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Healthy Fruit for your Dogs!

8/30/2013

90 Comments

 
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Dogs love fruit! Fruit is delicious, packed full of nutrition and can make a refreshing (and grain free) snack - a great alternative to store bought "junk" treats found in many pet stores. Fruit is also an important part of many homemade dog food diets, and can also be added to a raw food diet as well. When not incorporated into meals, fruit makes an excellent treat for dogs!

Not every fruit is safe for dogs, so I have compiled a list of fruit that has been proven safe and beneficial for our furry family members. While fruits (and vegetables) are not necessary in a dogs diet, they can certainly act as a nutritional boost or act as a healthy snack. Much like the "Healthy Vegetables for your Dogs" article I have previously written, you can use any of the fruits mentioned on the following list! Replace store bought treats with pieces of fruit, or add some fruit to your dogs diet and give them something nutritious and healthy!

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Banana
A mini powerhouse of nutrition, bananas contain protein, vitamin B6, dietary fiber, potassium, iron, vitamin C, folate, magnesium, vitamin A and more! They are tasty and make a great fresh or frozen treat!

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Blueberries
These antioxidant rich berries are FULL of nutrition, including but not limited to vitamin K, manganese, vitamin C, dietary fiber, vitamin A, folate, phosphorus, calcium and potassium! Ideal for brain health, eye health and the cancer fighting properties!

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Strawberries
Rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, folate, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and more, strawberries make a healthy and tasty treat that is low in calories and high in taste and nutrition. Another excellent frozen treat for dogs!

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Apples
Do NOT feed the core or seeds - they contain arsenic! The apple flesh itself is healthy, crunchy, low calorie and refreshing! Full of dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium! A few apple slices a day keeps the veterinarian away!

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Pears
Do not feed seeds/core. Light, low calories and refreshing! Pears contain vitamin K, vitamin C, folate, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium! A few pear slices make an excellent summer treat!

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Cranberries
Known for helping to maintain a healthy urinary tract, cranberries can help flush the kidneys and prevent urinary infections. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, phosphorus and potassium!

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Watermelon
Refreshing, full of water, and perfect for a fun snack on a hot summer day! Watermelon is full of vitamin A, vitamin K, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium and water! Watermelon is great for helping rehydrate dogs!

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Cantaloup
Full of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, niacin, folate, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium and omega fatty acids, cantaloup is another fun and refreshing snack for dogs that can also help rehydrate them!

Feeding fresh, real food is much better than feeding store bought treats - and it is much cheaper as well! K9 Instinct advocates feeding our companion animals real food, and nourishes the body with living nutrition. If you are interested in learning more, check out my articles on The Incredible Raw Food Diet as well as the Benefits of Homemade Dog Food!

Want to make dramatic positive changes with your dog's nutrition? K9 Instinct provides a collection of great canine diet and nutrition eBooks to help you keep your dog healthy and strong!

Angel
K9 Instinct
www.k9instinct.com

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90 Comments
Max
8/30/2013 10:28:08 am

Thanks for the list. I know apples and pears contain arsenic, but don't the seeds come out whole at the other end? Dogs don't digest produce very well, anyway, I find big apple pieces in their stool. One thing I would have liked to see--grapes are quite poisonous to dogs, Not enough people are aware of that fact. Grapes can shut down a dog's kidneys.

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Geri
8/30/2013 10:45:25 am

Thanks for the list. A good idea might be to list the bad fruit, especially grapes and raisins. I know my dogs love carrots and snow peas lol They are always after my Stir Fry when we have it

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Viki
11/1/2013 03:36:52 am

I was under the impression it was the grape SKIN that is poisonous to dogs not the entire grape? And does this go for both red and white grapes?

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alex
3/3/2015 10:33:31 am

Yes Do Not give them anything with any part of the grape and the color does not matter its just poison to a dog

Gina
3/10/2015 02:05:00 am

my dogs love greek yogurt with a bit of banana, peanutbutter and fruit mixed in!

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Barbara Fanxo link
6/2/2015 02:18:56 am

my boy eats Greek yogurt with strawberries and blueberries

Yvonne
6/2/2015 06:55:58 am

Sounds yummy, will have to give some to my dogs. I think I'll use PB 2 powder instead of real peanut butter.

