Can Dogs Eat Mango, Papaya, Guava? Fruits for Indian Dogs

Yes, most dogs can have a little mango, papaya, banana, apple or watermelon, as long as you take out the seeds, stones and skin. Never give grapes, raisins or imli (tamarind): they can damage a dog’s kidneys. For some Indian favourites, like guava, chikoo, jackfruit and sitaphal, we couldn’t find any vet advice at all, so it’s safest to skip them.

Fruit is a treat, not a meal. Keep all treats under a tenth of your dog’s daily food, and cut the meal down a little on fruit days.

Yes, a little

Mango. Yes, ripe flesh only. Take out the stone (the guthli): it can choke a dog and has a little cyanide in it. Peel it too, because the skin can upset a dog’s stomach. Mango is sweet, so a few pieces is plenty (AKC, PDSA).

Papaya. Yes, without the skin and the black seeds. Start with one or two small pieces, as too much can loosen the stools (PetMD).

Banana. Yes, peeled. It’s sweet, so keep it to a few slices. The peel can cause a blockage if swallowed.

Apple. Yes, cut into slices with the core and seeds removed. The seeds contain a little cyanide.

Watermelon. Yes, and a good one on a hot day. Take out the seeds and don’t give the green rind, which can block the gut (AKC).

Muskmelon (kharbuja). Yes, without the rind and seeds. It’s high in sugar, so go easy if your dog is overweight or diabetic.

Pineapple. A few chunks of the flesh, with the skin, core and crown removed (AKC). Never tinned pineapple in syrup.

Orange. A segment or two, without the peel and seeds.

Coconut. A small bit of plain fresh coconut is fine. Too much can give loose motions, says the ASPCA.

Better not

Pomegranate (anaar). PetMD’s vets say don’t feed it: the seeds are hard to digest, and seeds, peel and rind can block the gut. A seed or two off the floor is unlikely to do harm (PetMD).

Guava, chikoo, jackfruit, sitaphal, jamun, litchi, dragon fruit. We couldn’t find a vet body that says these are safe or unsafe for dogs. Websites that claim either way don’t cite vets. Until there’s real advice, leave them out, and always keep seeds and skins away. If your dog has eaten a lot, call your vet.

Never

Grapes, raisins and kishmish. Even a small amount can cause kidney failure in some dogs, and there’s no safe dose. Vomiting or diarrhoea can start within 6 to 12 hours (Merck Veterinary Manual). Watch out for raisins in plum cake, kheer and trail mix.

Imli (tamarind). The same kidney damage as grapes, says the Merck manual. Keep tamarind sweets and chutney away from the dog.

Star fruit (kamrakh). Sour star fruit has oxalates that harm the kidneys (Pet Poison Helpline). You can’t easily tell sweet from sour, so skip it.

Cherries, peaches and plums with the stone. The stones, stems and leaves contain cyanide and can choke a dog.

Avocado. Vets disagree about the flesh, but all warn about the stone. Not worth it.

If your dog eats grapes, raisins or imli, call your vet straight away. Don’t wait for signs, and don’t try to make your dog vomit unless the vet tells you to.

How to give fruit

• One new fruit at a time, a bite or two, and watch for an upset stomach the next day.
• Cut it small and take out every seed, stone and peel.
• Fresh, not tinned or dried. Frozen pieces with nothing added make a good summer treat.
• Check with your vet first if your dog is diabetic or overweight, or has a sensitive stomach. A Lab on a diet is better off with carrot or cucumber.