Although fruits should not comprise a large portion of a dog’s raw diet, adding small amounts can enhance your dog’s meals. Fruits are rich in antioxidants that fight against free radicals, glucose for an energy source, and insoluble and soluble fiber that is good for gut health.

Many fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health. For instance, fruits like apples and blueberries contain vitamins C and K, while bananas offer potassium and vitamin B6. Antioxidants in fruits may help support the immune system and reduce inflammation.

Some fruits, such as watermelon and berries, have high water content, which will help keep our dog, especially during warmer months. Other fruits like pumpkin and papaya contain dietary fiber, which can aid digestion and help with constipation or diarrhea.

Different Colored Fruits Offer Different Benefits

Like vegetables, the term ‘feed the rainbow’ applies to fruits. Antioxidants can be found in fruits with deep pigmentation and brilliant colors. Within each color group, the five hues of the rainbow supply a specific type of phytonutrient.

Lycopene and anthocyanins are responsible for the brilliant and beautiful red color of many fruits. Both are potent carotenoids with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that protect against free radicals. 

Lutein, isothiocyanates, and isoflavones, such as kaempferol and quercetin, are abundant in green fruits. Kaempferol and quercetin are antioxidants that have been demonstrated to protect the body from cancer-causing free radicals. 

Orange and Yellow Fruits Aid in Vitamin A Synthesis

Another highly studied carotenoid found in yellow and orange-colored foods is beta-carotene. Because the body must convert beta-carotene to retinol, its usable form, it is a precursor to Vitamin A. 

Blue and Purple Fruits Protect Against Cancer and Aging

Blue and purple fruits and vegetables are high in phytonutrients, including anthocyanins and resveratrol, which have been extensively studied for their anti-cancer and anti-aging qualities. 

Anthocyanins are antioxidants that protect cells from harm. Anthocyanins are abundant in many red and pink vegetables, but the darker the blue/purple hue, the higher the phytochemical content. 

Fruits with Lower Pigmentations Can Also Improve Health

White and brown fruits may not be as vibrantly colored as others, but they nonetheless contain phytonutrients. 

The Most Common Fruit Options for Raw Feeding

Although all of the above fruits contain beneficial nutrients, some are more highly recommended than others. 

Blueberries are a superfood due to their high levels of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and positive impact on the brain and the nervous system. Studies have also revealed that blueberries have anticancer properties. Blackberries share similar properties at lower levels.

Frozen and fresh blueberries and blackberries can be purchased from your local grocery store. However, blueberries are on the “dirty dozen” list for pesticides, so, ideally, you should only feed your dog those that are organically grown. Wild blueberries and blackberries have been shown to have three to five times the amount of antioxidant polyphenols and are becoming increasingly popular and available in stores.

Cranberries are also safe for dogs, but they are often only available when they are in season. These fruits boast high levels of essential nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamins E and K, and manganese. Like humans, cranberries aid in urinary tracft health and infection prevention die to a naturally occuring sugar, D-mannose.

Cranberries offer a range of other supportive compounds beneficial to dogs. These include dietary fiber, which aids in gut health and supports the immune system, and quercetin, which promotes joint health and assists in managing allergies. Anthocyanins function as antioxidants to bolster the immune system and promote brain health. Proanthocyanidins are polyphenols known for helping urinary and gastrointestinal health, heart disease prevention, and potential cancer support.

Strawberries Provide More Vitamin C Than Oranges

Fresh and frozen strawberries are readily available in local supermarkets throughout the year. Strawberries are more abundant in vitamin C oranges. Other nutrients include potassium, manganese, and folate, tvhe natural form of vitamin B9 that works with vitamin B12 to produce red blood cells and help iron work in the body. The fiber in strawberries promotes healthy digestion and strengthens your dog’s immune system.

Not all fruits are suitable for your dog. Avoid feeding our dog the following fruits:

Grapes and raisins contain tartaric acid, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney damage or failure. Each dog reacts differently to grapes and raisins. In some dogs, consuming just one grape or raisin can cause severe illness or even death, while other dogs have no adverse reactions. However, because you will not know how your dog will react, keeping the grapes and raisins out of reach is best! 

Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruit contain varying levels of citric acid in these fruits. To prevent GI issues, you minimize citrus fruits in your dog's diet.

Cherries- although the flesh is safe for dogs to eat, the leaves, pit, and stems contain cyanide.

Unlike vegetables, fruits do not have to be cooked or prepped before feeding them to your dog. Remove seeds, pits, or any parts that may contain toxins or pose choking hazards before feeding fruits to dogs. For example, apple seeds contain cyanide and should be removed. However, there is no need to panic if yor dog eats a few apple seeds. Although deadly in large doses, a medium sized dog would need to consume over 1,000 apple seeds before getting sick or being fatally poisoned!

Fruits should be given in moderation and as occasional treats. While the sugars in fruit are natural, excessive consumption can lead to weight gain or affect dogs with diabetes or insulin sensitivities. 

Begin adding fruit to your dog's bowl gradually. Observe how your dog reacts to the fruit. Too many fruits can cause diarrhea. 

Every dog will be different. Some dogs will eat all fruits, while others may refuse. Some dogs may have sensitivities or allergies to certain fruits. Introduce new fruits gradually and watch for any adverse reactions.

Fruits offer a variety of nutrients that provide health benefits for your dog.

Some dogs are very selective about which fruits they will eat.

Fruits should be added to your dog’s diet slowly and in moderation to avoid gastrointestinal upset.

The effect of vitamin C supplementation in healthy dogs on antioxidative capacity and immune parameters 

Roles of plant-based ingredients and phytonutrients in canine nutrition and health

Natural pet food: A review of natural diets and their impact on canine and feline physiology | Journal of Animal Science | Oxford Academic

Although fruits should not comprise a large portion of a dog’s raw diet, adding small amounts can enhance your dog’s meals. Fruits are rich in <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/antioxidants">antioxidants</a> that fight against <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/free-radicals">free radicals</a>, <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/glucose">glucose</a> for an <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/adenosine-triphosphate">energy</a> source, and insoluble and <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/soluble-fiber">soluble fiber</a> that is good for gut health.

Deep Dive into Fruits

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