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Which Fruits Can Dogs Eat? A Safe & Unsafe Fruit Guide

Written by

Mary Nielsen

Reviewed by

Updated on:

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Can dogs eat fruit? Most of it, yes: in small amounts, and with the pits, seeds, peel and rind removed. A few fruits are a different story. Grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs, and so is the peel of lemons and grapefruit. This guide covers the 28 fruits dog owners ask us about most. The chart comes first, and the details for each fruit are below it. For everything that isn't fruit, see our main guide to what dogs can and can't eat.

Our quick take

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  • Good everyday treats: apples, bananas, blackberries, cantaloupe, dragon fruit, honeydew, kiwi, mango, papaya, pears, pineapple, strawberries and watermelon, all prepared properly.
  • Fine once in a while: plain applesauce, coconut, dates, figs, guava, nectarines, olives, cooked plantains, raspberries and tangerines.
  • Best avoided: avocado, grapefruit, lemons, pomegranate and prunes.
  • Never: grapes, raisins, fruit pits, and citrus peel.

Fruit safety chart for dogs

FoodVerdictKey note
ApplesSafeRemove the seeds and core first.
ApplesauceIn moderationPlain and unsweetened only. Check the label for xylitol.
AvocadosAvoidThe pit, skin and leaves contain persin, and the pit can block the gut. The flesh is very high in fat.
BananaSafePeeled, a few slices. High in sugar.
BlackberriesSafeA few berries. No jam or jelly.
CantaloupeSafeNo rind or seeds. Not ideal for diabetic dogs.
CoconutIn moderationHigh in fat. Never the shell or husk.
DatesIn moderationPit removed, a piece or two. Very high in sugar. Don't confuse them with raisins.
Dragon fruitSafePeel it first. The small seeds are fine.
FigsIn moderationA little fresh fig only. The fig plant itself is toxic to dogs.
GrapefruitAvoidThe peel, rind and seeds are toxic to dogs. The flesh irritates the stomach.
GuavaIn moderationRipe flesh only. Remove the rind and seeds.
HoneydewSafeNo rind or seeds. Not ideal for diabetic dogs.
KiwiSafePeeled and diced. Never a whole kiwi.
LemonsAvoidThe peel is toxic to dogs. The flesh and juice are too acidic.
MangoSafeRemove the pit and the skin.
NectarinesIn moderationFlesh only. The pit is toxic and a blockage risk.
OlivesIn moderationPlain and pitted only. Watch the salt, and never garlic-stuffed.
PapayaSafeRemove the skin and seeds.
PearsSafeRemove the core and seeds. No canned pears.
PineappleSafeFresh flesh only. No core, skin or canned pineapple in syrup.
PlantainsIn moderationCooked and plain. Never raw, fried or salted.
PomegranateAvoidNot toxic, but it often causes vomiting, and the rind can cause a blockage.
PrunesAvoidToo much sugar and fiber. Plum pits are toxic.
RaspberriesIn moderationThey contain a little natural xylitol, so keep portions small.
StrawberriesSafeRemove the leaves and slice. No canned strawberries or syrup.
TangerinesIn moderationOne or two segments. No peel or seeds.
WatermelonSafeSeedless, with the rind removed.

What the verdicts mean: Safe means a healthy treat when prepared as described. In moderation means fine occasionally, with a catch. Avoid means the risks outweigh any benefit. Where a fruit or part of a fruit is toxic, the note says so.

Jack Russell terrier next to mangoes and apples

Five rules for feeding any fruit

  1. Keep it to 10%. Treats, fruit included, should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories. The rest should come from a complete and balanced dog food.
  2. Prepare it. Wash the fruit, remove any leaves, stems, seeds, pits and rind, and cut it into bite-size pieces.
  3. Fresh or plain frozen only. Skip fruit canned in syrup. Dried fruit packs far more sugar into each bite.
  4. Start small. Offer one or two pieces the first time and watch for vomiting, diarrhea or itching over the next day.
  5. Ask your vet first if your dog is overweight, has pancreatitis or a sensitive stomach, or is diabetic. Fruit sugar adds up quickly for dogs on a diabetic diet.
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Fruits dogs should never eat

  • Grapes and raisins. These are toxic to dogs and can cause sudden kidney failure, even in small amounts. There is no way to know in advance how a dog will react. Call your vet right away if your dog eats any.
  • Fruit pits and stones. Cherry, peach, nectarine, plum and mango pits contain cyanide compounds, and they can choke a dog or block the intestines.
  • Citrus peel. The peel of lemons, limes and grapefruit contains essential oils and psoralens that are toxic to dogs.
  • Avocado pit, skin and leaves. See avocados below.
  • Wild berries you can't identify. Many toxic berries look like safe ones.

