Generally, fruits or vegetables have no place in any carnivorous animal’s dietary needs like dogs or cats. But, we all know that when you have a strong-willed dog sat on your lap, she is going to want to join in and have a nibble of whatever fruits you are eating.
Trouble is not all fruits are kind to your dog’s digestive system. So, if you are not sure what fruits are bad for dogs, or unsure how much fruit ingestion is safe for dogs, just steer away from giving your pet fruits based treats.
However, despite all edible fruits for humans are safe for animals in moderated content, too much ingestion of it by your pet dog is what causes digestive irritation in dogs.
Is too much fruit bad for dogs? Yes! Too much of anything, especially fruits for dogs, is bad!
Dogs and human digestive systems work in completely different ways. For a start, dogs are carnivorous animals who should predominantly feed on meat-based.
There really is no need for fruits on any dog’s menu as eating the wrong human foods can compromise the dog’s digestive system and in serious cases, may lead to long-term health problems for the dog while in extreme cases, pet owner have reported sudden death.
Though dogs have no real need for fruits and vegetables as part of their diet, occasional fruit or veggie treats in moderation is not bad for the dog’s health.
So it is OK for dogs to enjoy a little bit of fruits every now and then?
Yes! Dogs can eat fruits or vegetable-based meals as long as the fruits or vegetables are only 10% of the meal ingredient mix. And, if you are feeding your pet fresh nibbles of fruits, peeling and removing the fruit seeds and skin is essential.
Fruits come in all shapes and sizes and offer a vast amount of minerals and vitamins that provide many benefits to a dog’s health.
However, too much of the same fruits can prove to be not safe for dogs to eat.
Take avocados pear fruits, for example, While it is safe for dogs to eat in smaller quantities, a lot more of it turns into poisonous fruit for your dog.
You see, Avocados contain a natural chemical compound which is called persin.
And it is this persin chemical which if dogs take it in slightly in larger quantities can be toxic to the dog’s digestive system and most animals also suffer from avocado toxicity when consumed in large quantities.
So it’s essential to know which fruits and what amounts of it are safe for dogs to eat on one sitting.
And other fruits are off-limits for pet’s consumption as they are not safe for dogs digestive system.
Sometimes it’s not the safe fruits themselves; rather they may have a part like seeds or the skin which dogs are not supposed to eat.
This is because they may contain a harmful chemical or they may simply be hard for the dog to ingest or digest.
If you are unclear of which fruits you should never give to your dog, here is a list
1. Avocado
Avocado pears in small quantities are ok for dogs, but in large quantities, these fruits can turn your world upside down as they contain a chemical called Persin. This chemical is known to cause weak breathing problems to dogs and other pets.
It also causes intoxication, which can lead to slow coordination, inflammation of mammary glands, fluid accumulation in the heart and even death if the ingested avocado content was excessive.
So, Can dogs eat avocado pears?
Yes, dogs can eat avocado provided it is in smaller quantities so you can keep the persin which is a toxic chemical low.
That being said, do not leave any pieces of this fruit lying around where your dog will reach.
2. Grapes
Known to cause kidney failure, grapes are harmful to dogs no matter how little they are given. The substance that causes such health problems is still unknown.
The first symptom is Vomiting. This usually happens a few hours after the dog ingests the grapes.
3. Lemon Tree
Containing essential Citrus oils and Psoralens, your dog should not ingest the peel, stem or even the seeds of lemons.
Early symptoms that your dog will start experiencing are vomiting as well as depression.
4. Macadamia Nuts
These nuts are dangerous to dogs due to their oil. It is even worse when your dog ingests Macademia nuts contained in chocolate.
The symptoms are vomiting and high temperatures. These nuts also cause muscle weakness so you may see your dog walking very slowly or failing to stand at all.
5. Apple Seeds
While apples may be safe fruits for dogs to eat, the Seeds and core are very harmful as they contain arsenic which is highly toxic.
The seeds also contain a chemical called amygdlin that releases another chemical called cyanide after it has been digested.
Its best to remove the seeds before you give your do this treat. Also, make sure you give them at least half a slice.
6. Orange Tree
This tree, like the Lemon tree, has high essential oils and psoralens content. It is also harmful to cats as well as horses.
Keep your dog away from the seeds, peel and the stem.
7. Peach pits
The pits contain a chemical called cyanide which is very harmful to dogs as well as people. However, the rest of the peach is okay for your pet.
If your dog happens to ingest the seeds, the symptoms would be diarrhea as well as intense abdominal pains
8. Coconut
While the coconut flesh is okay for your dog to eat, avoid the outer shell as it contains triglycerides which generally causes discomfort in dogs.
To get the best from the coconut, consider switching to coconut oil.
9. Figs
As most of us have been told to keep your dog away from the ficus tree which is the tree on which tree on which figs grow.
This is because the trees can cause skin inflammations especially to the dogs that have a small to medium-sized coat.
On top of that, when your dog eats the plants or part of the tree, it may have symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
10. Walnuts
Unlike other nuts( peanuts for example), walnuts are a sure source for most repoted pet dog choking accidents and are generally harmful to your dog because of their shape and structure.
If they are not chewed properly, they can get stuck in the dog’s throat. There have been some cases where the nuts even tore the windpipe apart. In this case, it can lead to death due to internal bleeding and failure to breath.
11. Watermelon Seeds
Watermelons are known for their refreshing taste. However, the black watermelon seeds are dangerous if ingested by your dog. It can make them weak and affect their balance.
