Pomegranates are a tasty and healthy snack for humans, but what about our furry friends? Can dogs eat pomegranates? Before you share your pomegranate arils with your pooch, it's important to understand the potential benefits and risks of feeding pomegranates to dogs. Here’s what you need to know:
When it comes to pomegranates, there’s no middle ground. People either avoid it or can’t get enough of it, and it’s the same with our dogs too. And if your dog likes this delectable fruit, you can feed them pomegranates as an occasional treat. Frozen pomegranate pulp in summer is a big hit with dogs.
However, while it may seem like a healthy snack option, it’s crucial to understand the pros and cons of feeding pomegranates to dogs.
Why?
Because some parts of the pomegranate can be toxic and should never be fed to dogs.
Let’s take an in-depth look at the potential benefits and drawbacks of feeding pomegranates to dogs. Hopefully, by the end of it, you will better understand whether this fruit is a good snack option for your pet.
Pomegranates contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can benefit your dog.
However, it’s important to note that these benefits may not outweigh the potential risks of feeding pomegranates to dogs.
‘Can dogs eat pomegranates?’ is a great question to ask your vet because it’s always best to consult a veterinarian to ensure any food you feed your pet is safe and appropriate for its specific needs.
When feeding pomegranates to dogs, it’s important to be mindful of which parts are safe. So which parts are safe for a dog to consume? Let’s find out
First, the juicy inner cells or arils. Can dogs eat pomegranate arils? Yes, they can.
The arils are the only edible part of this fruit for dogs and can be fed to them in small amounts.
As Dr. Andrew Miller, MRCVS, says, “Pomegranate is not toxic to dogs, and they can eat the fruit safely in small amounts. By the fruit, I mean the pretty pink flesh surrounding the seeds, called “arils”. The jewel-like fruit isn’t just a pretty garnish; they are jam-packed with sweet juices and super nutrients that could benefit your dog.”
What about the rest of the fruit? Can dogs eat pomegranate skin?
Here’s where you need to draw the line – the skin and pith of the pomegranate should be avoided. But why?
Read on to find out.
And what about pomegranate seeds? We know they’re a good source of fiber and antioxidants for humans. But can dogs eat pomegranate seeds?
Not really. While they aren’t toxic to dogs, pomegranate seeds should also be avoided. We’ll learn why further on in this article.
Finally, what about store-bought treats? Can dogs eat pomegranate dog treats?
Yes. But there’s a catch.
While store-bought treats are formulated specifically for canine consumption, they are a safe option as long as they don’t contain other harmful ingredients.
Are Pomegranate Leaves Poisonous To Dogs? This is another question dog owners have, especially if they have a garden with pomegranate trees.
If you have pomegranate trees in your garden or walk your dog in an area with many such trees, remember these leaves are very toxic to dogs. While dogs generally avoid them, contact your vet if your dog accidentally ingests some pomegranate leaves.
“Pomegranate skin and membrane could potentially be toxic to dogs if consumed in large quantities, as they contain small amounts of cyanide. However, it’s unlikely that your dog would consume enough to experience any adverse effects.” – Dr. Thashia Reddy, Veterinarian at Valley Vet
We now know that pomegranate is generally considered safe for dogs to consume. But under what circumstances is pomegranate toxic to dogs?
Consuming large amounts of pomegranate, even if it’s just the arils, can lead to digestive upset, including diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
In addition, the skin and pith of the fruit contain flavoring compounds called tannins that can be harmful to dogs in large quantities. In some cases, eating the skin and pith can lead to an upset stomach or even more serious digestive issues, such as intestinal blockages. And in severe cases, tannins have been known to cause liver damage in dogs.
It’s also important to note that pomegranate seeds can be a choking hazard for dogs and cause digestive problems if ingested. If your dog has eaten a lot of pomegranates or is showing signs of digestive distress, it’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
The dog seems to love pomegranate seeds as much as I do, and by jingo I loves me some pomegranate seeds pic.twitter.com/zS8jfEuaCa
— Luke The Original YouTube Trucker (@LukeVernon) December 8, 2015
When it comes to feeding pomegranates to dogs, there are several considerations to keep in mind:
Before introducing any new food to your dog’s diet, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your pet.
It’s best to stick to small amounts of pomegranate arils and gradually increase the serving size to monitor for adverse reactions.
The skin and pith of the pomegranate contain compounds that can be harmful to dogs and should therefore be avoided.
Pomegranate seeds can be a choking hazard and cause digestive problems if ingested.
If your dog shows signs of digestive distress like diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain, stop feeding pomegranate and seek veterinary care immediately.
By keeping these considerations in mind, you can ensure that your dog safely enjoys the benefits of pomegranates.
When introducing pomegranate to your dog’s diet, start with a small amount and gradually increase it to monitor for any adverse reactions. Here are some simple and safe ways to feed pomegranates to dogs:
Simply separate the seeds from the pomegranate and feed a small amount to your dog as a treat.
Simply mix 1/4 cup of pomegranate arils with a tablespoon of dog-friendly peanut butter and freeze in an ice cube tray for a no-bake, hassle-free tasty treat.
One pomegranate seed is unlikely to cause harm to your dog, but it’s always best to monitor your pet for any adverse reactions and consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns.
It’s best to start with a small amount, such as a few pomegranate arils, and gradually increase the serving size to monitor for any adverse reactions.
A general guideline is to limit pomegranate or any other fruit to no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
Consuming small amounts of pomegranate juice is unlikely to cause harm to your dog, but it’s best to avoid giving your pet large quantities of the juice.
The skin and pith of the pomegranate contain compounds that can be harmful to dogs and should be avoided.
Commercial pomegranate ice cream and yogurt products often contain ingredients such as xylitol that are toxic to dogs and should be avoided.
It’s best to stick to plain pomegranate arils or homemade treats made with dog-safe ingredients.
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A digital marketing expert by profession, Andrews is a gifted writer and animal lover at heart. A self-confessed "pawrent", Andrews is well-versed in all things dogs. He uses his years of experience of raising puppies into show-quality dogs to help guide first-time pet parents. He believes in spreading the joy that comes with being a dog dad and advocates more families to adopt pets.
