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What Fruits Can Dogs Not Eat? Dogs should not eat fruits like grapes, raisins, cherries, and avocados, as these can be toxic and cause serious health issues, including kidney failure and gastrointestinal distress.
While some fruits are safe for dogs in moderation, it’s important to know which ones to avoid completely.
Toxic Fruits Dogs Should Not Eat
Knowing which fruits are harmful to dogs can prevent potentially life-threatening situations. Below are some of the most common fruits that are dangerous for dogs:
- Grapes and Raisins: Grapes and raisins are extremely toxic to dogs and can cause acute kidney failure, even in small amounts. The exact substance that leads to toxicity in dogs is unknown, but symptoms can include vomiting, lethargy, and a loss of appetite. If your dog has ingested grapes or raisins, it’s crucial to seek veterinary attention immediately.
- Cherries: While the flesh of a cherry is safe for dogs to eat in small amounts, the pits, stems, and leaves contain cyanide, which is highly toxic. Cyanide interferes with cellular oxygen, meaning that a dog’s blood cells cannot get enough oxygen. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include difficulty breathing, bright red gums, and dilated pupils.
- Avocados: Avocados contain persin, a fungicidal toxin that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. The pit also poses a choking hazard and can cause an intestinal blockage. Even small amounts of avocado can lead to digestive upset, so it’s best to avoid feeding them to your dog altogether.
- Citrus Fruits (Oranges, Lemons, Limes): Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes contain citric acid and essential oils that can cause irritation and digestive issues in dogs. In large quantities, citrus fruits can lead to central nervous system depression. While small amounts of the fleshy part of the fruit are generally not harmful, it’s best to avoid feeding your dog any citrus.
- Tomatoes: While tomatoes are technically fruits, it’s important to note that unripe tomatoes, along with the green parts of the plant (stems and leaves), contain solanine, which is toxic to dogs. Ingesting these parts of the tomato plant can cause gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, and weakness. Ripe tomatoes, in small amounts, are generally considered safe.
- Figs: Figs, while not the most dangerous fruit for dogs, can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation. Eating too many figs can lead to upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you do give your dog figs, make sure it’s only in very small quantities.
- Plums and Peaches: Like cherries, the pits of plums and peaches contain cyanide. In addition to the risk of cyanide poisoning, the pits can also pose a choking hazard and lead to intestinal blockages. The flesh of these fruits is safe in very small amounts, but it’s best to avoid them altogether due to the risk posed by the pits.