Barbie Pierce
4/21/2015 09:44:29 am

arnt ROTTIES supposed to love pumpkin... Real pumpkin... Not canned

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reenie
4/21/2015 08:01:37 pm

All dogs do well with pumpkin especially if constipated...it is a gentle and soothing way to help a bowel.

reenie
4/21/2015 07:57:08 pm

The fruit coming out undigested is because your dog is not chewing it enough...some membranes like orange segments need to be cut through or broken for them so they can break it down. No more than 35% fruits + veg of their diet but more veggies is better. Potatoes are a grain not a veg and do not digest well especially not raw...yams however are excellent...low glicemic index and taste sweet not too fibre laden so easy to digest.

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MJ
5/9/2015 08:32:07 pm

Actually, just for the record, potatoes, like carrots, are a root veg. 'A medium-sized 5oz potato of any variety, with the skin on, provides 27mg of Vitamin C, 45 per cent of our recommended daily amount [RDA], which is more Vitamin C than there is in 100g of grapes or tomatoes.

'It also contains 0.2mg of Vitamin B6 [ten per cent of our RDA], which is essential for our nervous system, and trace amounts of B1 [thiamine], B2 [riboflavin], folate, niacin, magnesium, phosphorous and zinc - which are all beneficial to our general health.'

BUT, it is also a starchy food. Sorry, the Irish in me made me defend the potatoes everywhere!

Rachel
6/2/2015 09:59:21 am

Since I have been feeding my dog yams, he is a lot more regular in his bowel movements, without giving him diarrhea. He loves them.

Mario
6/2/2015 04:19:42 am

Thanks for the update. I never knew Grapes where bad for a dog. Now I know and my lil fella will not be getting anymore

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Stephanie
6/2/2015 04:56:45 am

I have asked multiple vets about grapes and every single one has said that they have never had a case of a dog coming in sick due to grapes. Our vet has never told us not to give our dogs grapes. My parents-in-law were told seedless grapes are fine and my parents have also asked multiple vets and have been told that grapes are fine by all of them. Their dog has been grapes and raisins for 9 years and is in excellent health.

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Karen link
6/2/2015 06:08:16 pm

Our German Shepherd died at 8 yrs. old from cirrhosis of the liver. My dad used to feed her a lot of grapes. I wonder if the grapes had anything to do with it.

Gwenda-Ann link
6/3/2015 02:52:25 am

Rather safe than sorry with the Grape story.

Tina
7/8/2015 02:47:01 am

Hi Stephanie,
I'm really surprised to hear multiple vets have given the thumbs up to feeding grapes to your pets. I am personally aware of 2 large breed dogs who died from ingesting grapes. In both cases the dogs died of kidney failure directly related to eating grapes.

Julie
3/8/2016 08:34:45 pm

When grapes are in season here I can't keep my dogs out of the vineyard. They will pull the grapes right off the vine. They have doing this for 6 years and are perfectly healthy. They see their vet on a regular basis sort their annual check ups & shots. Neither of the dogs have been affected from grapes.

Karen link
8/1/2016 04:15:08 am

Our German Shepherd died at 8 yrs.old from kidney failure. My dad fed her a lot of grapes of all kinds but usually green and red. She loved them but there must be a correlation, there. I guess it depends on the breed or individual type to how tolerant they are to poison food. I would still stay away from grapes because there may be a buildup of toxins after awhile and u wouldn't know it. I had a cairn terrier that are a whole box of Valentine chocolates and it didn't bother him in the least! Our German Shepherd ate grapes almost everyday. Good luck!!!

nicci link
6/3/2015 02:30:04 am

you can grate the apple, also cucumber .

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Julie
3/8/2016 08:38:36 pm

I have 2 cucumber thieves. In the summer they are constantly taking the cukes. This winter I bought the long seedless, cut them up and fed them. Then I found they have a bag of mini seedless. I buy those & give instead of biscuits. They love them

Gwenda-Ann link
6/3/2015 02:46:05 am

Raisins as well. Almost freeked when someone offered mine a raisin to catch in the air.

