Safe Fruits to give your dog

A rule of thumb you must adhere to when feeding the following fruits to dogs is to remove pits along with cores, stems, peels, and seeds. Feed the same parts of fruits you'd feed a toddler (no hard rinds or pits), and in very small pieces. Organic or spray-free produce is always safest.

Secondly, it's important to avoid vitis vinifera fruits, including grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants. If your dog ingests even a small amount, it can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney failure, which can occur up to several days after consumption.

Interestingly, not all dogs are affected by these fruits, and some believe that a fluoride-based pesticide called cryolite used on grape crops could be to blame, or the amount of tartaric acid present. In any case, some dogs have become sick after eating organic or homegrown grapes, so it's best not to take a chance.

The following fruits are safe and popular with dogs, but remember to feed them in small, bite-sized portions:

1. Apples provide vitamins A and C, plus fiber and additional antioxidants. Remember to remove the seeds and core first.
2. The flesh of avocados provides fiber, folate and vitamins K, B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 and C to your dog, along with healthy fats.
3. Bananas are a rich source of potassium, which is useful for controlling heart rate and blood pressure. They're also a good source of flavonoids, including lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene — and most dogs love them. The greener the better when it comes to providing resistant starches that build the microbiome.
4. Blueberries contain phytochemicals, including anthocyanidins, which are powerful antioxidants, plus fiber in these nutritious little berries.
5. Cantaloupes are rich in carotenoids, plus provides water and fiber.
6. Cucumbers are 95% water, which may help quench your dog's thirst during a hot summer day. They also contain vitamins K and C, beta-carotene, and cucurbitacin, which has anticancer properties.
7. Honeydew melons contain significant levels of beta-carotene and C, as well as important polyphenols and flavonoids.
8. Mangoes, without the pit, are a favorite treat for some dogs and provide vitamins A, B6, C and E, plus potassium.
9. You might not think of feeding your dog oranges, but they're an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Be sure to peel them first and remove any seeds.
10. With the pit removed, peaches provide beta-carotene and fiber for your dog.
11. Pears are rich in copper, vitamins C and K, and fiber. Remove the seeds and pit before feeding.
12. Pineapples are a unique source of bromelain, an enzyme that's good for digestion. Offer your dog the flesh only, avoiding the skin and core.
13. Feed 100% plain, pure pumpkin that's gently cooked, not pumpkin pie filling or other processed pumpkin products like pumpkin pudding. If fresh pumpkin is unavailable, you can opt for 100% pure, canned pumpkin.
14. Raspberries offer a wealth of antioxidants, including vitamin C, lutein, and zeaxanthin, as well as polyphenols like ellagitannins and anthocyanins. The flavonols in raspberries may also help inhibit different stages of tumor development, according to animal studies.
15. Feeding strawberries to your dog may help lessen the risk for obesity, inflammation, and contain Fisetin, an emerging longevity biomolecule.
16. Ripe tomatoes can be given as a fresh, healthy treat or added to meals. Tomato's claim to fame is its lycopene content, a carotenoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antiplatelet, anti-apoptotic, and protective endothelial effects.
17. Watermelon is a hydrating treat, providing B6 and C, plus plenty of beneficial lycopene. Be sure to remove both the rind and the seeds.