Can Dogs Eat Pears? Fresh fruits and vegetables may be a fantastic alternative to more calorie-dense dog treats in a world of fat and overweight dogs. However, there are always subtle variations between food that is good for pet parents but bad for dogs.
Out with the grapes and raisins! Chocolate is strictly forbidden! Macadamia nuts are a health hazard!
Pears are succulent, sweet fruits that are high in antioxidants and minerals. Because they’re so beneficial for us humans, you might be wondering if dogs can eat pears.
Can dogs eat pears?
Yes, dogs are allowed to eat pears. They’re OK for them to take as a treat, so reserve a slice for your dog the next time you’re eating the ripe green fruit.
Just keep in mind that not all dogs enjoy fruits, so don’t be shocked if yours isn’t one of them. Always make sure the pear is cut into little, bite-sized pieces and give your dog a small taste to observe how they react.
“Pears are OK,” explains Renee Schmid, DVM, DABVT, DABT, a veterinarian toxicologist who works with Pet Poison Helpline. “Take a beat, take a breath, and relax.”
You may probably guess what a pear’s main flaw is: the core. Pears don’t have a large, hard pit inside like avocados, but they do have a tougher, more fibrous core where the seeds are located. That is not something you should feed your dog.
“If eaten whole, that core can induce a foreign body blockage; an intestine obstruction,” she says.
Outside of the pit, your dog can eat the supermarket staple Bartlett pear, as well as Korean or Asian pear types. There are no toxicity or poisoning concerns, as there are with other dog-safe human meals.
Pears aren’t harmful to dogs, but they’re also not necessary in a balanced diet, according to board-certified veterinary nutritionist Lisa Weeth, DVM, DACVN, of Metropolitan Animal Specialty Hospital in Los Angeles.
Pears are, of course, delicious because they’ve got sugar, so Weeth also recommends you steer clear of pears if your dog has diabetes.
Check with your veterinarian if you’re ever concerned about how underlying medical conditions might guide your pet’s diet and treat choices. And give your veterinarian or a poison hotline a ring if you think your pet has eaten something sketchy or is exhibiting signs of poisoning.
Read also: Can Dogs Eat Guacamole?
Can dogs eat canned pears?
No, dogs cannot eat canned pears because they are kept in high-sugar liquids that may irritate their digestive tract and cause an upset stomach. Because eating too many sweet foods can contribute to obesity and tooth damage, it’s recommended to restrict your fruit intake in general and avoid canned fruits in particular.
Are pears good for dogs?
Pears are abundant in vitamin C and K, as well as fiber, but they’re also heavy in sugar, so we only recommend feeding a little quantity to your dog. But don’t worry; a well-balanced diet will provide them with all they require to flourish.
How to feed pears to dogs
Always make sure the pear is fresh and ripe before giving it to your dog. Wash the pear first, and then cut off a bite-sized portion, being careful to avoid the stalk, which can cause choking and make it difficult for your dog to digest.
Remove any seeds and leaves as well, as these may contain tiny quantities of cyanide.
Make sure you only offer pears in moderation and that the treats you give your dog don’t amount to more than 10% of their daily calories. A bite-sized portion is OK for little dogs every now and again, but if you’re doubtful, see your veterinarian.
Avoid pears and other sweet fruits if your pet has diabetes since they are high in sugar.
How to Safely Feed Your Dog Pears
Many fruits are safe for dogs to consume when shared in moderation. That cuisine includes pears. Just follow Schmid and Weeth’s advice and prepare and share them securely with your beloved canine companion.
“The core of larger pears will provide a greater blockage danger than the cores of smaller pears,” Schmid predicts. “And, compared to less ripe pears, the core may be mushier and readily broken down depending on how ripe the pear is.”
Remove the skin, stem, core with seeds, and then chop the pear into little pieces to avoid choking, which can occur if your dog inhales a tasty food that’s too large for their throat.
And, according to Weeth, you don’t have to overthink anything with pears.
