Our dogs are special canine family members, so we want to ensure the fruit trees we own are just as safe for them as they are for us. Read on if you want to know how to create a dog-friendly green space free of fruit trees that may pose a threat. For example, some fruit trees, such as cherries and avocados, produce tasty fruit for humans, but they contain seeds and pits which are poisonous to dogs. Other fruits, such as apples, bananas, and pears, pose a much lesser threat.
Whether or not your dog does like fruit is another question. Some dogs find oranges too bitter, while others like them so much that you, as an owner, will have to be wary of orange poisoning. Finding out what fruits your dog prefers to eat will be a process of trial and error. The amount of fruit your dog can eat will also be variable.
So how much fruit can they access, and how much do you want them to consume? While some nutritionists highlight the benefits of dogs consuming fruit, you will know where to draw the line with your dog over time. So with that said, let’s delve straight in.
List of Fruit Trees and Plants Safe for Dogs
From the apple tree to the pear tree, as a gardener, there are safe options to choose from which will not harm your dog. But, then, there are fruits that your dog can only consume in moderation. Each section will explore the fruit in the heading exploring its safety for mans best friend.
1. Apple Trees [Malus domestica]
Apples are a favorite fruit for young and old alike across the United States (US), and the spread of apple trees comes with that. If you’re looking for an apple tree, you will have many cultivars to choose from.
Apples will do your dog no harm, but you should be worried about them eating too many pips and seeds over time. Why? Because apple seeds contain cyanide, a poison that can be deadly in its purest form to humans. Luckily once your dog digests these pips, any cyanide in them is quickly metabolized. That said, if you have a dog and an apple tree, it could be worth a while to clear the fruit from the ground to reduce the amount your pet consumes.
2. Banana Trees [Musa acuminata]
Banana trees create beautiful foliage as well as a yearly bounty of fruit. For this reason, they have become a staple of many states. In addition, the banana tree is non-toxic, and this is a safe option for all dog owners. For owners of other pets, a banana tree is a safe option for these pets also. Finally, the vitamins and nutrients in bananas may benefit your dog as they are high in potassium, vitamin B, and vitamin C.
3. Pineapple Plant [Ananas comosus]
Pineapples are another safe option; the pineapple tree itself makes a beautiful accompaniment to any garden. Your dog can eat the fruit of pineapple without experiencing any health or stomach issues, so seeing your dog dig into a pineapple shouldn’t cause any alarm. Some nutritionists have even argued that nutrition in pineapple benefits a dog’s immune system.
4. Blueberry Bush [Vaccinium angustifolium]
The first bush on this list, the blackberry bush, is another option that is potentially safe for your dog. The blueberry can be grown in a tree but mainly grows in a bush. You may have to be more vigilant with blueberry trees when considering allergies. Humans and dogs alike can be allergic. So act cautiously if you see any rashes. You’ll also have to be wary that canine urination can harm the growth of your blueberry bush—canine urine, with its high nitrogen levels, damages young blueberry trees and bushes.
5. Orange Tree [Citrus × sinensis]
Another tree and staple to the warmer states, the orange tree, is another option that is safe for humans but controversial for dogs. A dog can eat one orange, but too many, and they will begin to experience what is known in the canine world as orange poisoning. To keep an eye out for orange poisoning, consult a doctor if your dog starts acting depressed or vomiting.
6. Mango Tree [Mangifera indica]
The tasty mango is a culinary treat for humans, but what about your dog? This one will give you something to dwell on. The fruit on a mango will not harm or affect a dog. On the contrary, the fruit’s vitamins B, C, and E could do your dog several wonders. But the large seed at the center of the mango could do a lot of harm. Furthermore, a dog that does swallow a mango seed may require veterinary assistance.
7. Strawberry Plant [Fragaria × ananassa]
Strawberry plants, tiny and delicate, are a succulent fruit choice for both humans and insects alike. You may initially want to keep your dog well away from your crop of strawberries, simply as this delicate fruit can hardly survive growing on dirt, let alone the firm trod of a canine. But, presuming your dog navigates your strawberry patch with care, there will still be nothing to worry about. The strawberry fruit is not toxic to dogs.
