Can Dogs Eat Pears?

Pears

Pears are slightly sugary and bell-shaped fruits that people have enjoyed since time immemorial. Not only are they delicious, but they are also highly nutritious. You gain 101 calories, 1 gram of protein, vitamin C & K, potassium, and copper with a single fruit. For some reason, you’ve seen your dog stare at you while eating pears. You’re tempted to offer him a slice but are also privy to the health implications that your dog might have after eating. Because the last thing you need is to rush to a vet for a pet with digestive problems, you ask yourself; can dogs eat pears? Read on to find out.

Can dogs eat pears?

Yes, but in moderation. Pears are highly-nutritious in vitamins and fiber, which are essential for streamlining digestion. However, they contain sugars which when taken in excess, can cause mild stomach upsets in dogs, according to Rover.com. Most vets have discovered that dog owners should observe the 10% rule. If it goes beyond that, your dog may develop obesity and other conditions. Like dog treats, pears should be given in moderation because they are high in sugar than other vegetables. Fresh pears have 10% sugar by weight. That means your dog gets around 15 grams of sugar and 85 calories per serving (cup) of chopped pears. It tells you why they’re recommended as once-in-a-while treats for dogs on a reduced-calorie diet. However, if your dog’s been diagnosed with diabetes, resist the urge to give them pears as tempting as it may be.

The health benefits of pears for your dog

Pears contain the following nutrients: Calcium, Magnesium, Copper, Potassium and essential vitamins. Your dog needs these nutrients for physical, physiological, and mental wellbeing. They are also rich in five grams of fiber per cup, helping your dog’s digestive system work effectively.

How to serve your dog with pears

According to Daily Paws, pears come in many varieties, but the most common ones that might be useful to your dog are Bartlett, Korean, and Asian pears. Remember, too much of something is dangerous, which applies even when giving pears to your dog. There are five methods of serving your dog with pears:

1. Make a smoothie

Like humans, dogs also love smoothies, provided they come from the right fruits. Start by peeling the pears and slicing them into small pieces for blending. Add plain yogurt and a teaspoon of cinnamon to the pears in the blender. Pour the blended mixture on an ice cube tray to create popsicles.

2. Grating the pears into your dog’s food

Your dog needs both wet and dry food to be healthy and strong. Assuming you have some slices of pears left, grate them on your dog’s regular meal to create a nice aroma.

3. Sweetening dog treats

Instead of giving ready-to-eat treats, get the ones that can be baked. Now you can add cubes of pears to the homemade treat as a sweetener.

4. Mix with other fruits

Some dogs might not like plain pears. In that case, you can freeze other fruits that dogs prefer, like mango, raspberries, and cantaloupe with diced pears.

Precautions to take when giving pears to your dog

When planning to give a pear to your dog, check if the fruit is fresh and ripe and wash it thoroughly. You have the option of peeling or otherwise, but make sure it’s a bite size to prevent your dog from choking on them. Also, consider removing the seeds and leaves because they have traces of cyanide. The general rule to giving pears to your dog is doing it in moderation. Avoid giving it as an alternative to dog food because it can account for more than ten percent of your dog’s daily calories. But if you’re unsure about your dog’s health safety, discuss with your vet first. For example, if your vet diagnoses your dog with diabetes, they might dissuade you from encouraging the eating of fruits with high sugars like pears. Anytime you want to start your dog on a new treat, see your vet first. They have years of experience and knowledge that can protect your dog from non-beneficial human snacks and foods. If your dog has diabetes, your vet can recommend healthy snacks that won’t interfere with their bodies’ ability to control sugars.

Are canned pears good for dogs?

According to Purina, dogs don’t need canned pears because they have too many sugars. These juices are high in sugar and may upset your dog’s digestive system. If you choose canned pears instead of pears in their natural state for your dog, they might develop a runny stomach, obesity, and even tooth decay. Because you don’t want your canine friend getting sick, it would be best if you stayed away from canned pears. Also, avoid other canned fruits in particular because they also contain high sugar content, which might be harmful to your dog. Again, discuss with your vet about healthy fruits your dog can take first before heading to the grocery.

Conclusion

One interesting thing about dogs is that they like to ape everything we do, provided you’re the owner. They have an excellent source of smell, and the scent of pears on your palms is enough to make them beg for a slice. Even though pears have nutrients that dogs need, it’s advisable to give them after having a one-on-one conversation with your vet. That way, you avoid digestive health problems in the future.

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