What Fruits Can Golden Retrievers Eat? 29 Dog-Friendly Fruits

Do you want to give your Golden Retriever refreshing fruits but aren’t sure if they’re good for your dog? I often feed my dog strawberries, but what about all the other fruits? What fruits can Golden Retrievers eat?

Golden Retrievers can eat various fruits, such as apples, strawberries, mango, bananas, raspberries, melon, peaches, pears, and blueberries. Some fruits are toxic to dogs, such as grapes, avocados, and star fruit. Some fruit containing pits and seeds need extra care as they pose a choking hazard.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this article:

• The fruits your Golden Retriever can eat.
• How to feed fruit to your Golden Retriever.
• The science behind why your dog can eat fruit.
• The harmful fruits not to give to your Golden Retriever.

You’ll learn that some fruits are more suitable than others. I’ll tell you about my dog’s top five favorites at the end of this article.

If you want to know all the fruits your Golden Retriever can eat, you’re in the right place. Let’s begin!

What Fruits Can Golden Retrievers Eat?

While most high-quality dog food is tailored to meet dogs’ needs, adding fruits to a balanced diet makes a delicious supplement. Fruits are also fantastic as a reward for good behavior, especially when your treat cabinet is empty!

Apples

Golden Retrievers can eat apples. They’re rich in vitamins A and C, necessary for maintaining bone and tissue health. They also contain calcium, phosphorus, and fiber. Apples even aid in the cleaning of teeth and the freshening of doggie breath.

Apples have a sweet flavor and a crunchy texture that most dogs appreciate. Slice the apple into small pieces or chunks, but remove the cores because they can block up your dog’s intestines.

Also, remove the seeds because they contain a compound called amygdalin, and food enzymes break this down into toxic cyanide. However, to be poisoned, your Golden Retriever will have to eat a lot of apple seeds!

For example, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a person weighing 70kg would need to eat about 40 apple cores to receive a lethal dose of cyanide, while a Golden Retriever weighing 35kg would need to eat 20! I guess it’s one to be aware of if you grow apple trees, especially as they begin to fall to the ground.

Apricots

Golden Retrievers can eat apricots. These sweet and tangy tropical fruits are high in vitamins A and C. They also contain potassium, copper, and beta-carotene, which can aid cancer prevention. Apricots can also protect against illnesses like heart disease and diabetes.

Although the fleshy fruit is safe to feed your Golden Retriever, you must not give the pit, leaves, or stem. When chewed and digested, these parts contain cyanide, which can be dangerous if ingested in large quantities.

Nonetheless, poisoning would take a large number of pits, as previously mentioned. The exact number depends on the dog’s size and whether the pits are chewed, which releases the chemical.

You can give your Golden Retriever a few small bites now and then, but don’t overdo it because apricots are high in fiber, and too much fiber can cause stomach upset.

Banana

Bananas are edible for Golden Retrievers. They are full of potassium, which can improve kidney and heart function. Vitamins B6 and C, biotin, silk, magnesium, and copper are also abundant. Overall, bananas manage blood pressure, help to prevent cancer and diabetes, and are good for digestion.

However, since they are a high carbohydrate snack, they contain a ton of sugar, so feed them in moderation. You should also not provide peel because it is difficult for your dog to digest.

When we go on a long walk, I enjoy giving my dog a few small banana pieces as it gives her a quick energy boost. Bananas may also be mashed or frozen.

Blackberries

Golden Retrievers can eat blackberries. They are rich in antioxidants, which can help prevent or delay cell damage deterioration. They’re also rich in vitamins A, B, C, E, K, and fiber. They contain less sugar than other fruits and are an excellent option for your dog.

I love picking blackberries in the summer, and these soft, juicy fruits are perfect for sharing with your dog. Some dogs, on the other hand, may not like their taste. In hot weather, frozen blackberries can be a welcome treat to help cool your dog down.

Blueberries

Golden Retrievers can eat blueberries. This superfood contains antioxidants that help to prevent cell damage and cancer and reduce inflammation. They’re high in vitamins C, K, and fiber and low in calories. They help lower blood pressure, prevent heart disease, and have anti-diabetic effects.

Phytochemicals are also present. According to scientists, these compounds can be helpful in the fight against cancer and heart disease.

Blueberries are a perfect snack for your Golden Retriever because they are balanced and nutritious. They have less sugar than many other fruits, so they are better for your dog’s teeth.

Coconut

Golden Retrievers can eat coconut. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, all of which help support your dog’s immune system. Coconut assists in preventing viruses, reducing inflammation, and treating yeast infections.

