Is it ok to give a Yorkshire Terrier watermelon? What fruits and berries can dogs
Modern owners are concerned about the question, what fruits can dogs have? Prior to the commercial pet food market, dogs and cats received natural nutrition in the form of meat, poultry and fish supplemented with cereals, vegetables, fruits, berries, herbs and wild herbs. They grew well, took places at exhibitions, worked and gave offspring.
With the mass transfer of dogs to industrial nutrition, owners are beginning to wonder if introducing additional products into the diet will harm the pet. Veterinarians say that mixing ready-made food and natural products is not acceptable. In principle, this is correct, since the animal's digestive system is tuned to the absorption of one type of food, which means that the second type remains undigested in full and can cause disorders. At the same time, it cannot be assumed that dry and wet industrial feeds fully satisfy the dog's needs for vitamins, microelements, and fiber.
Acceptable Fruits for Dogs
Of course, with a lack of any microelement, a decrease in immunity or seasonal beriberi, a dog cannot be cured with fruits - there are specially designed nutritional complex supplements for this. But still, fruits are needed even for those animals that receive the highest quality nutrition and additionally take veterinary vitamins.
Fruit can be used as a treat, as a training reward, as a quick-acting remedy for occasional constipation, or simply as a way to pamper and hand feed your pet. Therefore, it is possible to introduce them into the diet, it is only important to know which fruits can be given to the dog.
Apples. This is a delicious juicy and healthy fruit that rarely causes allergies in children and animals. Due to the variety of varieties, you can choose the one that your dog likes: sweet, sour, sweet and sour, tart. Especially useful is a grated apple with grated carrots, seasoned with low-fat cottage cheese or low-fat kefir.
Bananas- Another favorite fruit of many dogs. Half a not very ripe banana can be given to a dog every couple of days as a valuable source of potassium. Soft, overripe bananas are not suitable for animals due to the risk of indigestion.
melons. They quench thirst well and gently stimulate intestinal peristalsis. You can give often, but not much. If the dog is not allergic to bee products, then the melon should be mixed with a spoonful of honey - this is very useful.
Watermelon. His dog can eat as much as he wants. The only drawback is the frequent requests of the dog to go out for a walk after eating watermelon. If watermelons are grown without the use of growth and maturation accelerators, then its peels should also be given to dogs: they accumulate a lot of minerals in an easily digestible form.
plums. The dog can be given not very ripe pitted plums. Overripe plums, especially those that have lain down, cause clouding of consciousness and eating disorders due to the formed alkaloids.
Pears. Fruit-trained dogs are great at eating pears. They especially like pears with dense crispy flesh. Pears almost never cause allergies.
Rowan all varieties. An excellent source of micronutrients, affordable and easily digestible. It has no contraindications, but the dog must be taught to it from an early age. Rowan berries can be mixed into wet food if the dog refuses to eat them in their pure form.
Gooseberry. It is very useful not only for people, but also for dogs. But you can offer the animal only those fruits that have ripened naturally, without chemical acceleration.
Blueberry. Very useful, but has a strong taste and aftertaste. Dogs rarely eat it in its pure form, so dried or fresh berries should be mixed into their food.
Currants of all varieties, a tasty and healthy berry that many trained dogs eat in their pure form. It is advisable to grind red currants with other sweet fruits or honey (do not add sugar!).
What fruits should be limited?
Here is a list of fruits that a dog can eat, but in limited quantities and not often.
Papaya. A slice of peeled fruit will stop mild diarrhea. With frequent use causes constipation and increases blood sugar.
Kiwi. A circle of kiwi will give your pet a portion of vitamin C and valuable fruit acids. No more than one circle per 2-3 weeks is allowed for a medium-sized dog.
Persimmon soft "chocolate" varieties without peel and seeds stimulate the intestines well and help to normalize the stool. You need to feed it to dogs with problems with the stool.
Cherry and sweet cherry. They are given pitted as a treat if the dog likes them. But they are of no use.
apricots. They are given without pits and, preferably, without skins. In large quantities, they are very weak, especially puppies and young dogs.
