Pears are among some healthy and tasty fruits. Many health-conscious people include this fruit in their diet as it has loads of vitamins. If you care about your dog’s health, you too may think, Can dogs have pears?
Well, dogs can have pears if they are fresh and ripe. Besides, your dog should be healthy enough to consume them. Since fruits and vegetables are not the primary meal for pets, keep the quantity small to feed them to your dog.
Eating pears can be safe for dogs, but that doesn’t mean you can jump on this treat to offer your dog. It is important to be certain about its benefits and side effects first.
What Are Pears?
Pears are a type of fruit that is rich in plant compounds, dietary fibre, and antioxidants. They are available in different types. Such as Bosc, Forelle, Bartlett, Seckel, Green Anjou, Red Anjou, Concorde, etc.
From pears, you will get vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K. They also have smaller amounts of iron, calcium, folate, magnesium, and vitamin B6. Whether it is about treating diverticulitis or any cardiovascular disease, pears can cure many health issues.
Most people rely on pears as a part of their healthy diet. So it is inevitable to think of including pears in our pets’ diet as well.
Can Dogs Have Pears?
Luckily, dogs can enjoy the taste and nutritional value of pears. The green pears are mostly the healthiest option for dogs. Just make sure they are ripe and fresh, as dogs don’t have as strong a GI tract as humans. Vets usually recommend feeding free slices, i.e., three to four slices of pear, to dogs.
If your dog does not have any health issues or allergies, a small portion of the pear won’t be harmful to him. At first, test by offering a small, single piece of pear to him; if he doesn’t give any symptoms, you may offer him some more slices of it.
Benefits Of Eating Pears For Dogs
Eating pears in moderation is always a safe way to feed dogs. This can lead to more benefits than you can expect.
Pears have a good amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, and fibre. Vitamin A will help your dog have a good immune system and improved vision. Again, vitamin C will prevent skin issues and inflammation and provide silky, soft fur. Lastly, the fibre content in pears will maintain your dog’s digestive tract and prevent constipation.
Be aware of the amount. The right amount of pear will give your dog benefits, and the wrong amount will cause side effects.
Risks Of Eating Pears For Dogs
Along with benefits, pears can pose risks to dogs if not taken properly. The first risk is the choking hazard. This can arise when you offer your dog a big slice of pear, and he will eat it without chewing.
Another risk would be digestive issues. If your dog eats more pears than recommended, he is more likely to have stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
As pears are high in calories, eating them in an excessive amount can lead to weight gain and even obesity in dogs.
How To Feed Pears To Dogs?
Fresh and ripe pears are the best option for dogs. So take such a pear, remove its stalk and leaves, and wash it properly. The stalk is hard to digest and can also cause choking hazards. Again, its leaves have cyanide, which can upset your dog’s stomach.
Now cut the pear and remove all its seeds. Afterwards, chop it up by making little slices. You can offer 4 to 5 slices of pear to your canine friend.
If your dog is diabetic, don’t offer a single piece of it, as its high calories can worsen his condition.
How Much Pears Can Dogs Eat?
The 10% rule for cats means serving them 10% fruits or treats from their calorie intake. Surprisingly, pears also have 10% sugar, and one cup of chopped pears will have 15 grams of sugar. This amount is enough to feed a dog without expecting any health risks.
Include pears in your dog’s diet as an occasional treat, not a regular treat. Since they are high in sugar, diabetic dogs are not allowed to have them.
Can Dogs Eat Canned Pears?
Canned pears mostly include water, juice, or syrup, which may not harm dogs. However, the syrup will add calories to the pears, and they are already high in calories. Hence, it would be better to avoid canned pears for dogs. If your dog is not diabetic or allergic, he may eat one slice of canned pears, although that is not recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions: Can Dogs Have Pears?
Can dogs have pears with skin?
The skin of pears shall not harm dogs if they are washed properly. But remember to remove the seeds, leaves, and stalks; they can be hard for your dog to digest.
Is Apple pear safe for dogs?
Apple pear is safe for dogs if not served with seeds, leaves, or stalks. If you don’t want your dog to react after eating apples, keep the quantity smaller, i.e., three to four slices.
Do pears make dogs gassy?
The sugar present in pears will not only increase weight but also disrupt the GI tract of dogs. This can cause gas, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach pain in your canine friend.
Which fruits are safe for dogs?
Fruits like watermelon, carrots, cantaloupe, mangoes, pears, etc. are safe for dogs. However, the safest options would be apples and oranges for them. You must feed all these fruits to them in small quantities and occasionally.
Final Verdict
After learning about the benefits and risks of pears, you may still wonder, Can dogs have pears? The answer is yes if you maintain the safety concerns. For instance, the amount of pear should be three to four slices for a healthy dog.
If you ever see your dog eat more pears than required, he will surely get an upset stomach. In such cases, you must watch out for his symptoms. Let him vomit and discharge what he ate. If the condition gets worse, take advice from your vet and feed him medicines if needed.
