Can Dogs Eat Pomegranates?
Most individuals eat the pomegranate seeds. They can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs, Dr. Klein says. He also notes that the most common symptoms to be aware of include diarrhea and vomiting, especially if a dog has ingested a quantity that is moderate to large, since they cannot be digested easily. “They can also cause a blockage in the digestive tract,” he continues. Can Dogs Eat Pomegranates?
With this in mind, it’s safer not to offer your dog raw pomegranates. Also, while chocolate-coated pomegranate seeds are a delicious human treat, don’t offer them to your animal because of the seeds and since chocolate is toxic to dogs. Can Dogs Eat Pomegranates?
What to Do if Your Dog Eats Pomegranates
If your dog eats your pomegranate seeds, chocolate-covered pomegranate seeds, or pomegranate rinds, contact a veterinarian right away. If your normal clinic is not open, you need to call your local emergency veterinarian to find out if your dog needs attention. Can Dogs Eat Pomegranates?
Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate Seeds? Can Dogs Eat Pomegranates?
Don’t feed your dog pomegranate seeds. All the small, crunchy little round objects that are in the middle of the fruit are difficult for dogs to eliminate and will cause an intestinal obstruction. Can Dogs Eat Pomegranates?
A seed or two retrieved off the floor is not going to kill very badly, especially if your hound is a big, healthy grown-up dog. But in great numbers might be more of an issue. Can Dogs Eat Pomegranates?
My Dog Ate a Pomegranate. What Do I Do?
If you discover that your dog has managed to get their paws on a pomegranate, monitor for signs of upset stomach. One or two seeds likely won’t harm them, but more than that may cause your dog to vomit or get diarrhea. If you are unsure how much your dog has ingested, or if your dog is experiencing these symptoms and is lethargic or dazed, call your veterinarian. Also, call your veterinarian if you catch your dog eating any of the pomegranate rind or stem. Can Dogs Eat Pomegranates?
While most dogs will be okay if they consume a single or two pomegranate seeds, there are other dogs that can face worse problems. If you are concerned about how many pomegranate seeds or skin your dog has consumed, call your vet. A vet can give you help based on your dog’s past, age, weight, and health problems. Can Dogs Eat Pomegranates?
What To Feed Your Dog Instead of Pomegranates
Overall, the following fruits are safe for dogs to eat. As with any new food (yes, even the healthy, safe ones!), you’ll want to introduce fruit into your dog’s diet in moderation and watch for signs of gastrointestinal upset.
- Apple
- Banana
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupe
- Cherries
- Kiwi
- Peach
- Mango
- Pear
- Pineapple
- Orange
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Watermelon
Remember that not every type of fruit is safe for dogs to eat. Some fruit, including grapes, should be avoided because they are toxic to dogs. Can Dogs Eat Pomegranates?
3 Things to Consider When Feeding Your Dog Pomegranate
The health benefits of pomegranates qualify them as a human superfood because they offer antioxidants and nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folic acid. The canine digestive system, however, does not digest the fruit in the same way, and pomegranates pose other risks to your dog.
- Pomegranate seeds and peel are a choking hazard. Parts of the fruits can be choking hazards for your pet. Choking may result from too many pomegranate seeds being consumed by your pet at once, and the fruit peel can cause an intestinal blockage in your dog’s stomach.
- It is fiber-rich. While all dogs do need some dietary fiber in order to maintain a healthy digestive system, excessive pomegranate can lead to gastrointestinal issues like stomach discomfort or diarrhea in your pet.
- The tannins may cause upset stomach. Tannins are a pomegranate and other fruits’ chemical that may cause vomiting or diarrhea in dogs. While not every dog reacts poorly to tannins, and not even a small amount of pomegranate will harm them, you are still better off being cautious to feed your dog pomegranate.
What Kind of Pomegranates Can Dogs Eat?
Pomegranates are packed with wholesome nutrients, and your dog’s complete and balanced diet might already include pomegranate for this reason. Also, research finds foods with pomegranate will stay fresher longer. Can Dogs Eat Pomegranates?
Sticking to commercial dog foods and treats with pomegranate is your best bet to avoid an upset stomach and get the most benefit. However, if you’re curious about fresh fruit or if your dog snags a taste accidentally, here’s what’s safe and what’s not: Can Dogs Eat Pomegranates?
| Pomegranate Part or Prep | Is It Dog-Safe? |
|---|---|
| Raw pomegranate seeds | Yes |
| Fresh-squeezed pomegranate juice | Yes |
| Pomegranate extract or oil | Yes, when incorporated into commercially available dog treats and food |
| Pomegranate juice with added sugars | No |
| Pomegranate rind | No |
| Pomegranate skin | No |
If your dog is curious, pomegranate seeds may be fed as an occasional small treat, provided that it’s only a few.
Moderation is the key
Even though pomegranates have a few health benefits, too much intake of this fruit leads to stomach irritation. Start with a small amount and observe the reaction of your dog. Too much intake leads to diarrhoea or vomiting, which is not a pleasant experience for your dog and could lead to dehydration if severe. Can Dogs Eat Pomegranates?
Correct preparation
Always prepare the pomegranate properly before distributing it to your dog. Give only the seeds (arils) and throw away the rind and pith. The outer rind and whitish membrane are hard to digest and can lead to choking or intestinal obstruction.
Watch for evidence of an allergic reaction
Just like humans, dogs can have allergies or sensitivities to certain foods. When introducing pomegranate for the first time, keep a close eye on your dog for any signs of an allergic reaction.
Symptoms can include itching, swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, or gastrointestinal distress. If any of these occur, stop feeding pomegranate and consult your vet immediately.
Watch for choking hazards
The seeds of a pomegranate are small, but they can pose as a potential choking hazard,