Strawberry. Possible allergen. But many dogs like to eat it, so a couple of berries a day during the season can be offered to them.
Raspberry. An even stronger allergen, therefore it is given to dogs without food allergies to other products and in a very limited way.
Blackberry. A very controversial fruit. Veterinarians do not note the benefits of it, it is poorly absorbed, and allergic reactions occur to it. Giving it to a dog is allowed to a limited extent even when the dog himself asks for a berry.
What fruits are contraindicated for dogs?
These fruits can cause an allergic reaction, greatly upset digestion, and irritate the mucous membranes, so they should not be given to dogs. Many owners claim that their dogs “eat everything,” including forbidden foods, and are healthy. this indicates either that they were lucky to get a dog with iron health, or they are simply inattentive to the pet and do not notice its problems.
Citrus. The strongest allergens, moreover, irritate the mucous membranes of the digestive tract.
Grape. Causes kidney failure in dogs, and in small breeds it is fraught with diarrhea and vomiting with severe dehydration.
Pomegranate. Very irritating to the stomach, disrupts digestion, and bones can be toxic to small dogs.
Avocado. It is rich in a substance that depresses the work of the heart and respiratory system of canines.
Peaches. They cause diarrhea and their bones are poisonous.
Quince. Causes swallowing disorders and vomiting with severe fluid loss.
Rules for feeding fruit
Each new fruit is introduced in small doses with the control of the dog's well-being. Allergy signs - redness of the nose, eyes, paws, rashes in the form of flat blisters and pimples, respiratory failure, swelling of the neck and muzzle, hair loss, peeling of the skin, flow from the eyes and nose - require contacting a veterinarian for first aid. The same applies to cases of indigestion - vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, increased gas formation.
You need to choose fresh fruits grown in natural conditions, without signs of damage, without a putrefactive or “chemical” smell. It is better to give preference to seasonal fruits (this rule does not apply to exotic fruits). Fruits are not mixed with food, but are given as a treat separately, between feedings. Do not give your dog fruits and dairy products on the same day.
You need to accustom a dog to fruits from puppyhood, giving them little by little during the game. During the training period, you can mix fruit with the main meal.
Adult dogs, not accustomed to fruits and vegetables, do not recognize plant foods and can only eat them mixed with meat or fish. In this case, they are given fresh and boiled vegetables grated and mixed with meat for normal digestion and prevention of beriberi.
Jam, even from permitted fruits, is contraindicated for dogs due to the presence of sugar in it and the lack of benefit. Purchased dried fruits are not necessary for dogs. From home-made dried fruits, a little pitted dried apricots are allowed.
Often inexperienced and illiterate dog owners recommend putting overweight dogs on a fruit diet. This is absurd and very dangerous for the dog's health. She needs to lose weight by reducing the portion of food and increasing physical activity, but not by eating plant foods alone.
Important! All norms are indicated for medium-sized dogs - 25-30 cm tall at the withers, weighing 20-25 kg. For dogs of dwarf and small breeds, all portions are reduced several times, and it is better not to give them “problem” fruits at all.
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Compiling a pet's diet is a complex and responsible event. It becomes even more difficult if the four-legged loves foods rich in taste. Usually, dogs prefer to eat 5-6 familiar foods and not “exchange” for new items in the diet, but this is not an iron rule, and owners often want to pamper their pets. If everything is logically clear with vegetables - everything is possible that does not have a detrimental effect on the digestive system, then many questions arise about fruits. Watching how the ward with bliss eats something red, orange or sweet, the owner involuntarily wonders if these delicacies can be given to the pet and whether they should be given at all. Dogs need fruits, they are useful, but you need to treat them carefully, because our wards are not so omnivorous.
Many owners avoid a fruit-based pet diet simply because they don't understand the basic principles of selecting foods for a dog's diet. For example, tailed ones cannot have sweets, but can sweet apples be? Plum can weaken the intestines, but many four-legged people love it. Some robbers can't be pulled off by the ears with watermelons or tangerines, and many experts do not recommend giving animals berries and citrus fruits.
