Can Whippets Eat Fruit?

Are you wondering whether to feed fruit to your whippet? Not sure what types, how much, or when to feed? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Here is everything you are going to want to know, and consider.

So, can Whippets eat fruit? Whippets can eat fruit, although they should only do so in moderation. At the same time, how much fruit they eat will depend on the type of fruit, the age of your whippet, exercise levels, and the general health of your dog. Fresh fruits are considerably better than dried fruits (which should be avoided for the most part due to their high calorie/sugar content).

Fruit can have a place in your whippet’s diet, but it certainly shouldn’t be fed too regularly or too much at a time.

Nevertheless, it can have its place.

Let us look at why.

And keep reading – we’ll be covering all the fruits you may be considering in particular.

So it’s worth hanging around for!

Why You May Want To Add Fruit To Your Whippets Diet

You may want to consider offering fruits to your whippet for diet variety and for additional nutrition. Unlike many processed foods (designed for humans), fruits can provide a number of important vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and compounds such as carotenoids and flavonoids. All of which can promote health and longevity in your whippet.

In fact, research has even shown that dogs who consume a diet with higher amounts of anti-oxidants have a slower rate of cognitive decline.

At the same time, fruits can provide hydration (as they are often naturally high in water) and promote digestive health as they are sources of fiber.

One important note and caveat here is that dried fruit is best avoided.

A small piece here and there may be okay, but it is very concentrated (calorie-dense) as all of the water has been removed.

It is also quite chewy and can get stuck on your whippet’s teeth (leading to dental issues).

And at the same time, dried fruit is also dusted in sugar and other additives which are best left out of your dogs diet.

When To Feed Your Whippet Fruit

It is best to feed your whippet fruit as a snack; either in between meals or as a small treat at the end of a meal.

You need to ensure that your whippet is consuming their regular food, and that fruit supplements this diet.

How Much Fruit To Feed Your Whippet

The amount of fruit you feed a whippet should depend on the type of fruit you are offering and in accordance with your whippets age, weight, and activity level.

Nevertheless, fruit should be seen and considered as a treat in your dog’s diet. Be sure not to overdo it!

As a rough guide, you should look to offer no more than 10% of your whippets caloric intake as fruit.

Although, you will need to work your way up to this.

See how your whippet responds, and adjust accordingly.

At the same time, whippet puppies should generally eat less fruit, to begin with. They generally have more sensitive digestive systems and are more likely to suffer from diarrhea following fruit consumption.

Not sure how to feed your whippet puppy? My Whippet Puppy Handbook is what you need. Get your copy here.

Otherwise, you will rise weight gain and/or nutritional imbalance.

And as fruit is high is naturally high in sugar, moderation is key.

Certain vegetables (spinach, carrots, green beans, and cucumber) are generally better in this respect and can be fed more freely.

Things To Consider When Feeding Fruit To Your Whippet

• Be sure to source organic fruit, where possible.
• Be sure to wash any fruit thoroughly prior to feeding,
• Preparing fruit and cutting off any roughage is advised
• Avoid stems, pits, and seeds.
• Not all fruits are suitable for dogs. In fact, some are toxic! Avocado, grapes, and raisins are such examples.
• Start offering fruit slowly, in small pieces at a time to see how they respond.
• Offer a variety of fruit to your dog, and see how they respond to each one. See if they enjoy it, and how they respond – watch out for GI upset.

What Fruits Can Whippets Eat