Any doting dog parent comes to a time when would like to give their pup a fun fruity snack either as a treat or as a reward for part of their training. But before you indulge in sharing your lunch with your sweet Cocker Spaniel it’s always best to be sure to find out which fruits/foods are safe and which aren’t. There is a big difference in giving your little dog a strawberry or a grape. One is safe and one is toxic!
Some fruits such as strawberries, apples, watermelon, and pumpkin in moderation can be a healthy treat for your Cocker Spaniel. Fruits such as grapes, raisins, rhubarb, avocado, pits, and fruit seeds can be toxic and should be avoided completely.
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Fruit pits and seeds usually have a small amount of cyanide in them and could potentially be dangerous for your Cocker Spaniel, but the fleshy part of most fruits, as well as some peels (like apple peels), contain a lot of nutrients that can be part of your Cocker Spaniel healthy diet.
Bonus: Some fruits such as apples can also help to clean residue off of their teeth and help freshen their breath.
Most fruit contains fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and Vitamin K as well as small amounts of manganese, copper, and vitamins A, E, B1, B2, and B6.. The peels also contain polyphenols which is a micronutrient that contains antioxidants and other beneficial properties. The fiber in the fruit can be helpful to keep a dog’s digestive tract running smoothly. Not only are apples a delicious and nutritious snack for us, but also very beneficial for our dog!
So if your Cocker Spaniel is staring you down for a piece of that fruity goodness go ahead a share a little!
According to the AKC (American Kennel Club), 7 vitamins your dog needs for a healthy life are listed below.
- Vitamin A – Important for a healthy coat, muscle strength, and night vision.
- B vitamins – Important for healthy skin and to maintain a proper weight.
- Vitamin C – Promotes tissue repair, and helps prevent some types of cancer.
- Vitamin D – The sunshine vitamin helps with muscles and bones.
- Vitamin E – Good for the immune system, heart health, liver, and muscles.
- Vitamin K – Important to keep your dog’s blood clotting properly.
- Choline – Supports a healthy brain and liver.
If you are feeding your Cocker Spaniel commercial pet food, then most likely it is formulated in a way to help them receive all these important vitamins and minerals, but different fruit can provide a natural source for several of these vitamins as well, in a tasty and fun snack.
Always consult with your Vet before feeding your dog any new foods!
Comprehensive list of fruits that Cocker Spaniel can and cannot eat
Fruit Type | Can They Eat It? | Why or Why Not? |
Avocado | Not Recommended | The fleshy part of the avocado could be ok in tiny pieces, but the leaves, skin, and pit contain a toxin called Persin which can be dangerous and lethal in high doses. |
Apricots | Yes | Avoid the pit, leaves, and stem. Feed only in small amounts as an occasional treat. |
Banana | Yes | Avoid the peel. The fleshy part is rich in potassium and other nutrients. Feed only in small amounts as an occasional treat. |
Blackberries | Yes with Caution | Only 1 or 2 for your Cocker Spaniel, depending upon weight. They have a minuscule amount of Xylitol which is toxic to your Cocker Spaniel so too many could cause real problems. |
Blueberries | Yes | High in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, they can help boost the immune system. |
Cantaloupe | Yes | High in fiber, vitamin B6, niacin, folate, vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. It’s low in calories and high in water content making it a great treat for rehydration without excessive weight gain. |
Cherries | Not Recommended | The cherry flesh is safe and even contains health benefits, but there is a great risk of your dog eating a pit and having it cause an intestinal blockage or poisoning, so it’s recommended to just avoid this fruit. |
Clementine | Not Recommended | This fruit is non-toxic, but its high acidity and sugar content can cause GI upset in your Cocker Spaniel. |
Coconut | Not Recommended | While coconut is non-toxic, it contains medium-chain triglycerides which can easily upset your Cocker Spaniel’s stomach. |
Cranberries | Yes, with Caution | Cranberries can help boost the immune system and prevent bladder infections. Your Cocker Spaniel should not have more than 1 or 2 at a time. Also, be careful the cranberries are not mixed with any added ingredients or contain added sugars. |
Dates | Yes, with Caution | Dates are low in fat, and have a lot of vitamins and minerals, but are also high in sugar and you need to avoid the pit. Only small pieces for your Cocker Spaniel. |
Figs | Not Recommended | Figs could be beneficial for obese dogs who need to lose weight, but overall this fruit can cause GI upset and should mostly be avoided. |
Grapefruit | No, Toxic | This fruit is very acidic and has a toxin called psoralen that can be lethal in high doses to your Cocker Spaniel. |
Grapes and Raisins | NO, VERY TOXIC | Even one grape or raising can cause kidney failure in your Cocker Spaniel. While you shouldn’t panic, you should call your vet immediately if they eat a grape or raisin. |
Honeydew Melon | Yes | With many nutrients and high in water content Honeydew Melon can be a great hydrating treat for your Cocker Spaniel. As always be sure to give in small portions as this fruit does have natural sugar in it. |
