Cocker spaniels enjoy their food and as active dogs they have good appetites. But can Cocker Spaniels eat fruit? That’s an interesting question which we will address here.
Can Cocker Spaniels eat fruit? Yes, they can but not every fruit. In fact there are some fruits that your Cocker Spaniel should not eat as they are dangerous and could make him seriously ill or worse.
In this article we’ll discuss the different fruits that your Cocker Spaniel can and cannot eat.
Can Cocker Spaniels Eat Fruit?
Cocker Spaniels are, like all dog breeds, carnivores who need a balanced diet but one which is predominantly meat based.
Many dry dog foods contain a blend of meat based products combined with fruits and vegetables to help your dog to maintain a balanced diet and these have been specially selected and added to the food by canine nutritionists.
Like people your spaniel will get vitamins and other nutrients from fruit and these natural vitamins are always considered to be better than the ones that are added to many dog foods.
But, like all things, if you give fruit to your Cocker too often there’s a fair chance that you will upset his tummy or make him unwell.
So, if you decide to give fruit to your Cocker Spaniel, then a fruity treat once a week is a good place to start with small portions.
Bear in mind that many fruits that humans eat are enjoyed by spaniels, but there are some fruits that you must never, ever feed to him as they will make him unwell, and there are a few that could be fatal if he eats them.
What Fruits Are Safe For Spaniels to Eat?
Many of the common fruits that people eat are safe for spaniels to eat.
The best fruits are those that have some texture to them, that are crunchy, as dogs like texture to their food.
Fruit that can be chopped into chunks and mixed with his other food is best.
Just as you would for yourself make sure that the fruit is fresh and washed before you give it to him and that you remove the pips/seeds and all of the skin.
- Apples
- Apricot
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupe
- Cranberries
- Mango
- Orange
- Pears
- Pineapple
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Watermelon
- Peaches
Fruit is generally higher in sugar than vegetables and, as such, you should always give fruit sparingly to your dog.
If your Cocker Spaniel is overweight, then giving him fruit instead of treats, will help him to lose weight, providing that you remember that they do contain high levels of sugar, so should be fed carefully.
How to give fruit to a Cocker Spaniel
The easiest way to feed fruit to a Cocker Spaniel is to add it to his meal and normal dog food.
If the fruit is solid, such as apples, melon, pears etc, then the best option is to cut it into chunks and mix it into his dog food.
Remember to remove the skin and all seeds from any fruit that you give him.
If you are going to feed him berries such as strawberries, then the best way to do this is to make a puree from them or a paste and simply mix this into his food.
When you add fruit bear in mind that this is extra food for your spaniel and you might wish to reduce the amount of dog food that he has accordingly.
What Fruits Are Dangerous to Cocker Spaniels?
As mentioned, not all fruits are safe for spaniels or any dog for that matter.
There are fruits that will give your spaniel an upset tummy and there are some that could make him very unwell or even kill him if he eats them.
Here is a list of fruits that you should never feed to a Cocker Spaniel.
- Grapes
- Avocado
- Citrus fruits such as lemo, limes and grapefruits. (Oranges are the only exception if in small amounts)
- Raisins and Sultanas
- Persimmons
- Cherries
- Tomatoes
Final Words – Can Cocker Spaniels Eat Fruit?
Cocker Spaniels can eat fruit as long as you are sensible and avoid the fruits which will hurt him.
Fruit can have natural health benefits for your Cocker Spaniel and can be a useful source fo vitamins for him, and, if you feed it to him carefully, could help him to lose weight if he needs to.
You should always remember that there are some fruits that are not safe for your Cocker Spaniel to eat and fruits such as grapes, cherries (certain parts), lemons and the others should be avoided at all costs.
Apples, pears, melons and the others are great treats for your dog but always remember to remove all of the skin and any seeds/pips before you give it to him.
Whatever you decide to feed to your Cocker Spaniel, always take the time to do your research first and if you are in any doubt speak to your vet before you go ahead.
If you are interested in organic food for your dog then read our article here on organic dog foods.
Canned tuna is also a natural option too.
Reference: American Kennel Club. ‘Fruits Dogs Can And Can’t Eat”””. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/fruits-vegetables-dogs-can-and-cant-eat/. Accessed 14/4/2020