“If it’s nontoxic for dogs and there are no medical contraindications (like high-protein meals for a renal disease patient or high-fat foods for dogs with pancreatitis), then it’s OK to give in moderation,” she explains.
Pears, or any other treat, should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories, according to Weeth and many other vets.
Read also: Can dogs eat mango?
Health Benefits of Pears on Dog
Pears, like other fruits, has a plethora of health advantages for your dog. Vitamins C, A, and K, as well as potassium and copper, provide a significant health boost for your dog. They’re low in calories and make a terrific snack that won’t help you gain weight if eaten in moderation.
Let’s take a look at what those advantages do within your dog’s body.
Vitamin A: It helps with visual clarity, skin health, and wound healing.
Vitamin C: A potent antioxidant that hunts down free radicals that cause cell damage as a result of stress, illness, aging, and exposure to environmental pollutants.
Folate: Folic acid is another name for it. It’s a necessary mineral for regular metabolic activities including DNA synthesis and the formation of red blood cells.
Copper: Immune system, lipid metabolism, and neurological function all benefit from this supplement.
Potassium: Supports muscular contractions (Do you remember those excruciating calf cramps? Potassium helps to keep them at bay, as well as cardiac function.
Lutein and zeaxanthin: Supports keen vision and is found in the skin or peel of the pear.
Of course, there are certain hazards connected with giving your dog pears, in addition to all of the advantages. There is only a handful, but they are noteworthy.
Read also: Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?
Risks To Consider When Giving Your Dog Pear
Sugar: The pear, like all fruits, contains natural sugars. Sugar can upset your stomach if you consume too much of it. While there isn’t much, if your dog has diabetes, you should see your veterinarian before giving any.
Obesity is also a risk with sugar. A dog with obesity should only be given extremely modest quantities and only on rare occasions.
Choking Hazard: If given whole, any meals can cause choking or intestinal obstruction. As a result, we usually recommend cutting food into bite-sized chunks.
If the chunks are excessively big, little dogs are more vulnerable to choking, but a huge dog that gulps it down a whole can also choke. If the fragments are excessively big, all dogs are in danger of becoming clogged.
Cyanide: Because the pear seeds, leaves, and stems contain traces of cyanide, dogs are unable to consume them. When the seeds are broken or crushed, the cyanide in them is released.
Chewing the stems or leaves can cause cyanide to be released into your dog’s system. Because it’s only trace amounts, your dog would have to consume quite a few before experiencing poisoning symptoms, but any quantity can be hazardous if your dog is sensitive.
Unripe pears: Green or unripe pears are hard and difficult to eat, but ripe pears have soft, juicy flesh. Pears should only be fed to your dog when they are ripe since green or unripe pears might cause stomach discomfort. Green or unripe pears can be choking hazards. Before giving your dog a pear, always remove the core.
Pears are a versatile fruit that may be used in a variety of dog treats. You can also purée the fruit and freeze it to make Pup Sorbet. On a hot summer day, add some raspberries, melon, blueberries, or watermelon for an antioxidant-rich, super-charged snack.
Smoothies prepared with plain Greek yogurts and whatever fruit you can find, such as apples, peaches, strawberries, or melons, are a hit with dogs. Smoothies with vegetables, cranberries, and pears are very delicious.
If offered in modest amounts, a fresh pear slice is also a pleasant treat.
Follow the normal feeding rules to prevent gaining weight. 90 percent nutritious nutritionally balanced dog food and 10% treats should make up your dog’s diet.
If you’re wondering if these sweet snacks are good for your dog, the answer is yes! Most dogs enjoy the crisp sweetness of these treats, which are high in nutritional value.
It’s also important to note that while giving pears to your dog, you should do it in moderation. Remove the seeds and core before cutting them into tiny pieces. Also, if your dog is overweight or diabetic, see your veterinarian before giving them to him.
Read also: Can Dogs Eat Carrots?
Conclusion
I hope you find this article helpful. I would like to hear from you. So, let me know if you have any questions about giving pear to your dogs.