Advice: avoid buying too beautiful (literally) fruits. Ideal twin apples, odorless pears, watermelons without a yellow spot on the side are artificially grown and ripened products.
The next risk group is fruits that are “slippery” in texture, do not confuse them with juicy ones. Plums, persimmons, apricots and similar foods can weaken the intestines. This does not mean that treats should be excluded from the diet. If the dog loves plums, then pamper your pet, but watch the amount eaten. By the way, many dogs love only fruits “with a smell”, that is, overripe. The reason lies in the alkaloids that are formed during the fermentation of sweet juice. At first, the dog greedily eats the treat, and then behaves a little strange. This is a natural intoxication, and although it is considered as a negative phenomenon, there is nothing dangerous in it. In the wild, canines, primates and even elephants are not averse to indulging in "brazhka" and then making a fuss. It is believed that this process is associated with the natural discharge of the nervous system. The only caveat is the need for control, because the dog can become addicted to "alcohol".
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Citrus fruits that frighten everyone are not prohibited, but if the animal really loves the product, and you do not observe an acute reaction, but again, it is normalized! If the dog loves tangerines, then you can give her 1-2 slices. You need to understand that the ward does not strive to get enough of fruit, but only to bring down the “taste of the mouth”. The analogy is as follows, imagine that you don’t want cheese for a very long time, but really want it. You are tormented and waiting for when it will be possible. And so it happened, you have half a kilo of cheese in front of you and you can eat it all, but which pieces will be the most desirable and delicious? That's right, the first few, but whether to eat everything up is already a personal matter.
We figured out the theory and the conclusion is the following, you should not rely on the opinions of "self-made" experts, especially if they are categorical and base their opinion on personal experience of keeping one dog. However, it is worth considering the prohibitions that are empirically justified and confirmed by veterinary medicine. Now, in order Let's start with neutral fruits and berries that a dog can eat in any desired quantities:
- Apples- preferably green, not too juicy and sweet. A very healthy and tasty dish for dogs is an apple grated with carrots.
- Not juicy pears- cleaned and crushed.
- watermelons- both pulp and rinds are possible (if you are sure that the watermelon is grown naturally).
- unripe bananas- do not carry much benefit, but contain potassium.
- Papaya(only peeled) - a useful, but exotic fruit. Before buying, you need to make sure that the delicacy has not been lying on the supermarket shelf for months, has been checked by the sanitary service, is not coated with wax and has no third-party smell.
- Rowan(sweet and ripe) - a source of vitamins and a delicacy, no contraindications.
- Gooseberry- without restrictions, if you are sure of the origin of the berries.
- Blueberry- useful and has a rather strong taste, which means that the dog itself will not eat a lot of berries.
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Permitted fruits and berries, but in limited quantities:
- Kiwi.
- Very juicy or sweet pears.
- Ripe bananas.
- melons- do not bring much benefit, but dilute the taste menu and allow you to quickly quench your thirst. In large quantities, melon can lead to diarrhea or vice versa, to stagnation of food in the intestines. If the dog has no allergies, then melon can be mixed with a little honey - this is a really healthy treat.
- Strawberry.
- Persimmon without pits.
- Apricot and dried apricots be sure to destone, can cause intestinal upset and severe diarrhea.
- Cherries and cherries.
- Raspberry- a healthy berry, but the amount eaten is worth controlling. If the dog loves raspberries very much, it can be rubbed with carrots in a small amount, but given more often.
- Currant- Watch your pet's reaction. If the dog does not itch, sneezes or show other signs of allergy, you can not limit the amount eaten.
Just like their carnivorous ancestors, wolves, dogs prefer a meat-based diet. However, in the wild, wolves also feed on herbs, roots, wild berries, and fruits. With their help, predators satisfy their body's needs for vitamins, fiber and minerals.
Therefore, it is quite natural and physiological for a dog to want to eat a piece of fresh fruit or a handful of berries from time to time. The owners use the fruit as a treat, as a training reward, and even as a laxative for constipation. What fruits are allowed to be given to dogs, and which ones are strictly prohibited, we will consider in this article.
