Safe Fruits for Dogs
Dogs can safely eat the following fruits in moderation, in small portions, as occasional treats:
Apples — Safe ✓
Safety: Safe when seeds are removed Serving size: 1–2 slices, 1–2 times per week Notes: Remove all seeds (contain cyanogenic compounds). The flesh is safe and provides fibre. Wash thoroughly to remove pesticides. Best for large dogs; small dogs should have very small pieces.
Apricots — Caution ⚠
Safety: Caution—pit is dangerous Serving size: No more than 1–2 small pieces occasionally Notes: The flesh is technically safe, but the pit contains cyanogenic compounds. The risk of dogs eating the pit makes apricots problematic. Not recommended due to choking and toxicity risk.
Bananas — Safe ✓
Safety: Safe in moderation Serving size: 1–2 small slices, 1–2 times per week Notes: High in sugar and potassium. Best frozen for hot days. Feed in small amounts only. Suitable for all dog sizes.
Blueberries — Safe ✓
Safety: Very safe Serving size: 5–10 berries, 2–3 times per week Notes: Excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins. Low sugar compared to other fruits. Can be served fresh or frozen. One of the safest fruits for dogs.
Cherries — Caution ⚠
Safety: Caution—pit is toxic Serving size: Not recommended Notes: The pit contains cyanogenic compounds. The flesh is technically safe, but the pit risk makes cherries problematic. Better to avoid entirely due to choking and toxicity risk.
Coconut — Caution ⚠
Safety: Caution—high fat content Serving size: Very small amounts only Notes: Coconut flesh is safe but high in fat. Coconut oil and coconut milk are often high in saturated fat. Avoid if your dog has pancreatitis. Not nutritionally necessary.
Grapes — Toxic ✗
Safety: TOXIC—do not feed Serving size: None Notes: Grapes and raisins are extremely toxic and can cause acute kidney failure. The exact toxic dose is unknown; all ingestions are serious. Even one grape can potentially cause harm in some dogs. If your dog ate grapes, contact your vet immediately.
Kiwi — Safe ✓
Safety: Safe Serving size: 1–2 small pieces occasionally Notes: Remove the skin. High in vitamin C. Small portions only. Not a necessary food but safe as an occasional treat.
Mango — Safe ✓
Safety: Safe when pit is removed Serving size: 1–2 small cubes, 1–2 times per week Notes: Remove the large pit (choking and toxicity risk). The flesh is safe. High in sugar; use sparingly. Best for large dogs.
Melon — Safe ✓
Safety: Safe (watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew) Serving size: 4–6 cubes, 1–2 times per week Notes: Remove all seeds and rind. High water content aids hydration. Low calorie. Serve in small pieces to prevent choking.
Mulberries — Safe ✓
Safety: Safe Serving size: 5–10 berries occasionally Notes: Generally safe and non-toxic. Similar to blackberries. Low sugar compared to other fruits. Safe choice but not commonly available.
Oranges — Caution ⚠
Safety: Caution—high sugar and acidity Serving size: 1–2 small segments, 1–2 times per week Notes: Remove all pips and seeds. High in sugar. High acidity can cause digestive upset. Feed sparingly to avoid diarrhoea. Not recommended for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Papayas — Safe ✓
Safety: Safe when seeds removed Serving size: 1–2 small pieces occasionally Notes: Remove all seeds. High in vitamin A and fibre. May help with digestion. Feed in small amounts only.
Peaches — Caution ⚠
Safety: Caution—pit is toxic Serving size: Not recommended Notes: The pit contains cyanogenic compounds. Risk of choking is high. Flesh is technically safe but pit risk makes peaches problematic. Better to avoid entirely.
Pears — Safe ✓
Safety: Safe when seeds are removed Serving size: 1–2 small slices, 1–2 times per week Notes: Remove all seeds (contain cyanogenic compounds). Good source of fibre. Flesh is safe. Wash thoroughly. Suitable for all dog sizes.
Pineapple — Safe ✓
Safety: Safe in moderation Serving size: 1–2 small cubes, 1–2 times per week Notes: Remove the spiky skin. High in vitamin C and bromelain (aids digestion). Can cause diarrhoea in sensitive dogs; feed sparingly. Best fresh, not canned (high sugar).
Plums — Caution ⚠
Safety: Caution—pit is toxic Serving size: Not recommended Notes: The pit contains cyanogenic compounds. Risk of choking is high. Flesh is technically safe but pit risk makes plums problematic. Better to avoid entirely.
Raspberries — Safe ✓
Safety: Safe Serving size: 5–10 berries, 2–3 times per week Notes: Low sugar compared to other fruits. Good source of antioxidants and fibre. Safe for all dog sizes. Can be fresh or frozen.
