What fruits are bad for dogs?

Grapes and every dried form of them (raisins, sultanas, currants) can injure the kidneys, with no established safe amount. Star fruit contains soluble oxalates that can affect blood calcium and the kidneys. Unripe elderberries and elder plant parts contain cyanide-forming compounds.

For any of these, the right move is an immediate call to your vet or a pet poison helpline.

Cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, apricots, mangoes, dates and avocados all have stones that can block the gut, and several contain amygdalin in the stone or leaves. Tomato leaves and green tomatoes contain solanine. Citrus peel and trees contain irritating oils. Fig trees have irritating sap. The flesh of many of these is fine once properly prepared.

Pomegranate, very sour citrus and large amounts of any sweet fruit tend to cause vomiting or diarrhea. Rotten or fermenting fruit brings alcohol and mould risks. Dried fruit is sugar-dense and sometimes contains raisins.

Canned fruit in syrup, fruit pies, fruit yogurts and smoothies are sugary and may include sweeteners such as xylitol. They belong on the human side of the table.

A short, reliable list to stick with: apple (cored), banana, blueberries, strawberries, seedless watermelon, cantaloupe, pear (cored) and peeled kiwi. Keep treats under about 10 percent of your dog's daily calories.

Prepare each one properly: core apples and pears, peel bananas and kiwi, and remove watermelon rind and seeds. New fruits should be introduced one at a time in small pieces, so that any upset can be traced back to the right food.