8. Raspberry Bush [Rubus idaeus]
The acidic soil-loving Raspberry bush grows into thick and dense foliage once mature. Raspberry bushes are another safe option for your canine companion. So, if you see your pet nibbling on sections of the bush out of curiosity, know that the bush is non-toxic.
9. Cucumber Vines [Cucumis sativus]
Cucumbers grow as long slender vegetables covered in little spikes, which act as an insect deterrent on soft vines. These tiny little spikes could be painful for your dog, so keep that in mind as they become intrigued by the cucumber vines if your dog gets more than interested and takes a bite out of a cucumber. However, all is okay; cucumbers are non-toxic to dogs.
10. Watermelon Vines [Citrullus lanatus]
Watermelon is tasty on any day. With more than 1000 varieties available, you can always be sure there is a succulent melon choice. Dogs are also widely known to enjoy watermelon, but you must take precautions with the seeds. On a scorching day, you may want to freeze chunks and give them to your dog as a snack to cool them down. You could also consider making your dog a fancy watermelon ice cream.
11. Cantaloupe Tree [Cucumis melo]
The cantaloupe tree develops on a trailing vine and typically takes up to 90 days to develop into a whole fruit. The fruit can be pretty nutritious for your dog, but the leaves and vines of the cantaloupe tree may cause your dog a little upset tummy. So be wary if your dog nibbles on any leaves. Just like melon, you could freeze the cantaloupe fruit for a snack on a hot day.
12. Cranberry Bushes [Vaccinium oxycoccos]
Cranberry bushes are safe for your dogs and a beautiful, trustworthy accompaniment to most gardens. Eaten in moderation, your dog will experience health benefits from eating cranberry. It may even prevent cancer and some immuno-related illnesses. Just be careful to watch and ensure your dog doesn’t overindulge.
13. Blackberry Bush [Rubus fruticosus]
Another bush safe for your doggie best friend is the blackberry bush, which like the cranberry, is safe for your dog to consume in moderation. However, watch out for the thorns, which may prick your dog, causing a surprise and potentially a small commotion.
14. Pear Tree [Pyrus communis]
Pear trees are a staple of many American gardens. You can rest assured that the fruit of the pear tree will not harm your dog. It does not matter whether your dog finds ripe pears that have fallen from the tree or even helps themselves to unripe fruit. They will be safe in either case. However, your pear tree, if young, may be vulnerable to the weight of a large dog so keep that in mind.
Can Fruits Be Dangerous to Dogs?
Yes. Not all fruit trees and plants are safe for dogs; this is where you, as a pet owner, must be vigilant. Fruit trees that produce fruits that have larger pits, e.g., the cherry and peach, should be avoided not only because the pit can choke your dog. But because they’re poisonous. The persin present in Avocado pips is also toxic to dogs. Also, be careful with vines, as they can pose a strangulation threat to your dog to smaller dogs.
If you’re worried as to what fruits your dog should avoid, please consult the list below:
Fruit Plants to Avoid:
- Peach trees and pips (the entire tree is poisonous for dogs to consume)
- Cherry pip (the cherry pit is dangerous)
- Avocado pits (the pit has dangerous persin present)
- Lime and Lemon Trees (limonene and linalool are toxic to dogs)
- Plum Tree (most parts of the plum tree are toxic to dogs)
- Tomato Vines (Solanine and other toxins are present in tomatoes which are harmful to dogs)
- Grape Vines (grapes are poisonous to dogs, may induce vomiting and diarrhea in dogs)
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this article has helped you know what trees and plants are safest for your dog companion. It is always best to ensure your dog’s safety and if you notice them exhibiting any signs of poisoning, consult a veterinarian.
Also, be wary of the damage dogs can do to your fruit trees and plants. The high nitrogen levels present in canine urination, for example, can be detrimental to the growth of blueberry bushes.
Read my related fruit tree and plants articles:
- 10 Best Fruit Picker Tools
- How Tall Are Dwarf Fruit Trees?
- How to Protect Fruit Trees from Frost
- 5 Best Sprays for Fruit Trees
- 19 Types of Fruit Trees in Florida
- 24 Types of Dwarf Fruit Trees
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.