Can Dogs Eat Fruit? What You Need to Know About Dog-Friendly Fruits

What fruits are suitable for dogs to eat? When it comes to feeding our beloved pets, time and financial constraints often play a role in our decisions. It may not be necessary to remember all the specifics, but what matters is to fundamentally understand how incorporating fruits into your dog's diet can elevate their overall well-being and contentment. Combining practical benefits with scientific explanations, this article provides a comprehensive guide for you to make informed decisions (Habib & Becker, 2021). Presented below is a compilation of vital Longevity Fruits that can be incorporated into your furry companion's meals:

1. Avocado

They are packed with abundant vitamins C and E, potassium, folate, and fiber. Moreover, avocados are rich in monounsaturated fat, specifically oleic acid, which is also found in olive oil. This healthy fat supports brain function and contributes to overall well-being across various age groups. Recent studies suggest that avocados provide benefits for skin, eye, and joint health. Furthermore, avocados contain heart-friendly compounds like beta-sitosterol, a type of phytosterol (Habib & Becker, 2021).

2. Green Bananas (Unripe Bananas)

Despite being unripe, they offer distinct advantages compared to fully ripe bananas. While ripe bananas are renowned for their potassium content, they also contain a considerable amount of sugar, approximately fourteen grams (equivalent to three and a half teaspoons) per medium-sized banana. In contrast, unripe tropical fruits like green bananas have lower fructose levels and are primarily composed of resistant starches. These starches serve as nourishment for your dog's microbiome, fostering gut health. Green bananas additionally possess tannins, which possess antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, they contain carotenoids that aid in the prevention of oxidative stress (Habib & Becker, 2021).

What is the recommended serving size?

To utilize green bananas as small training treats, choose the greenest ones and slice them into pea-sized portions.

3. Raspberries, Blackberries, Mulberries, and Blueberries

Blueberries provide significant benefits due to their high prebiotic fiber and polyphenol content, including ellagic acid. Research by Kriya Dunlap, PhD, and her team at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, focused on sled dogs, known for their susceptibility to muscle damage from intense exercise. Feeding sled dogs blueberries resulted in a substantial increase in blood plasma antioxidant levels immediately after exercise, offering protection against oxidative stress. Frozen blueberries are commonly used as training treats when fresh ones are unavailable (Habib & Becker, 2021).

What is the recommended serving size?

It's important to note that exceeding one blueberry per two pounds of body weight per day (e.g., five blueberries for a ten-pound dog) may temporarily cause harmless dark blue stool. Hence, it's advisable to offer a few blueberries as treats and explore other Longevity Foods as healthy rewards throughout the day.

4. Strawberries

Strawberries are notable for their exceptional health benefits. These red fruits contain a compound called "fisetin" which has been extensively studied for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Fisetin has shown promising results in eliminating senescent cells, which contribute to premature aging, while leaving healthy cells unharmed. In studies involving mice, fisetin extended their lifespan by 10 percent and reduced age-related issues, even in advanced age. The Mayo Clinic is currently conducting a clinical trial to further explore fisetin's effects on age-related dysfunction in humans. Additionally, strawberries provide protective benefits for the heart and nervous system (Habib & Becker, 2021).

What is the recommended serving size?

You may have encountered advice that is against feeding strawberries to dogs due to the potential consumption of excessive green leafy stems, which can result in digestive issues. However, removing the stems before offering strawberries eliminates the risk of digestive discomfort. Choose spray-free or organic strawberries to ensure they are free from harmful chemicals.

5. Pomegranate

Pomegranates provide remarkable heart protection and combat cardiac diseases, the second leading cause of death in dogs, particularly prevalent in older dogs. Common conditions such as valvular endocardiosis and dilated cardiomyopathy are more commonly found in older dogs. The advancement of heart failure is believed to be influenced by oxidative damage, leading to cell death. A study published in the Journal of Applied Research in Veterinary Medicine demonstrated the notable benefits for heart and overall health when dogs were fed pomegranate extract. Pomegranates possess ellagitannins, which are transformed by gut microbes into urolithin A. Urolithin A has demonstrated its capacity to regenerate mitochondria in worms, resulting in a lifespan extension of more than 45 percent (Habib & Becker, 2021).

What is the recommended serving size?

As a general guideline, it is recommended to offer approximately one teaspoon of pomegranate for every ten pounds of your dog's body weight. However, if your dog shows no interest in pomegranates, fret not, there are alternative options to provide them with enjoyable and nutritious treats.

Paws & Play offers a selection of pet treats and supplements enriched with beneficial fruits for your cats and dogs. Check out our short list below!