Our dogs often beg for a bite of whatever we’re having, and it usually isn’t a problem to let them have a taste. However, fruit is a mixed bag for pugs and other canines. While some foods in this family are safe, nutrient-packed treats and dietary staples, certain fruits are toxic or unhealthy for them to eat. So, what fruit can pugs eat?
General Guidelines for Feeding Pugs Fruit
Understanding the differences between canine and human digestive tracts is critical. Dogs’ stomachs are more acidic, smaller, and require fewer calories, sugars, and fats than we do. Their bodily makeup helps for digesting meat and even small bones. Because of these differences, I recommend keeping a few critical rules in mind.
First, when feeding fruit to your pug, be sure to keep the portions small. The nutrients are helpful, but they don’t need all the calories and sugars of standard allotments. In this context, fruit is a treat for dogs, so be sure to obey the 90/10 rule: only 10% of your pug’s diet should consist of treats.
Second, be sure to thoroughly wash fruits and remove any seeds, pits, or other obstructions. Canine stomachs are not capable of digesting these parts. Dogs of all kinds are sensitive to small amounts of cyanide, a natural ingredient in apple seeds, cherries, and other fruits.
Third, chop or chunk fruits into small, digestible bites for your pug. Not only are these easier to eat, but they can help encourage portion control.
Now that we have discussed some of the rules for feeding natural foods to your pet, let’s discuss what fruits are safe for pugs. We’ll also talk about the ones that are bad for them.
What Fruits Are Good for Pugs?
The best fruits for pugs and other dogs are varieties low in sugar and fat. Keep in mind that each of these natural foods is only good for your pet in moderation. Here are a handful of the best nutritious and easy-to-find fruit options for your pug.
Berries
Strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and cranberries are all safe for pugs to eat. They are high in antioxidants and vitamin C. These berries also have high water content to supplement your dog’s hydration during the summertime. As a bonus, they tend to be low in sugar, fat, and calories.
However, be wary of berries with large seeds like boysenberries and huckleberries. They can be a choking hazard for your pug or cause digestion problems. Tiny seeds, like those on strawberries, are fine, but remove any pit-like features in fruits before feeding them to your pet.
Oranges and Bananas
Can pugs eat bananas and oranges? They absolutely can, and both of these fruits are high in potassium and fiber. While orange peels aren’t harmful to dogs, the smell of the oil isn’t appealing to them. Offer your pug some small pieces after removing the citrus seeds. Citrus peels, stems, and leaves can irritate dogs, so only offer oranges in small amounts.
Bananas are high in sugar, so offer them to your pug in moderation. They can’t digest the peels very easily, however. Mashing up part of a banana in their food is a great way to aid their nutrition without feeding them too much sugar.
Cantaloupe and Mangoes
Pugs can enjoy both of these sweet summer fruits. They are high in sugars, so only feed them a little as a treat. They are hydrating and filled with nutrients. Mangoes contain pits and other hard substances inside. Remember to remove them before serving.
If your dog is overweight or has diabetes, I recommend other low-calorie and low-sugar fruits like strawberries.
Apples
Not only are apples good for dogs, but they are also some of the most versatile fruits for pug treats. They are high in fiber, potassium, and other nutrients. Dogs are sensitive to the cyanide in apple seeds, so remember to remove them along with the core.
You can slice apple chunks for your pug, but there are many other ways to prepare them. Dogs can eat applesauce, but be aware of the added sugars. You can freeze apple chunks to make your pet a summer treat or buy apple-flavored dog treats.
Peaches and Pears
Lastly, peaches and pears make good options for pugs in small amounts. Do not feed your pet the canned version of these fruits, though. The processed tins of peaches and pears contain unneeded syrups and sugars.
When preparing fresh peaches and pears, remove all the pits and seeds. They contain cyanide, and dogs are more susceptible to poisoning from the chemical than we are.
What Fruits Are Bad for Pugs?
While most fruits are okay for pugs, some are toxic and should be avoided at all costs. Here are some of the most notable foods to stay away from.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins are known to be toxic for dogs, and recent veterinary breakthroughs suggest that tartaric acid is the culprit. The chemical is also present in tamarinds. Dogs that ingest tartaric acid experience vomiting, excessive thirst, and often kidney failure. Avoid feeding both grapes and raisins to your pug, as even trace amounts can be harmful.
Cherries
Cherries contain a very high percentage of cyanide in the pits and flesh. While your pug will probably be fine if it ingests a single apple seed, the high concentration of cherry can cause cyanide poisoning. It’s best to avoid feeding your pet this fruit altogether.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes don’t pose as serious a threat as grapes and cherries, but the chemical solanine inside them can make your pug sick. It is particularly present in unripe tomatoes. While you can cut up a bit of ripe flesh for your pet to eat, it isn’t worth the risk of illness.
Avocados
Avocados are toxic for several pet varieties, not just pugs. The fruit causes cardiovascular issues in some mammals, but it is known to cause diarrhea in dogs. This is because the avocado skin, leaves, and pit contain persin, a toxin that induces bowel problems for canines. They are even sensitive to the persin inside the avocado flesh.
