Can Dogs Eat Dragon Fruit?

You probably agree that the dragon fruit has an out-of-this-world appearance. Outside, it has a leathery texture and looks fiery due to its protrusions. On the inside is white, yellow, or red flesh, depending on the variety. The taste is amazing, and you can eat it whole or make pudding.

Can my dog eat dragon fruit? This is a question many people have when they want to have this fruit with a dog around. As we know, dogs’ digestive systems may be intolerant to some foods.

Stay put as we look at dragon fruit and its effects on your dog.

Is Dragon Fruit Safe for My Dog?

You can give it a piece to munch on with no side effects. All dragon fruit species are safe for your dog. It is, however, advisable to feed it the fruit in moderation. More good news is that dragon fruit has plenty of nutrients for your dog’s health.

Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit to Your Dog

The following are some of the nutrients that your dog will benefit from by having a moderate serving of dragon fruit.

Vitamin C

Did you know that dogs self-synthesize vitamin C? You can top up this nutrient by giving your dog a scoop of dragon fruit. Like many other fruits, this one is rich in vitamin C, which helps boost your pet’s immunity.

The fruit is better than using supplements as it is 100% natural.

Calcium and Iron

Mineral salts like calcium are crucial for your pet’s health. Calcium is significant in bone strength and the health of the entire musculoskeletal system. While your canine might get this nutrient from foods like dog food and milk, it won’t hurt to add some more of it.

Also, dragon fruit is rich in iron, a crucial mineral for red blood cell development. Healthy blood cells translate to improved oxygen-carrying capacity and reduced chances of anemia and other conditions.

Antioxidants

Your pup needs a diet rich in antioxidants to prevent oxidation in the cells and fight free radicals. The radicals are responsible for conditions like skin problems, cancer, and aging. A tiny serving of dragon fruit will prevent your fuzzy friend from suffering from the mentioned issues.

Fatty Acids

Dragon fruit seeds are full of fatty acids, such as linoleic acid. It is a vital nutrient for your dog, as its body does not synthesize it. You can supplement its diet with this fruit for joint functioning, brain development, and skin and hair health.

Low Calories

Dragon fruit is a low-calorie fruit good for you and your dog. It is healthy and prevents problems like hypertension and obesity.

Can Dragon Fruit Be Bad for Your Dog?

It is advisable to give fruits to your dogs in moderation, seeing that they are carnivores and meat is their primary dish.

What will happen if my dog overeats dragon fruit? You can expect many problems when your canine overindulges in the fruit. Highlighted below are some of the complications it may face.

Effect On Your Dog’s Digestive System

Too much dragon fruit may lead to upsets with your dog’s digestive system, especially if it is sensitive. Effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and food coma in worst-case scenarios. If the symptoms persist, it is advisable to call a vet.

Poor Oral Health

Sugar has an unpleasant effect on our teeth. The same case applies to your dog when it takes too much dragon fruit, which is quite sugary. It can cause dental cavities and gum irritation due to bacteria action. Your dog will have unbearable pain with bad teeth whereby it may even fail to eat.

Further Reading: What can I Give My Dog for Pain?

Obesity and Diabetes

Still, on the sugar content of this fruit, you expect several conditions to come by, like obesity and diabetes. Do not give your dog the fruit if it is diabetic, as it may spike its blood sugar. Also, if consumed for a long time, your pet will become overweight.

Sugar addiction is another problem to avoid by feeding your dog little servings of dragon fruit.

Hair and Skin

Sugar can cause problems in the endocrine system, which will affect hormone production. With a limited production of some hormones, your dog will face hair loss and poor skin health.

How to Feed Dragon Fruit to Your Dog

Feeding your dog dragon fruit is simple, as you give it raw – there’s no need for cooking or seasoning. You peel off the skin and go for the flesh. Drop a portion of the flesh to your pooch to see if it loves it. Some dogs love the taste, while others will get repulsed.

If it likes the taste, you can add an extra serving. Always peel the scaly part as it may cause indigestion to your fuzzy friend. Optionally, you can make a dragon fruit milkshake or pudding, which you can share with the dog. Do not add any sugar or spices to the mix to prevent complications.

Can Puppies Eat Dragon Fruit

You can give your puppies a taste of this fruit in smaller portions than what you would give an adult dog. A puppy’s digestive system is more sensitive to foreign foods, especially sugar. Consuming too much fruit can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. While you can give it dragon fruit, be keen not to overdo it.

Final Thoughts

Dragon fruit is a unique-looking fruit found in many fruit stores. It has a scaly skin that looks like fire, hence, the comparison to the mythical creature. Can you feed it to your dog? Yes, you can give your dog a piece of this fruit to calm down its sweet tooth.

The fruit is full of nutrients, such as calcium, fatty acids, and vitamins that improve your dog’s health. A little serving once in a while will have your pet in good shape, with strong bones and a boosted immunity.

If you give it too much of the fruit, it may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and irritability. Long-term effects include sugar addiction, obesity, and dental problems.

Always moderate your dog’s dragon fruit intake for its health.