So, can dogs eat watermelon?
Yes! dogs can eat watermelon as long as you make sure that before you give your dog this watery fruit, remove the seeds first.
12. Apricot
Similar to peaches, apricot seeds have a high cyanide content which is harmful to dogs as it can cause abdominal pains, vomiting and diarrhea
That being said, always remember to remove the seeds from these fruits.
13. Pumpkin
While the pumpkin has Vitamin A and lots of fiber, some parts of the pumpkin should never be given to dogs.
Your dogs should only eat the seeds that should be well prepared-unsalted, roasted and grounded.
Other parts like the outer shell is not safe as it has sharp edges that can very easily tear the dog’s windpipe. Along with that, do not feed them the stem as well as the leaves.
14. Persimmons
While the rest of the fruit is safe, the seeds are not. The seeds mostly cause intestinal issues which is a life-threatening health problem.
If not treated in time, your dog can experience to severe abdominal pains, enteritis and eventually, death.
15. Plums/Prunes
Similar to Peaches, both plums and prunes have a high cyanide content in their seeds. Once ingested, the symptoms can are diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pains.
If your dog ingests these seeds, call the vet immediately so that your dog can get treated in time.
16. Raisins
Closely related to grapes, raisins are harmful to dogs as they can cause kidney failure. The chemical that causes such serious health problems still remains a mystery.
That being said, it does not matter if you give them a small treat, your dog will still be at high risk of suffering from kidney failure.
17. Guava
These fruits are highly nutritious and admittedly, they have an amazing taste. While they may be good fruits for humans, they are not so safe for dogs. The little seeds are hard on the dog’s stomach as they get digested very slowly.
Many dog owners say that guava seeds do not even get digested at all – it’s almost as if they just go in and come straight out.
This means they can block the dog’s system if you gave your dog too much- 1 full guava.
Just to be safe, give your dog at least half a guava if it is a large dog. If it is a small dog breed type like most popular lapdogs, quarter guava will be fine. These dogs being the best apartment living dog breed, they spend most of their time watching tv while nibbling treat from their owner’s hand.
18. Papaya
Labeled as one of the healthiest fruits, this fruit is loved by many. The best part, it is safe for your dog to have some.
However, the seeds are not healthy for a dog to eat – even to humans too.
19. Almonds
While the flesh in almonds is safe for both humans and dogs, the seeds are not so safe. They contain high levels of cyanide which is also the same chemical found in peach seeds.
The cyanide causes symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pains. Keep yourself and your dog away from these seeds
20. Cherries
You were probably shocked after seeing that we have cherries on our list. Cherries are very safe for dogs to eat except the seeds.
The seeds contain a chemical that is called amygdlin- the same chemical that is contained in apple seeds.
When digested, the seeds produce cyanide that is then absorbed in the bloodstream through the intestines.
Symptoms of such cases are diarrhea and vomiting which may later lead to weakness and death.
21. Squash Seeds
This fruits is rich in Vitamin A and has a good level of fiber content. Your dog will love this fruit and will obtain the nutritional benefits from it. You can also freeze the leftovers and use them in the summer
However, squash seeds are not safe for dogs. To avoid health problems, take away the seeds when you want you serve this fruit to your dog.
22. Tangerine Tree
While they contain calcium, iron and potassium, some parts of the tangerine are not safe for your dog. These parts are the rind and seeds. The tree should not be ingested by your dog as it contains psoralens – just like Orange trees.
Before you serve the tangerine to your dog – at least 2 segments, remove the rind and the seeds for your dog’s safety.
23. Mango
Mangoes are healthy fruits for both humans are dogs to eat. However the stems, leaves, peels and sap contain a chemical called urushiol which can also be found in poison oak.
The only part that is safe for your canine companion is the flesh which should be chopped into small pieces for easy ingestion.
24. Pigeon Berry
Also known as the Skyflower, both the leaves and the berries are harmful. It has been confirmed that the berries have, in many cases, killed dogs and cats.
These berries have also killed children or left them with permanent health issues. This is as unsafe as a fruit can get.
The best way, do not get in contact with this berry. To avoid confusing it with other berries, ask specialists. In case you, your kids, or your pet accidentally ingests these fruits, call for help immediately.
25. Cherry Laurel
The very last on our list is this fruit which is also called the English Laurel. Both the leaves and stems are unsafe for dogs as well as humans.
On top of that, the fruits and the seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which is very poisonous.
The symptoms you are likely to experience after ingesting the fruit are severe discomfort and diarrhea. And your dog, depending on its size, it may have little chances of surviving if it is small.
Sharing a slice or plateful of fruits with your pet is a great way to enjoy companionship along with treats.
Not only dogs who get to nibble along with us will they love that they are eating something that their owners eat, they will also get all the nutritional benefits that the fruit has to offer.
However, It’s prudent that you identify the limits, the good and bad.
That way, you know how to moderate your fury friend’s intake of fruits so you can both enjoy treats without the drama.
Now that you have read about the top 25 fruits that are harmful to your dog’s health, hopefully you will make necessary adjustments to your dog’s diet and keep some treats to yourself.
When your dog has ingested a harmful fruit accidentally, call the vet immediately or as soon as you start seeing any symptoms.
Dogs, like humans too, are allergic to some foods. You may be surprised that after giving your dog a safe fruit, you dog has developed some symptoms like, for instance, vomiting.
If, for whatever reason, you are giving your dog something new, give your pet in small portions until you are sure that the food is safe for dogs.
