Pomegranates and dogs have a baffling relationship that we can’t simplify to a yes or no. So, can dogs eat pomegranate? We are going to explore. Pomegranates are proven to be some of the most nutritionally dense superfoods accessible for humans, but the issue still arises whether or not it is suitable for dogs. Indeed as the pomegranate is a fruit, dogs can have it in specific proper ways. Let us learn about it in detail.
Table of Contents
What are pomegranates?
The pomegranate, scientifically called Punica granatum, is a shrub that bears red, sweet, and delicious fruit. It is 2-5 inches in diameter and contains seeds and crystal red arils that are the edible parts of the fruit.
It can be eaten raw, extracted from its powder, or processed into juice. They are very rich in nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Antioxidants, and Potassium.
It is considered a very premium variety of superfoods, and that’s why we can find it in various forms like juice, fruit, powders, extracts, supplements, etc.
Benefits of Pomegranate
- It helps protect against heart diseases.
- It regulates your blood pressure.
- It protects against types of cancer.
- It helps with erectile dysfunction.
- Anti-inflammatory properties.
- Weight loss assistance.
- Delay cell damage in our bodies.
- Flawless skin.
- Great for diabetes.
Can My Dog Eat Pomegranate?
Firstly, pomegranates are not toxic to dogs. They instead possess plenty of health benefits for our dog in any provided forms.
However, if your dog devours a raw pomegranate in a large quantity, it may suffer from indigestion and vomiting. You could instead feed it in small amounts or maybe give treats enhanced with pomegranate extracts.
Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate Seeds?
No, pomegranate seeds are not suitable for dogs, and also it isn’t the tasty and piquant part of the fruit either. We can quickly fulfill dogs’ nutritional value from a pomegranate through the juicy part of the arils, and seeds can cause indigestion and choke the dog.
But we should also take this with a grain of salt, considering that dogs and humans are differently constituted.
Dogs do not process the nutrients from their food into their systems the same way that humans do, and that’s the reason why they fail to digest tiny pomegranate seeds and get affected by them.
It’s primarily due to the anthocyanins and ellagic acids present in the tannins, which are difficult to break down by the canine’s digestive tract.
Benefits of Pomegranate Extract for Dogs
The juicy part and the seedy natural part of the pomegranate may cause health issues in dogs. Meanwhile, the pomegranate extracts have been considered potentially very healthy and beneficial to your dog’s diet.
The addition of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) in your dog’s diet has proved to improve its digestion, microbial infections, respiratory issues, intestinal tract health, and heart health. Consult your vet for the dosage instructions and sourcing of the extracts, and feed your dog accordingly.
Are Pomegranates Good for Dogs?
Pomegranates are a good source of plenty of nutrients necessary for a human as well as a dog. The fruit proves to be a productive intake for dogs; just the form of input needs to be as recommended and of the suggested amount for your pet.
Various research studies show the importance and benefits of pomegranates for dogs, which is why you usually find pomegranate or pomegranate extracts in dog foods, treats, and canine dietary supplements, designed specifically for dogs and promoting animal health and peculiar nutritional measures.
Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants, which are used widely in the formulation of dog food and dietary supplements to provide efficient health benefits and minimize gastric inflammation issues.
Are Pomegranates Bad for Dogs?
If considered biologically, the pomegranate seeds are not poisonous to dogs like few other foods. Eating a pomegranate accidentally or maybe intentionally by a dog isn’t going to cause severe health issues like organ failures or death.
The only problems your dog will go through are acute indigestion or vomiting. This indigestion happens due to tannins in the seeds, which hinder the digestive process abruptly and result in vomiting and diarrhea.
Pomegranate peels must also be disposed of properly so that your dog doesn’t gulp them and gets choked by them.
Pomegranate in dog food
Nowadays, the widespread availability of packed and scientifically specific formulated food options is on the inception of prevalence. Many food brands incorporate various forms of pomegranate in pet foods and sell them for ease in keeping track of a balanced diet for your dog.
They try and go for suitable but efficient ingredient choices for all categories of animals. This advancement in the pet food industry makes us believe that if professionals design these food recipes for our dogs.
It might be a perfect and nutritional blend of ingredients for your furry companion. If this is the case, it’s a straightforward go-for-it sign; otherwise, avoid feeding pomegranates to your dogs.
Signs your dog has eaten pomegranate
If by any chance you suspect that your dog ate some pomegranate in your absence, monitor him closely for few hours and keep hydrating it as much as possible so that it might throw up all the pomegranate in the system and get relieved.
It may show some unusual irritation gestures, and that’s the time you must call your vet for assistance. Most probably, this ends well, and the dog vomits itself, discharging the harmful stuff out. Still, every dog and breed is different and will react to the situation according to its digestive tolerability.
FAQs
Can my puppy have pomegranate?
Yes, a small amount of raw pomegranate is acceptable and won’t cause much harm. Still, if you wish to add pomegranate to your regular diet, you must consider choosing some food options or supplements containing pomegranate extracts.
Can dogs drink pomegranate?
Yes, if you prepared a pomegranate juice, it’s a suitable intake medium for dogs and won’t affect them negatively in any way. Just take care of the amount you give them and maintain a balanced and infrequent addition of pomegranate juice.
What fruits and vegetables can dogs eat?
Fruits and vegetables are full of nutrients and are a good source of vegetarian diet intake for dogs. Some of the suitable items are :
Strawberries, Pineapples, Watermelon, Orange, Pears, Peaches, Cranberries, Blueberries, Apples, and Bananas.
Broccoli, Carrots, Celery, Brussel sprouts, Cucumbers, Green beans, and Peas
What fruits are the most toxic to dogs?
Grapes and Raisins are the most toxic food items for dogs and can even cause sudden kidney failures and death.
