Do you enjoy eating dragon fruit? If so, have you ever thought about sharing with your dog? This is a very interesting fruit grown in a tropical climate with a fun appearance on the outside and typically a pink or white flesh on the inside. So, can dogs eat dragon fruit? You can find the answer to these questions and a whole lot more here!
Can Dogs Eat Dragon Fruit?
Yes, dogs can safely eat dragon fruit. The flesh of this fruit is actually very soft and watery, making it super easy for your dog to eat and digest. This is something you can let your dog try if you are eating some dragon fruit.
It is important to note that the skin of the dragon fruit needs to be peeled first before giving it to your dog. The flesh of the actual product is what is safe and non-toxic for your dog
Remember that moderation is the key with all foods. Make sure you are not feeding your dog too much because it does have natural sugar, which can be bad if you give your dog too much. Also, make sure when you feed your dog a new food to watch out for allergy side effects.
What Happens When a Dog Eats Dragon Fruit?
Thankfully if your dog eats dragon fruit, you will not have to worry because it is completely safe and non-toxic. However, definitely look for signs of an allergic reaction, especially if this was your dog’s first time eating dragon fruit.
Benefits of Dragon Fruit for Dogs
Yes, dragon fruit does have some great benefits for your dog’s health that you will see below.
- Your dog will get some vitamins such as vitamin C. vitamin C will boost your immune system and reduce inflammation in your dog’s body.
- Dragon fruit also has antioxidants that help to reduce free radicals inside of your dog’s body. Free radicals are what causes cancer.
- This is actually a low-calorie snack that can be a healthy alternative compared to other human treats you can give your dog or dog treats. However, dogs that eat too many calories can easily be overweight, so you want to avoid that as much as possible.
- Dragon fruit is high in fiber which helps keep you regular but also helps to regulate blood sugar and lower cholesterol in the body.
- The seeds of the dragon fruit have omegas inside them, which will keep your dog’s hair in its coat healthy and strong and its skin.
- Your dog will also get some calcium and iron from the dragon fruit as well.
As you can see, there are so many great benefits that your dog will get from eating dragon fruit.
Side Effects of Dragon Fruit for Dogs
As with everything, you have benefits and side effects. While there are so many great benefits of eating dragon fruit, there can be some side effects if you overdo it.
- There is, of course, a lot of natural sugar inside of dragon fruit. This amount of sugar can be a bad thing for your dog. Too much sugar can affect your gastrointestinal health and can lead to an upset stomach.
- Sugar can also affect your teeth and lead to cavities. Make sure you are keeping on top of your dog’s dental care to prevent cavities.
- Sugar and an excessive amount of calories can lead to weight gain. In addition, weight gain in dogs can lead to obesity, so make sure you are not giving your dog an entire dragon fruit.
Can Dragon Fruit be Poisonous?
No, dragon fruit is not poisonous at all. However, it is important that you peel off the skin because that isn’t really edible, and it can be hard for your dog to eat and digest. You don’t have to worry about your dog eating dragon fruit.
Can Dogs Eat Dragon Fruit Seeds?
Yes, dragon fruits seeds are completely safe for your dog to digest. Typically, dog owners are warned to stay away from seeds because they can be hard for your dog to pass, but dragon fruit seeds are actually soft. These seeds are small and soft, and very easy for your dog to digest.
The seeds have fatty acids inside of them, which is important for your dog’s nutrition. In addition, this will improve your dog’s joint function, skin, and coat health.
Can Dogs Eat Dehydrated Dragon Fruit?
Yes, your dog can certainly eat dehydrated dragon fruit, but it needs to be prepared properly first to ensure it is safe for your dog to eat.
The best way to dehydrate dragon fruit is to do it yourself in a dehydrator or if you can cook it in your oven at a very low temperature for many hours to get the same effect. When doing this, you do not want to add any extra sugar or preservatives. That will make it not safe for your dog to consume.
If you purchase dehydrated dragon fruit from a store, check the ingredients to ensure there aren’t many added things. Once again, added sugar, flavors, or preservatives are something you should avoid. If it says only dragon fruit on the label, you can purchase that one as it will make an excellent treat or snack for your dog.
Can Dogs Eat White Dragon Fruit?
When you hear someone referring to a white dragon fruit, they mean the flesh of the actual dragon fruit. Pitaya Blanca is the word used to call the white flesh dragon fruit with the pink or yellow skin. So yes, your dog can enjoy the white flesh dragon fruit.
Can Dogs Eat Purple Dragon Fruit?
Yes, your dog can safely eat the purple variation of dragon fruit. The purple dragon fruits exterior looks very similar to the red and pink one. It has the same pink color, and green tipped points. However, the inside has this deep purple color.
Purple dragon fruit is full of antioxidants, folate, and beta carotene, which promotes healthy eyesight for your dog. I definitely recommend that you check out this variation for the health benefits.
Can Dogs Eat Yellow Dragon Fruit?
Yes, your dog can eat yellow dragon fruit. This variation of the fruit is very easy to spot because of the completely yellow skin it has. This fruit almost looks like a lemon, but you can tell the difference based on the pointy edges of the dragon fruit.
Yellow dragon fruit is primarily grown in Ecuador and Colombia. The inside of the fruit is white with the traditional seeds. So again, if you give your dog this variation of dragon fruit, peel the skin first before giving it to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat the Skin of Dragon Fruit?
No, you shouldn’t feed your dog the skin of the dragon fruit. Your dog could eat it, but it is usually pretty rough, and as you know, dragon fruit is usually spiky. Your dog probably will not like the rough taste and spikes.
Since the skin is hard to chew up, it can be hard for your dog to digest. If your dog eats the skin, watch out for intestinal blockage. Look for signs that can include lethargy, fatigue, and not passing stool. My suggestion to you is to peel the dragon fruit or to cut it open and scoop out the flesh before giving it to your dog
How to Give your Dog Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit should be given to your dog in moderation. However, too much of anything can be a bad thing, so make sure you are only allowing your dog to indulge in a little bit of dragon fruit.
I suggest peeling the skin before you give it to your dog. The skin is tough to eat and not necessary. You can either peel the skin off or cut the dragon fruit in half and scoop out the edible flesh. Cut up come of these soft cubes and allow your dog to enjoy!
Can Puppies Eat Dragon Fruit?
Yes, your puppy can certainly eat some dragon fruit. However, keep in mind that you will want to give your puppy less dragon fruit than you would give your adult dog. Remember to peel the fruit and give your dog the fleshy part that is soft.
Dragon fruit does contain natural sugar, so it is important to give your dog this treat in moderation. However, a little goes a long way.
Overall
Now you know that the answer can dogs eat dragon fruit. Yes, you can certainly feed your dog dragon fruit in moderation. Have you ever tried to feed your dog dragon fruit? If not, you should definitely pick one up at your local grocery store and let your dog, try it. Let us know what your dog thought of it.