How interesting and colorful dragon fruits are, right?
It tastes delicious even by the look of it!
But, do you know if you can share this exotic fruit with your canine buddy?
Have you ever wondered, “Can dogs eat dragon fruit?”
Read this article to get answers to all your questions related to dragon fruits and dogs!
Also Read: What is the Best Human Food to Feed to Your Dogs?
Can Dogs Eat Dragon Fruit?
To cut a long story short, YES, your dogs can have dragon fruit.
Also known as pitaya, dragon fruit has a bright pink leather-like skin. This exotic fruit has such a tempting look that just a glance at it will make you want to taste it!
You can feed your pup dragon fruit. Just make sure you’re NOT always letting them eat it.
It’s not toxic for your four-legged buddy, but we suggest, don’t go overboard with it.
Dragon fruits are easy to eat, mushy, and have watery flesh. This can turn into your pup’s favorite in no time.
Dragon Fruits: Nutritional Facts
- Calcium: 107 mg
- Protein: 3.57 grams
- Carbohydrates: 82.14 grams
- Sodium: 39 mg
- Dietary fiber: 1.8 grams
- Ascorbic acid or vitamin C: 6.4 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 mg
Benefits of Eating Dragon Fruit for Your Dog: From a Nutritionist’s Point of View
Your dog will have the following nutritional and health benefits if they consume this delicious-looking tropical fruit:
- High levels of vitamin c
Did you know that an adequate amount of vitamin C can give your dog’s immune system a huge boost?
This is essential to keep them healthy in the long run.
According to nutritionists, a strong presence of vitamin C in your dog’s system can help them in preventing a number of diseases, including heart problems and cancer.
BUT, don’t give them too much vitamin C as it can lead to additional health issues.
Also read:- 8 Best Senior Dog Vitamins and Supplements (2023)
- High in omega-3 fatty acids
There are loads of additional minerals and vitamins in dragon fruits that can help your pup’s health system.
Did you know dragon fruits have a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids too?
It protects your canine companion’s skin and coat. Also, it makes their fur strong and shiny.
That’s not it. It can decrease the inflammation in your pup too.
Here are some other benefits of adding omega-3 fatty acids to your dog’s diet:
- Has your pup become old? Omega-3 fatty acids can improve their cognitive development
- It can give your pup’s energy a huge boost
- Dogs with arthritis and allergies will find it beneficial
- Rich in calcium and iron
Dragon fruits are calcium-rich, and it has high levels of iron too.
This can make your pup’s bones super strong and healthy.
- Low fat
This tropic fruit comes with little to no fat and calories.
The benefit?
It can help your dog to reduce the toxins in their body if any
Also Read:- Best Low-Fat Dog Foods for 2023: 10 Top Brands for Large Breeds
- High in fiber
The high fiber content in dragon fruits can enhance your dog’s digestive tract by helping it function properly.
It can also regulate your pup’s blood sugar levels.
- Loaded with essential vitamins and minerals
This tropical fruit comes loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. And it has micronutrients in it too.
These can give your pup’s immune system a huge boost and prevent deadly cancer.
And did we tell you that it can prevent anemia in dogs too?
- Contains phosphorous
There’s a very good amount of phosphorous in dragon fruits. Phosphorus is great in slowing down the signs of aging. This is especially advantageous for dogs who are older.
Is There Any Side Effect of Dragon Fruits for Dogs?
Well, dragon fruits are not toxic for dogs. That said, if they eat too much of this fruit, it can lead to some health problems, including:
- Obesity
Just as with humans, if dogs intake too much sugar, it can cause obesity and weight issues. Now, if your pup is overweight, they can be at an increased risk of breathing difficulties, back problems, arthritis, and some kinds of cancer.
- Tooth decay
The main reason behind tooth decay in dogs is sugar. While eating dragon fruits, it can stick to your pup’s teeth. And if this happens regularly, it can cause tooth decay.
- Depilation
If you include too much sugar in your dog’s diet, it can cause them to lose fur or hair. Also, it can have a bad effect on their metabolism, temperament, and growth.
- Stomach irritation
Nutritionists say that if you give your dog too much sugar to eat regularly, their intestines will have a hard time processing that sugar. This, in turn, can lead to gut irritation.
Also Read:- 5 Best Dog Foods for Sensitive Stomach and Diarrhea in 2023
How to Know if Your Dog Likes to Eat Dragon Fruits?
Dragon fruits are naturally sweet. And most dogs love eating it.
Now, what are ways to understand if your dog likes it too?
Well, look out for the following signs:
- Excessive drooling
- Whining
- Staring while you eat the fruit or staring at the fruit bowl
- Wagging their tail
- Alert and raised ears
- Looking at you with a whale eye
- Licking their lips
- Pawing at your leg
Can Dogs Have the Skin of Dragon Fruits?
Although the skin of dragon fruits is leather-like and looks quite appealing, it is scaly and has rough spikes on its exterior.
It’s not easy to chew, difficult to swallow, and even more difficult to digest.
It can cause abdominal blockage or choking hazards.
Refrain from giving your pup dragon fruit skin to eat. Always make sure to remove the skin before giving it to your pup.
Can Dogs Drink Dragon Fruit Juice?
Yes, they can. But only in moderate amounts.
It’s safe, but from a nutritionist’s point of view, we suggest you not feed this to your pup. The chances are that you might accidentally end up giving them too much.
Now, if you insist, you can give them JUST a few splashes of fresh dragon fruit juice extracted at home.
And don’t add salt or sugar to it. And only once in a while.
Can Dogs Have Dried Dragon Fruits?
Well, depending on how the dragon fruit is dried, it can be both safe and unsafe for your furry buddy!
Dried dragon fruits can actually be safer than the fruit itself if there are no preservatives, added flavors, or extra sugar. It can be easier to digest too.
BUT, if the dried dragon fruit contains all the above-mentioned things, steer clear of it. They might be toxic or allergenic to your dog.
Is this the first time that you’re feeding dragon fruit to your dog?
Be cautious.
Don’t force them to eat if they don’t want to. And it’s always advisable to talk to your vet before introducing any new food to your dog’s diet.
Also Read:- 7 Best Dog Food for Kidney Disease Reviews in 2023
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Forrest is a lover of dogs, the wild outdoors, deep mysterious conversations… and coffee. He is the owner of several websites, including Canine Weekly. He resides in Austin, Texas.