With the holiday season around, you might have caught yourself wondering, ‘Can dogs eat pomegranate?’
I mean, these delicious red fruits make up for perfect sweet delicacies. And even more so if you’re residing in the Middle East or Asian countries where the treat is enjoyed in various meals.
Regardless of where you are on the globe though, it seems as though the whole world enjoys this fruity snack from time to time. Even if it is just like raw fruit.
All of us are ready to dive in and peel this refreshing snack up, despite the work required during the peeling and prepping.
So, if we love it that much, then it’s only natural to wonder whether our dogs are allowed to have this healthy, tasty snack as well.
Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate: Is It Safe for Dogs?
Unfortunately, simply put, the answer to ‘Can dogs eat pomegranate?’ is no.
At least, not in the raw form.
Why you may ask?
To answer this, we need to give you a little ‘science background’ of the whole situation.
Pomegranates contain a thing known as ‘Tannins’ which are not safe for dogs and several other household pets.
What are Tannins?
Tannins are essential, complex chemical substances derived from phenolic acids.
So really, they are a class of astringent, polyphenolic biomolecules that bind to and precipitate proteins and various other organic compounds including amino acids and alkaloids.
This means that whenever you bite into a fruit, such as an unripe apple, or a pomegranate in this case, and get that savory, albeit dry feeling- you’ve just come into contact with a tannin.
Unfortunately, while humans can take in a considerable amount of this, animals cannot. That is why a dog might naturally not feel very inclined to have a pomegranate after all.
Except, of course, unless they are attracted to the smell. Which, let’s face it, they can be. Therefore, it is important to keep raw pomegranates away from your pooch to the best of your ability.
And especially make sure to immediately refrigerate any leftover peeled pomegranate seeds before your boy/girl gets to them!
Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate: Why Do Dog Treats Include Pomegranate
If you’ve read thus far, then you’ve got our central message:
The answer to ‘Can dogs eat pomegranates?’ is no, no, and well, no.
But, this may leave you wondering, well… what about dog treats then?
And you might ask yourself- But come on! I’ve seen the ingredients on dog foods. They contain pomegranates!
And you’re right. Dog treats do contain this superfood. And there are three reasons for this:
- The fruit, after all, is a ‘super food’ (more on that later) so most consumers get excited when they see pomegranate being a part of a certain packed diet.
- Secondly, and more importantly, dog foods and treats are prepared with specific proportions in mind. And these ratios are decided upon by professionals. These are people who have specialized knowledge and know just how much to add!
- Packaged dog foods and treats don’t actually contain raw pomegranate. Rather, they contain what is known as a ‘pomegranate extract’ which does not contain the troublesome tannins, thereby making them safe for our doggies to eat on a daily basis.
Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate: How Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate?
The answer to this does seem kind of obvious now, doesn’t it?
If we do want our pets to get the benefits of this healthy fruit, then the best way to feed it to them is either in the form of a pomegranate extract.
Or, better yet, just ensure that the dog food you recently purchased for your pets contains some level of pomegranate extract.
The reason I say that this is better is quite simple really. While it’s true that freshly prepared diets are better for pets in general, it’s the opposite when it comes to certain ‘controversial’ dog foods such as pomegranates.
And really, it’s better to let the professionals take the handle on this one!
Because what’s most important to us dog owners at the end of the day, is our dog’s safety.
Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate: Signs of Pomegranate Indigestion
In spite of all our care to keep our dogs away from raw pomegranates, it’s true that dogs are eager animals.
That means that they might just get a bite or two of raw pomegranate seeds into their system whilst we’re not looking.
If your pooch has taken in just a few of these then relax, there is no need to be alarmed.
However, if they have ingested several while your back was towards them, then please consult a vet immediately!
Either way, be sure to keep an eye out for the following symptoms to know if you’re dog is having some reaction to the tannins or not:
- Diarrhea;
- Vomiting;
- Stomach Upset;
- Abdominal Pain;
- Stomach Ache.
Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate: What to Do If My Dog Has Eaten Raw Pomegranate?
In addition to keeping an eye out for the aforementioned symptoms, please be sure to monitor your dog’s health over at least the following two days.
Even one or two seeds might become a choking hazard, if not lead directly to tannin-related poisoning.
Visit your nearest vet immediately in case of any abnormal signs if your dog has eaten a pomegranate. Remember, the advice we give you online is general. And your pet might have some specific problem, which is why consulting a vet in case of an emergency is the best course of action.
Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate: Health Benefits of Pomegranate
Okay so, right now, you might have a slightly different question than the one we started with.
And it might be along the lines of:
“Why does anyone want their pet to have pomegranate when it comes with associated health risks?”
Remember the idea of ‘super foods’ we spoke about earlier?
Well, that’s your answer right there.
Pomegranates are rich in folic acid, Vitamin C and so many more nutrients that many people believe that they are a must-have for their dogs!
Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate: Interesting Facts About Pomegranate
Even though many fruits are trouble for dogs when in their raw form, the thing that draws most pet owners to question whether their pet can have them is this: the fruits are just plain old superfoods. And with all their benefits for people, most people want their most beloved pets to have a good share of the nutritional benefits as well.
However, unfortunately, our overall advice is to not give your dog raw pomegranate, we must admit. Not only is the fruit jam-packed with tons of nutrition, but it also has an interesting history and some pretty cool facts around it.
For instance, did you know that Pomegranate fruit is native to a region from modern-day Iran through Afghanistan and Pakistan to northern India?
I didn’t either.
The following are a few more cool things about it:
- The name ‘pomegranate’ has its roots in the medieval Latin word pōmum“apple” and grānātum “seeded.” So really, it may as well be called an apple with many seeds.
- Pomegranate trees can live for over 200 years. Pretty cool right? And they last in the refrigerator for up to 2 months!
- And if you’ve ever eaten a raw pomegranate (which we hope you have) you’ll have noticed that a raw pomegranate can hold up to a thousand seeds at a time. Whoosh!
Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate: Video Guide
FAQs
Can dogs eat pomegranate in the form of pomegranate juice?
No. The extract is different from pomegranate juice.
Can dogs eat pomegranate with other foods?
No. Eating it with other foods does not reduce tannin content.
Can dogs eat pomegranate occasionally?
Again, no. The tannin content is not good for them.
Can dogs eat pomegranate out of a can?
No. Only give it to them from dog foods that are properly proportioned.
Can dogs eat pomegranate as a treat?
No. Yet again, the tannin content is still a major concern!