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tom potenza link
8/30/2013 12:07:24 pm

u rock
thxs for all u post
I have your ebook on making my pup her food
some day I will get the treat book till then she will just have pumkin cookies and dryed sweet potatos she will eat anything my gsd

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johnetta
8/30/2013 06:53:40 pm

What about pineapple and coconut, Coconut water?My 14yo loves coconut water frozen

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Judy
9/1/2013 06:30:55 am

My dogs have been eating bananas and I've been using blueberries in their kongs. I just tried apples and watermelon - they loved them! Going to try cantaloupe next. I enjoy giving them healthy treats - Thanks!

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joanne
9/1/2013 01:08:44 pm

My GSD has a sensitive stomach... how much would you start by introducing as to not give her the runs!!

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Pat
4/21/2015 08:02:10 am

my GS had stomach problems, about a year ago started giving him a banana, mixed with yougourt an a probiotic daily. He has just turned 2 today an we very seldom see runny stool from him

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Ray
5/15/2015 12:10:49 pm

find a pet store that sells " raw goats milk" It took care of my girls sensitive stomach

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Karen link
6/2/2015 06:13:20 pm

Do you know what fruits or vegetables would help with urinary tract infections? I have a 10 yr. old Silky Terrier (rescue) that keeps getting urinary tract infections but have no idea why. She is mostly indoors and doesn't have interactions with other dogs. We have an indoor cat, as well, but they don't associate with each other.

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Katie L
6/3/2015 06:51:23 am

Crannberries!

Shirlee link
9/1/2013 03:15:53 pm

What about pinapple! Either fresh or canned? My dogs love pineapple but I'm scared to give them more than a tidbit or 2. Would really appreciate the input! Thanks!

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Amanda Jo
4/21/2015 03:44:17 am

Not sure but my baby girl loves pineapple also will get pissy if I don't give her some!

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Karen
4/21/2015 03:50:35 am

Pineapple is ok for dogs to eat. It was recommended to me by the breeder. I have French Bulldog. They have a tendency to eat their pooh. They like the taste of pineapple going in, but not coming out! 😊

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mpotter link
6/2/2015 01:02:43 pm

Pineapple is ok for dogs the amount is dependent on the size of the dog. It also is good to use to keep dogs from eating poop.

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Cindy
6/3/2015 12:08:01 am

My Cairn gets pineapple each day. Prevents him from eating his feces, no longer touches it. It had been a problem. I used canned no sugar added, put it in a zip lock and freeze it. Break off a bit each day into his food.

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Bobby Lynn
11/1/2013 02:54:21 am

Thanks so much I was unsure

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Stacey
11/1/2013 03:35:54 am

Thanks SO much for all of your great information on canine nutrition! I love this site!!

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juli3 link
9/6/2014 01:24:25 pm

My dogs love my dogs love lettuce.

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reenie
4/21/2015 08:16:13 pm

Lettuce is a part of a healthy natural diet...the live enzymes and chlorophyll are beneficial to their diet...processed dog food gives a common accepted life but is not optimal, can cause problems and cuts their life time way down 2-3 times less...life span should be approx 27 years but it is accepted at about 11- 15 or less...we did our rewearch worked with a holistic vet, ditched processed foods and all our animals have done better than good in all aspects including the disappearance of illness that our conventional vet said was not possible to correct such as kidney disease, crystals in urine both in cats and dogs, excessive weight, eye health, itchy spots, length of life...our animals always had something quirky until we changed diet...it litterally was immediate improvement!!!

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Sheila beaver
10/21/2014 09:07:30 am

Pineapple is good if u have more than one dog and the eat the poo ((😁😁😁😁😁the pineapple stops them cos it makes the poo acidic lol lol

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Jess P
3/3/2015 10:02:59 pm

really? This works to get them to stop eating poo?! I must try this. Any other tricks?

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Shawna
3/4/2015 06:38:34 am

It can work but not because of acidity. Fresh pineapple has an enzyme in it, called bromelain, that breaks down protein. Some dogs who eat poo are after the undigested protein in the excrement. No undigested protein, no interest in the poo.