Amount and serving size
Fruits are just an additional source of nutrients. For a complete diet of a dog, their use once or twice a week is enough. Serving size depends on the size of the pet and its preferences.
Representatives of large breeds can eat a whole apple or a couple of bananas at one time, and a couple of pieces are enough for decorative dogs.
Berries and fruits contain substances necessary for the vital activity of animals: vitamins, acids, carotene, pectin, fiber, mineral salts of iron, potassium, magnesium. Therefore, their health benefits for dogs are undeniable.
Apples
Available, completely safe and help improve digestion. Apples are a source of vitamins A, B, C, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron. The low protein and fat content makes them a healthy snack for older dogs. It is better to choose unsweetened green fruits. A large dog can be given a whole apple, a small one - one or two pieces.
Pears
Bananas
It is an indispensable source of potassium, as well as copper, fiber, biotin. Ripe fruits have a lot of sugar, so the amount is limited. For a large dog, 1-3 pieces per week are enough; for a small dog, one fruit, cut into pieces, will be enough. Unripe bananas can cause indigestion.
watermelons
These berries are rich in vitamins A, groups B and C, magnesium and potassium, quickly quench their thirst. It is better to remove the bones from the pulp. If watermelons are grown without the use of chemical dressings and ripening accelerators, then you can safely give them to dogs along with the crust. The fruits are rich in minerals in an easily digestible form.
Berries
Berries are a storehouse of antioxidants, pectins and vitamins. Depending on the taste preferences, a pet can be given blueberries, blueberries, cranberries, honeysuckle, sea buckthorn, hawthorn.
The dog will be pleased if she is allowed to pick ripe gooseberries or currants from the bushes on her own. The owner can only make sure that the amount of food eaten is not to the detriment of the pet.
Rose hips are used for medicinal purposes. They contain 18% vitamin C, vitamins B1, B2, E, K, tannins, sugars, pectin, organic acids, microelements. Rosehip is recommended for beriberi and as a tonic for depletion of the body.
Rowan contains a whole complex of vitamins and minerals that are necessary for the body. Ripe rowan berries contain organic and amino acids, tannins, essential oils, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and other trace elements. Rowan is rich in vitamins A, P, B1, B2, K, E and C.
An important component of red and chokeberry are pectins, which prevent excessive gas formation in the intestines.
Allowed in limited quantities
Some of the fruits can bring a dog not only benefits, but also harm its health. If a certain fruit is considered very useful due to the rich composition of vitamins and trace elements, and the pet experiences discomfort from eating it, this product is definitely excluded from the diet.
A pineapple
Pineapple pulp contains potassium, copper, iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium, iodine and manganese, ascorbic and citric acids. The highly active enzyme bromelain helps digest protein foods.
Although this fruit is very healthy, a dog can eat pineapple in small amounts due to its high sugar content.
Melon
Melons are close to watermelons in terms of benefits, but they stimulate intestinal motility and can cause diarrhea. If the dog does not have allergies, then the melon is mixed with a small amount of honey, which is very healthy and tasty.
Fruits with juicy friable pulp
Persimmons, apricots, plums, kiwis are rich in vitamin C and fruit acids, but they can also cause indigestion, enteritis, and even intestinal obstruction. Therefore, their use is limited in small portions no more than once every 2-3 weeks, not forgetting to first remove the bone.
Citrus and figs
Oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, and figs can cause allergies. Despite the high content of vitamin C, dogs are treated with caution, in small portions, observing the reaction. In the event of swelling, itching, tearing or indigestion, these products are excluded from the pet's diet.
Exotic fruits
Mango, papaya and similar exotic fruits are rich in vitamins A, B, C, E, alpha and beta carotenes, and potassium. These fruits improve digestion and restore the gastric mucosa. Papaya in small doses can stop diarrhea. These fruits are healthy and safe for dogs when peeled and pitted. However, they contain a lot of sugar and can lead to constipation. Therefore, it is better to use them in doses.
