Can Chihuahuas Eat Fruit?

You’re enjoying a yummy, fresh fruit, and your Chihuahua is giving you those hungry eyes. Is it safe to share your fruit with your Chihuahua? Can Chihuahuas eat fruit? Well, that depends on the fruit.  

We want you to share your fruit with your Chihuahua!  So, with the help of our veterinarian, we compiled a list of fruit your Chihuahua can safely eat, and a list of fruit you should not share with your Chihuahua.

Fruits Your Chihuahua Can Eat

Apples – Chihuahuas can eat apples, but NOT the seeds.  Apple seeds contain small amounts of cyanide, so they are not safe for consumption.  So, throw out the core, and the rest of an apple is great for helping to clean residue off teeth, which helps to freshen breath. Apples are also a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C.

Bananas – Your chihuahua can eat bananas, but NOT the peels! Bananas are an awesome low-calorie, low-cholesterol, and low-sodium treat for dogs!  They also are high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, magnesium, and copper.  Bananas, however, are fairly high in sugar, so are best as an occasional treat (and given in moderation).  Be sure to throw away the peel, as the peel can be too hard for your dog to digest and cause blockages.

Blueberries – Chihuahuas can eat blueberries!  This fruit is a “superfood” and is rich in antioxidants which help prevent cell damage.  Blueberries are also loaded with fiber, vitamin C, and phytochemicals (naturally occurring chemical compounds found in plants). Superfoods, like blueberries, are believed to help strengthen the immune system, reduce the effects of brain aging, and even fight cancer!

Cantaloupe – Your chihuahua can eat cantaloupe! Cantaloupe is packed with nutrients (vitamins B6, A, & C, niacin, folate, and potassium), low in calories, and a great source of both water and fiber. Like Bananas, Cantaloupe is high in sugar, so should be shared in moderation, especially for dogs who are overweight or have diabetes.  Word of caution:  cantaloupe rinds can cause stomach upset and become impacted in your dog’s digestive tract. Chewing on the rind is safe with supervision and in moderation, but make sure your dog is not ingesting the rind.

Cranberries – Chihuahuas can eat cranberries, but only in moderation. Veterinarians warn that feeding large amounts of cranberries to dogs can lead to the development of calcium oxalate stones in their bladders, which oftentimes need surgery for removal. Also, be sure you are only sharing cranberries, however, not “trail mix” or sauces which may actually contain other ingredients that can be harmful to your dog.

Yes, These Too

Kiwis – Your Chihuahua can eat Kiwi, but NOT the skin or seeds. Kiwis are high in fiber, so should be fed in moderation or you risk stomach upset. Similar to other fruits, your dogs should not eat the seeds or the skin of the kiwi, as the skin may be a choking hazard and the seeds are toxic.

Mangos – Chihuahuas can eat mangos, but NOT the pits.  Mango pits can be a choking hazard for dogs, and they can potentially get stuck in the digestive tract creating a blockage. Mango pits also contain small amounts of cyanide!

Oranges – Your chihuahua can eat oranges! Not only are oranges safe to eat, but they are also a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Veterinarians recommend tossing the peel and seeds. Oranges, however, are fairly high in sugar, so are best as an occasional treat (and given in moderation).

Peaches – Chihuahuas can eat peaches, but NOT the pits, stems, or leaves. Peaches are a wonderful source of vitamin A, fiber, and can even help fight infections.  However, the pits not only pose a chocking and blockage hazard, but they also contain cyanide (the leaves and stems also contain cyanide).  If you are careful to remove the pit first, then fresh peaches are a great fruit to share with your Chihuahua. And, just like cranberries, stay away from canned, preserved, or other “sauces” which may contain other ingredients that can be harmful to your dog.

Pears – Your Chihuahua can eat pears, but NOT the pits or seeds.  This fruit is high in copper, vitamins C, A, and K, and fiber.  There is also speculation that pears can reduce the risk of having a stroke by as much as fifty percent! However, similar to other fruits, be sure to remove the pit and seeds first as the pit can cause a blockage or choking hazard and the seeds contain traces of cyanide. And, just like peaches, stay away from canned, preserved, or other “sauces” which may contain other ingredients that can be harmful to your dog.