Tia S
3/13/2015 11:49:34 pm

Didn't work for my dog she still ate the poo 😞

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Deb
12/8/2014 03:19:05 am

Are u sure about pears as my lab was seriously ill during the summer after eating pear flesh and the vet said they were toxic to dogs

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carrie
12/8/2014 04:02:54 am

i take the core out of the pears n the seeds out fm the watermelon 2
she luv berries, melon n her veggie as well
i do share yogurt with her but it's the plain greek yogurt

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Shelley Arnold
1/7/2015 01:24:43 am

Thank you for the list because I only knew about the blueberries, cranberries and pineapples!

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Michelle
1/7/2015 02:33:12 am

Thank you so much! My Bellyboo lives most everything on this list!

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Beg Sumpter
1/7/2015 03:54:06 am

What about fruits and vegetables for cats...I know I see bits of corn in some of the caned cat food.

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Lidia
1/7/2015 04:24:20 am

I made banana cake for our dog's birthday. But yes, the flour & eggs must be organic and NO sugar at all. She loved it.

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Marlene
1/7/2015 06:22:56 am

Thank you for the list of fruit. My dog eat all of that!

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donna
1/7/2015 11:35:49 pm

My German Shep absolutely adores oranges and raw cabbage

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Nathan Hays
1/7/2015 11:48:39 pm

Our dog loves frozen mango chunks and frozen strawberries. She wants to share the kids snacks with them.

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Kay
9/24/2019 06:13:20 pm

Mine loves frozen peaches!

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diane
1/8/2015 03:56:21 am

Please be very careful with cantaloupe we came close to losing our German Shepherd at age 2...cantaloupe hold a bacteria very easily and if you watch the news tainted cantaloupe is quite common. I would hate for any dog to go through what mine did.

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karen
5/9/2015 09:07:46 am

Thanks for the info about the cantaloupe. I wasn't aware of that.

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Karen G. link
6/2/2015 06:19:40 pm

How can you tell when a dog is allergic to something? My rescue dog came to me with bad itchy skin also with flea allergy on top of this, so what other symptoms would occur?

rashmi
1/8/2015 10:40:50 am

Our 20-month-old German Shepherd absolutely loves papaya and apple. While apple pieces are a fruit treat on occasions, he enjoys a small serving of papaya everyday. In fact, it has helped keep his tummy healthy.

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Stacy
1/9/2015 03:48:12 am

Thank you for your helpful posts. I may know a lot of what I read but I always find something most helpful. My pooch likes blueberries and apples. Cantaloupe, she runs from. Lol..

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Kate
2/4/2015 01:26:00 am

Thanks for sharing

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jason
2/4/2015 01:27:33 am

Very interesting, my dog's will start eating more fruit.

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Desiree
2/4/2015 01:36:35 am

What about oranges? My dog likes oranges. Of course I take the seeds out.

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travis
2/4/2015 04:37:49 pm

My gsd loves oranges, I'm not too sure if its good for her but thats the only fruit she will eat

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audrey
2/4/2015 08:43:54 pm

What about raspberries?

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JACQUI EAGLE
4/21/2015 07:36:41 am

Yes dogs can have raspberries.

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Barefootmom
2/4/2015 10:17:40 pm

My pooch will hear the peel of a banana snap and come tearing into the kitchen for some!

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Deb
3/3/2015 02:08:59 am

How much can you feed the dogs each of these fruits at a time? Could I put 1/4 of blueberries on their food? A whole banana? I don't have a clue? Thanks for any insight.

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debbie trant link
3/3/2015 04:53:31 am

Our little Mia a Chihuahua loves anything we eat. So I Google it if I am not sure it is good for her.

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Jamie
3/3/2015 06:08:34 am

My dog digest fruits very well. Is it best to give fruit alone and not mixed into a meal that contains protein, because they each digest at different rates? I read that this can cause bloating.

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Irinka
3/3/2015 02:57:01 pm

Great article and good to know. My dog loves eating tomato and carrots and though carrots are veggies the tomato is classified as a fruit. Did this not make it on the list because I should actually not be feeding this to my dog? On occasion of course. As for carrots, is this also a yes or a no?

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Gail
4/21/2015 02:24:00 am

Thank you! I give my 4 furrypaw luvs all of these fruits except cranberries, which I haven't yet tried. Is there some preparation for the cranberries first before feeding them?

