Pears are not only a sweet fruit, but they are also loaded with vitamins and other minerals that our bodies need. But we’re sure you already know that and so we will head on to ask; are pears good for dogs?
As humans, it is only natural that we want to share the best with our canine friends, but is what we share always the best of them? Let’s see…
So, should you be feeding pears to your dog?
The short answer is yes, but there are a few conditions. Pears contain nutrients such as phosphorus, niacin, folic acid, fiber, as well as Vitamins A, C, K, B1, and B2 that are beneficial to your dog.
This not only means you can feed your dog some pear, but it also means you should make it part of their daily diet.
How Do These Nutrients Benefit My Dog?
Unlike humans, the dog can produce vitamin C internally and so some may argue that they don’t need these nutrients so direly. However, aging dogs are not able to produce this vitamin as efficiently and so they need it in their diet as it fights degenerative disorder in dogs.
Fiber is great for a healthy digestive tract, and so we cannot emphasize its importance enough.
Vitamin K, great for strong bones, is present in pears and so your dog will be stronger and healthier even in old age.
Potassium improves the health of your dog’s heart so that you don’t have to worry too much as he ages.
How Much is Too Much?
Although it is a good addition to your dog’s diet, too much of it is not beneficial. Two slices of pears a day are good enough for a small dog while two to three would be okay for bigger breeds.
Too much pear will react on dogs the same way it would humans – it upsets the stomach being as it is eaten raw. While here, you may want to skip the fruit if your dog is already diabetic. If in doubt of how much to feed your dog, consult your veterinarian.
How Should I Feed my Dog Pears?
There are a few ways of incorporating this fruit into your dog’s diet. The best way to serve this fruit is in its raw state as it is healthiest that way.
You want to remove the stem, core, and any seeds in the pair as they could not only contain cyanide – that is harmful to dogs – and then wash the fruit thoroughly before serving.
The skin contains all the good nutrients you want for your dog, so there will be no need to peel it. Brilliant ways to incorporate pears into your dog’s routine? Make it one of the treats.
Any Risks Associated with Pears?
Well, if you feed your dog too many pears in a day, they are likely to have a stomach upset. You don’t want your pup vomiting all day. Also, the fruit is large and so feeding the whole of it to your dog could be a chocking hazard. It is always advisable to chop it into slices before serving it up.
The seeds contain traces of cyanide, which you don’t want your dog feeding on, and they could also cause it to chock. Best to remove them before slicing the fruit.
Just a note: don’t panic about your dog eats a few pear seeds. He would have to eat lots of them to be poisoned.
Do the Pears have to be fresh? How about Canned Ones?
Fresh pear is the best as canned fruits are loaded with extra artificial sugar that not only lead to obesity but could also upset your canine’s digestive system.
My Dog Does not Like Pears. What is the Best Substitute?
If your dog is not crazy about pears, then maybe they will like apples, strawberries, oranges, and cantaloupe. They are great substitutes as they provide similar vitamins and minerals as those in pears.
There you have it! Dogs love fruits and veggies as much as we do, but they are a bit sensitive so the servings matter. So, are pears good for dogs? You bet they are!