The Delicious Ones as Well

Pineapple  – Chihuahuas can eat pineapple, but NOT the core or skin!  Not only does Pineapple contain fiber, but it is also full of vitamins C, B6, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, and folate.  This fruit also contains minerals including manganese, copper, potassium, magnesium, iron, and small amounts of calcium, phosphorous, and zinc!  Pineapple also contains bromelain, an enzyme that makes it easier for dogs to absorb proteins! And, just like pears, stay away from canned, preserved, or other “sauces” which may contain other ingredients that can be harmful to your dog.  Also, throw away the core and skin which are too tough on the digestive tract and may cause blockages.

Strawberries – Chihuahuas can eat strawberries. Strawberries are actually great for your dog!  They are full of antioxidants, boast high fiber, and contain a lot of vitamin C.  Another bonus:  strawberries also contain an enzyme that can help whiten teeth!

Watermelon – Chihuahuas can eat watermelon, but NOT the seeds. Watermelon is low in calories and packed with nutrients that are great for your dog like potassium, beta-carotene, and magnesium. It also contains vitamins A, B6, and C, and helps boost immune system health!  Another bonus:  watermelon has a high water content so it is great for keeping your pup hydrated especially in warmer months! 

Word of caution:  watermelon rinds can cause stomach upset and become impacted in your dog’s digestive tract. Chewing on the rind is safe with supervision and moderation, but ensure your dog is not ingesting the rind.

Fruits Your Chihuahua Should NOT Eat

Avocados – NO!  Chihuahuas can NOT eat avocados! The pit, skin, and leaves of avocados contain persin, a toxin that often causes vomiting and diarrhea in dogs, but can also cause mastitis, heart failure, and death. The fleshy inside of the avocado doesn’t have as much persin as the rest of the plant, but it is still too much for dogs to safely ingest.

Cherries – NO!  Your chihuahua can NOT eat cherries! While the fleshy part around the seed is safe, the rest of the plant contains cyanide and is toxic to dogs. Cyanide disrupts cellular oxygen transport, which means that your dog’s blood cells can’t get enough oxygen. If your dog eats cherries, be on the lookout for dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and red gums, as these may be signs of cyanide poisoning.  NOTE:  symptoms of cyanide poisoning can occur up to TWENTY-FOUR hours after ingestion.

Grapes – NO! Chihuahuas can NOT eat grapes! Grapes and raisins are very toxic for dogs! In fact, grapes are so toxic that they can lead to acute sudden kidney failure and death.

Raspberries – NO! Chihuahuas can NOT eat raspberries! While this fruit contains antioxidants, is low in sugar and calories, and high in fiber, manganese, and vitamin C, Raspberries contain slight amounts of the toxin Xylitol which can contribute to the development of liver disease and hypoglycemia, which can be life-threatening over time if left untreated.  Many sources say Raspberries can still be fed in moderation, but we say don’t risk it.  Instead, choose another fruit from the safe fruits listed above.

More Dangerous Fruits

Tomatoes – NO! Chihuahuas can NOT eat tomatoes! While the fleshy red part of the fruit(the red part humans normally eat) is generally considered safe for dogs, the green parts of the tomato plant contain a toxic substance called solanine. Again, ripe tomatoes are considered nontoxic to dogs and can be fed in moderation as an occasional snack. Unripe tomatoes and tomato plants, on the other hand, should be avoided which is why tomatoes are on our do not feed list.

Raisins & Craisins – NO!  Chihuahuas can NOT eat raisins or craisins!  Raisins, dehydrated grapes, are very toxic for dogs.  Craisins are a dehydrated hybrid of cranberries and raisins, and thus are also very toxic for dogs.

If your dog has ingested one of the DANGEROUS fruits, please consult your veterinarian. 

The amount required to have an adverse reaction from your dog will vary depending on size, pre-existing health issues (such as a kidney problem, etc), and more.  Please don’t assume your Chihuahua will be fine.  Contact your veterinarian if they ate any of the DANGEROUS fruits.

Source: chipets