Rich in antioxidants, pomegranates are considered a superfood for their anti-inflammatory properties and ability to help fight cancer and increase heart health. Pomegranates are safe for dogs to eat when added to recipes specifically formulated for canines. While non-toxic for dogs when prepared correctly, most veterinarians don’t recommend giving dogs raw pomegranates since these fruits can create issues with their digestive systems. Puppies have even more sensitive systems so definitely avoid adding pomegranates to their diets. When having a pomegranate, you’ll want to be especially careful with the arils including the seeds.
Some vegetables and fruits are perfectly healthy to add to a dog’s diet but many are unhealthy or even poisonous for dogs to eat. Pomegranates are unfortunately one of those fruits that you should not give your dogs.
To help you learn more, we’ve compiled a guide on pomegranates for dogs. From reasons why dogs should not eat pomegranate seeds to treatment advice, explore why the fruit is bad for dogs.
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Are Pomegranates Good For Dogs?
Pomegranates contain many nutrients that are healthy for dogs. Unfortunately, these benefits don’t compensate for the negative impact that this fruit can have on your canine companions. Pomegranates are brightly colored fruit and are known for their ruby-red seed pods found inside their tough skin. These seedpods are called arils and are entirely edible for humans. Unfortunately, dogs don’t digest any type of seeds very well and they also tend to swallow them whole. This is one of the major reasons why you should not give your dogs pomegranates.
When the arils are eaten, they can wreak havoc on a dog’s digestive system. In addition, the acidity from pomegranates can cause stomach pain because a canine’s digestive system is much more sensitive to acidity than a human’s. Be sure to discard any pomegranate peels since they are hard for dogs to digest and may also pose a choking risk.
Pomegranates are also high in tannins, which are antioxidants. Most antioxidants are good for dogs and can help reduce cellular oxidative damage. In addition, they promote heart health, strengthen immune systems, and improve vision. Unfortunately, tannins are different. They can be toxic to dogs in large enough quantities. Luckily, it’s unlikely that your dog will eat enough pomegranates to reach that level. Instead, they commonly experience digestive issues, which usually entail vomiting and diarrhea.
Many other fruits and vegetables are perfectly safe for dogs to eat so give them those options instead!
Do You Grow Pomegranates In Your Garden?
Some people like to grow their own fruit. Pomegranates are very common since they provide so many health benefits for us. If you cultivate pomegranates in your backyard, make sure that there is no way that your dogs can get to them. This will avoid any potential issues around them eating pomegranate fruits accidentally. Ideally, securely fence the plants in your garden so that they aren’t accessible to your dogs or any other canines that may wander onto your property.
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Pomegranate
Monitor your dogs for warning signs if you think that they’ve accidentally eaten pomegranates. Small amounts of this fruit are usually safe for dogs to eat and shouldn’t lead to any serious health risks. Keep your dogs properly hydrated as it will help them pass the fruit. It is common for dogs to have diarrhea or start vomiting after eating pomegranates.
If the symptoms are severe, you should contact your veterinarian right away. They will likely provide instructions on how to induce vomiting, which will expel the fruit from your dogs’ systems. In addition, your dogs may require additional treatment including solutions to help with dehydration related to diarrhea and vomiting.
But don’t panic and remain calm! Pomegranates are found in many commercial dog treats and food. They’ve just been processed in a way that makes them easier for dogs to digest. In fact, some studies have shown that extracts from pomegranate peels have positive impacts on a dog’s digestive system and overall gut health.
No, Dogs Can’t Eat Pomegranates
It’s an awesome idea to incorporate fruits and vegetables into your dogs’ diets. However, they need to be the right types of fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, pomegranates aren’t the safest option for your dogs. If you have any questions about their diets, you should talk to your veterinarian since they fully understand your pets’ history including any potential allergies. The best dog foods are designed to be a complete source of all the essential nutrients that a dog needs to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. We recommend conducting the appropriate research to choose the right options for your dogs.