When to call your vet

Call your vet if your dog eats a toxic fruit, swallows a pit, large seed or piece of rind, or shows any of these signs after eating fruit: repeated vomiting, diarrhea that lasts more than a day, a swollen or painful belly, straining to poop, refusing food, drooling, tremors, weakness or unusual tiredness. If your vet is closed, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is open around the clock at (888) 426-4435, and the Pet Poison Helpline is at (855) 764-7661. A consultation fee may apply. Don't try to make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.

Can dogs eat apples?

Yes. Plain apple slices are a safe, low-calorie treat for most dogs, as long as you remove the seeds and core.

Why: Apples provide fiber and vitamins A and C. The seeds contain a small amount of cyanide. A few swallowed seeds won't poison a dog, but there is no reason to feed them. The tough core and stem are choking hazards.

How to serve: Wash, core and slice. The peel is fine for most dogs, but peel the apple if your dog has a sensitive stomach. The AKC says a slice or two is enough. PetMD's guide is 1–2 thin pieces for dogs under 10 lb, 3–4 for dogs of 21–50 lb, and 5–6 for dogs over 90 lb. For a longer-lasting treat, core an apple and fill it with a little xylitol-free peanut butter. Skip apple pie and anything with added sugar or nutmeg.

Watch for: Loose stools after too much apple. Call your vet if your dog swallows a whole core and then gags, vomits or stops eating.

Can dogs eat applesauce?

Yes, if it's plain and unsweetened, and only in small amounts.

Why: Applesauce is cooked apple, so it is soft and easy to digest. Most store-bought jars, though, have added sugar, spices or preservatives that dogs don't need. “Sugar-free” versions may be sweetened with xylitol (sometimes labeled birch sugar). Xylitol is toxic to dogs. It can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and, in larger amounts, liver damage.

How to serve: Read the ingredient list. It should say apples and water, and little else. Give a spoonful over your dog's food, or freeze it on a lick mat. To make your own, peel and core a few apples, simmer them in a little water until soft, and mash or blend. Don't add sugar.

Watch for: If your dog eats applesauce that lists xylitol, call your vet or a poison hotline immediately. Don't wait for symptoms such as vomiting, weakness or stumbling.

Can dogs eat avocados?

Best avoided. The AKC lists avocado among the fruits dogs shouldn't eat. A small taste of plain flesh is unlikely to hurt a healthy dog, but the pit, skin and leaves are a real risk.

Why: Avocado contains persin, a natural toxin that is most concentrated in the leaves, skin and pit. Dogs tolerate persin far better than birds, rabbits or horses do, but it can still cause vomiting and diarrhea. The bigger dangers are the pit, which can choke a dog or block the intestines and may need surgery to remove, and the fat. Avocado flesh is fatty enough to upset the stomach or trigger pancreatitis in some dogs.

If you do share: Both the AKC and PetMD set the limit at 1 teaspoon of plain flesh per 10 pounds of body weight. Skip it completely for dogs that are overweight or prone to pancreatitis, and never share guacamole, which usually contains onion and garlic.

Watch for: Call your vet if your dog eats the pit, skin or leaves, or if you see vomiting, straining to poop, a swollen belly, refusing food or unusual tiredness.

Can dogs eat bananas?

Yes. Peeled banana is safe for dogs in small amounts.

Why: Bananas offer potassium, fiber and vitamins, but they are high in natural sugar, so they belong in the treat column rather than the food bowl. The peel isn't toxic, but it is hard to digest and can cause a blockage. Always remove it.

