My dog loves chomping on fruit every now and then but there are some fruits I never give him. This is based on my own research where I found out that …
Dogs can eat small portions of most fruits, but there are some fruits a dog should never eat, such as avocados and grapes. These fruits are toxic to dogs and even a small amount can make them very sick or kill them.
The size of the dog, the dog’s state of health, and how much the dog eats will all have an impact on what happens to the dog if they eat the fruit on the list below. If two dogs eat the same amount of fruit, one a small or sickly dog and the other a large healthy dog, then the small dog will probably suffer much worse symptoms and be more likely to die than the larger healthy dog.
Click here if you’re looking for a list of vegetables that dogs can’t eat.
Dogs may enjoy the sweetness of a fresh piece of fruit, but did you know that there is no nutritional reason to give a dog fruit? In fact, dogs on a balanced diet do not need to eat any fruit.
If you have any doubts or concerns, it’s best not to give your dog fruit, even the ones in this list of fruits that dogs can eat.
What parts of fruit can dogs not eat?
Dogs should not eat the seeds, pits or stones from any fruit, fresh or preserved. Many of these contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. These are also a choking hazard, and may get stuck in a dog’s throat or digestive tract.
Can dogs eat canned or preserved fruit?
Dogs should never eat canned or preserved fruit. These often contain a lot of sugar and preservatives, which may make the dog sick with symptoms like an upset stomach, cramps, vomiting, weight gain, or hyperactivity.
Always consult your veterinarian for advice before giving your dog any fruit. Dogs do not need to eat fruit if they are on a balanced diet. Too much fruit or fruit that is toxic to dogs can do more harm than good, especially if your dog has health issues, such as diabetes, or is overweight.
List of fruits dogs cannot eat
Here’s an alphabetical list of fruits that dogs cannot eat and why:
| FRUITS DOGS CAN’T EAT | WHY DOGS CAN’T EAT THESE FRUITS |
| Avocados | Dogs should not eat avocado. Avocados have a high level of a toxin called ‘persin’ in the skin and pit, which can make a dog vomit or give them diarrhea. There is less persin in an avocado’s green flesh, but the persin that is there and the richness of the pulp may still have a negative effect on many dogs. |
| Grapefruit | Dogs should not eat grapefruit. Although the bitter flesh is not poisonous to dogs, it has a lot of citric acid that can cause diarrhea and vomiting when eaten. Grapefruit skin contains essential oils that are toxic to dogs. There is a compound in grapefruit called ‘psoralen’, which studies have shown may cause skin sensitivity. Dogs that eat a lot of grapefruit or citrus fruits can get dermatitis, especially if they spend time out in the sun. Dermatitis often gives a dog red, swollen sores, blisters, or rashes on the skin. |
| Grapes | Dogs should never eat any kind of grape: peeled, seedless, or dried grapes (raisins). All grapes are highly toxic to dogs. Even one grape can give a dog kidney failure and/or kill it. If you suspect that your dog has eaten grapes or raisins, immediately call your veterinarian for advice and watch for any symptoms of poisoning. Here are the most common symptoms of grape poisoning in dogs: – Loss of appetite – Weakness – Dehydration and/or drinking more than usual – Cramps or a sore stomach – More or less urination, or no urination at all – Vomiting and/or diarrhea that starts soon after eating the grape or raisin |
| Lemons | Dogs should not eat lemons. A dog could probably eat a little lemon flesh or juice without any side effects, but eating enough will probably cause diarrhea or vomiting. There’s no nutritional reason for a dog to eat lemons. Lemons are citrus fruits that contain psoralen, which studies have shown can cause a sensitive skin. Dogs that eat citrus fruits may get dermatitis, especially if they love lying in the sun. Dermatitis can give a dog red, swollen sores, blisters, or rashes on the skin. |
| Limes | Dogs should not eat limes. A dog could probably drink a few drops of lime juice or eat a little flesh without getting sick, but enough lime will most likely make the dog vomit or get an upset stomach. Also, the essential oils in a lime’s skin can make a dog quite sick. Like lemons and grapefruit, limes contain psoralen, which may make a dog’s skin more sensitive to sunlight. |
| Tomatoes (green) | Dogs should never eat green tomatoes or any part of a tomato plant. The green in tomatoes and tomato plants contain a substance called ‘solanine’, which is poisonous to dogs. Red tomatoes do not have much solanine in them and are generally safe for dogs to eat in small amounts. Solanine is found in a tomato plant’s leaves, stem and the green, unripe fruit. According to the ASPCA, if your dog has eaten green tomatoes or plants you should watch out for the following symptoms of tomato poisoning: – Excessive drooling – Loss of appetite – Diarrhea – Depression – Weakness – Dilated pupils – A slow heart rate A dog would need to eat a lot of solanine to get very sick, but even a little could cause vomiting and/or diarrhea. If your dog has eaten green tomato and has any of the symptoms above, it’s best to call your veterinarian for advice. |
