Yes, dogs can eat pears. Pears contain health-boosting vitamins, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin K. Their high fiber content means consuming pears can improve the health of your little (or big) furry friend’s digestive system.
Beneficial: This food is generally considered beneficial by the veterinary community. Dogs can get nutritional value from this food if added to a dogs regular diet.
| Food Safety | Beneficial in moderation |
|---|---|
| Nutritional Value | Includes antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and K, high in fiber, potassium, and minerals such as copper and calcium |
| Benefits | Enhances digestive system function, is anti-inflammatory and hydrating |
| Daily Serving | A single slice of pear should be enough for a small dog |
How Many Pears Can Dogs Safely Eat?
Like many other pet-friendly fruits, pears are high in fiber, which means they can aid digestion. Increasing your dog’s fiber intake, however, can cause them abdominal pain and diarrhea. Try to serve your pooch pears in moderation. Your dog’s optimal daily caloric intake depends on its weight, and only 10 percent of its calories should come from fruits.
Packing 100 calories per pear, one slice should be enough for your little pup.
What are the Nutritional Benefits of Pears?
Pears offer a multitude of nutritional benefits for your dog. Serve pears to your pet to:
Help Improve Their Immune System: Antioxidants found in pears can reduce inflammation and improve the immune system.
Support a Healthy Digestive System: Pears are quite high in fiber, which can help your dog process food efficiently.1 A slice every few days may help with bowel movement regulation.
Support Their Bone Strength: Pears contain several minerals, including calcium, which strengthens your little doggy’s bones.2 The minerals found in pears also improve muscle and nerve function.
Keep Your Dog Hydrated: Pears contain 80 to 89 percent3 water content, making them a healthy, hydrating treat. In addition to serving cucumbers to dogs, pears are another go-to snack for keeping your furry family members well-hydrated.
Can Dogs Eat Pears Skin?
Yes, as long as pears are washed well, your dog can eat the skin. Keep the high fiber content in mind when giving your dog a slice of pear with skin.
Remove the stem and seeds before giving the pear to your dog. Pear seeds contain cyanide which can be very toxic for dogs.
How to Feed Dogs Pears?
There are various ways you can give your dog some pear. The juicy fruit is versatile, and you can serve it raw or boiled. You can even cook special pear dog treats for your furry friend.
When serving pears to your canine, thoroughly wash the pear and deseed it. Do not give your doggy a whole pear. Slice the fruit and make sure the quantity is small.
What Should I Do If My Dog Has Eaten Pear Seeds or the Stem
If your dog has accidentally eaten pear seeds or a pear stem, they are at risk of serious illness. Call your local vet immediately and check for one or more of the following symptoms:
- Trouble swallowing
- Choking
- Coughing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Straining to defecate
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy
Citations
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/01/220124115040.htm (2022)
https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/dogs/feeding/what-dogs-eat/can-dogs-eat-pears (2021)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2908954/table/T1/ (2010)
Frequently Asked Questions
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Pear flesh and skin are safe for dogs to eat in moderation. However, the seeds can be toxic and the stems can pose a choking hazard for your pet.
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No, dogs cannot eat canned pears. Canned fruits have a high sugar content since they are packed in sugar syrup. Hence, it is best not to feed your pet dog since it can be harmful to them.
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No, you cannot feed your dog an entire pear. Pears have seeds that contain cyanide, which is toxic for dogs, even in small quantities. Always deseed and slice the pear before feeding it to your dog.