How to serve: PetMD suggests 1–2 quarter-inch slices for dogs under 10 lb, 2–3 for dogs of 11–20 lb, 3–6 for dogs of 21–50 lb, a handful for large dogs, and up to half a banana for dogs over 90 lb. Mash it into food, freeze the slices, or stuff a toy with mashed banana and a little xylitol-free peanut butter.

Watch for: Vomiting, diarrhea or constipation after too much. Overweight and diabetic dogs should skip bananas unless your vet approves. Call your vet if your dog swallows a peel and then vomits or stops eating.

Can dogs eat blackberries?

Yes. Blackberries are one of the better fruit treats for dogs.

Why: They are low in calories and sugar and contain fiber, vitamins and antioxidants called anthocyanins. Blackberries do contain a trace of naturally occurring xylitol. The AKC considers them safe because the amount in a treat-size serving is tiny, and a dog would have to eat a huge quantity to be harmed.

How to serve: Rinse and offer fresh or frozen. PetMD's guide is 1 berry for dogs under 10 lb, 2 for dogs of 11–20 lb, 2–5 for dogs of 21–50 lb, 5–6 for large dogs, and 7–8 for dogs over 90 lb. Avoid blackberry jam and jelly. They are mostly sugar, and some are sweetened with xylitol. Don't let your dog graze on wild berries you can't identify.

Watch for: Vomiting, gas or diarrhea after too many. Dark blue or black stool after a lot of blackberries is usually just the fruit.

Can dogs eat cantaloupe?

Yes, in moderation. The flesh is a safe, hydrating treat.

Why: Cantaloupe is mostly water, with fiber and vitamins A and C. It is also high in sugar, so the AKC says it may not be a good choice for diabetic dogs. The rind can cause stomach upset, become impacted in the gut, or choke a dog. The seeds are harmless but are a choking hazard, so scoop them out.

How to serve: Cut ripe flesh into half-inch cubes. PetMD suggests 1–2 pieces for dogs under 20 lb, up to 3 for dogs of 21–30 lb, up to 5 for dogs of 31–50 lb, up to 6 for large dogs, and a handful for dogs over 90 lb. Frozen cubes make a good summer treat.

Watch for: Diarrhea after too much. Call your vet if your dog eats the rind.

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Can dogs eat coconut?

Yes, in small amounts. Coconut isn't toxic to dogs, but it is rich.

Why: The ASPCA notes that small amounts of coconut are unlikely to cause serious harm, but the flesh and milk contain oils that may cause stomach upset, loose stools and diarrhea. Coconut is also high in fat, so it should be an occasional treat, not a daily one.

How to serve: Offer a few small pieces of plain, unsweetened flesh or a pinch of unsweetened flakes. For coconut oil, the AKC's guidance is up to about a teaspoon for a large dog, and less for smaller dogs. More than that often causes diarrhea. Coconut milk is very high in fat, and PetMD advises against it because of the pancreatitis risk. Never give the shell or husk, which can choke a dog or block the intestines. Avoid sweetened coconut and any product containing xylitol.

Watch for: Greasy or loose stools, vomiting or belly pain. Skip coconut for dogs with a history of pancreatitis and dogs on a low-fat diet.

Can dogs eat dates?

Yes, a little, with the pit removed. Dates aren't toxic to dogs, but they are very sugary.

Why: The AKC notes that dates aren't toxic the way grapes are, but they shouldn't be a go-to treat. They are high in sugar and calories, which over time can lead to weight gain, dental trouble and diabetes. Their fiber can upset the stomach if a dog eats too many. The pit is the main hazard. It can chip a tooth, choke a dog or block the intestines.

How to serve: Remove the pit and chop the date into small pieces. The AKC suggests half a date to two dates, once or twice a week, depending on your dog's size. Most dates sold in stores are dried, and those are higher in sugar than fresh ones.

Don't confuse them with: Raisins. Chopped dates and raisins look alike, and raisins are toxic to dogs. Check trail mix and baked goods before sharing.

Watch for: Diarrhea or an upset stomach after too many. Skip dates for diabetic and overweight dogs. Call your vet if your dog swallows a pit, or if you aren't sure whether your dog ate dates or raisins.

