At A Glance
Can dogs eat pears? The short answer: Yes, dogs can safely eat pears. However, the longer answer isn’t as straightforward. While the fruit isn’t toxic, there are some things to keep in mind before feeding pears to your dog:
Last Updated on: July 11, 2023
I know it’s heart-melting to see your furry friend looking up at you with its puppy eyes. Most dog parents know the feeling. It’s natural to want to share human treats with them, especially when you feel a paw gently nudging at you. But often, human food can be harmful to dogs.
This is true not only for obvious foods like chocolate and salt but also for some fruits and vegetables. So what about pears?
Of course! You do not have to worry if your good girl or boy has stuck its snout into the fruit bowl.
Pears aren’t necessarily toxic for dogs, but there are some factors you should take into account.
Pears are a great source of vitamins, potassium, and fiber for humans. Is it nutritious for dogs, though? Yes, most veterinarians admit that pears make healthy and tasty snacks for our furry friends as well.
But as with most foods, moderation is key. An occasional slice or two may be fine, but a whole pear could be too much. Vets recommend that only 10% of the dog’s daily intake should come from treats. The rest should come from meat and foods that are rich in protein and fat.
“My general rule of thumb for people-foods-as-treats is that if it’s nontoxic for dogs, and there are no medical contraindications (like high-protein foods for a kidney disease patient or high-fat foods for dogs with pancreatitis)”, Renee Schmid, veterinarian toxicologist says. “Then it’s okay to feed in moderation.”
So, make sure you strike the right balance, and you should be good.
Pears, much like everything, come in many shapes and sizes. When out shopping, you may come across many variants, like Asian pears, Korean pears, and Bartlett pears.
Most pear variants should be fine for a dog to consume. The only type that isn’t good for dogs is the prickly pear that comes from the cactus plant.
So, yes, your four-legged friend can eat almost all types of pears as long as it’s in moderation.
Basically, dogs can eat most kinds of pears “as long as you remove the seeds, stem, and core”, Mercedes R Lackey, an animal lover, says. “Those are hard on a dog’s stomach, and the seeds contain cyanide.”
Even though pears are safe for dogs to consume, there are still some risks associated when over-consumed. I say this because pears are high in sugar, so there are some risks if it is part of your dog’s everyday diet.
The risks include an irritated digestive tract and the risk of obesity.
Dogs are susceptible to bacterial infections, such as salmonella or E.coli, when they eat raw foods. Make sure you wash the fruit thoroughly under running water before feeding it to your dog.
Can dogs eat the pear’s core? They should not. Apart from posing a choking hazard, the core could also upset the tummy. Make sure you remove the stem and core of the fruit, especially for puppies.
Not to mention, pear seeds contain cyanide, which is toxic for dogs and all other pets.
Can dogs eat the pear’s skin? Well, it’s unlikely to make them sick. But at the same time, the skin is fibrous, which can cause an upset tummy. Slice the pears up into bite-sized pieces to be safe.
It’s important to know that canned pears are not recommended for dogs. Most canned fruits contain high amounts of sugar. Small amounts may cause a minor stomach upset at worst, but, over time, it could lead to diabetes and obesity.
Although dogs can eat pears, the truth is that most dogs aren’t big fans of fruit in general. So if your dog turns their face away from a pear, don’t be surprised. However, if your furry friend takes a liking to the fruit, give them a few slices, and it should be just fine.
If in case your dog had a successful heist in your fruit basket, there are some symptoms you should look out for.
The most common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and indigestion. Some dogs could also show signs of lethargy, appetite loss, and abdominal discomfort. In case your pooch starts to show any of these symptoms, take it to the vet.
While rare, some dogs have intolerances and allergies, too. Dogs with pre-existing issues like diabetes or those prone to obesity should not be fed pears at all.
Since portion control is necessary, pears could “pear” well with other dog foods (See what I did there?). It’s a good way to sneak in other foods, along with pears, if your dog is fond of the fruit.
Before you go on and try these recipes, remember to remove the stem, core, and seeds, though. Here are some innovative ways to feed dogs pears:
You could blend some dog-friendly fruits together into a smoothie as a treat for your pet. Make sure to follow the 10% rule.
Some slices of pear could make a great topper over kibble. This disguises nutrition as a treat.
Dogs love ice cream. Unfortunately, they can’t eat any. Adding some pear into a batch of dog-friendly yogurt and freezing it overnight could be the next best thing for your little one.
The portions depend on the size of the dog. But a general rule is that it should never be a whole pear a day.
Smaller dogs should be restricted to a couple of slices, while larger dogs can eat a handful of slices a day without worries. Eating more than the recommended amount can eventually lead to diabetes and obesity.
No, the fruit isn’t likely to be toxic unless your pet is allergic. That said, never feed your dog the seeds of the fruit, as they contain traces of cyanide.
The stem and core are choking hazards, so it’s best to slice the pears up. Some dogs can also be allergic to pears. It is advised to observe your pet’s behavior.
Yes, dogs can eat the skin of the pear. The skin is high in fiber and nutritious. However, make sure that it’s fed in moderation, as too much fiber can cause indigestion.
On the other hand, puppies must not be given the peel to avoid complications.
Yes, some dogs, who aren’t accustomed to eating pears, could occasionally react poorly to the fruit. In these cases, look out for signs like increased flatulence, indigestion, lethargy, or a lack of appetite.
Take your dog to the vet in case the symptoms persist for more than a day.
Meet Paul, a devoted dog dad to the delightful French Bulldog, Cofi. With a flair for humor and a deep understanding of Frenchie quirks, Paul brings a lighthearted touch to his writings. His relatable stories and practical insights are a blend of laughter and valuable advice and resonate with fellow dog owners.
Through his words, Paul aims to celebrate the joys and challenges of being a dedicated pet parent, reminding you that life is simply better with a four-legged, snorting sidekick by your side.
