Can dogs eat pomegranate seeds? You are sitting at the dinner table, having cut pieces of pomegranate in your hand and a plate on the dining table. You are taking the ruby-colored seeds out of their peel on the plate.
Your puppy is looking at you with an innocent face. A face pets make when they want something. Will you give a few ruby-red pomegranate seeds to your puppy?
You know that pomegranate has many benefits for humans, but what about dogs? Can dogs eat pomegranate seeds? Are pomegranate seeds safe for dogs? Should you throw the peel in the trash can or offer it to your pup?
These are some common questions to which every dog parent would want answers. Stick to the blog and get a lot more information.
Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate Seeds?
Pomegranate seeds do not contain any toxic compounds. Instead, it is rich in antioxidants. Your puppy can eat pomegranate seeds but only in moderation. They are hard to digest and can obstruct the canine’s intestines. If given in small quantities, they do not pose any ill effect on pups.
The Benefits Of Pomegranate Seeds To Dogs
Can dogs eat pomegranate seeds? It is the first important question, and its answer is yes. Now you might be thinking, what benefits do dogs get from the seeds? Now, it’s time to dig for the answer.
Pomegranate seeds are enriched with nutrients. Discarding them means you have lost a lot of health benefits. Let’s check what nutrients the seeds contain;
- Fiber
- Unique fatty acids
- Antioxidants
- Vitamin E
- Magnesium
These nutrients impart many health benefits to pups. How? Let’s uncover it.
Antioxidant properties
Pomegranate seeds are enriched with antioxidants like vitamin C and polyphenols. They fight against free radicals and prevent the canine’s cells from oxidative damage. Similarly, they fight against cancer cells too.
Bowel movement
Dogs, like humans, are omnivores. A specific portion of their diet must include fibers. The fiber in pomegranate seed keeps your canine’s bowel movement smooth. In this way, they maintain the dog’s digestive health.
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Immune system
Vitamin E enhances the dog’s immune responses. It is suitable for the canine’s muscles, liver, heart, and nerve cells. Moreover, it also keeps the pup’s skin healthy.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Do you know that pomegranate seeds contain 10-12% fatty acid? The fatty acid present in these seeds is known as punicic acid. In a study, it was observed that punicic acid reduces inflammation and promotes weight loss.
These properties make pomegranate seeds a healthy option for dogs. Still, in excess, they can have detrimental effects on canines’ health.
Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate Seeds?–The Risks
In moderate amounts, pomegranate seeds are safe for dog consumption. If consumed in excess, they can be harmful. How? Here is the answer;
Choking Hazard
The pomegranate seeds are hard. If your puppy eats a lot of them, they may block his throat and can be a choking hazard.
Upset stomach
The seeds of pomegranate contain tannins. In large amounts, tannins put your puppy’s stomach in trouble. He has to suffer from diarrhea and vomiting, which leads to dehydration.
A high amount of fiber causes digestive issues
Apart from tannins, pomegranate seeds also contain a lot of fiber. Massing fiber causes digestive issues in pups, like stomach aches, diarrhea, etc.
Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate Peel?
Well! The short answer is no. Canines cannot eat pomegranate peel. It is highly indigestible for your pup. If he eats it, you will observe diarrhea and vomiting. It can obstruct the dog’s intestine, disturbing the pup’s bowel movement.
Apart from it, the peel is enriched with tannins which also upsets the canine’s stomach. These reasons make pomegranate peel a bad choice for dogs.
Is Pomegranate Peel Extract Safe For Canines?
Many studies have been done to check the effects of pomegranate peel extract on dogs’ health. One recent study shows peel extract is good for canine gastrointestinal health.
Another study has proved the positive effects of the extract on dogs’ cardiovascular health. So, considering this, pomegranate peel extract is safe for your furry friend.
The Bottom Line
Can dogs eat pomegranate seeds? The answer is yes. Dogs can eat pomegranate seeds but only in moderate amounts. They contain nutrients that are good for your pup’s overall health. Only in excess do the seeds become problematic.
They can cause stomach upset and be a choking hazard. Therefore, feed only healthy amounts of seeds to your furry companion.