Can dogs eat dragon fruit?

Yes. Dragon fruit (pitaya) is non-toxic to dogs, according to the ASPCA.

Why: The soft flesh is mostly water and fiber. Unlike most fruit seeds, the tiny black seeds are safe to eat and don't need to be picked out. The leathery skin is the part to remove. It is hard to digest and can upset the stomach or cause a blockage. White, pink, red and yellow varieties are all fine.

How to serve: Peel it, cube the flesh, and offer a cube or two the first time. Frozen cubes work well for dogs that dislike the mushy texture. Dragon fruit contains natural sugar, so keep it within the 10% treat rule.

Watch for: Loose stools after too much. Call your vet if your dog eats the skin and then vomits or strains to poop.

Can dogs eat figs?

Yes, a small amount of fresh fig. Never the plant.

Why: PetMD says most dogs can eat a tiny amount of fresh fig without any issues, but figs shouldn't be a regular part of a dog's diet. The fruit is high in sugar and fiber. The plant is a different matter. The ASPCA lists fig plants (Ficus) as toxic to dogs, and the leaves, stems, bark and sap irritate the skin and the gut. PetMD treats eating any part of a fig plant as a medical emergency.

How to serve: Wash a fresh fig, remove the stem, and cut it into small pieces. PetMD's guide is a quarter of a fig per week for dogs under 10 lb, half a fig for dogs of 11–20 lb, up to one fig for dogs of 21–50 lb, up to two for large dogs, and up to three for dogs over 90 lb. Skip dried figs and fig cookies such as Fig Newtons, which are concentrated or added sugar.

Watch for: Gas, bloating, vomiting or diarrhea after too much fruit. If your dog chews fig leaves or branches, watch for drooling, vomiting or a rash, and call your vet right away.

Can dogs eat grapefruit?

No. Keep grapefruit away from dogs. The ASPCA lists grapefruit as toxic to dogs.

Why: The peel, rind and seeds contain essential oils and psoralens, which are toxic to dogs. The flesh itself isn't poisonous, but it is so acidic that the AKC's chief veterinarian describes it as very irritating to a dog's gut. Most dogs dislike the bitter taste anyway, and grapefruit offers nothing a dog can't get from safer fruit.

If your dog ate some: If it was a little flesh only, watch for vomiting, diarrhea or a drop in appetite, and call your vet if they appear. If your dog ate any peel, rind or seeds, call your vet or an emergency clinic right away and tell them how much.

Signs of trouble: Vomiting, diarrhea, low energy, sensitivity to light and skin irritation.

Can dogs eat guava?

Yes, in small amounts. Ripe guava flesh is not known to be toxic to dogs.

Why: Guava is rich in vitamin C and fiber. The major veterinary references don't cover guava in detail, so we rely on vet-reviewed guidance here. That guidance says the flesh is fine as an occasional treat, while the rind and the hard seeds are difficult to digest and can be a choking hazard. Don't feed the leaves.

How to serve: Peel it, scoop out the seeds, and cut the flesh into small cubes. Start with one or two pieces. Avoid guava paste, jelly and juice, which are concentrated sugar.

Watch for: Vomiting or diarrhea after too much. Go easy with small dogs, and with overweight or diabetic dogs.

Can dogs eat honeydew?

Yes. The ASPCA lists honeydew melon as non-toxic to dogs.

Why: Honeydew flesh is safe, but it is high in sugar, so PetMD says to feed it sparingly and not to give it to diabetic dogs without asking your vet. The rind can cause an intestinal blockage and digestive upset. The seeds aren't toxic, but they are a choking hazard and don't digest well in large amounts.

How to serve: Cut off the rind, scoop out the seeds, and cut the flesh into small pieces. PetMD's guide is one 1-inch cube (cut smaller) for dogs under 20 lb, two for dogs of 21–30 lb, three to five for dogs of 31–50 lb, up to ten for large dogs, and up to fifteen for dogs over 90 lb. Frozen pieces make a good summer treat.

Watch for: Diarrhea after too much. Call your vet if your dog eats the rind.

Can dogs eat kiwi?

Yes, peeled and diced, in small amounts.