Coconut oil is also beneficial for your Golden Retriever’s skin and hair. The natural oils make his fur shinier and his skin less dry. There’s no harm in feeding your dog a couple of tiny pieces of flesh if he likes the taste, but you should remove the outer shell and husk first.

Coconut lacks many proteins that people with tree nut allergies are allergic to or sensitive to. In any case, a coconut allergy is exceptionally uncommon.

Fun fact! Despite the word “nut” in its name, coconut is a fruit!

Cranberries

Golden Retrievers can eat cranberries. This superfood contains vitamins C, E, K, manganese, and fiber. They have anti-inflammatory effects, and according to this study – cranberry juice significantly improved antioxidant capacity in animals. They can also prevent cancer and are good for the heart.

Although cranberries are safe for your Golden Retriever to eat, many dogs won’t like their tart flavor. If you want to include them in your dog’s diet, you may need to secrete them into his food!

These tiny fruits also have antibacterial properties that can help prevent and regulate urinary tract infections. They can be given raw, cooked, or dried. Dogs should avoid cranberry juice due to its high sugar content.

Cucumbers

Golden Retrievers can eat cucumbers. They’re rich in nutrients and healthy for your dog to eat. Calcium, potassium, copper, magnesium, B1, C, K vitamins, and biotin are all present. They help to strengthen bones and improve joints and connective tissue.

Cucumbers are most commonly found in the grocery store’s vegetable section. However, they are technically a fruit, so they’re on this list!

Cucumbers make a perfect tasty treat in hot weather and help keep your Golden Retriever hydrated as they’re 96% water. They can even aid in the freshening of doggy breath! They’re also suitable for overweight dogs because they’re low in calories and can help boost energy.

Dates

Golden Retrievers can eat dates. Dates are rich in nutrients and offer a range of health benefits. Fiber, potassium, calcium, vitamins A, B, and C, and disease-fighting antioxidants are abundant. They are low in fat, cholesterol-free, and beneficial to your dog’s heart, skin, and immune system.

Despite some confusion, dates are perfectly safe for Golden Retrievers to eat. As these fruits are usually sold dried, their resemblance to raisins (dried grapes), which are poisonous to dogs, triggers confusion.

Dates are high in sugar, so keep that in mind when feeding your dog to prevent a stomach upset. However, they can be helpful if your dog needs a fast energy boost after a long day of exercise. To avoid choking, make sure you remove the stone before eating.

Kiwi Fruit

Golden Retrievers can eat kiwi. This sweet fruit is loaded with nutrients, especially vitamin C and potassium. It also contains iron, calcium, beta carotene, fiber, and antioxidants which aid in the prevention of cancer and strengthen the immune system.

Kiwi fruit is fantastic for your dog’s digestion. Although the flesh is also nutritious, it is difficult for your Retriever to digest as it contains a lot of insoluble fiber, which can cause an upset stomach. To serve, cut the kiwi into slices rather than feeding it whole or freeze it into popsicles. You can scoop out the seeds, which is quick and easy.

Lemon, Lime, & Grapefruit

While the flesh of lemon, lime, and grapefruit is safe for Golden Retrievers to eat, they are not recommended for canines due to their high levels of citric acid.

A belly ache, vomiting, and diarrhea will occur if we eat too many citrus fruits. So, considering that your Golden Retriever’s digestive system is far more sensitive than ours, it will give you an idea of what to expect!

Lemon, lime, and grapefruit are also all nutritionally ineffective for your Retriever. Furthermore, most dogs dislike the intense aroma of citrus fruits and will not even lick them, let alone eat them! If your Golden Retriever is bold enough to try a bit, make sure the peel is removed first.

Also, avoid feeding the pith (white parts) or seeds, as they contain psoralens which are toxic to dogs if ingested in large quantities. There are much better fruits available on this list.

Mango

Golden Retrievers can eat mango. It is rich in vitamins A, B6, C, and E and is also a decent source of fiber. However, it contains a lot of sugar, so feed it to your Golden Retriever in moderation, as excessive sugar can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Mango is a deliciously sweet tropical fruit that is particularly popular in the summer and is one of my dog’s favorites. You should remove the skin because it is difficult for your doggo to process. Cut into bite-sized chunks to serve, and it can also be served frozen.

Since the hard pit is a choking danger, ensure it’s also removed. If your Retriever swallows the stone, it may cause a severe blockage in his digestive tract.

