Anyone who owns four-legged friends has wondered at some point what the best snacks for them are or what they can actually eat, and indeed, even though there are products marketed for dogs, it’s almost impossible not to ask yourself that same question every time you’re eating something and your dog won’t stop staring at you.
Although this happens year-round, in summer the questions intensify, since we always try to give them something cool to help them beat the heat. That’s why the idea of fruits is always on the table: which ones can they eat? To clarify this matter, the veterinarian María VetiCan has shared on social media the answers to this question, so you can avoid giving your pet foods that could harm them.
The expert issues a clear warning: grapes and raisins are extremely toxic to dogs. Eating them, even in small amounts, can trigger serious kidney problems. However, the good news is that, leaving these two options aside, dogs can enjoy almost any other fruit as a healthy and natural reward.
Fruit recommendations and how to offer them
To give your dog healthy rewards, an apple is a great option because it helps reduce inflammation, supports digestion, and cleans their teeth when chewed, though you should always remove the seeds before giving it with the skin. On hot days, watermelon is perfect because it’s sweet and helps them drink the water they need to stay hydrated. You can also offer red berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, which are fantastic because they have little sugar, support their health with vitamins, and are very easy to portion into small pieces.
Options to give with moderation
Other fruits should be given in smaller amounts, such as banana, which provides lots of energy, potassium, and can help if they have an upset stomach, but it’s better to offer it while it’s a bit green or just ripe because it contains quite a lot of sugar. Peach is also loved for its taste, but to give it safely it must be very ripe and you should always remove the central pit, since if they bite or swallow it, it can be very dangerous and may cause choking.
Tips for introducing fruit into their diet
Although fruit is an excellent fresh complement to vary their menu, it should not replace their regular meals. Each dog reacts differently, so it’s necessary to start with very small amounts and observe that it agrees with them. An excess of fruit can cause vomiting or unwanted diarrhea.
