Dog owners love to share food with their furry friend and dogs love it when food is shared. But not all foods that are good and healthy for you are good for your dog too.
In fact, some foods are just plain dangerous for your dog. But what about fruits? Can dogs eat pears?
You may be surprised that some fruits are as beneficial to your dog as they are to you. Given in moderation, many fruits can provide a healthy snack for your dog. Other fruits need to be avoided altogether.
Is it Safe for Your Dog to Eat Pears?
The short answer: Yes.
When eaten in moderation, pears can provide a healthy snack for your dog. Pears are packed with vitamin C, vitamin A and fiber. Too many pears, however, can cause your dog to experience an upset stomach and diarrhea.
Limiting your dog’s pear consumption to approximately 10% of their daily intake is recommended by veterinarians. A small portion given occasionally can have many health benefits for your dog.
What about Canned Pears?
Like most canned fruits, pears contain to much sugar and should not be given to dogs. Canned fruits can give your dog an upset tummy and can lead to obesity. Sticking to fresh fruits is the safest option for your dog.
A Dog’s Diet: How to Include Pears
Before giving your dog a pear you will need to wash the pear thoroughly. Fruits contain bacteria and pesticides and should always be washed prior to eating.
Leave the skin on the pear, as the skin contains much of the nutrients found in pears.
Pears can be cut up into small, bite-size pieces and given either alone or mixed with dry dog food. If your dog is picky about eating dry dog food, cut-up pears can be a great way to get your dog to eat their food.
Because pears contain seeds and traces of toxin cyanide, it is best to cut pears into small, bite-sized pieces. Try to remove any seeds and never give your dog the core.
Pears can also be used in recipes that are especially created for dog’s. A simple online search for dog recipes that includes pears is a great way to give your dog a delicious, yet healthy snack.
Benefits and Disadvantages of Pears for Your Dog
As with most fruits, pears can be beneficial to your dog but can also have certain disadvantages. Understanding the benefits and disadvantages are key to ensuring your dog stays healthy and doesn’t experience negative results from eating pears.
Benefits of Pears
Pears are an excellent source of vitamins that can produce many health benefits:
- Vitamin A – promotes healthy vision, supports the immune system, and helps the heart, longs, kidneys and other organs work properly.
- Vitamin B1 – is essential for glucose metabolism and helps with nerve, muscle and heart functions
- Vitamin B2 – helps maintain the body’s energy supply.
- Vitamin C – acts as an antioxidant, helping to convert food into energy.
- Vitamin E – also acts as and antioxidant.
- Vitamin K – helps blood clotting, bone metabolism and regulates blood calcium levels.
Pears also contain fiber which improves heart health, lowers cholesterol and prevents constipation and diarrhea. Not only that but they contain oxidants that protect cells from deteriorating, fighting cancer and helping prevent problems that come with aging.
Disadvantages of Pears
Although giving pears to your dog has many health benefits, it is possible to give too much.
Pears do contain sugar that can speed up the process of tooth decay.
Pears can lead to diarrhea when given more than the 20% recommended daily fiber consumption
When giving dogs pears it is essential to remove the stem, core and seeds. Pear seeds contain cyanide and should not be given to your dog. In the same respect, the core of the pear can cause your dog to choke.
How Do Pears Compare With Feeding Your Dog Other Kinds of Fruits?
Not all fruits are advantages to a dog’s health. Some fruits can be toxic to your dog. While pears are generally safe, it is best to limit your dog’s intake to small amounts occasionally.
Things to Watch For
Although pears can be an excellent source of protein, not all dogs will be able to stomach them. Watch for any behavioral changes, illness or changes in bowels.
When giving your dog pears for the first time wait at least 24 hours before offering more.
Fruits to Avoid
There are many fruits that dogs should not eat. Here is a list of fruits that you should never give a dog:
- Avocado – contains persin, which is toxic to dogs
- Cherries – because of the pits, cherries should not be given to dogs
- Coconut – avoid this fruit if your dog is overweight. Otherwise can be given in moderation
- Figs – contains Ficin which can cause drooling and diarrhea
- Grapes – can lead to kidney failure
- Plums – pits in plums can cause blockage to your dog’s bowels
Key Points
- Pears are generally healthy for your dog when given in moderation. They are packed with vitamins that are healthy for your dog. If you’re not sure how much is too much, ask your vet.
- Check out online recipes for dogs that include pears for an extra healthy, tasty treat.
- Allow 24 hours or more after the dogs first experience with pears to ensure that your dog doesn’t have a negative reaction to the fruit.
- Always prepare the pear by washing them thoroughly and removing the stem, core and seeds. Be sure to leave the skin on the pear which is the part of the pear that is most beneficial to your dog
- So can dogs eat pears? Absolutely. All-in-all pears are a wonderful fruit to give to your dog. They can help promote strong, healthy bones, healthy teeth and are a great source of vitamins and proteins.
- Following these simple guidelines will allow your dog to have a healthy, nutritional snack. Without the worries of safety or illness.