Raspberry and strawberry
Raspberries and strawberries are rich in vitamin C and fiber. An enzyme found in strawberries is a natural teeth whitener. However, strawberries are high in sugar. In addition, this berry is a strong allergen. Therefore, dogs are limited in its use: in the absence of severe allergic reactions, one berry per day is enough per season.
Raspberries contain very few calories and sugar. Its anti-inflammatory properties are known, which makes the berries beneficial for older dogs. However, in its composition, in addition to useful antioxidants and manganese, there is xylitol toxin in small quantities. Therefore, the number of fruits eaten is limited to a few pieces.
Dried fruits
Dried fruits have a laxative effect, therefore, in small quantities, dogs are given only dried apricots and prunes.
Contraindicated
Fruits that cause allergies, indigestion, and poisoning have no place in a dog's diet. There are not many of them, but the owners need to know about them.
Grapes and raisins
Grape fruits in fresh and dried form, when eaten regularly, lead to kidney failure. Just five berries eaten can cause vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, and increased urination in a dog weighing up to 10 kg.
Pomegranate
It is strictly forbidden to give a dog a pomegranate. It causes irritation of the gastric mucosa and vomiting due to the acid contained in the fruit.
Pomegranate seeds are toxic, especially to small dogs.
Avocado
This exotic fruit is poison for dogs. The toxin persin found in avocados causes vomiting, diarrhea, in more severe cases, pancreatitis, heart failure, and respiratory depression in animals.
Stone fruits
Peaches, quinces, nectarines, cherries and cherries can cause diarrhea. Eaten in large quantities, the bones of these berries, containing cyanide, lead to poisoning, the destruction of blood cells and intestinal obstruction.
Feeding rules
Owners of omnivorous dogs should not follow their lead. Pitiful eyes, persistent begging or even the demand for "yummy" is not a reason for pampering a pet, because a new product or eating treats in unlimited quantities can lead to serious health problems for a pet.
If the dog stole and accidentally ate a fruit that is contraindicated for it, the owners carefully monitor the condition of the pet. If allergic reactions occur in the form of itching, redness of the mucous membranes, sneezing, runny nose, rash or digestive disorders - diarrhea, constipation, vomiting - the fruit or berry is excluded from the diet. The dog is given an antihistamine.
In the case of a persistent allergic reaction, the dog is transferred to a neutral diet (rice, chicken broth) for 2-3 days or until the symptoms are completely eliminated. To remove the allergen from the body, absorbents are used - activated carbon, Enterosgel. In case of severe manifestations of allergies, seek help from a veterinarian.
Tips for feeding fruits and berries to dogs:
- Each new product is given to the pet in small quantities, observing the reaction of the body.
- It is better to feed your dog seasonal, locally grown fruits and berries grown naturally. Raw, without heat treatment, the fruits are pre-washed, the bones, seeds and peel are removed.
- Do not give your pet damaged, rotten or overripe fruits.
- Fruits are fed to dogs as snacks, half an hour before the main feeding or two hours after feeding. Whether to mix fruits with the main food is an individual decision of each owner, based on monitoring the well-being of the pet after eating such dishes.
- On one day, especially in one meal, dogs are not fed fermented milk products and fruits.
- If the dog does not want to try new fruits, then do not insist. Then it is better to give the dog vegetables in any form.
- Pets are taught to vitamin snacks from puppyhood. When introducing fruits and berries into the diet, they are mixed with cereals or vegetable purees.
- If a pet has a chronic disease of the digestive system, kidneys or other internal organs, then it is better to discuss the issue of introducing fruits and berries into the diet with a veterinarian.
Dry food and fruits
Dry food is convenient because it provides the dog with all the necessary ingredients, taking into account the daily need for them. Industrial feeds are fully balanced in terms of the required amount of protein, vitamins and fats.
An excess of any of the components will make the pancreas or liver suffer, and a shortage will hit the immune system as a whole. The owners add fresh fruits and berries to the feed only as a treat. The dose of the fruit supplement is no more than 20% of the dry food eaten per day.