Why: Kiwi isn't toxic to dogs and provides vitamin C, fiber and potassium. The fuzzy skin is tough and full of insoluble fiber, which is hard for dogs to digest, so peel it. The tiny black seeds are not toxic and are too small to cause a problem. The real risk is a whole kiwi. The AKC warns that it can lodge in a dog's throat, and a large dog can swallow one in a single bite.

How to serve: Peel it and dice the flesh. PetMD suggests one or two small pieces for dogs under 20 lb, up to four for dogs of 21–30 lb, up to six for dogs of 31–50 lb, up to eight for large dogs, and ten or fewer for dogs over 90 lb.

Watch for: Gas or diarrhea, which mean the portion was too big. Kiwi is sugary, so it isn't a good choice for diabetic dogs.

Can dogs eat lemons?

No. The ASPCA lists lemon as toxic to dogs, and PetMD advises giving dogs no lemon or lime at all.

Why: Lemon peel contains psoralen, limonene and linalool, natural chemicals that are toxic to dogs. The flesh isn't poisonous, but its acidity can still make a dog sick. Concentrated lemon juice is worse than the fruit, and lemonade adds a lot of sugar. The same goes for limes.

If your dog ate some: A single lick or a small bite of flesh is not an emergency. Watch your dog for the rest of the day. If your dog chewed up peel or a whole lemon, call your vet.

Signs of trouble: Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, tiredness and skin irritation. Tremors, disorientation, weakness or trouble breathing need a vet immediately.

Can dogs eat mango?

Yes. Ripe mango flesh is safe for dogs once the pit and skin are removed.

Why: Mango provides fiber and vitamins A, B6, C and E. The pit is the danger. It is a serious choking hazard, it can lodge in the digestive tract, and it contains small amounts of cyanide. The skin is hard to digest and contains urushiol, the same irritant found in poison ivy.

How to serve: Peel, cut the flesh away from the pit, and dice. PetMD suggests 1–2 small pieces for dogs under 20 lb, 2–3 for dogs of 21–30 lb, 5–6 for dogs of 31–50 lb, and a handful for larger dogs. Frozen cubes are a good hot-weather treat. Skip store-bought dried mango, which usually has added sugar. Throw away overripe fruit that has started to ferment.

Watch for: Diarrhea after too much. Mango is high in sugar, so it isn't a good pick for diabetic or overweight dogs. Call your vet immediately if your dog swallows a pit.

Can dogs eat nectarines?

Yes, the flesh only, and in small amounts. The same rules apply to peaches.

Why: Nectarine flesh has fiber and vitamins A and C, but also a fair amount of sugar. The pit is toxic because it contains cyanide compounds. It is also a choking hazard and can block the intestines.

How to serve: Wash, cut the flesh completely away from the pit, and dice. PetMD's portions are small: up to 1 teaspoon for dogs under 20 lb, 2 teaspoons for dogs of 21–30 lb, 1 tablespoon for dogs of 31–50 lb, 2 tablespoons for large dogs, and 3 tablespoons for dogs over 90 lb. Don't feed nectarines canned in syrup, or fruit that has gone moldy.

Watch for: Diarrhea or an upset stomach after too much. If your dog swallows a pit, call your vet right away. Signs of a blockage include vomiting, loss of appetite, tiredness and straining to poop.

Can dogs eat olives?

Yes, plain and pitted, one or two at a time.

Why: According to the AKC, plain, pitted olives rarely cause problems in dogs. The trouble is everything that comes with them. Pits can choke a dog or lodge in the intestines. Canned and pickled olives are very salty. Stuffed and marinated olives often contain garlic, which is toxic to dogs, or blue cheese, which PetMD also flags as dangerous. Olives from a cocktail have been soaking in alcohol.

How to serve: Choose plain, unsalted or low-salt olives, remove the pit, and rinse off the brine. Green and black olives are equally fine. One or two is plenty.

Watch for: Heavy thirst, vomiting or diarrhea after salty olives. Call your vet if your dog eats a large amount of olives, any garlic-stuffed or blue-cheese olives, or several pits.

Can dogs eat papaya?

Yes. PetMD calls papaya a safe and healthy treat for dogs when fed in moderation.