Raisins — Toxic ✗
Safety: TOXIC—do not feed Serving size: None Notes: Raisins and currants are extremely toxic to dogs and can cause acute kidney failure. Even small amounts are dangerous. If your dog ate raisins, contact your vet immediately.
Strawberries — Safe ✓
Safety: Safe Serving size: 2–4 berries, 2–3 times per week Notes: Excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants. Low sugar compared to other fruits. Fresh or frozen. Safe for all dog sizes.
Tangerines — Caution ⚠
Safety: Caution—high sugar and acidity Serving size: 1–2 small segments occasionally, not regularly Notes: Remove all pips and seeds. High in sugar and citric acid. Can cause digestive upset. Feed sparingly.
Watermelon — Safe ✓
Safety: Safe when seeds and rind are removed Serving size: 4–6 cubes, 1–2 times per week Notes: High water content aids hydration. Remove all seeds (choking risk) and rind (digestive upset risk). Low calorie. Great for hot summer days.
Toxic Fruits (Never Feed)
Avocado — Toxic ✗
Toxin: Persin (a fungicidal toxin) Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, lethargy Risk level: High Do not feed: Any part of avocado (fruit, pit, leaf, tree bark)
Grapes — Toxic ✗
Toxin: Unknown (possibly tartrates or other compounds) Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, acute kidney failure Risk level: Extremely high (can cause death) Do not feed: Grapes, raisins, or currants in any form If ingested: Contact vet immediately—this is an emergency
Raisins and Currants — Toxic ✗
Toxin: Unknown (same as grapes) Symptoms: Same as grapes—can cause acute kidney failure Risk level: Extremely high (can cause death) Do not feed: Dried grapes or currants If ingested: Contact vet immediately—this is an emergency
Fruits with Dangerous Seeds or Pits
The following fruits should be avoided entirely due to seeds/pits containing cyanogenic compounds (convert to cyanide):
- Apricots — Pit contains cyanide precursors
- Cherries — Pit contains cyanide precursors
- Peaches — Pit contains cyanide precursors
- Plums — Pit contains cyanide precursors
- Apple — Seeds contain cyanogenic compounds (flesh is safe)
- Pear — Seeds contain cyanogenic compounds (flesh is safe)
Guideline: If you feed any of these, completely remove and discard all seeds and pits. Better yet, avoid them entirely to prevent accidental ingestion of toxic pits.
General Fruit Feeding Guidelines
Serving Size by Dog Weight
Small dogs (under 10kg): 1–2 small pieces or berries, 1–2 times per week Medium dogs (10–25kg): 2–4 small pieces or berries, 1–2 times per week Large dogs (over 25kg): 4–6 small pieces or berries, 1–2 times per week
Best Practices
- Introduce slowly — Try small amounts first to check for tolerance
- Serve fresh — Fresh fruit is preferable to canned (high sugar)
- Avoid dried fruits — Concentrated sugar; choking risk from sticky texture
- Remove all seeds/pits — Even if flesh is safe
- Remove skin when needed — Some skins are difficult to digest
- Serve in moderation — Occasional treat, not daily food
- Monitor for digestive upset — Some dogs are sensitive to fruit
- Avoid canned fruits in syrup — High sugar content
Fruits to Avoid Entirely
- Grapes and raisins (toxic—kidney failure risk)
- Avocado (toxic—persin)
- Macadamia nuts (toxic—neurological symptoms)
- Cherries, peaches, apricots, plums (pit toxicity risk)
- Dried fruits (choking risk, high sugar concentration)
Special Considerations
Dogs with Diabetes
Fruit is high in natural sugars. Limit severely or avoid entirely. Consult your vet before feeding any fruit.
Dogs with Obesity
Fruit is high in natural sugars and calories. Use very sparingly as treats only, and reduce other treat calories to compensate.
Dogs with Diarrhoea or Sensitive Digestion
Fruit is high in fibre and can worsen diarrhoea. Avoid temporarily until digestion is normal.
Dogs with Pancreatitis
Avoid all fruit due to sugar content. Consult your vet before feeding any fruit.
What to Do If Your Dog Ate Toxic Fruit
If your dog ate grapes, raisins, or avocado:
- Contact your vet immediately — Call animal hospital or emergency clinic
- Call Animal PoisonLine — 01202 509000
- Have ready:
- Type of fruit
- Approximate amount
- Time of ingestion
- Your dog's weight and age
- Describe symptoms — Any vomiting, lethargy, or unusual behaviour
- Do not wait for symptoms — Grapes and raisins can cause delayed kidney failure
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