Melon

Golden Retrievers can eat melon. It is a perfect source of vitamins, dietary fiber, niacin, folate, and potassium. Its high antioxidant content also promotes healthy cell function and lowers cancer and arthritis risks.

All types of melon, such as cantaloupe and honeydew, have high water content and are low in calories. Small pieces are tasty and soothing for your Golden Retriever, particularly on hot days.

However, you should not feed the seeds and rind because they are difficult to digest. In the summer, my dog enjoys a refreshing chunk of melon.

Nectarines, Peaches & Plums

Golden Retrievers can eat nectarines, peaches, and plums. They are high in beta-carotene, which the body transforms into vitamin A to help keep skin, teeth, and bones healthy. They are also high in fiber which aids digestion, and potassium, which is beneficial to heart and kidney health.

These stone fruit also contain antioxidants, which can help prevent cancer and improve your dog’s overall health and immune system.

Your dog may eat the fleshy bits but must avoid the stone to stop poisoning, choking, or GI blockage. If you want to feed these fruits to your dog, keep in mind that they are very sugary.

Olives

So, are olives fruits or vegetables, and what’s the deal with the ambiguity?

Olives are technically a fruit since they are the fruit of the olive tree and contain seeds. But, many people consider them vegetables because they are such in the culinary world.

With one or two caveats, they are perfectly safe for dogs to eat! They’re rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and good fats, so they’re an excellent nutrition source. They are also high in vitamin E, which benefits your Golden Retriever’s eyes and immune system.

So, what’s the deal?

A healthy snack for your Golden might be a couple of plain, unsalted olives. However, to stop choking, blockages, or broken teeth, you must remove the pits. Dental costs are high, and the pits often contain hazardous chemicals. However, your dog will have to eat many of these to become critically ill.

Oranges & Mandarines (Tangerine, Clementine & Satsuma)

Oranges and mandarines are high in vitamin C, helping your dog’s immune system and eliminating toxins. They’re also rich in potassium and fiber.

Dogs can consume these two related citrus fruit species, but some steps must be taken.

Like other citrus fruits, your Golden Retriever may not like the acidic zing of oranges! However, if you find you have a citrus-loving pooch, only let him have a tiny amount due to their high sugar content and tartness.

Since the leathery peel is difficult for your Golden Retriever to digest, you must only feed the orange flesh. Also, avoid the seeds and white pith because they contain toxic compounds. After the tiniest sniff, my dog turns her head away. Oranges are certainly not her favorite fruit!

Pears

Pears are quite edible to Golden Retrievers. Potassium, vitamins A, C, and K, and fiber are abundant in this fruit. Because of their antioxidants, pears are thought to lower the risk of strokes, and they have anti-cancer properties. Vitamin K is well-known for its ability to improve bone density.

Pears are high in sugar, so feed them in moderation, particularly if your Golden Retriever needs to shed some pounds. On the other hand, a few slices in the week can be a safe and nutritious treat. The core and seeds, much like apples, must be removed first.

Persimmon

Persimmons are beneficial to dogs because they contain a lot of Vitamin A and C. They also contain antioxidants, fiber, potassium, manganese, folic acid, and beta-carotene, among other nutrients.

Persimmons have a range of health advantages, including the potential to improve overall health and fight cancer. Owing to their high fiber content, they can also aid with inflammation and constipation. The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, which benefits your dog’s vision.

It’s fine to give your Golden Retriever a small taste of persimmon once in a while, and it makes a nice sweet treat. Take care of the seeds as they can trigger a belly ache, so you must remove them first.

Pineapple

Although Golden Retrievers can eat pineapple, they may not like its tangy flavor! On the other hand, pineapple can be a nutritious treat since it is high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, all of which benefit your dog’s digestion and immune system. Bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties, is also present.

Remove the prickly peel and crown first if you want to give your dog a little slice. Pineapple is also high in sugar, so feed it in moderation unless your dog has developed a taste for it and needs a fast energy boost during a long hike!

In the summer, frozen pineapple chunks are a refreshing snack that will keep your Golden Retriever hydrated. Avoid canned pineapple, though, because it has a lot of sugar added to it.

Related: 35 Human Foods Golden Retrievers Can Eat: And Those to Avoid!

Raspberries

Raspberries are rich in vitamin C, fiber, folic acid, iron, potassium, manganese, copper, and magnesium, and they are low in sugar and calories.

They have anti-inflammatory features beneficial to the joints and are perfect for older dogs or those suffering from mobility problems like hip and elbow dysplasia.

