Rambutan is a popular exotic fruit with a hairy exterior and sweet, mildly acidic taste reminiscent of grapes. It is easy to binge on rambutans, courtesy of their unique taste. Your doggo may also want a bite of this fruit, prompting the question, can dogs eat rambutan?
The good news is you can share your rambutans with your dog but in moderation. Hang on to learn more about this fruit and how to feed it to your fur baby.
What Is A Rambutan?
As mentioned earlier, rambutan is an exotic fruit native to Southeast Asia and related to other tropical fruits like lychee, guinep, and pulasan. The defining features of this fruit are its hairy skin, which is bright red when ripe, and its white marble-like flesh.
Rambutans are getting popular due to their many health benefits, mainly their antioxidative properties. Besides eating it raw, you may also fancy rambutan juice, smoothie, or jelly.
Benefits Of Rambutan To Dogs
Rambutans are rich in various nutrients that will benefit your dog. Like most fruits, they are excellent sources of vitamins, mostly vitamin C. This vitamin is an immune booster that ensures your canine is healthy and resistant to diseases. Being an antioxidant, it prevents cellular oxidative stress, which can cause heart conditions and cancer.
Vitamin A is crucial for eye health, bone growth, and enhancing the immune response in canines. B vitamins in rambutans, mostly folate, play a significant role in cell division.
Rambutans are also rich in manganese and copper. Your dog needs manganese to form blood clotting factors, connective tissue, and sex hormones. Copper aids red blood cell formation and boosts blood vessels, bones, and nerve health.
Other minerals in the fruit are calcium and potassium, which are necessary for various physiological functions, such as bone formation. The fiber in rambutans will aid in digestion and probiotic health.
How To Feed Rambutan To Your Dogs?
Does your dog want a serving of rambutans? Start by cutting the fruit in half and removing the hairy husk. Remove the seed and give your dog the flesh and watch its reaction. If it loves the fruit, you can give it more next time you have some.
Can Rambutan Be Bad For Dogs?
You should be careful when sharing rambutans with your furry buddy to prevent any hiccups. Below are some of the potential risks of your dog eating the fruit.
A Choking Hazard
You should discard the seed and husk far from your doggo, as they can choke it if eaten. An accidental swallow can lead to intestinal blockage, prompting a trip to the vet.
The skin and seed can be toxic if consumed in large amounts, even by humans.
Overeating Can Be Problematic
Your dog should not overeat rambutan due to its sugariness. The sugar in the fruit can make your dog susceptible to dental decay, diabetes, and obesity. Moreover, it can upset your pup’s tummy, especially if it has a sensitive digestive system.
The acidity in rambutans can be problematic to canines with peptic ulcers.
Allergies
While it is rare for dogs to have fruit allergies, they can happen. Your dog may be allergic to rambutan, which you will notice from its reactions after exposure to the fruit. Vomiting, diarrhea, development of bald spots, and itching signify an allergy.
Contact your vet if you notice such symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Dogs Have Rambutan Juice?
Rambutan juice is a refreshing treat, but your dog should not have it due to its sugariness. The sugar can give it a sugar rush, making it hyper or aggressive.
Moreover, sugar is bad for canines and may cause diabetes, obesity, and tooth decay. A sip of the juice won’t do much harm, but it is safer not to feed it to your dog.
2. Can Dogs Eat Lychee?
Lychee is a close relative of the rambutan, and they have a similar appearance. Many people agree that the rambutan is sweeter than its cousin, which is crispier and floral to the palate.
Dogs can eat lychee in moderate servings as its sugar content is significant even though it is lesser than the rambutans.
3. How Many Rambutans Can My Dog Eat?
Your dog should have a maximum of three rambutans per serving. You should not give your doggo too much of the fruit, despite its health benefits, as its sugar content may bring issues. Tooth decay, an upset tummy, and the risk of diabetes are some of the problems your dog may encounter from overeating the fruit.
Winding Up
Dogs can eat rambutans and take advantage of their richness in vitamins and minerals. The fruit is safe for canines, as long as you feed them correctly and limit the serving. You should also remove the skin and pit to avert choking or intestinal blockage.
Ensure your dog is not allergic to the fruit before you give it some. In case of any reactions after your canine eats rambutans, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian.