Remove pesticides and dirt.
- Cut into small pieces. Bite-size pieces reduce choking risk.
- Introduce one fruit at a time. Watch for stomach upset.
- Skip added sugar and sweeteners. No syrups, sugar coatings or xylitol.
- Check with your vet. Especially for dogs with diabetes, kidney disease or sensitive stomachs.
When in doubt about a fruit not on this list, skip it and ask your vet first. It's always easier to add a new treat later than to deal with an upset stomach or worse.
Watermelon
Watermelon is one of the best summer treats for dogs. It's about 92 percent water, making it great for hydration, and it's low in calories. It also contains vitamins A and C.
Remove all seeds and the rind before sharing. The rind can be hard to digest and may cause stomach upset or a blockage, and many seeds can also cause problems. Seedless watermelon is easiest. Cut into small cubes or freeze for a cool snack.
Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries
Berries are small, nutritious and easy to share. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and fiber and are the perfect size for training treats. Strawberries contain vitamin C and fiber; cut them into small pieces.
Raspberries and blackberries are safe in small amounts. Raspberries contain tiny amounts of a natural sweetener called xylitol, so keep portions small, like a few berries for a small dog. Always wash berries well and avoid any with added sugar or syrup.
Cantaloupe and honeydew
Cantaloupe and honeydew are juicy, sweet and safe for most dogs in small amounts. They provide water, fiber and vitamins. Remove the seeds and rind, and cut into small cubes.
Melons are higher in natural sugar than some fruits, so keep portions small, especially for overweight or diabetic dogs.
Peaches and nectarines
The flesh of peaches and nectarines is safe for dogs in small amounts. But the pits are dangerous. Peach pits can cause choking or intestinal blockages, and like other stone fruit pits, they contain compounds that can release cyanide when chewed.
Always remove the pit and cut the fruit into small pieces. Avoid canned peaches in syrup, which are high in sugar. Keep fallen fruit in your yard picked up so your dog can't chew on pits.
Mango
Mango is a sweet, vitamin-rich treat dogs often love. Peel the skin and remove the large pit before sharing. The pit is a choking and blockage hazard and also contains small amounts of cyanide-producing compounds.
Offer small cubes as an occasional treat. Mango is fairly high in sugar, so portions should stay small.
Pineapple
Fresh pineapple is safe for most dogs in small amounts. It contains vitamins, minerals and fiber. Remove the tough outer skin and core, and cut into small chunks. Skip canned pineapple in syrup.
Bananas
Bananas are a popular dog treat, rich in potassium and fiber. Peel them and offer small slices. Bananas are high in sugar, so they're best as an occasional treat. Frozen banana slices make a great summer snack.
Apples
Apples are crunchy, refreshing and safe in small amounts. Remove the core and seeds first. Apple seeds contain small amounts of cyanide-producing compounds, and the core can be a choking hazard. Slices are a great low-calorie treat.
More summer favorites: what's safe?
Cucumber is crunchy, hydrating and very low in calories, making it a great summer snack. Kiwi is safe in small, peeled pieces. Oranges and tangerines are safe in small amounts without peel or seeds, though some dogs dislike the citrus smell.
Pears are safe without seeds, core or stem. Coconut flesh is safe in small amounts but is high in fat; skip the hard shell. Cranberries are safe in small amounts but very tart.
Lemons and limes aren't toxic in tiny amounts, but they're very acidic and can upset the stomach, so it's best to skip them. Figs can cause stomach upset and skin irritation in some dogs; avoid them unless your vet says otherwise.
6 fruits dogs should never eat
These fruits, or parts of them, can be dangerous:
- Grapes and raisins. Can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts. The exact toxic dose is unknown, so avoid completely.
- Cherries. Pits, stems and leaves contain cyanide-producing compounds, and pits can cause blockages.
- Plum, apricot and peach pits. Choking and blockage hazards that also contain cyanide-producing compounds.
- Avocado. The pit is a choking and blockage hazard, and the skin and leaves contain persin, which can cause stomach upset.
- Unripe tomatoes and tomato plants. Green parts contain solanine, which can cause stomach upset.
- Fruit with xylitol or chocolate. Candied, chocolate-dipped or sugar-free products can be toxic.
The ASPCA's list of people foods to avoid includes grapes, raisins and more. If your dog eats grapes or raisins, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away; fees may apply.
Why grapes and raisins are so dangerous
Grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas are some of the most dangerous foods for dogs. They can cause sudden kidney failure, and there's no known safe amount. Some dogs eat a few and have no problems, while others become seriously ill after eating only a small number.