Xylitol is found in small amounts of raspberries. It’s a natural sweetener that can result in canines’ death due to its toxicity if ingested in significant quantities. However, don’t be put off by this because your Golden Retriever would need to ingest an awful lot of xylitol to be poisoned.

To put this in perspective, a 10kg dog must consume at least 32 cups of raspberries to be killed. Given that the average adult Golden Retriever weighs around three times this, that’s a hell of a lot of raspberries!

My dog adores raspberries, and she enjoys them frozen when the weather is hot.

Strawberries

Strawberries are a scrumptious fruit to eat. You can get them all year long, and my dog dotes on them.

These berries contain abundant fiber, vitamins C, B1, B6, K, folic acid, potassium, iodine, and magnesium. They’re also rich in alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that keeps your Golden Retriever’s skin healthy and his coat shiny.

Antioxidants flourish in strawberries and can help with weight loss, slow aging, and improve the immune system. Given their sweetness, they have low sugar and calorie content.

Also, malic acid, which is also found in apples, can help keep your dog’s teeth white by serving as a natural enamel whitener.

Watermelon

Watermelon is safe to eat for Golden Retrievers – if you take a few precautions! Remove all of the fiddly seeds, and don’t feed the rind.

They are high in vitamins A, B6, and C and fiber, which helps with digestion. They also contain potassium, which helps reduce blood pressure and the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Since watermelon is 92% water, it’s another perfect way to keep your dog hydrated during hot weather. Everybody, including my dog, enjoys a cool slice of watermelon in the summer. Break it into cubes to serve.

Can Golden Retrievers Eat Fruit?

Now that you know which fruits are safe for your dog to consume, you may wonder if Golden Retrievers can actually eat fruit.

Golden Retrievers can eat fruit since dogs have evolved to eat an omnivorous diet due to thousands of years of domestication and have a digestive system capable of digesting plant-based foods. Dogs also have flat molars (teeth) for grinding and crushing plant material, such as fruits and vegetables.

Check out the below diagram showing “omnivorous” dog traits affected by domestication (highlighted in white boxes) and reflecting the typical feast-or-famine lifestyle of the wolf, the carnivorous ancestor of the dog:

Therefore, Golden Retrievers can eat both animal and plant foods and remain perfectly healthy.

Related: 28 Vegetables Golden Retrievers Can Eat? And 8 Toxic Veg!

Should Dogs Eat Fruit?

Almost everything we eat leads to our capacity to operate like a well-oiled engine. What about our pets, though? We’ve already learned that dogs can eat fruit, but should they?

Golden Retrievers should eat fruit as they provide additional nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Fruit can benefit your dog’s health and help minimize the risk of many chronic diseases, including cancer.

While most high-quality dog food is designed to meet most dogs’ needs, including fruits in their diet is advantageous. Here are some other benefits:

• Fruit boosts the immune system, decreases inflammation, improves the skin, hair, and vision, and aids digestion.
• Fruits are low in calories and fat and make an excellent choice if your Golden Retriever needs to lose weight.
• As some pet treats can be high in calories, fruits can provide a healthier alternative.

To discover more about the best diet for Golden Retrievers, check out this top article. It has loads of info on nutrition, diet types, and precisely what your dog can and can’t eat.

How to Feed Fruit to Dogs

Here are some tips for feeding fruit to your Golden Retriever:

• First, wash all fruit to eliminate any dirt, bacteria, or pesticides.
• Introduce fruit slowly to avoid tummy ache!
• Remove any stones, seeds, or rind. These hazards include poisoning, choking, digestive blockage, stomach upset, or even cracked teeth!
• To avoid choking, serve small bite-sized portions or slices.
• Fruits may be mashed or pureed.
• Frozen fruits are perfect for keeping your dog cool in the heat.
• You should avoid canned fruit since it tends to contain sugary syrup.
• You should also avoid fruit juice due to its high sugar content and/or acidity.

How Much Fruit Can a Dog Eat?

You should only feed fruits in moderation to your Golden Retriever. Generally, treats should not account for more than 10% of your dog’s total daily calories. The remaining 90% should come from high-quality, well-balanced dog food.

Fruit should be fed to your Golden Retriever in the same manner as every other snack, in small portions.

Recommended Portion Sizes

The recommended fruit portion sizes are listed below when feeding your Golden Retriever. It’s just a rough guide since exact portions can vary depending on your dog’s size, activity level, fitness, and age.

