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Yes, pears are safe for pups.
Benefits of pears for dogs
Pears are a healthy and natural snack that is safe to feed to dogs. They are juicy with a sweet, crisp taste that’s so enjoyable you might think your dog will love them too. Pears are full of nutrients, including:
- Vitamins A, C, and K
- Potassium
- Dietary fiber
- Antioxidants
Offer your dog a small nibble of your pear to see if she likes the taste.
Hazards of pears for dogs
Pears are generally safe, however there are a few items to note. As with sharing any fruit with your pet, do not feed the seeds or core of a pear. The seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide and the core can be difficult to digest. Stick with plain, fresh pear and avoid canned or packaged pears which often contain added sugars. Additionally, if your pet is diabetic, you will want to bypass pears altogether due to the sugar content and stick to low-carb raw green beans or carrots.
To prevent a choking hazard, cut pears into bite-sized pieces appropriate for the size of your dog. Finally, only allow your dog to eat pieces of pear in moderation. Too much in one sitting can cause vomiting or diarrhea and feeding pears on a regular basis can lead to weight gain due to the additional calories. Fruits as a snack should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s daily diet. Be mindful that 10% of a tiny dog’s diet is far less than that of a large-breed dog. Maintain dog health insurance, so you’ll be able to get treatment for any kind of stomach upset or choking incidents.
Recipes for pears for dogs
Serve pears plain or cook them into homemade dog treats, such as this grain-free, egg-free recipe from K9 Instinct.
Coconut and pear dog cookies
- ½ cup of coconut flour
- ½ cup of pear puree or pear baby food
- 1 tablespoon of raw, local honey
- 2 tablespoons of virgin, unrefined coconut oil
- 3 tablespoons of water
Preheat oven to 350°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Combine ingredients and mix thoroughly.
Roll dough into small balls, place on cookie sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes. Allow to cool completely before serving.
Curious about what is okay and not okay for your dog to eat? Check out our comprehensive guide on what human foods are safe and not safe for dogs.
