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Healthy Fruits for Dogs

Just because your dog can safely eat fruits doesn't mean all of them are good in large quantities. Here are some healthy fruits for dogs that are perfect as snacks:

• Blueberries. You can create treats with fresh or frozen blueberries for dogs. They're full of antioxidants and fiber, so they're good for your dog's gut and brain.
• Cucumbers. The crunchy cuke is a good snack if your dog needs to lose a bit of weight because it's low in calories. It also has lots of vitamins and very few carbohydrates.
• Raw pineapple. If you want a powerful punch of nutrients, it's hard to beat pineapple for dogs. It's full of vitamins and minerals, plus calcium, phosphorus, and zinc.
• Watermelon. As long as you remove the rind and seeds, watermelon is a superfood for dogs. It's packed with potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. Because it's mostly water, it's also hydrating on hot days.

What's the Best Way to Prepare Fruits for Dogs?

Some fruits need to be prepped a certain way before they're safe for dogs to eat. Others are only OK for dogs in small amounts or they can upset their stomachs.

Here's some of the other fruits your four-legged friend can have in moderation:

• Apples. Remove the seeds and core before you offer them as a treat.
• Cantaloupe. This is another sweet treat that you should only give in moderation.
• Cranberries. If your dog likes the tart flavor of cranberries, don't give them too many because they can upset their stomach.
• Mango. If you're sharing your mango, remove the skin and hard pit first. The pit contains a small amount of cyanide and is a choking hazard.
• Oranges. Dogs shouldn't have orange peels or seeds, so remove both before you share any.
• Peaches. Same goes for peaches—remove the skin and hard pit first. And don't give canned peaches. The syrup contains too much sugar.
• Pears. Pear seeds also contain a trace of cyanide, so don't leave them in if you're offering up bites.
• Raspberries. Limit raspberries to no more than ½ cup per day. They have xylitol, a sugar alcohol that is toxic for dogs in large amounts.
• Strawberries. These berries are full of sugar, too, so only give your pup a few per day.