I’ve also included the dangers to avoid for each fruit. I hope it will be useful as a short reference guide for you:

Fruit	Portion Size	Danger
Apple	1-2 slices	Seeds & Core
Apricot	1 slice	Leaves, stem & pit
Banana	2-3 pieces (1-inch chunks)	Peel
Blackberries	2-3 berries
Blueberries	2-3 berries
Coconut	1 slice	Shell & husk
Cranberries	1 dessert spoon
Cucumber	3-5 slices
Dates	Half a date	Pit
Kiwi Fruit	1 slice	Skin
Lemon, Lime & Grapefruit	A lick to try!	Peel, pith & seeds
Mango	1-2 slices	Peel & pit
Melon	1 slice (1-inch chunks)	Seeds & rind
Nectarine, Peach & Plum	2-3 bite-sized pieces	Pit
Olives	1-2 olives	Pit
Oranges & Mandarines	1 bite-sized segment	Peel, pith & seeds
Pear	2-3 bite-sized pieces	Seeds & core
Persimmon	2-3 bite-sized pieces	Pit & seeds
Pineapple	1-2 bite-sized pieces	Peel & crown
Raspberries	4-5 berries
Strawberries	Half of a large berry sliced
Watermelon	1 slice (1-inch chunks)	Seeds & rind

What Fruits Are Poisonous to Golden Retrievers?

While many “human” foods found in and around your home are perfectly safe for Golden Retrievers, others are extremely harmful, so knowing which fruits dogs can’t eat is crucial. But first, here are a couple of tips:

Pro Tip! If you grow fruit at home, be mindful that it produces alcohol once it falls from the tree and begins to decompose on the ground. This is an additional toxin, so never leave your doggo unsupervised where he has free access to fruit.

Pro Tip! Check out this post, What Foods are Toxic to Golden Retrievers? 27 Bad Foods!

Avocado

Golden Retrievers should not eat avocados as they contain persin, a toxin that can cause vomiting and diarrhea. It’s found in the pit, skin, and leaves.

Avocado poisoning affects many animals and birds, and although dogs are less prone, severe cases may result in a heart attack.

Although there is no proof that the pulp contains persin, its high fat content may trigger pancreatitis, mainly if your dog is sensitive. If you like Mexican food as much as I do, keep your Retriever away from the guacamole!

Cherries

If you plan to offer your Golden Retriever cherries, proceed with caution! Even though the cherry’s flesh is safe, eating too much of it can cause severe stomach problems.

The cherry stone, stem, and leaves all contain toxic cyanide, although your dog must eat a significant amount to be poisoned. The pit can also be dangerous and cause choking. I don’t suggest feeding your Golden Retriever cherries for these reasons.

Grapes & Raisins

Golden Retrievers are particularly toxic to grapes, raisins, and other dried variants.

The exact toxin has yet to be determined, but it is recognized that even a small amount can cause acute kidney failure and death. Call your veterinarian immediately if your dog eats grapes by mistake because immediate care is crucial.

All foods containing grapes are poisonous to your Golden Retriever, so keep him away from baked goods, trail mix, granola, and raisin bran cereal.

Star Fruit

The tropical star fruit is particularly toxic to Golden Retrievers if eaten in large quantities, as it can cause acute kidney failure.

It contains soluble calcium oxalate, similar to rhubarb leaves. When soluble oxalate salts are absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, they bind with the body’s calcium, triggering a rapid drop in calcium that can lead to acute renal failure.

It’s hard to tell how much star fruit would poison your Golden Retriever, so keep star fruit away from your dog and ensure he never gets into the garbage.

Tomato (green)

Since tomatoes are technically a fruit, we’ll talk about them here!

While the tomato’s ripened red fruit is usually considered safe for dogs, the plant’s green sections and the unripened tomato are toxic.

Solanine is a compound contained in green tomatoes. Although a significant amount will have to be swallowed, solanine poisoning can cause respiratory problems, fatigue, tremors, and serious stomach upset.

Final Thoughts

Fruits are a perfect choice for rewarding your dog. I promised to tell you about my dog’s five favorites. These are apples, strawberries, raspberries, bananas, and melons.

Here’s a reminder of the key takeaways of the article:

• You can safely feed your Golden Retriever various fruits, but some are better than others.
• Since dogs are omnivores, they can digest fruits.
• Feeding slowly and sparingly is the best way to start.
• If you grow your own fruit trees, be aware of which fruits are poisonous to dogs, and don’t give your Golden access to fallen fruit.
• If your dog has a health problem, allergy, or food sensitivity, consult your veterinarian before feeding.

If you have any questions about your Golden Retriever’s nutritional well-being, speak with your vet. I also believe keeping track of your dog’s weight is important, and I like to take my dog for regular check-ups.