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Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

As always, it’s best to stay informed about your pup’s health so you can keep them safe and healthy, and I’m here to help you do just that. For information on other snacks for your pup, check out my articles about cucumbers and peaches!

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 Benefits of Feeding Your Dog Goji Berries

Goji berries are bright, small, flavourful red fruits that are jam-packed with beneficial nutrients for you, but also for your dog! The Goji berry has been used throughout history as a traditional medicine. Today, these berries have found their way into receiving the “superfood” label. 

A superfood is a food that exerts a health benefit or effect on the individual, or in our case, on the pup! In ancient traditional medicines, the goji berry was consumed to enhance bodily functions to prolong life. 

                                                               Photo by Valeria Boltneva

While we can’t show any new scientific evidence that Goji berry consumption will directly extend the lifespan of us or our dogs, there is BERRY good research backing up purported health benefits to Goji berries!

PAWsitive Nutrients in Goji Berries:

• Beta-Carotene: A carotenoid that is involved in vision, immune function, bone health, reproduction, and cell growth and division. 
  
• Vitamin C: Also known as Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin C is an important antioxidant for the body. It can protect and support immune function, is important for growth and maintenance, and can have benefits for skin and coat health.
  
• Fibre: Goji berries are small but pack a punch with its high fibre content which is great for gut health, satiety, glucose regulation, and immune function!
  
• Polyphenols: Berries are well known for their large polyphenol content! Polyphenols is an umbrella-term that refers to thousands of compounds that can exert health benefits such as for digestive health, brain and cognition, heart health, and glucose regulation.
  
• Fatty Acids: Fats often get a bad rep – but goji berries actually contain various healthy fats. These fatty acids can promote heart health, gut health, and anti-inflammatory effects.

PUP-tastic Health Benefits of Gogi berries for dogs:

1. Provides support for the immune system:

Antioxidants like the ones in the Goji berry can eliminate harmful free radicals that cause cell damage and inflammation in the body. 

Vitamin C is well known for its role in the immune system. It can protect the body from infection through its roles in skin barrier function and wound healing. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant which removes reactive oxygen species from the body, protecting your dog’s inner tissues from harm. 

2. Eye Health and Vision

Have you ever been told to eat more carrots for better vision? Well it isn’t only carrots that could help your dog’s vision. The beta-carotene found in Goji berries, and also in carrots, is a precursor for Vitamin A. 

                                                                                   Photo by Lena Balk

Vitamin A is an essential vitamin for dogs, and Goji berries contain a high amount! Studies have shown that Goji berry consumption in humans can lead to signs of improved vision.

3. Healthy Gut, Healthy Mutt

Goji berries are small but mighty! They are a great source of fibre for your dog. Fibre has been shown to improve gut health in various ways. 

It can slow movement of food through the digestive tract which means your dog is able to absorb all those other beneficial nutrients in their meal instead of passing them right on through. 

Fibre can also act as a prebiotic which can help support healthy gut microbes for improved health for your pup!

4. “Award-Winning” Skin and Coat 

OK – so maybe we don’t have proof that Siba, winner of the 2020 Westminster’s Best-in-Show award, was eating Goji berries to get that shiny, luscious coat. 

But, we do know that Goji berries contain an array of nutrients such as Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and fatty acids that can help promote healthy skin, soothe skin irritations, and give your dog’s coat that Siba-level glossy shine!  

                                                                                Photo by Arve Kern

5. Livers – Not Haters

Promoting a healthy liver is another benefit to consuming Goji berries. Studies have shown that Goji berries can help maintain liver health and function and prevent fatty liver disease! 

Polyphenols, healthy fats, and all those micronutrients contribute to promoting a healthy liver – and Goji berries are jam-packed with them!

Want to add Goji berries to your dog’s menu? Try our yummy, fresh-cooked Goji Berry Beef Recipe, Beef & Broccoli Recipe or Rosemary Venison Recipe today. 

By:

Hannah Godfrey
Animal Nutritionist
BSc.H. | MSc. Animal Nutrition
www.tomandsawyer.com

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