Instead, if your dog craves the tangy taste of cranberries, opt for unsweetened fresh or frozen fruits, or pick up some crunchy cranberry dog treats. It’s also worth noting that many dried cranberries sold for people to eat are sweetened, so giving them to your dog is adding unneeded sugar to their diet. Either way, moderation is important when feeding cranberries to dogs, as with any treat, as too many cranberries can lead to an upset stomach. Whether your dog will actually like this tart treat is another question. Both cranberries and dried cranberries are safe to feed to dogs in small quantities. Yes, cranberries are safe for dogs to eat. To allow your dog to safely experience the antioxidant benefits that cherries have, choose cherry dog treats formulated for your friend. If you’re enjoying cherries yourself, be sure to secure the discarded pits in a dog-proof trash can or trash bin that your dog can’t access, and let kids know not to share their cherries or cherry pits with your dog. If your dog eats cherries whole or cherry pits, watch for dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and red gums, as these may be signs of cyanide poisoning, which is a veterinary emergency. If you have a cherry tree in your yard, be sure your dog doesn’t have free access to fallen fruit. Cyanide disrupts cellular oxygen transport, which means that your dog’s blood cells can’t get enough oxygen. With the exception of the fleshy fruit around the seed, cherry plants contain cyanide and are toxic to dogs. Try freezing balls or cubes of cantaloupe for your dog for a refreshing summertime enrichment snack. It is, however, high in sugar, so should be shared in moderation, especially for dogs who are overweight or have diabetes. Cantaloupe is packed with nutrients, low in calories, and a great source of water and fiber. Teaching your dog to catch treats in the air? Try blueberries! The powerhouse fruit is a popular ingredient for blueberry dog treats, sometimes in combination with other superfoods like yogurt.
They’re packed with fiber and phytochemicals as well. Blueberries are a superfood rich in antioxidants, which prevent cell damage in humans and canines alike. (You can also find banana dog treats that never get overripe!) They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog’s main diet. They’re high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. Your dog can still enjoy the benefits of avocado if you look for dog treats for skin and coat that include avocado in the ingredients. Avocado flesh is also high in fat, which can cause gastroinsestinal upset for dogs, or contribute to health conditions like pancreatitis if too much is consumed. The fleshy inside of the avocado fruit doesn’t have as much persin as the rest of the plant, but it still can be too much for dogs to handle. The pit, skin, and leaves of avocados contain persin, a toxin that often causes vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. While avocado may be a healthy snack for dog owners, it should not be given to dogs. You can also find it as an ingredient in apple-flavored dog treats.
Try them frozen for an icy warm weather snack. Just be sure to remove the seeds and core first. They are low in protein and fat, making them the perfect snack for senior dogs. Apples are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber for your dog.