Can Dogs Eat Dried Fruit?

There are several reasons to avoid giving dried fruit to your dog: 1. EXTREME TOXICITY OF RAISINS: The most important reason is that some dried fruits are deadly. Raisins and currants (dried grapes) are highly toxic and can cause acute kidney failure. 2. Concentrated Sugar: The drying process removes water, leaving behind a much higher concentration of sugar. This makes dried fruit a high-calorie snack that can contribute to weight gain, dental problems, and digestive upset. It's particularly bad for dogs with diabetes. 3. Choking Hazard: Many dried fruits are chewy and can be a choking hazard, especially for smaller dogs. 4. Harmful Additives: Commercially prepared dried fruits often contain preservatives like sulfites, which can cause allergic reactions, or added sugars and artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs. 5. Toxic Pits: Dried fruits with pits, like dates, prunes, and some dried cherries, are dangerous. The pits contain cyanide and are also a major choking and blockage hazard.

Even if the original fruit (like an apple or a banana) is safe for dogs, the dried version is still a sugary, high-calorie snack. A fresh apple slice is a much healthier choice than a dried apple ring. If you must share a piece of dried fruit, ensure it is one that is not toxic (like a dried apricot, with the pit removed) and that it has no added sugars or preservatives. The piece should be very small.

It is safest to avoid dried fruit altogether. The risks associated with toxicity, high sugar content, and choking hazards far outweigh any nutritional benefits. Stick to small pieces of fresh, dog-safe fruits as a much healthier treat.