Can Dogs Eat Dragon fruit?

Dragon fruits are such strange yet stunning-looking fruits. These exotic, yummy fruits make such a great afternoon snack. So, when your dog wants some, you cannot just keep them staring, right? But can dogs eat dragon fruit?

Congratulations, because the answer is yes! Your lovely pup can enjoy is healthy and tasty fruit (if they like it, though, and you need to read further why they may not). 

Are Dragon Fruits Safe For Dogs?

Now that you desire to add some exotic dragon fruits to your pup’s diet. As pretty as they might appear, it’s a good thing you can feed your dog dragon fruit. But in moderation.

Let us look at some of its benefits

1. High vitamin and mineral content

Dragon fruits are a great source of vitamins and minerals. The vitamins are:

Vitamin B1– helps synthesize carbohydrates, which in return provide energy to your pup’s entire body.

And vitamins such as C, B1, B2, and B3, as well as minerals such as Calcium and phosphorus, help support your dog’s overall health, by maintaining bone and muscle health.

2. Antioxidants

These fruits are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and betalains, which have oxidative stress-releasing properties, which help boost immunity. And also, it is worth mentioning that vitamin C, supports oral health.

3. Low calories

If your dog is somehow gaining weight, dragon fruits might be a great treat, as they are pretty low in calories. These will also keep your pup hydrated (due to their high water content) and full for extended periods of time.

4. High fiber content

Dragon fruits are rich in dietary fibers, which can help smoothen bowel movement in dogs and prevent issues like constipation (article).

Health Risks of Feeding Dragon Fruits to Dogs

So, is feeding dragon fruits to dogs all rainbows and unicorns? Not really. Or else why would we suggest that you feed them dragon fruits in moderation? 

The issues are as follows:

1. Gastrointestinal issues

The natural sugar in dragon fruits is definitely better than any edible product containing artificial sweeteners, but still, the high sugar content can induce gastrointestinal issues. These can include diarrhea, vomiting, and discomfort. 

2. Dental issues

The high amount of sugar and vitamin C in dragon fruit can easily be a cause of dental and oral problems such as tooth decay and gum diseases. 

3. Choking hazard

Dragon fruits contain small black seeds, and while the seeds are not toxic, your pup, especially if he belongs to a small breed, might choke on them. 

We advise you to remove the seeds carefully before giving them to your sweet fur baby.

4. Hair and skin issues

Too much sugar content in dragon fruits can cause hair loss and skin infections due to allergic reactions. Do check for allergies beforehand by talking to your family vet.

5. Digestive blockage

Sometimes, if your pup consumes large amounts of dragon fruit skin, it can potentially lead to digestive blockage. Do remove all of the skin before feeding your pup some dragon fruit.

How Do You Safely Feed Your Dog Some Dragon Fruit?

First, consult a veterinarian before feeding your canine companion any new foods. Ask them about their allergies and how they would be affected if they consume too much. They will further guide you through.

Choose organically grown, locally sourced dragon fruits that are free of harmful chemicals and pesticides. When you bring them home, wash the dragon fruits thoroughly. This will keep the fruit free from accumulated debris, dirt or chemicals. Doggy tummies are not built to consume such harsh substances.

Give your pup a small piece of the dragon fruit so they may get the taste of the flesh. Your pupper might not find it palatable after a small taste since the dragon fruit’s strange, mushy flesh may put off some of these fur babies.

But, if your pooch likes the little treat, you might want to remove the skin completely before offering them anymore.

The skin of dragon fruits is not necessarily very toxic, but consuming it will not be suitable for your pup’s delicate stomach. 

Since your pup might choke on them, mashing the fruits into a liquid-ish consistency is far better. You can even add this to their well-balanced meals for some extra nutrients.

Can Dogs Eat Dragon Fruit Jam?

The dragon fruit jam that makes your morning peanut butter jelly sandwiches so exotic, could have been the tastiest treat for your pup. But since it is store-bought, it might not be that trustworthy. 

Store-bought fruit jams (in this case, dragon fruit jams) are full of harsh chemicals and contain a small amount of real fruits. Moreover, the amount of sugar content is way too unhealthy for your dog’s consumption. 

So here is how you make some dragon fruit jam with only natural ingredients at home.

You will need:

• 1 big dragon fruit
• 2-3 teaspoons of granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons of lemon juice.

Now, follow these steps:

1. Slice dragon fruit in half lengthwise, and scoop out the flesh of the dragon fruit.
2. In a medium-sized saucepan, pour in the dragon fruit pulp and combine it with sugar. 
3. Let it simmer over medium heat. Cook the dragon fruit and sugar mixture until it has a jam-like consistency. Keep stirring frequently so the mixture does not stick to the saucepan. This should take about 30 minutes.

Point to be noted: if the mixture does not thicken enough after 30 minutes, make a cornstarch slurry (two tablespoons cold water and one tablespoon cornstarch – mix well before adding) and combine it into the jam. Allow the jam to cook a bit longer until it thickens.

4. Once it is thick enough, add the lemon juice, stir, and continue to cook for two more minutes.
5. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before transferring to a glass jar with a lid. Store in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to two weeks (article).

This jam is safe for your pup and for your consumption. But your pup should eat it only in moderation, as the sugar can have harmful consequences on your pup’s overall health.

Make them an occasional peanut butter jelly sandwich using two slices of whole wheat bread, xylitol-free peanut butter, and some of your tasty homemade dragon fruit jam. This will keep them happy and energetic.

A Recipe With Dragon Fruits to Make Pup-Safe Dog Treats

When dragon fruits are so beneficial for your pup, then why wouldn’t you want to find some great ways to feed some to them?

And moreover, you can add more fruits here and there for some extra health boost. Let us learn how to make yummy and nutritious frozen dog treats for your pup.

You are going to need:

• 1 big banana
• 1 ½ cups of strawberries
• 1 ½ cups of shredded coconut
• 1 medium-sized dragon fruit
• ½ cup applesauce
• A blender
• Popsicle tray

In this case, you would not need to remove the dragon fruit seeds, as they would be mushed together with the other fruits. Chop the fruits as needed and pour them into the blender. Blend them until they have a liquid-like consistency. Make sure there are no pieces big enough to pose a choking hazard to your dog. 

Pour the blend into the popsicle tray and let it freeze overnight. Take the popsicles out during a hot summer day or after rough play session. This will ease your sweaty pupper and also provide them energy to thrive.  

Final Thoughts

Dragon fruits are not one of the notorious foods that are poisonous to dogs until you feed them to your pup in moderation. Too much dragon fruit induces gastrointestinal issues or hinders other bodily functions. 

Always talk to a veterinarian first, no matter what food you feed your dog. All dogs are unique. And just because a certain food works well for your neighbor’s dog does not mean it will work the same for your pup. 

Frequently Asked Questions