Recent research suggests tartaric acid in grapes may be responsible for the toxicity. Signs of grape toxicity can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite and decreased urination, sometimes appearing within hours.
Watch out for hidden sources: trail mix, fruit salads, baked goods, cereal bars and fruitcake. Never wait for symptoms; call your vet or poison control immediately if your dog eats grapes or raisins.
How much fruit by dog size
Treats, including fruit, should make up no more than about 10 percent of your dog's daily calories. Here's a rough guide to portions of most dog-safe fruits per day:
- Toy dogs (under 10 lbs). One or two blueberries, a thin apple slice or a small cube of watermelon.
- Small dogs (10 to 25 lbs). A few blueberries, a couple of small banana coins or two or three melon cubes.
- Medium dogs (25 to 50 lbs). A small handful of berries, a few apple slices or half a cup of watermelon cubes.
- Large dogs (50 to 90 lbs). A handful of berries, several apple slices or up to a cup of watermelon.
- Giant dogs (90 lbs and up). Slightly more, but still as a treat rather than a meal.
Start smaller than these amounts the first time you offer a new fruit, and watch for loose stools or tummy upset over the next day. Our healthy weight guide can help if treats are adding up.
Fruit and dogs with health conditions
Most healthy dogs can enjoy fruit in small amounts, but some health conditions change the rules. Talk to your vet before adding fruit if your dog has any of these:
- Diabetes. Fruit contains natural sugar that can affect blood glucose.
- Overweight or on a diet. Fruit adds calories. Swap it for part of the usual treat allowance rather than adding it on top.
- Pancreatitis or a sensitive stomach. Even mild fruits can trigger upsets in some dogs.
- Kidney disease. Some fruits are high in potassium, like bananas.
- Prescription diet. Extra foods can interfere with therapeutic diets.
Can dogs be allergic to fruit?
Fruit allergies are uncommon in dogs, but any new food can cause a reaction. Mild signs include itching, ear scratching, red skin or soft stool. More serious signs, like facial swelling, hives, vomiting or trouble breathing, need a vet right away.
Introduce one new fruit at a time, in a tiny amount, and wait a day or two before trying another. That way, if your dog reacts, you'll know exactly which fruit caused it. If your dog already has known food allergies, check with your vet before offering anything new.
How to prepare fruit for your dog
Preparation is where most fruit risks come from. Wash, peel where needed, remove pits and seeds, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Wash everything. Rinse off pesticides and dirt, even for fruit you'll peel.
- Remove pits, cores and seeds. Peach and cherry pits, apple cores and seeds can be toxic or cause blockages.
- Peel tough skins. Banana peels, mango skin, melon rind and pineapple skin are hard to digest.
- Cut to size. Small pieces prevent choking. Blueberries can be cut in half for tiny dogs.
- Skip anything sweetened. No canned fruit in syrup, fruit snacks or fruit yogurts with added sugar or xylitol.
- Serve fresh or frozen. Plain, with nothing added.
Kids, picnics and fruit sharing
Summer is full of fruit at kid height: picnic blankets, backyard parties and sticky little hands. Teach children which fruits are okay to share and which are never okay, like grapes, raisins and cherries.
Give kids a small bowl of pre-cut, dog-safe fruit they can offer with permission. It helps them feel involved and keeps them from sharing whatever is on their own plate. Remind everyone to keep fruit pits, cores and peels in a closed bin, since dogs often find them later. Our kids and dogs guide has more family rules that work all year.
Fruit myths for dogs
A few common beliefs about fruit and dogs need clearing up:
- All fruit is healthy for dogs. Most fruits are fine in small amounts, but grapes, raisins and some pits and seeds are dangerous.
- Dogs need fruit in their diet. A complete and balanced dog food covers nutritional needs. Fruit is a treat, not a requirement.
- Dried fruit is the same as fresh. Dried fruit is concentrated sugar and calories, and dried grapes are raisins, which are toxic.
- If a little is good, more is better. Too much fruit can cause diarrhea, gas and weight gain.
- Fruit juice is a healthy treat. Juice is mostly sugar. Stick to fresh water.
What if my dog ate too much fruit?
Most of the time, a dog who raids the fruit bowl will have nothing worse than an upset stomach, gas or loose stools for a day. Offer fresh water, skip treats for a day and watch for improvement. Our upset stomach guide explains home care.
Call your vet if your dog ate grapes, raisins, cherries with pits, peach or plum pits, or a whole corn cob from the picnic table, or if vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy continue. Pits and cores can cause blockages, and some fruits are toxic even in small amounts. For a full list, see toxic foods for dogs.
