Feeding fruit to your dog can be a healthy and enjoyable way to add natural vitamins, hydration, and fibre to their diet, but not all fruits are safe, and even the safe ones must be given in the right way.
This guide explains exactly which fruits dogs can eat, the benefits they offer, how to serve them, and important safety notes for each.

General Rules for Feeding Fruit to Dogs

Before diving into specific fruits, keep these essential guidelines in mind:

• Moderation is key – Fruit is high in natural sugars, so it should only make up a small part of your dog’s diet.
• Remove all pits, stones, seeds, and cores unless stated otherwise.
• Introduce new fruits slowly to avoid stomach upset.
• Serve fruit in dog-safe sizes to prevent choking.
• Avoid canned fruit and syrups – The added sugar makes them unsuitable.

Safe Fruits for Dogs

Apples

Benefits: Low in calories; rich in vitamins A and C; a good source of fibre for digestive health.
How to serve: Slice thinly; remove the core and seeds (which contain small amounts of cyanide).
Best for: Training treats, low-fat snacks for overweight dogs.

Bananas

Benefits: High in potassium, vitamin B6, and fibre; excellent for a quick energy boost.
How to serve: Small slices or mashed; avoid feeding the peel.
Note: Due to high sugar, give only occasionally.

Strawberries

Benefits: High in antioxidants; help support immune function.
How to serve: Washed and chopped; can be frozen for hot days.
Bonus: Strawberries contain an enzyme that may even help brighten teeth (though not as a substitute for brushing).

Blueberries

Benefits: A true “superfood” containing antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and fibre.
How to serve: Fresh or frozen; whole for medium/large dogs, halved for toy breeds.
Perfect for: Training rewards as they are low calorie and non-messy.

Raspberries

Benefits: Anti-inflammatory compounds can help older dogs.
How to serve: A handful at most.
Caution: Raspberries contain trace amounts of natural xylitol which is safe in small amounts, but avoid overfeeding.

Blackberries

Benefits: Packed with vitamins and fibre; hydrating.
How to serve: Washed, given whole or halved.
Note: Some dogs dislike their slightly earthy flavour.

Watermelon

Benefits: Extremely hydrating; rich in vitamin A, B6, and C.
How to serve: Remove all seeds and the rind, then cut into cubes.
Tip: Freeze chunks for a refreshing summer treat.

Cantaloupe (Melon)

Benefits: High in vitamin C and beta-carotene.
How to serve: Cube the orange flesh; remove rind and seeds.
Note: High natural sugar so it is best to offer sparingly.

Honeydew Melon

Benefits: Hydrating, low-fat, vitamin-rich.
How to serve: Same as cantaloupe, seedless, green flesh only.

Pears

Benefits: Fibre-rich; good for digestion.
How to serve: Remove seeds and core; slice thinly.
Optional: Lightly steam for dogs with sensitive teeth.

Peaches

Benefits: Vitamin A and fibre.
How to serve: Remove the stone, which is toxic and a choking hazard; cut soft flesh into small pieces.
Warning: Avoid canned peaches as they’re packed in sugary syrup.

Plums

Benefits: Safe only when the flesh alone is offered.
How to serve: Remove the toxic stone completely; offer tiny amounts.
Caution: Very sugary; not ideal for diabetic dogs.

Mango

Benefits: Vitamin-packed and naturally sweet.
How to serve: Peel the skin; remove the large pit; slice into chunks.
Note: High sugar so it is best as an occasional treat only.

Pineapple

Benefits: Contains bromelain (a digestive enzyme), plus vitamin C.
How to serve: Fresh pineapple only; remove the tough skin and core.
Avoid: Tinned pineapple is too sugary for dogs.

Kiwi

Benefits: High in vitamin C and antioxidants.
How to serve: Peel and slice; remove any hard ends.
Ideal for: Dogs needing immune support.

Oranges

Benefits: Packed with vitamin C.
How to serve: Peel fully; remove seeds; give 1–2 segments only.
Note: Some dogs dislike the tart flavour.

Clementines & Tangerines

Benefits: Similar to oranges; mild citrus vitamins.
How to serve: Seedless segments only.
Caution: Very sugary so only give in small quantities.

Cranberries

Benefits: Can support urinary tract health.
How to serve: Fresh or freeze-dried in tiny amounts.
Avoid: Cranberry juice and dried cranberries with added sugar.

Coconut (Not a fruit botanically, but often treated as one)

Benefits: Contains healthy fats; may support skin health.
How to serve: Small flakes or pieces of raw coconut; avoid the shell.
Note: Coconut water is safe in small amounts.

Fruits Dogs Can Eat With Caution

These fruits are not toxic, but require careful preparation or limited portions.

Tomatoes (Ripe Only)

Safe part: Fully ripe red tomatoes.
Avoid: Green tomatoes, stems, leaves as these contain solanine, which is toxic.
How to serve: Small cubes of ripe tomato only.

Avocado (Depends on Variety)

In the UK, shop-bought avocados contain very low persin, but can still cause stomach upset.

Safety notes:

• Never feed the skin or stone due to choking risks and toxins.
• Even the flesh should be given rarely and in tiny amounts due to high fat.

Most vets recommend avoiding avocado entirely.

Fruits Dogs Must Never Eat

Grapes & Raisins

Extremely toxic even in small amounts and can cause kidney failure.

Avoid:

• Grapes
• Raisins
• Sultanas
• Currants
• Foods containing them (hot cross buns, fruit cakes)

If your dog ingests any amount, seek emergency vet help immediately.

Cherries

The flesh is safe, but:

• Pits, stems, and leaves contain cyanide.
• The stone is a choking hazard.
• Dogs often swallow cherries whole.

It is recommended to avoid them altogether.

Persimmons

The flesh is technically safe, but the seeds and skin can cause intestinal blockages.

Starfruit

Never feed starfruit to dogs as they contains high oxalates which can cause kidney issues.

Portion Sizes — How Much Fruit Is Safe?

A general rule of thumb:

• Large dogs: Up to 2 tablespoons of fruit per day.
• Medium dogs: 1 tablespoon per day.
• Small/toy dogs: 1–2 teaspoons per day.

Fruit should never replace a balanced diet or complete dog food.

Health Conditions That Require Extra Caution

Dogs with Diabetes

Avoid high-sugar fruits such as:

• Bananas
• Mango
• Melon
• Pineapple
• Oranges

Dogs with Pancreatitis

Stick to low-fat fruits and very small amounts:

• Apples
• Berries
• Watermelon

Dogs with Allergies

Introduce one fruit at a time and monitor for:

• Itching
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea

Final Tips for Feeding Fruit Safely

• Freeze fruit like blueberries, strawberries, and melon for enrichment.
• Blend fruit with plain yoghurt to create a dog-friendly lick-mat spread.
• Stuff Kongs with mashed banana or watermelon for a cooling treat.
• Always consult your vet if your dog has a medical condition.

Conclusion

Fruit can be a wonderful addition to your dog’s treat menu when fed safely and in moderation. With this comprehensive guide, UK dog owners can feel confident choosing fruits that support their dog’s health and avoid those that pose risks.

Used correctly, fruit treats can provide hydration, natural vitamins, antioxidants, and plenty of tail-wagging enjoyment.