Why: Papaya is a source of fiber, potassium and vitamins A and C. The skin and seeds are difficult for dogs to digest and will upset the stomach, so remove both.

How to serve: Use ripe, fresh papaya. Peel it, scoop out all the seeds, and cut the flesh into small pieces. PetMD's guide is 1–2 small pieces for dogs up to 20 lb, 3–4 for dogs of 21–30 lb, 5–6 for dogs of 31–50 lb, 7–8 for large dogs, and no more than 10 pieces (about a quarter cup) for dogs over 90 lb. Skip dried papaya, which is far higher in sugar.

Watch for: Loose stools or diarrhea, which mean the portion was too big.

Can dogs eat pears?

Yes. Fresh pear flesh is a healthy snack for dogs in moderation.

Why: Pears provide vitamin C, vitamin A and fiber. The seeds contain traces of cyanide, and the core and stem can choke a dog or cause a blockage, so remove all three. The skin is fine for most dogs once washed, but its extra fiber can be hard on sensitive stomachs. Canned pears have too much sugar.

How to serve: Wash the pear, cut out the core, seeds and stem, and slice the flesh into bite-size pieces. For a small dog, the AKC says one slice now and then is fine and a whole pear is too much. For any dog, keep pear within the 10% treat rule.

Watch for: An upset stomach or diarrhea after too much. Call your vet if your dog swallows a whole core and then gags, vomits or stops eating.

Can dogs eat pineapple?

Yes. Fresh pineapple in small amounts is a good snack for dogs.

Why: Pineapple has vitamin C, manganese and fiber. It is also sugary and acidic, so too much can upset the stomach. The tough core and the spiny skin can cause choking or a blockage. Canned pineapple usually sits in syrup with far too much sugar.

How to serve: Remove the skin, crown and core, and cut the flesh into chunks. PetMD suggests 1–2 pieces for dogs under 20 lb, 2–3 for dogs of 21–30 lb, 5–6 for dogs of 31–50 lb, and a handful for larger dogs. For a frozen treat, blend 1½ cups of fresh pineapple with ⅔ cup of plain, unsweetened yogurt and freeze it in molds.

Good to know: You may have read that pineapple stops dogs from eating poop. PetMD notes there is no strong scientific evidence that it works.

Watch for: Vomiting or diarrhea after too much. Call your vet if your dog swallows a chunk of core or skin.

Can dogs eat plantains?

Yes, if cooked and plain, in small amounts.

Why: Plantains are starchy cousins of the banana and aren't toxic to dogs. As with guava, the major veterinary references say little about them, so we rely on vet-reviewed guidance. Raw plantain is very fibrous, hard to break down, and a choking hazard, so it should be cooked first. Fried plantains and plantain chips are cooked in a lot of oil and often salted or sweetened, which can upset the stomach.

How to serve: Peel it, then boil, steam or bake it with no salt, sugar or seasoning. Mash it or slice it, and start with a small amount.

Don't confuse it with: Plantain lily (hosta), a common garden plant. The ASPCA lists hosta as toxic to dogs. It causes vomiting, diarrhea and depression.

Watch for: Gas, vomiting or diarrhea after too much.

Can dogs eat pomegranate?

Best avoided. Pomegranate isn't toxic to dogs, but both the AKC and PetMD advise against feeding it.

Why: The seeds don't break down easily in a dog's gut. Vomiting and diarrhea are common after a dog eats a moderate amount, and a large amount can cause a blockage. The rind and stem are worse. They can cause an obstruction, especially in small dogs.

If your dog ate some: One or two seeds off the floor are unlikely to cause harm. If your dog ate a lot of seeds or any rind, call your vet.

What about pomegranate in dog food? Pomegranate extract in dog foods and treats is a different thing from the raw fruit and is not a concern.

Signs of trouble: Vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness or disorientation.

Can dogs eat prunes?

Best avoided. A pitted prune isn't toxic, but prunes are not a good treat for dogs.

Why: Prunes are dried plums. PetMD discourages them because they are even higher in sugar than fresh plums, and their fiber can cause diarrhea, gas and stomach pain. Plum pits and stems are toxic to dogs, and a pit can also choke a dog or block the intestines. Prune juice has the same sugar problem.