Using fruit as a low-calorie reward
Many dogs love fruit enough to work for it. Small pieces of apple, blueberries or banana make great low-calorie rewards on walks and during training sessions, especially for dogs watching their weight.
Cut fruit into pea-sized pieces so you can give lots of rewards without overfeeding, and keep them in a small container in your pocket or treat pouch. Mix fruit with your dog's regular treats so they never know which reward is coming next.
Frozen fruit treats for hot days
Frozen fruit is a fun, cooling summer snack. Try these easy ideas:
- Frozen blueberries. Toss a few into your dog's water bowl or use them as training treats.
- Watermelon pupsicles. Blend seedless watermelon and freeze in an ice cube tray.
- Banana and yogurt bites. Blend banana with plain yogurt and freeze in small molds.
- Strawberry ice cubes. Freeze chopped strawberries in water.
- Stuffed frozen toy. Fill a rubber toy with mashed banana, plain yogurt and a few berries, then freeze.
Make sure yogurt is plain and unsweetened, with no xylitol. Our guide to frozen dog treats for summer has more recipes.
How to introduce a new fruit
Start with one small piece of one fruit, and wait 24 hours to see how your dog reacts. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, gas, itching or any unusual behavior.
If all goes well, you can offer that fruit again in small amounts. Introduce only one new fruit at a time so it's easy to tell what caused any upset.
Dogs with sensitive stomachs, food allergies, diabetes, pancreatitis or kidney disease may need special guidance. Ask your vet before adding fruit to their diet.
How much fruit is too much?
Fruit is healthy, but it contains natural sugar and fiber, which can cause stomach upset or weight gain if overdone. As a rough guide, a small dog might have a few blueberries or one or two small cubes of melon; a large dog might have a small handful.
Watch for diarrhea, gas or vomiting after introducing a new fruit, and cut back if you notice any. Dogs who are overweight or have diabetes may need fewer high-sugar fruits. Our guide to is my dog overweight explains how to keep treats balanced.
Fruit at picnics and cookouts
Summer gatherings often feature fruit salads, fruit platters and desserts. Fruit salads may contain grapes, and desserts may contain chocolate, xylitol or raisins. Keep platters out of your dog's reach and ask guests not to share.
Offer your dog their own small plate of safe fruit instead. Our guides to dog-friendly spring picnic and Memorial Day cookout with your dog have more tips for summer parties.
Using fruit as training treats
Small fruits like blueberries make excellent low-calorie training rewards. Cut larger fruits, like apple or melon, into tiny pieces about the size of a pea for small dogs or a fingernail for larger dogs.
Fruit works best for dogs who genuinely love it. For tricky training situations, like recall in a busy park, you may still need higher-value treats. Mix fruit into a training pouch with your dog's regular treats for variety.
Our easy dog tricks to teach guide is a fun way to put those fruity rewards to work.
Fruit trees and gardens
If you have fruit trees or a garden, pick up fallen fruit regularly. Rotting fruit can ferment, and pits from peaches, plums, apricots and cherries are dangerous. Grapevines should be fenced off from dogs.
Our guide to spring lawn and garden safety for dogs covers safe gardening around pets.
- Many summer fruits are safe. Watermelon, berries, melon, peaches, mango, pineapple, bananas and apples in small amounts.
- Always remove pits, seeds and rinds. They can cause choking, blockages or toxicity.
- Never give grapes or raisins. They can cause sudden kidney failure.
- Keep portions small. Treats should be about 10 percent or less of daily calories.
- Try frozen fruit treats. A tasty way to help your dog cool down.
A sweet, safe summer
Sharing summer fruit with your dog can be a fun, healthy way to enjoy the season together. Stick to safe fruits, prepare them carefully, keep portions small and steer clear of grapes and pits. Then grab a frozen pupsicle and enjoy the sunshine together.
From all of us at Happy Yay, here's to a sweet, safe summer with your pup.
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Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat watermelon?
Yes, in small amounts, without seeds or rind.
Can dogs eat blueberries?
Yes. Blueberries are a healthy, low-calorie treat.
Can dogs eat strawberries?
Yes, cut into small pieces and in moderation.
Can dogs eat grapes?
No. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs.
Can dogs eat cherries?
It's best to avoid them. Pits, stems and leaves are harmful.
Can dogs eat peaches?
The flesh is fine in small amounts, but never the pit.
Can dogs eat mango?
Yes, peeled and without the pit, in small amounts.
Can dogs eat pineapple?
Yes, fresh pineapple without skin or core, in small amounts.
How much fruit can my dog have?
Keep fruit and other treats to about 10 percent of daily calories.
What should I do if my dog eats grapes?
Call your vet or an animal poison control service right away.