BTW, I bought your recipe ebooks and do all the cooking for my babies. They are thriving! Thank you for all you do and share with us!

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Audrey R.
4/21/2015 06:01:41 am

I've had a couple of dogs who loved dried mangos and a couple who haven't. Didn't see peaches, nectarines or other stone fruits mentioned is it Ok for animals to eat the flesh of these fruits? Should the watermelon seeds be removed before giving the fruit to dogs?

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Diane
4/21/2015 06:34:39 am

Raspberries are also healthy for the puppies. We have raspberry bushes on our property and they love to use them as a snack stand.

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Jackie Sproston link
4/21/2015 06:47:41 am

I was under the impression that you shouldn't feed dogs tomatoes, is this correct?

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trina gillum
4/21/2015 08:51:36 am

My dog love rasberries, He has always loved strawberries, and the other fruit

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Tata
4/21/2015 10:08:58 am

My pooch really loves bananas....it's his fave fruit.he occassionally eats strawberries and apples

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seema bhardwaj
4/21/2015 12:17:03 pm

My two n half yrs adopted has Thyroid . pls if you can suggest some particular food for him. I will be obliged . He loves milk . is it OK to give milk .

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Ron link
4/21/2015 02:39:47 pm

My 2 yr old golden doodle has pancreatitis is there a food other than the 1 I get from the vet it is prescription ID very costly what would a good fruit be for her and any other advise

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marjorie link
4/22/2015 12:25:38 am

i'am glad that you had this on it helped me a lot with the fruits my Brittany just loves all cans of fruit .thanks

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Kjell G Offerdal
4/22/2015 01:25:13 am

Thanks for the info.
I have lived with large dogs my whole life (62), and I didn't know. Just one question:
What about all the sugar in these fruits? Healthy?
My Royal Shäfer Celly is waiting eagerly for your answer. :-)

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Kay Bertieri link
4/22/2015 09:54:14 am

my vet recommended for my collie green string beans for a diet.

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khrstina
5/9/2015 06:37:30 am

My son (burno)loves all this it makes him soft N his so much more happy 😄

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Karen
5/10/2015 12:45:42 am

What about oranges My dog loves them I left one on the table and she helped herself to it. She did leave me the peal on the floor behind the couch to hide what she did.

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Carol
5/13/2015 06:23:00 am

Rascal is spoiled - I core the apple and slice it for him. I swear he can hear me take an apple out of the bowl

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Elizabeth Fose link
6/2/2015 04:39:14 am

I loved all the information provided. I stopped giving any store bought treats long ago. It is nice to know which fruits I can give my sweet sheltie, Piper. I'll bet she will love the bananas as well as some of the other fruits mentioned. Think I will try the banana today! Thanks so much for the information.

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Mary Jo Shipp link
6/2/2015 05:04:23 am

I like these instructions for feeding my dog want to know I if carrots and celery are oky Sammy loves them. He will eat most everything I feed him does not like watermelon

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Cathy keltner
6/2/2015 12:41:03 pm

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Karen G link
6/2/2015 06:31:42 pm

Thank you so much K9 Instinct for providing these questions and answers. It is so helpful in trying to provide the most nutritious natural food for my rescue girl, Sophie who is 10 yrs. old. She is getting a bit better but came to me with almost no teeth and a terrible skin problem to include flea allergy. I almost have that under control but am suspicious that her "natural" store bought food and treats may also be a culprit for her unusually "itchy" and flaky skin. I know I have to be mindful of the types of shampoos, also, to use (a work in progress)
Thank you!!!

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Kay
6/2/2015 10:01:45 pm

My dogs love mangoes. They fall off the tree and they peel them and eat everything but the seed. Poop is a little orange, but stii formed. They tend to put weight on so I try to limit there intake!

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Anita
6/29/2015 12:28:27 pm

I don't give my golden cantaloupe because it gave my last golden really bad diarrhea for days. I do give my present golden fruit and veggies as well as raw with kibble. Pumpkin is in his daily diet which helps with anal glands.

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Cindy link
7/31/2016 12:21:55 am

My shepherd/Pitt mix loves cherries. Are they ok?

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