Fruit is an important part of balanced nutrition for humans, but is it safe to give fruit to cats and dogs? If you're tempted to share nature's dessert with your furry friend, you'll be happy to know you can include fruit in your pet's snack routine — as long as you stick to veterinarian-approved fruits and keep preparation best practices in mind.
Some fruits can be toxic to your pet, so it's crucial to double-check with your vet before sharing your fruit salad. And remember: Balance is the cornerstone of healthy pet nutrition. Practice moderation when feeding healthy treats to your dog or cat.
So, can dogs eat fruit? Generally speaking, the answer is yes, but only certain kinds and in limited amounts. Moderation is the key to incorporating fruit into your dog's meals. Excessive ingestion of fruit (even safe fruit) can cause intestinal irritation, diarrhea or bloating. A good rule of thumb is to limit any food outside of your dog's primary nutrition to less than 10% of their overall calorie intake.
Additionally, remove any choking hazards, such as ball-shaped pieces of fruit, seeds, pits and stems. Some seeds, pits and stems are also toxic.
Here are some safe fruits for dogs. Since recommended quantity depends on your pup's daily caloric requirement, check with your vet for guidance on portion size. Always cut fruit into bite-sized pieces that are appropriate for your dog's mouth.
can help keep your pup hydrated when temperatures rise.
Most dog-safe fruits, including those mentioned previously, are also safe for cats in moderation and with proper preparation. Unlike dogs, however, cats don't have sweet taste receptors on their tongues, so they may not be as interested. However, shape and texture can intrigue cats. Experiment and see if you find a fruit your cat loves!
Try these fruits with your fur baby for a refreshing snack. Like with dogs, offer them in small, bite-sized pieces that don't pose a choking hazard for your kitty.
If your dog or cat is on a special meal plan for allergies, gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, kidney or liver disease, or any other chronic or acute condition, it's particularly important to check with your vet first. Once you have their seal of approval, prepare your fruit of choice by peeling or slicing it and removing the pit, seeds and stem. In addition to potentially being toxic, these parts may pose a choking risk, lead to intestinal blockage or even damage your pet's teeth.
Then, consider what size to cut the chunks into. A good rule of thumb is to keep the pieces the same size as your dog's or cat's kibble. You can also compare the pieces you're prepping to the size of their favorite treat.
Is it safe to give fruit to cats and dogs? While the general answer is yes, sometimes the answer is no. Consuming the wrong fruit can pose serious health risks for your pet. Never offer your dog or cat the following fruits:
Can dogs eat fruit? Can cats eat fruit? Absolutely — as long as it's vet-approved and served in moderation.
If you're looking to add some variety to your pet's snacks, you have many safe options to choose from. Just as you would when searching for the right dog food or cat food, watch your pet closely when introducing anything new and contact your vet with any questions. They're here to help!
Jean Marie Bauhaus
Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of furbabies.
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