Are you wondering about “can dogs eat pomegranate?” if yes, you are at the right place! In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about pomegranates and dogs.
From benefits and risks to preparation and alternatives- we have covered it all for you!
Are Pomegranates Good For Dogs?
Even though they are not the bestest choice for dogs, there are a few health benefits of pomegranates for dogs. Such as:
- Antioxidants
- Vitamin C
- Heart health- low fat
- Fibrous
- Anti-inflammatory properties
Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate Seeds?
Dogs cannot eat rinds or pomegranate skin, but can dogs eat pomegranate seeds? Let’s dig a bit deeper into it:
1. Is cyanide the problem?
Well, surprisingly, no! Technically, dogs can eat pomegranate seeds as they are not considered to be toxic. If you are worried that it may contain cyanide in amounts that can harm your dog, it is unlikely for that to happen. However, you should be cautious of this toxin, cyanide, when feeding your dog apples, apricots, mangoes, or melons.
BUT! The seeds do contain a compound called tannins. Tannins can cause harm to your dog’s health if consumed in massive amounts (article). So, to avoid the risk, you should keep the pomegranate treats very minimal for dogs.
2. Choking hazard
One of the big problems with feeding your dog pomegranate seeds is that they can cause choking hazards. Especially if you have a small-sized dog who is an eager eater, gobbling down the food must be their forte, but it is unhealthy! It is also very likely that your dog swallows the whole pomegranate ball (with the rind) because, well- it does look tempting!
As a responsible dog owner, you should keep an eye on your dog. It is crucial to ensure that none of that happens (if nightmares are not really your thing!).
3. Digestive obstruction
Similar to the choking hazards, if your dog ate too many pomegranate seeds. If they do not chew it well, the seeds can get stuck and cause gastrointestinal obstruction. This can be a health hazard for dogs. So, if your dog shows signs of diarrhea, abdominal pain, or lethargy, then a drive to your veterinarian would be a good choice!
How to Prepare Pomegranate For Dogs?
Don’t worry! There is a way to feed your dog pomegranate and add a punch of juiciness to their meals. Here is a step-by-step safe and practical way to prepare pomegranate for your dog:
Step 1: Cut the pomegranate into small sections
Step 2: Carefully and gently remove the pomegranate fleshy part from the white pith and membranes.
Step 3: Submerge the pomegranate seeds into a large bowl of water
Step 4: Delicately remove any access “white pith” from the flesh. While the white parts will float, the fleshy part will be resting at the bottom.
Once done, you can drain and serve some to your pooch!
Alternatives of Pomegranate For Dogs
Here are some cool and fun alternatives for pomegranate for dogs because let’s admit it- no one wants to spend hours peeling off the mith and seeds!
So, here you go:
1. Berries
Instead of giving your dog a pomegranate after 2 hours of peeling the flesh off, please provide them with something more accessible on the go! We are talking about the berries! Unless your dog is diabetic, you can toss them blueberries, blackberries, cherries (pit less), and strawberries. This will be as juicy as pomegranate and also serve essential nutrients to your dog.
2. Apples (seedless)
Another alternative can be apples! They are crunchy, juicy, and full of flavor! The only catch is to remove the seeds before serving to the dogs. Rest assured, there are many health benefits of apples to dogs, which makes them a perfect evening snack!
3. Apricot (pitless)
If you want to give your dog something fleshy, juicy, and less time-consuming human food, we recommend apricots! Like apples, you must remove the large pit from the center of the apricots. Once removed, the flesh part is sweet and tangy, making pomegranate a perfect addition to your dog’s regular meals.
Conclusion
Our final thoughts on “can dogs eat pomegranate?” is yes. Dogs can eat pomegranate in moderation. However, the process of peeling pomegranate and removing the seeds can be tiring and may not be a staple for every dog owner.
If you still want to feed your dog pomegranate, toss some to your dog as a small treat. You can even mix pomegranates into your dog’s meals or toss them in the air- it’s all your call!
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The rind or pomegranate skin can cause severe choking hazards in dogs. You should never let your dog sniff one and gobble it down. If your dog did, be sure to get in touch with your veterinarian immediately. This can be an emergency situation, as it can also lead to gastrointestinal obstruction.
Yes. Unless the yogurt includes xylitol, which is a toxin for dogs (article). You can feed your dog unsweetened pomegranate yogurt in small amounts. You can also make it at home by adding pomegranate pulpy juice to the yogurt.
Pomegranate seeds are not toxic to dogs, but you should not feed your dog the leaves and the branches. There can be numerous amounts of pesticides, bacteria, and insecticides that will harm your dog’s immune system and overall health. And, of course, do not forget that choking hazard is one of the most common health problems in dogs.
Yes, puppies can eat pomegranate in small amounts. It would be best only to feed them pomegranate seeds mixed with kibbles or other foods. If you serve them in massive quantities at once, this will likely cause choking hazards.
Yes and No. Yes, because the unsweetened, homemade version is healthy for dogs in realistic and moderate amounts. No, because commercialized or packed ones contain massive amounts of sugar and preservatives, which are bad for dog’s health.