If your dog ate some: One or two pitted prunes usually cause nothing worse than loose stools. Watch your dog for a day or two. If your dog ate a prune or plum with the pit still in it, call your vet.

For constipation: Don't reach for prunes. Ask your vet what is safe for your dog.

Signs of trouble: Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weakness or tiredness.

Can dogs eat raspberries?

Yes, in moderation.

Why: Raspberries are low in calories and provide fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants. The catch is xylitol. Raspberries contain more naturally occurring xylitol than most fruits. The amount is still very low compared with the dose known to harm dogs, and a handful won't hurt most dogs, but it is the reason to keep portions small.

How to serve: Rinse and offer fresh or frozen, starting with one or two berries. A few berries is enough for a small dog and a small handful for a large one. The AKC's upper limit is 8 ounces (about a cup) at a time. For a frozen treat, mash raspberries into plain broth that has no onion or garlic, and freeze it in molds.

Watch for: Vomiting, diarrhea or constipation after too many. If your dog gets into a large amount and seems weak or wobbly, or vomits, call your vet.

Can dogs eat strawberries?

Yes. Fresh strawberries are a safe treat for most dogs in moderation.

Why: Strawberries are high in fiber and vitamin C and full of antioxidants. The AKC adds that they can help whiten a dog's teeth. They also contain natural sugar, which is a problem for diabetic dogs and dogs that gain weight easily. The leaves and stems aren't toxic, but they are hard to digest. Canned strawberries and strawberries in syrup have too much sugar and may contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

How to serve: Wash them, remove the leaves and stems, and slice. For small dogs, mash the berries into their food. The AKC says one to three strawberries a day is a reasonable start, depending on size. PetMD's guide is 1–2 quarter-inch slices for dogs under 20 lb, 2–3 for dogs of 21–30 lb, 5–6 for dogs of 31–50 lb, and a handful for larger dogs. Frozen slices work well in summer.

Watch for: An upset stomach after too many. Allergic reactions are rare, but stop and call your vet if you see itching or swelling.

Can dogs eat tangerines?

Yes, a segment or two. The same goes for oranges, clementines and mandarins.

Why: The flesh isn't toxic and has vitamin C and potassium, though dogs make their own vitamin C and don't need the extra. Tangerines are sugary and acidic, which can upset sensitive stomachs. The peel is tough, hard to digest, and can cause a blockage, and its oils irritate the stomach. The seeds are a choking hazard.

How to serve: Peel it, remove the seeds and as much white pith as you can, and offer one segment at first. The AKC says one or two small segments is typically enough. PetMD's guide for oranges ranges from half a segment for dogs under 10 lb to two and a half segments for dogs over 90 lb, once or twice a week.

Watch for: Diarrhea or gas. Skip citrus for diabetic and overweight dogs, and for dogs with a sensitive stomach.

Can dogs eat watermelon?

Dog with a slice of watermelon

Yes. Watermelon is safe for dogs when the seeds and rind are removed.

Why: Watermelon is about 92% water and has roughly 50 calories per cup, which makes it a refreshing warm-weather treat. Seeds are a choking hazard and can contribute to a blockage if a dog eats a lot of them. The rind is hard to digest and may cause vomiting, diarrhea or an intestinal obstruction.

How to serve: Choose seedless watermelon if you can, cut off the rind, and cube the flesh. PetMD suggests 2–3 small pieces for dogs under 10 lb, 3–4 for dogs of 11–50 lb, 4–5 for large dogs, and 5–6 for dogs over 90 lb, two or three times a week. You can also freeze the chunks, or puree the flesh and freeze it in ice-cube trays.

Watch for: Loose stools after too much. Because of the sugar, it isn't recommended for diabetic dogs. Call your vet if your dog eats the rind.

Sources

We checked every verdict in this guide against these veterinary references in October 2026. This guide is general information and doesn't replace advice from your own veterinarian.

Looking for a food that isn't a fruit? Start with our main guide to what dogs can and can't eat. It covers vegetables, meat, dairy, grains, nuts and more.

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