Humans love this famous tropical fruit, but the question arises about whether it is safe for our pooches or “can dogs eat durian?”
If we have to answer this question in short – then yes, you can feed your dog durian in moderation, as this is an excellent alternative to unhealthy dog treats. However, there are a lot of things that you have to consider. But don’t worry! In this article, you will find all your answers about durian and dogs.
Is Durian Good For Dogs?
Yes! This human food is a fantastic fruit for your dog’s health as it is not only delicious but also super nutritious. Let’s have a look at the reasons why we love durian for dogs so much:
1. Nutrients
The best part about durian is that they can be eaten raw like any other fruit! This is because it is nutritious, and cooking it can decrease the nutritional value. You would be surprised to know that this fruit is packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, potassium, manganese, and folate.
2. Healthy fats
Obesity is a common health problem in dogs, and some dogs are even intolerant to pancreatitis, which is caused by consuming heavy fat diets (study). And well, durians to the rescue! This fruit has healthy fats, which will not harm your dog’s health or add much to their weight if you feed your dog durian in moderation.
3. Fibrous
Last but not least, durians are good for dogs who often suffer from constipation issues or digestive problems. If fed properly with a balanced diet, this fibrous fruit can ease out the bowels and make digestion easier for your pooch.
Things to Keep in Mind When Feeding Durian to Dogs
Now that you know durian is safe for dogs, it is time to jump onto the part where we discuss the things you should keep in mind when feeding your dog durian:
1. Moderation
Be it any food- it is super important to feed it to your dog in moderation and as a part of a balanced diet. If you are making durian food for your dog, you can do several things with it like:
- Make a slushie and serve it with their main meal.
- Add other human foods like peas, broccoli, apples, bananas, eggs, etc.
- Mix durian with kibbles.
2. Seeds and rind
Secondly, always remember that only the flesh part of durian is edible and safe, not the spikey rind or the seeds. In fact, the seeds of durian consist of a toxin named cyanide, which is a deadly poison to dogs if consumed in heavy amounts (article). The rinds, on the other hand, can cause choking hazards or bleeding. If anything such occurs, please seek medical assistance immediately.
3. Durian products
Another thing that you should remember is that durian is safe for dogs, but their commercial products in the market are definitely not it! Especially candies and processed sweet items can contain xylitol which is toxic to dogs (study). Moreover, the additives in processed durian products do nothing good to humans or furry animals.
Conclusion
Our final thoughts on “can dogs eat durian?” is yes. You can add moderate chunks of durian to your dog’s meals, but here is what you have to keep in mind! When feeding your dog this tropical fruit, you should always keep the seeds away from their sight, as the seeds are the real culprit here. Cyanide poisoning can be deadly to dogs, and we are sure after having a yummy feast, the last thing your dog wants is to fall sick. Hence, before feeding your any new human food, do not forget to consult your veterinarian.
The amount of durian for dogs depends on factors such as size, breed, and individual tolerance. Generally, you should start with a small amount of durian fruit, gradually increase your dog’s intake, and make a balanced diet for your pooch.
No! You should not feed your dog durian chips. The primary reason is that they are fried, aka loaded with fat, and contain excessive salt and additives that are harmful to dogs. Hence, you should only feed your dog plain durian.
Durian ice creams contain a lot of sugar and dairy that can be harmful to dogs. This is why it is not recommended to feed your dog any durian sweets, as they might also contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
No! Durian itself is not toxic to dogs, but it can trigger allergic reactions in dogs who might be sensitive to it. Also, durian seeds should be avoided to eliminate the risk of cyanide poisoning.
