We often give our dog what we are eating because he begs for it. kind face that only they know how to put in. But we should always know if it's a good idea to feed them certain foods. For example, the fruitsFoods that we think are just as healthy for them as they are for us can sometimes be harmful if we don't choose the right type, quantity, or way to prepare them.
Fruits can be a healthy snackThey provide vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, and can even aid in hydration and weight management, but not all fruits are suitable for dogs, nor should they all be offered in the same way. Take note of those fruits they should only eat on rare occasions and... the correct way to give them, because we must also take care of this. Dogs eat without being aware that they can choke or eat something that makes them feel bad, so we are the ones who must take care of their stomach health.
Benefits and risks of fruit in a dog's diet
The dogs are omnivoresThat is, they can eat both animal and plant-based foods. This includes fruits and vegetables, which can serve as natural rewards, low-calorie treats, or a small supplement to their regular diet. However, they don't need fruit to be well nourished if their feed or natural diet is already complete and balanced.
Amongst the benefits The most important fruits suitable for dogs include:
- Contribution of Vitamins (such as A, C, E, K and some from group B) and of minerals (potassium, magnesium, manganese, etc.).
- Contained in Antioxidantswhich help protect cells and strengthen the immune system.
- A good amount of fiberwhich promotes intestinal transit and can help in occasional episodes of constipation.
- Low calorie content in many varieties, making them useful as light prizes in overweight dogs.
- Fruits with high water content, such as watermelon or melon, provide extra hydrationvery useful on hot days.
However, there are also risks Important things to keep in mind:
- High content of natural sugarswhich can contribute to overweight, obesity, and metabolic problems such as diabetes if overused.
- Presence of bones, seeds, or hearts with small amounts of toxic substances (such as cyanide) or that can cause choking or obstructions.
- Certain fruits are directly toxic or dangerous and they should never be offered.
- Sudden changes in diet or excessive fruit consumption can cause diarrhea, gas, vomiting, or digestive upset.
Therefore, the key lies in choose the right fruitsOffer them in appropriate portions, without seeds or bones, and always as an occasional supplement, never as the basis of the diet.
Fruits with too much sugar and how to offer them safely
To begin with, we must avoid fruits that have too much sugarDogs can develop diabetes relatively easily, and some breeds are also prone to weight gain, so all of this should be avoided. bananas and grapes They are among them, although the case of grapes is especially serious, since in addition to containing sugar they are toxic to dogs.
Bananas can only occur in one way very occasionalin small slices (2 to 4 thin pieces depending on the size of the dog), because although they provide potassium and some vitamins, they contain a lot of sugar and can cause constipation or diarrhea If they are overused. They should always be given peeled and in easy-to-chew pieces.
As for grapes and raisins, it is now known that even in small quantities they can cause acute renal failureFor this reason, it's not recommended to give them to your dog, not even "occasionally," even if you remove the skin and seeds. In practice, the safest thing for your dog is to consider grapes and raisins as... forbidden fruits.
If your dog has eaten grapes or raisins, even if it seems like only a small amount, it is advisable to contact the veterinarian as soon as possible to assess the situation, even before symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy or lack of appetite appear.
Peaches, apricots and other stone fruits
Fruits like peaches or apricots They must be peeled, and the seeds removed, as these can cause choking. These fruits have a relatively hard or rough skin, which can cause stomach problems or choking if swallowed without chewing properly.
The bone or seed The pits of peaches, apricots, cherries, plums, and similar fruits contain compounds that can release small amounts of cyanide, a toxic substance. They also have hard pits that could cause intestinal obstructions or damage to the teeth if the dog bites them hard.
These fruits, even though they are rich in vitamins, can produce gas, stomach discomfort, and bloating In dogs, especially if given in large quantities or to animals with sensitive digestion, peaches, apricots, cherries, or plums should be avoided regularly, and if offered as an occasional treat, it should not be done every time.
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- En small piecesgreatly moderating the amount.
It is also not recommended to give these fruits to syrup or cannedbecause they are usually preserved in syrups with very high amounts of sugars that are harmful to dogs and increase the risk of obesity and metabolic problems.
Other fruits that are safe for dogs and how to introduce them
In general we can give them safe fruits and other healthy foods as a complement, provided we respect the quantities and the method of preparation. Some of the fruits best tolerated by most dogs, always without seeds, pits, or cores, are:
- Apple: without core or seeds, in thin slices, rich in vitamins A and C and very digestible.
- Pear: chopped and without seeds, refreshing, with a good amount of water and fiber, useful in dogs with a tendency to be overweight.
- Watermelon: without husk or seeds, excellent for hydration and very low in calories.
- Melon: without skin or seeds, also very moisturizing, but somewhat sweeter, so it is advisable to moderate the amount.
- Strawberries and other forest fruits (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries): in very small quantities, they provide antioxidants and fiber, but they contain sugars and in some cases small amounts of substances such as natural xylitol, so they should not be overused.
- Mango, papaya or natural pineapple: always peeled, without bone or core, in very small pieces and only occasionally because of their sugar content.
If you are used to feed as a main food, it may be that intestinal tract They may also be affected when fruit is introduced, and they may experience some diarrhea or looser stools. That's why we should always introduce each fruit gradually. slowlyOffering small portions and observing their tolerance is a good idea. It's best to introduce only one new type of fruit each day to easily identify which one caused a digestive reaction or allergy.
We can always give them healthy food, but with moderationFruits should make up only a very small part of the daily intake (usually less than 10% of daily calories) and should preferably be used as an occasional treat or dessert, never as a substitute for a full meal.
Forbidden fruits and signs that something is wrong
Besides the grapes and raisins already mentioned, there are other fruits worth considering such as unfit for dogs or very dangerous:
- Avocado: contains persin, a toxin that can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
- CherriesThe bone contains cyanide and can cause choking or obstruction.
- Green tomatoes or green parts of the plantThey contain solanine, which is toxic to dogs.
- Fruits with hard bones or toxic seeds (such as some varieties of plums or medlars) if they are not removed properly.
If we notice that a certain fruit doesn't agree with them, we should stop giving it to them and observe if signs such as the following appear: diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, intense gas, excessive salivation or obvious discomfort. If diarrhea or stomach problems continue for more than a few hours, if the symptoms are severe, or if we suspect that a potentially toxic fruit has been eaten, the wisest course of action is take him to the vet The sooner the better for a professional assessment.
Choosing the right fruits, preparing them safely (without hard skins, seeds or bones) and always respecting the quantities allows your dog to enjoy these small bites safely, taking advantage of their benefits and minimizing the risks to their digestive and general health.