Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate? Are These Little Red Jewels Safe?
Pomegranates are the perfect fruit to enjoy any time of the year. They’re sweet, but not too sweet and a bit tart, but not too tart. These fruits are a delicious treat and make an excellent addition to yogurt, smoothies, and fruit salads. As loving dog owners, we want to share all our favorite foods with our pups.
However, not every food we love as humans is safe for our canine friends. It’s important to ask yourself before serving a new food if it’s safe for your pup to eat. Whether you’re considering serving raspberries, kiwi, or peaches, you should always do your research first. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about whether it’s safe for dogs to eat pomegranate and how to serve it properly.
Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate Safely?
Unfortunately, pomegranates aren’t good for dogs to eat. While raw pomegranate isn’t directly toxic to dogs, it can cause serious problems with your dog’s digestive system. Pomegranates are full of health benefits for humans because they’re rich in antioxidants, potassium, and fiber. However, when dogs eat pomegranate, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other issues.
Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate Seeds?
Most people eat pomegranate seeds in their yogurt or mix it into smoothies for an extra boost of Vitamin C and fiber. It may be tempting to share this delicious, healthy treat with your pup, but pomegranate seeds aren’t safe for dogs to consume.
The seeds can cause dogs to have an upset stomach, which can lead to some very unpleasant symptoms. Vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite are common symptoms of stomach upset after consuming pomegranate seeds.
Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate Skin?
The rind of the pomegranate is one of the most dangerous parts for your furry friend. When you prepare pomegranate for yourself at home, it’s important to dispose of your scraps in a sealed container where your dog doesn’t have access to it.
Pomegranate skin is very tough for dogs to digest and can cause a digestive tract blockage. An intestinal blockage is a serious condition that requires surgical intervention to fix. Some signs of gastrointestinal distress that could indicate a blockage in your pup are vomiting, loss of appetite, inability to produce bowel movements, and weakness.
Why Is It Dangerous When Dogs Eat Pomegranate?
It can be disappointing to learn you can’t share your favorite treat with your pets, but that’s why it’s important to do your research first! Pomegranates aren’t safe for dogs because they’re so full of fiber and difficult for dogs to digest. This can lead to a bowel obstruction and other serious health problems. Smaller dogs are particularly prone to obstructions and digestive issues after eating pomegranate seeds or skin. It’s especially unsafe for toy breeds like Puggles or Chihuahuas.
The other issue with pomegranates is they’re full of tannins. Tannins are complex compounds found in many fruits and plants, and they can cause stomach problems when ingested in large amounts. Dogs usually react poorly to the tannins in pomegranates, which leads to stomach problems.
Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate Peel Extract?
If you want your pup to enjoy the health benefits of pomegranates safely, then the best option is to find a pomegranate extract made from pomegranate skin. There are pomegranate extracts made specifically for dogs and they’re full of antioxidants that help promote heart health and fight aging.
Pomegranate extract can also help prevent other health issues. It can help promote healthy digestion and prevent canine oral health issues. The extract has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce bad breath and promote healthy gums!
What Happens If Your Dog Eats Pomegranate?
When dogs eat pomegranates, there’s a good chance they’ll get sick. While the pomegranate fruit isn’t toxic to dogs, it isn’t easily digestible and can cause big issues. If your dog ate too many pomegranate seeds, then this could require a trip to your vet. Watch your dog for signs of stomach distress and call your vet for more direct advice. Even if your dog only ate a few pomegranate seeds, you should still watch them closely for signs of obstructions.
The same advice goes for if your dog eats pomegranate skin or the fresh fruit itself. Watch for signs of distress and contact your vet. Make sure to keep this juicy fruit out of your dog’s reach! If you want your pup to get the health benefits of pomegranates, try adding other fruits into your dog’s diet, like avocado or pineapples! These fruits are rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin K, which makes them a safer and still healthy alternative to pomegranate.
Can I Give My Dog Pomegranate Juice?
Pomegranate juice is one of the safest options for your pup. You won’t have to worry about how the seeds or peels affect your dog’s stomach. The juice won’t make dogs sick as long as it’s served in small quantities.
Pomegranate juice can be added to dog food or mixed in with their water. It helps eliminate stinky dog breath, promotes healthy digestion, and has the potential to prevent oxidative damage in dogs.
The antioxidants and other benefits in pomegranate juice will boost your dog’s immune system, but you don’t want to give this treat in large quantities. Juice has too much sugar and can cause weight gain, diabetes, and other issues. Pomegranate extract is really the best way to get the benefits of this fruit and can still be added to dog foods with little effort.
How Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate Safely?
Now that you know all the details of pomegranates and how they affect dogs, it’s important to know that dogs can eat this fruit in certain forms. Avoid feeding your pup the seeds or peel and try to find pomegranate extract that’s made specifically for dogs.
Pomegranate extract helps support health in a variety of ways. It can help support oral, aging, and joint health, which makes it a great option for pet owners. It also reduces the risk of heart disease and oxidative damage. Small quantities of the extract or juice are perfectly fine to let your dog enjoy. Just make sure to avoid huge amounts and never feed your dog the seeds or peel because they’re a big choking hazard and can cause serious stomach issues.
Should I Give My Dog Pomegranate Extract?
Pomegranate extract is an excellent option for letting your pup enjoy the benefits of this fruit without the risks. This fruit is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, but the seeds and peels make it dangerous for dogs. When dogs eat pomegranates, there’s a potential for bowel blockages and other stomach problems. Giving dogs the extract will allow them to enjoy this tasty treat and all its magnificent benefits without having to actually eat pomegranates. Just avoid large quantities. You can always give your dog other tasty treats from your plate like zucchini or ham!