Kiwi | Yes | It’s best to remove the skin, and only give in small portions as a special treat. Although Kiwis are a very nutritious treat for us, our Cocker Spaniel have different nutritional needs than we do and don’t get the same great benefits from this fruit. |
Lemon | No | The high citrus content of lemons makes it very undesirable for your Cocker Spaniel, so they most likely won’t eat it on their own. Eating lemon could give your Cocker Spaniel a very upset stomach and cause diarrhea or vomiting. |
Mandarin | Not Recommended | Mandarins are not toxic to your Cocker Spaniel, but their little stomachs are not made to digest high citrus fruit so it could cause them to get an upset stomach. Also, the high sugar content in Mandarins can cause problems for your dog. |
Mango | Yes | Make sure to avoid the peel and the pit. Never allow your dog to chew on fruit pits as most are toxic. Because of high sugar content only give your Cocker Spaniel a very small amount. |
Mulberries | Not Recommended | A small number of ripe mulberries are not toxic but have the potential to give your Cocker Spaniel diarrhea. |
Olives | Yes with Caution | Olives are non-toxic. Plain pitted olives can be ok for your Cocker Spaniel, but avoid canned olives high in sodium. Olives are also high in fat so only occasional pieces. |
Orange | Not Recommended | This fruit is non-toxic, but has a lot of sugar, and can cause GI upset in your Cocker Spaniel. |
Peaches | Yes | Peaches are loaded with vitamins and minerals and can be a healthy treat. As always only small amounts are ok. |
Pear | Yes | Your Cocker Spaniel can eat Pears in very small pieces. Pears are high in fiber, vitamin A, C, and K. Be sure to avoid the pits and seeds. |
Pineapple | Yes with Caution | Pineapple has vitamin C, along with thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, and folate. Very small portions of pineapple can be ok, but beware the natural sugar content is high and can be too much for some Cocker Spaniel. Avoid canned pineapple because the sugar content is a lot higher. |
Plums | NO, VERY TOXIC | Plums contain hydrogen cyanide, which is extremely toxic to Cocker Spaniel if eaten. |
Pomegranate | Not Recommended | Pomegranates are non-toxic, but will most likely cause your Cocker Spaniel to have an upset stomach if he eats them. |
Prunes | Not Recommended | Prunes should be avoided. They have too much fiber and sugar and can cause your Cocker Spaniel to have an upset stomach and diarrhea. |
Pumpkin | Yes | Pumpkin can be a very beneficial treat for your Cocker Spaniel. Besides providing many vitamins and minerals, pumpkin can aid in digestion and help your Cocker Spaniel regulate their system if they are experiencing constipation or diarrhea. |
Raspberries | Yes with Caution | Raspberries are rich in nutrients, including magnesium, potassium, and vitamin K. They do however have trace amounts of Xilotol in them which can be very toxic to dogs so with a very small Cocker Spaniel I would avoid giving them this fruit. With larger Cocker Spaniel’s only very small amounts, but consult with your vet first. |
Rhubarb | Not Recommended | Rhubarb stems could be safe, but the leaves are definitely toxic. If your Cocker Spaniel has gotten into the Rhubarb plant in your garden and eaten any part of it consult with your vet immediately. |
Strawberries | Yes | Strawberries have a lot of fiber and vitamin C. They also contain an enzyme that can help whiten your Cocker Spaniel teeth as he or she eats them. As always only in small amounts depending on the size of your dog. |
Tangerine | Not Recommended | Tangerines are non-toxic, but is high in citrus and can cause GI upset in your Cocker Spaniel. |
Watermelon | Yes With Caution | This is a great snack, especially on hot summer days! Low in calories and packed with nutrients—vitamins A, B6, and C, and potassium. However, do not allow your Cocker Spaniel to eat the seeds or rind as it could cause intestinal blockage. |
How much fruit can I give my Cocker Spaniel?
There are a few things that are important to remember when giving your Cocker Spaniel any kind of fruit. Your Cocker Spaniel should never have more than 10% of their daily calories in fruits. For a small Cocker Spaniel, that’s not very much. Most fruit has a lot of fiber in it which your Cocker Spaniel may not be used to. If they eat too much of any fruit it could cause an upset stomach or diarrhea. You should always cut the fruit into very small pieces for your Cocker Spaniel to avoid a choking hazard.
Just like all people are different all dogs are different as well one Cocker Spaniel may react very differently to a certain food than another. Please make sure to watch your Cocker Spaniel for any allergic or bad reactions. Fruits should only be given as an occasional treat and not a staple of their everyday diet.
Are you thinking about getting another Cocker Spaniel? Read this article I wrote on getting your Cocker Spaniel a friend first!
Having a variety of things for your Cocker Spaniel to try including fruits, vegetables, and healthy proteins can enrich their life and make it more fun and interesting for you both. You know your Cocker Spaniel best and as time goes by you will learn what things they do and don’t like.
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