If you plan on sharing some fruit with your Border Collie, you first need to know whether it’s safe or not.
Unfortunately, there are a handful of fruits that dogs shouldn’t eat, and can even be toxic to them.
This article will cover all the fruits that are safe and unsafe for your Collie.
Table of Contents
15 Fruits That Are SAFE For Border Collies
Below are 15 of the most common fruits that are safe for your border collie to try. But as I will explain in a section further below, always test the fruit in a very small amount first to ensure she doesn’t have her own personal intolerances. Please also take note that most skins, seeds, pits and cores should be removed.
1. Apples (no seed or core)
Border collies can safely eat apples but you first must remove the seeds and the core. Apples are great sources of vitamin A and C and also contain a healthy amount of fiber.
2. Bananas (no skin)
Bananas are a great snack for collies and can be incorporated into many different dog treat recipes and even their mealtimes. Bananas are packed full of vitamins and minerals but don’t give more than one banana per day due to the sugar content.
3. Blackberries
Blackberries are safe for border collies to eat and are full of powerful antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Blackberries are considered a superfood for both us and canines.
4. Blueberries
Blueberries, much like blackberries are both safe and very good for our furry friends. Vitamins C, E, A, and B complex are in abundance, as well as minerals like Iron, Selenium, and Zinc which are all very important.
5. Cranberries (no skin)
Border collies can safely eat cranberries, but be sure to remove the skins first as it is extremely bitter for canines. Cranberries contain many powerful antioxidants and are great at fighting UTIs.
6. Cantaloupe (no rind or seeds)
Cantaloupe is an excellent way for border collies to get extra water and fiber into their diet. Cantaloupe is also full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Only give small portions, infrequently, due to the high sugar content.
7. Mangos (no skin or pit)
Mangos are safe but you must remove both the skin and the pit. The pit is a serious choking hazard. Mangos contain a lot of vitamins and antioxidants but are high in sugar, so portions must be limited.
8. Oranges (no skin or seeds)
Border collies can safely eat oranges, although they are considered a part of the citrus fruit family. Due to being citrus, your collie may naturally dislike the smell and taste. But it is safe to try, remove the skin and seeds first.
9. Peaches (no skin or pit)
Peaches are safe for border collies to eat but the skin and pit must be removed first. Peaches are an excellent source of vitamins C, E, A, are high in fiber, potassium, copper, magnesium. Only use fresh peaches, avoid canned peaches due to the syrup.
10. Pears (no pit)
Pears are safe for border collies to eat but the pit must be removed first. Pears have a uniquely wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to other fruits.
11. Pineapple (no sharp skin or brown bits)
Pineapple is safe for border collies to eat and can actually aid digestion for those that have sensitive stomachs. Pineapple contains many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, but be sure to limit the portions due to high sugar content.
12. Raspberries
Just like the other berries, raspberries contain many powerful antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. As all berries are particularly strong, a very small handful of berries will be enough for the entire day.
13. Strawberries
We love strawberries, and so do our dogs! Border collies can safely eat strawberries, skip on the cream! Strawberries are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Just don’t give too many in one go.
14. Kiwis (no skin)
Border collies can safely eat kiwis and just like pineapples, are great at aiding digestion. So kiwis are great for collies who have sensitive stomachs or digestive problems. Always remove the skin, and only use kiwis that are sufficiently ripened!
15. Watermelon (no rind or seeds)
Watermelon is safe for border collies to eat but you must remove the rind and the seeds first. Watermelon is 92% percent water so this is an excellent treat to give in the summertime to keep your collie sufficiently hydrated.
To remain on the safe side, ALWAYS remove skin, seeds, pit, rind from any fruit before giving it to your border collie. Nearly all of the time, it’s only the fleshy fruit that your collie should consume. Skin and pits are bitter, cause choking hazards, and some seeds even contain cyanide and arsenic which are both toxic. Stick to the soft fleshy fruit, and you will be fine.
This content was originally produced and published on www.thepuppymag.com
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Fruits That Are UNSAFE For Border Collies (potentially toxic)
● Avacado
● Currants
● Cherries
● Citrus fruits apart from Oranges (lemon, lime)
● Figs
● Grapes
● Grapefruit
● Raisins
● Tomatoes
Other Items That Are UNSAFE For Border Collies (potentially toxic)
● Alcohol
● Asparagus
● Coffee
● Cooked bones
● Chocolate
● Onion, Garlic & Chives
● Mushrooms
● Salt
● Xylitol
Never Give Your Border Collie Too Much Fruit
Portion control is super important when it comes to giving our furry friends fruit.
Despite fruit being healthy and abundant in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, it still contains a considerable amount of sugar. And yes, fruit contains “natural” sugar, but science has shown us that natural sugar is still sugar, and dogs should avoid the consumption of it.
Of course, fruits range in their sugar content, and certain fruits like mangoes and bananas have a much higher sugar content than watermelon. So you may also want to keep this in mind too.
Fruits are best used as small treats and rewards, on an infrequent basis. Fruit should not be a new staple in their diet.
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Always Test New Fruit In Very Small Portions First
Even if the fruit is on the “safe” list, it doesn’t mean your collie will tolerate it.
Dog’s are all individual and respond to different foods in different ways. Some collies will be able to tolerate oranges, and others may absolutely hate them, or even make them slightly ill (temporarily).
Whenever giving your collie a piece of fruit you have never given her before, start with a very small test amount, to ensure she doesn’t have any bad reactions to it.
Always watch her after consuming fruit for signs of discomfort. If she suddenly changes her temperament, goes quiet, or seems to disappear for a while, it could mean she’s reacting badly to the fruit.
Most of the time, none of this will happen, but it’s important to be aware of it.
If you are unsure, always consult your local veterinarian before giving your collie fruit that you think may upset her. Or just avoid it altogether!
Thank you for reading! I hope this has answered your question about which fruits are safe and unsafe for border collies, as well as some other helpful tips to be aware of it. If you have any questions, please let me know! I am always happy to add to my articles.
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