Pomegranates are tasty, tasty fruit. Their juice is refreshing and their seeds can be used to make a flavorful sauce. They’re easy to find. They’re also one of the healthiest fruits on the planet. So, what’s up with dogs? Is it safe for dogs to eat pomegranate? There are some folks out there who do not think that dogs should be allowed to eat pomegranates because of their seed content that has amygdalin, which produces cyanide when combined with fructose in the body.
Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate?
Absolutely! Dogs have a similar digestive system to humans and can safely consume pomegranates. This fruit is very nutritious and does not pose a health risk for dogs if eaten in moderation. Pomegranates contain antioxidants that are beneficial to their immune system and help eliminate free radicals that damage cells. The fiber in pomegranate is also beneficial to the digestive system and keeps the canine’s body functioning smoothly.
This fruit is safe for dogs if they ingest them only occasionally and in small-moderate quantities. Make sure you read the article below to get more information on how your pet can safely consume pomegranate.
Benefits Of Pomegranate for Dogs
Pomegranate is a fruit with many health benefits. It can reduce your pup’s risk of heart disease and lower cholesterol levels. This is because it contains the antioxidants anthocyanin and ellagic acid. Many people like to add pomegranate into a dog’s diet because it has no fat or sugar content, unlike other fruits that may contain high amounts of both substances. Additionally, they contain vitamin C which is important for cellular growth and reproduction, and even healthier skin and a lustrous coat.
However, although pomegranate contains these healthy nutrients, it should be eaten in moderation due to its powerful seeds that contain oxalic acids and amygdalin, which can affect the body’s ability to metabolize calcium and increase the risk for kidney stones or urinary tract infections in dogs. Although pomegranate seeds are still able to pass through the digestive system, the oxalic acid that is produced from the seeds can cause irritation in the stomach and intestines.
Keep in mind that dogs with a history of urinary tract issues should not consume pomegranate. If they have enlarged prostates or a bladder infection, they will also have to avoid this fruit.
How Much Pomegranate Is Safe For Dogs?
No matter how beneficial they are to a dog’s health, they should not be given in excess. It is best to only give a small amount of pomegranate as an occasional treat. Many experts who recommend pomegranates as part of your dog’s diet also warn against feeding them the entire fruit because it could cause an intestinal blockage.
Even though it is a healthy food, the fruit does contain a large amount of pectin. This can be a problem for dogs since their bodies do not tolerate it well. Since they do not digest carbohydrates well, almost anything containing pectin will cause the release of gases into the intestines and cause distention and bloating.
In addition, dogs do not have the ability to properly metabolize the citric acid found in pomegranate. In moderate amounts, this is fine, allowing the citric acid to help destroy bacteria and keep an animal’s pH levels balanced. However, if a pet consumes large amounts of pomegranate or too many treats containing it, they can become seriously ill. The citric acid can cause severe ulcers by cutting into the lining of his intestines and allowing harmful bacteria to enter. This can lead to a lot of pain, a very damaging infection in some areas of his intestines, and even death within a few days without professional care from your vet.
If your dog can safely eat a small number of pomegranates in treats or limited amounts and show no side effects, then it is perfectly fine to give them occasional treats containing the fruit. However, if your dog eats too much pomegranate or treats containing it, you need to take precautions and monitor him closely for signs of health problems.
Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate Seeds?
Yes, pomegranate seeds can be fed to your dog in moderation. Be sure not to feed your dog the entire pomegranate seed because you may expose him to too much of the oxalic acids and amygdalin that these seeds contain.
Here’s more on Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate Seeds?
If you give your dog pomegranate seeds, be sure to remove the membrane before serving them to your pet. Smaller dogs should only be given a few seeds while larger breeds can enjoy up to 10 seeds at one time.
Can Dogs Drink Pomegranate Juice?
Yes. Pomegranate juice is full of antioxidants that boost your dog’s immune system and help cleanse the liver. The antioxidant properties of pomegranate juice help with arthritis by reducing pain and inflammation and act as an anti-inflammatory that can be beneficial for canines with allergies or asthma.
But be careful! Pomegranate juice should be given to dogs only in moderation. Find out more on: Can Dogs Drink Pomegranate Juice?
Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate Peels?
Possibly! The exterior of a pomegranate is actually comprised largely of water-soluble, low molecular weight polysaccharides (such as arabinogalactans) which are not recognized by most animals. However, dogs do consume pomegranate seeds, and believe it or not, they can eat the whole fruit with the peel so it is likely, not toxic.
Explore more on: Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate Peels?
Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate Yogurt?
Yes. Pomegranate yogurt is an excellent choice for dogs. There are no adverse side effects, it’s all-natural, and it tastes great. As long as your dog’s diet includes healthy fruits and vegetables, he can eat this yogurt without any problems.
Read the full article here: Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate Yogurt?
Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate Ice Cream?
No. The problem here is not with pomegranate but the contents of ice cream. The truth is, dogs’ digestive systems are not designed to process sugars and sweeteners found in what we commonly refer to as “ice cream”, so it’s not recommended for our canine friends.
Also, check out: Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate Popsicle?
Dog-Friendly Pomegranate Recipes
There are plenty of great pomegranate recipes that can be made for your dog that include this fruit, but it is important to know how much you should prepare for them. Cooking with pomegranates can be simple if you have a slow cooker since they have to cook all day on low heat.
When selecting the fruit, look for fruits that feel heavy in your hand and show no bruising. To prepare, you need to cut the crown off by slicing it around it until it falls off. You can then break up the fruit into individual segments.
Pomegranate Dog Treats
If you are looking for a great pomegranate recipe to make, then consider making dog treats that include this fruit! Simply mix 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger, and ½ cup of low-fat yogurt together in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together ½ cup of wheat germ and 1 egg white.
Form the dough from the first bowl into 15 balls and roll them in the wheat germ mixture. Coat each ball completely to make pomegranate treats for your dog!
They will be a hit with any dog, but these treats are best for older dogs with sensitive stomachs. They can be fed to puppies too, but you will need to monitor how much they eat since they cannot eat as much as an adult dog can.
Conclusion
Can dogs eat pomegranate? The answer is yes. Dogs can eat a pomegranate. However, the only thing to keep in mind if you do decide to give them some pomegranate is that it may cause possible gastrointestinal issues including diarrhea and vomiting. So, you will want to monitor the dog closely. This fruit does contain many antioxidants and has a very high vitamin C content, but still, caution must be taken before giving this fruit to your dog.
To explore more, check out our other pomegranate-related dog articles that you might be interested in.
How often do you share pomegranates with your dog? Do they like the taste of pomegranates? We would love to hear from you. Please share with our community by leaving a comment below!