Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate? Find Out Which Part of the Pom You Should NEVER Feed
Rocky Kanaka
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A classic autumn treat, it’s hard to find someone who doesn’t love a good juicy pomegranate. Naturally, many pomegranate lovers want to share this fall favorite of theirs with their pup, but as with any new food, it’s important to be sure your pooch can safely enjoy it.
Here’s a bit of basic information on whether or not dogs can eat pomegranates, which parts of the pomegranate are best, and how to ensure your pup stays safe and healthy no matter what treats you share with them.
Is Pomegranate Safe For Dogs?
You can feel free to share a few pomegranate seeds with your pup without having to worry! As long as you avoid feeding them pomegranate leaves and peels, it won’t cause any issues. Pomegranate leaves are toxic to dogs, and while the peel is not toxic, most dogs have trouble digesting it. To minimize the risk of stomach pain or blockage, just stick to giving your pup the seeds.
How Many Pomegranate Seeds Can Dogs Eat?
Though pomegranate seeds aren’t toxic to dogs, they’re most certainly acidic. Ever get an upset stomach or heartburn after eating something sour? That’s probably because of the high acidity. There’s nothing dangerous about acidic foods alone, but eating too much often leads to some unpleasant side effects, and the same is true for dogs.
If you want to feed your pup pomegranate seeds, limit the amount to a few at a time. Keep in mind that a dog’s stomach is smaller and much more sensitive than that of the average human, so what may be a small amount to you could have a much stronger effect on your pup. Though it won’t be life-threatening to your pup by any means, they’ll probably feel a bit under the weather for a couple of days. As such, it’s best to keep track of how much your dog has eaten.
⚠️ Are Pomegranate Leaves Poisonous to Dogs?
🚫 Yes, pomegranate leaves contain high levels of chemical compounds that are poisonous to dogs. Needless to say, they’re extremely dangerous if consumed by your pup, so if they get ahold of some on accident, be sure to check in with your local vet as soon as possible.
FAQ
It’s always a good idea to do some research on what dogs can and can’t eat before introducing any new foods to their diet. Here are a few of the most common questions that other dog owners have asked about whether or not their pup can eat pomegranates.
1. Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate Seeds?
Yes! Pomegranate seeds are completely safe for your dog to enjoy, and have the same antioxidant benefits as when you eat them! However, pomegranate seeds tend to be very acidic, so be sure your pup doesn’t eat too many to prevent an upset stomach. Just monitor them as they eat, only give them a small amount at a time, and you’ll have nothing to worry about.
2. Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate Skin?
Sort of. While pomegranate skin isn’t toxic to dogs, it’s very difficult for their stomachs to digest, and could be a choking hazard, especially for smaller pups. As such, consuming too much of it could lead to constipation or even bowel obstruction. There’s no need to panic if your dog swipes a scrap or two of pomegranate skin off the floor, but avoid actively feeding it to them.
3. Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate Yogurt?
Maybe. Whether or not dogs can eat pomegranate yogurt depends on a number of factors. While the pomegranate in the yogurt is perfectly fine, many dogs are lactose intolerant and shouldn’t be fed dairy. If your dog can digest dairy without too much trouble, you’ll want to feed them yogurt with no added sugar. The amount of added sugar in many human foods just isn’t healthy for dogs, and the natural flavor of the pomegranates is more than enough.
4. Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate Ice Cream?
Maybe. To make sure it’s safe, you’ll probably want to make it yourself. Like with yogurt, pomegranate ice cream won’t do any harm to your dog as long as they can digest dairy. Unlike yogurt, however, there’s not exactly a huge market for unsweetened ice cream. Even sugar-free ice cream options will usually contain a sweetening agent, and many artificial sweeteners are extremely toxic to dogs.
To avoid feeding your pup extremely sugary foods, you’re probably best off making the ice cream from scratch. It’ll be a fun food experiment for you, and a delicious treat for your pup. And hey, if you really wanted to, you could set some aside and sweeten it for yourself!
