Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate – Pros & Cons

If you want to give your dog a new fruit to try such as pomegranate, but don’t know if it’s safe for them, this article is for you. 

So, can dogs eat pomegranate

There is a great deal of confusion about this topic. We discuss the pros and cons and how to make delicious pomegranate treats for your dog. Is this fruit really that dangerous?

Let’s find out!

Can Your Dog Eat Pomegranate?

The short answer is yes, your dog can eat a pomegranate

However, there are some things to consider first. It’s best to see how your dog reacts before feeding them too many of the fruits. The reason is that side effects are possible if they have an allergy to any ingredients in the fruit or just don’t react well to the fruit in general.

To begin with, pomegranate can be high in sugar, so if you are looking to give your dog something sweet, this may not be the best option. Speaking of sweets, does your dog eat sweet treats such as caramel? If yes, then this article – “Can Dogs Eat Caramel“, is for you.

It’s also considered by most experts to be somewhat risky due to the seeds inside that pose a potential choking hazard or intestinal blockage.

Despite this, some people give their dogs pomegranate and don’t have any problems doing so. If you want to give them a try, it will be best to do so in moderation. 

Related Article: Is Bone Broth Good for Dogs? Read on as we share an in-depth discussion about bone broth for your dogs.

Health Benefits Of Dogs Eating Pomegranates

Pomegranates contain several healthy nutrients that your dog can benefit from.

pomegranate tree

They include:

  • Potassium – helps to regulate the body’s water balance and nerve signals, which is great for heart function and muscle control.
  • Vitamin C – aids wound healing and cell development, plus it helps to strengthen the immune system.
  • Vitamin B6 – boosts serotonin levels in the brain, which can help to ease depression and relieve stress.
  • Folic Acid – essential for DNA production and cell division, so great for skin repair after illness or injury.
  • Iron – aids blood production and oxygen transportation, increasing endurance for exercise.
  • Calcium – Improves muscle function, which can aid with weight management and mobility.
  • Manganese – supports the nervous system, which is important for healthy brain development in puppies.

The nutritional benefits are particularly good for senior dogs or those that suffer from several age-related issues.

In addition to this, the antioxidants found in pomegranate can be very beneficial for your dog’s heart and may even reduce the risk of cancer.

They are also rich in omega oils, so they provide your dog’s skin with much-needed replenishment and hydration.

So pomegranate can be a great choice for dogs lacking nutrition.

Should You Call The Vet?

If your dog has eaten some pomegranate but hasn’t experienced any negative symptoms, there’s no need to call the vet.

However, if you are giving them this fruit for the first time or they have eaten large amounts of pomegranate, it may be a good idea to contact them with any concerns.

Be sure to tell them:

  • How much of the fruit they’ve eaten.
  • The breed and age of your dog.
  • If your dog has any pre-existing health conditions or allergies.
  • Whether or not they have vomited since eating the pomegranate, and if so, how much.
  • Whether or not they are showing signs of pain such as crying, whining, a hunched back, reluctance to move, or not eating.

How To Make Delicious Pomegranate Treats – Serving Tips

Consider making your dog some tasty pomegranate treats rather than feeding your dog a whole pomegranate.

Here is a recipe that you can try out at home:

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 of a cup of grated carrots
  • 3 tablespoons of nonfat plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 2 oranges, peeled and quartered
  • 1/2 of a cup of pomegranate seeds

Directions:

  1. Combine all the ingredients into a food mixer and blend until smooth and thoroughly mixed.
  2. Pour this mixture into an ice tray and put it in the freezer overnight.
  3. Depending on your dog’s size, they will need several treats per day, so it makes sense to double or triple the recipe and freeze it for later use – acting as a healthy weight loss diet for your dog
  4. This is a great way to give your dog pomegranate without worrying about any harmful side effects.
  5. However, you should always speak to your vet before giving them anything new just in case they react poorly or have an allergy.
  6. All of the ingredients in the recipe need to be mashed or blended, so they are very easy to digest.

Related Article: Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds? Pumpkin seeds are a popular snack for humans, but can your dog eat them too? Let’s find out!

Preventing The Potential Dangers

As with most things, giving your dog some pomegranate at regular intervals is fine, but too much of it can be bad for them.

half of a pomegranate

If you are going to give them pomegranate, there are several ways that you can prevent the potential dangers.

  • First, make sure they don’t get their paws on any fallen fruit, which can be very tempting due to the sweet smell.
  • Secondly, remove all seeds before feeding them, so that they are only getting the healthy benefits of pomegranate and not the potential detriments.
  • You should also monitor how much they eat at a time just in case they have been able to eat any seeds without you noticing.

People Also Ask

Is Pomegranate Dangerous For Dogs?

No, but in moderation. Pomegranate can be a healthy fruit for dogs to eat because it provides them with many essential nutrients, including folic acid, calcium, iron, and manganese.

However, dogs shouldn’t be allowed to eat pomegranate frequently and never in large amounts.

Can Pomegranate Seeds Hurt Dogs?

Pomegranate seeds will not harm a dog, but they should be removed from the fruit before you give it to them.

Eating too many pomegranate seeds can cause an upset stomach and diarrhea in dogs just as it would for a human. If your dog’s stomach is easily upset, you may also opt to give them canned dog food or treats for sensitive stomachs. On that note, you may also be interested in reading the best dry dog food for less poop.

You should never allow your dog to eat the seeds on its own because there is a risk that they could choke on them.

What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Pomegranate?

If your dog eats a small bit of pomegranate, you shouldn’t worry too much.

Monitor how they are feeling for the next 24 hours to make sure they don’t experience any uncomfortable symptoms.

However, if they have eaten a large amount or gotten hold of fallen fruit, it is wise to contact your vet with any concerns.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pomegranate can be a healthy food for your dog to eat in moderation, but only if the seeds have been removed.

If you choose to feed them fresh or frozen fruit, it’s best not to give them more than a couple of bites at a time.

And, if you’ve given them too much, call your veterinarian for advice on what to do next.

But remember, only give them pomegranate every once in a while.

Allow your dog to experience the health benefits of pomegranate from time to time but keep it as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of their diet.

Do you feed your dog pomegranates? Tell us your opinion.

Photo of author

Lovelia Horn

I’m a certified crazy dog mom, a physical therapist (for hoomans), writer, animal rescuer, and foster home provider. Together with my hubby Ryan, I’ve fostered and helped look for forever homes for over a hundred shelter dogs in the Southern Illinois area. I mostly work with Puppy Rescue 911, Inc., a certified animal rescue organization based out of Chester, IL (home of Popeye!)

Leave a Comment