Cheerful eyes, a good appetite, a shiny coat and healthy skin underneath are the best evidence that a dog is getting a well-balanced diet in sufficient quantities.
Every owner wants his pet to live long and be healthy. Relatively recently, dogs ate only natural meat, with the addition of cereals. At the same time, the pets grew well, gave excellent offspring, worked and won prizes at exhibitions. But times are changing, today the owners save their time and no longer want to cook their food separately.
Transfer to a complete diet
With the advent of industrial feeds, most owners began to use these convenient products. At the same time, most owners continue to work hard to diversify their diet. But experts say that doing so is completely unacceptable. The dog's gastrointestinal system is tuned to the absorption of one type of food, and the second causes disorders.
Fruit is the exception
Indeed, speaking about whether it is possible to give a watermelon to a dog, I would like to give the opinion of reputable veterinarians. In their opinion, fruits are acceptable even for pets transferred to high-quality nutrition and those who additionally take veterinary drugs. They can be used as a treat, as a training reward, or as a remedy for constipation. But in any case, it is extremely important to consult a veterinarian. He knows your pet since childhood and will tell you if it is possible to give watermelon to a dog without restrictions. 
gourds
The only thing that worries experts is the presence of a large amount of sugar. The dog's body is not at all adapted to its processing, and it will get nothing but problems from this. Other experts argue that the fructose contained in the berries cannot harm your pet. Whom to believe and how to understand whether it is possible to give a watermelon to a dog? Better here is the golden mean. From time to time, you can give a small piece as a treat, but it’s definitely not worth feeding a kilogram.
Early fruits: benefits and harms
Today, melons and gourds appear on sale since May. Of course, at this time they are stuffed with chemistry, nitrates. You don't have to be an expert to know if you can give your dog greenhouse-grown watermelon. These berries have an amazing ability to accumulate in themselves everything that was introduced into the soil, which means that they shorten the life of the one who will then eat them.
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Therefore, when answering the question of whether it is possible to give watermelon and melon to a dog, you should pay attention to the quality of the fruit. If these are autumn berries grown under the sun, then there will be no harm to the body. 
Individual reaction
To finally determine whether it is possible to introduce watermelon into the diet of a dog, you need to know the characteristics of its body. Chronic kidney disease requires careful attention to diuretic products. Although, again, if the pet gets a small piece, then nothing bad will happen. Melons well stimulate intestinal motility and quench thirst. If your pet has a tendency to diarrhea, then it is better to do without it.
Apples
Apples are a juicy and healthy fruit that almost never causes allergies. Thanks to this, they can also be used for feeding animals. Do not try to choose the sweetest varieties. On the contrary, local fruits will bring much more benefits. Imagine a wolf in the wild. Theoretically, he can find a wild apple tree and even diversify the menu with its fruits, or eat a bird that dined on them. But cultivated fruits, with their sweetness, nitrates and insecticides, are another story. 
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Bananas
Almost all dogs eat this fruit with great pleasure. They are a very valuable source of potassium, so you can add them to the diet in small pieces. But again I would like to draw your attention to the fact that quantity plays an important role here. Half an unripe banana once a week will do the trick. Do not forget that it does not go well with any food, that is, such a snack should go separately from everything. But soft, overripe fruits are better to immediately put aside - they can provoke indigestion.
What else can you do to diversify your diet?
If the dog is accustomed to fresh fruits, then it is very good to give him pears. They especially like dense fruits with crispy pulp. Such fruits almost never cause allergies. Rowan is an excellent source of vitamins. But not everyone likes its taste, so you need to teach it from early childhood. Mixing berries in the main food is not recommended.
Dog gooseberries are often collected by themselves. If these thorny bushes grow in your country house, then the fruits that have ripened on them will be the perfect treat for your pet. But only if you do not use chemical fertilizers. But kiwi and persimmon can be given only as an exception, very rarely. They often cause diarrhea. Cherries and sweet cherries, apricots can be given without the skin, as a treat. There will be no benefit from them, but no harm either. Raspberries and strawberries are strong allergens, so they should be added to the menu occasionally, one berry at a time. 
