Relax if you’re panicky, googling: can dogs eat dragon fruit? It is okay if your pup ate a bite of it while you weren’t looking; dogs can eat dragon fruit. Neither the white, red, or yellow dragon fruit pulp is toxic to dogs.
Yes, it is safe. But should dogs eat dragon fruit? We will discuss its nutrition, possible health benefits, and how dragon fruit can be harmful to dogs.
- Dragon fruit refers to several species of cactuses. The fruits of the Stenocereus cactus are sour, juicy, and refreshing.
- Pitaya from the Hylocereus cactus is sweeter and milder. It comes in three colors: pitaya white (white), pitaya roja (red), and pitaya amarilla (yellow).
This strange but delicious fruit is grown in tropical and subtropical regions of Florida, Mesoamerica, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and Australia.
Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit for Dogs
While it is not recommended that you allow your dog to eat dragon fruit in excess quantities, small amounts of this fancy-looking fruit are beneficial in many ways. Dragon fruit is rich in different vitamins, minerals, and nutrients: Vitamin C, iron, Calcium
- Vitamin C – has anti-inflammatory properties that even help support cognitive function. Unlike humans, dogs cannot produce/synthesize their own vitamin C. However, more can stimulate the immune system, and any excess will go out of the system.
- Calcium— proper calcium levels are integral to keeping your dog fit, happy, and playing all day! As most people know, Calcium is an essential nutrient for bone growth and skeletal development. So, occasionally, a couple of bites of dragon fruit help your pup’s bones stay strong.
In addition, Calcium can support heart and nerve function, normal blood clotting, and even muscle health.
- Iron – regularly eating whole foods that contain iron, such as dragon fruit, has excellent long-term health benefits for your pup. Healthy iron levels help create and develop red blood cells, which perform essential functions such as transporting oxygen to the body.
- Fatty Acids – dragon fruit seeds are also rich in fatty acids, an essential part of your dog’s diet. They are especially rich in linoleic acid or omega-6, which is one of the few fatty acids that a dog’s body cannot synthesize on its own and must get from its diet.
A healthy level of fatty acids can support joint function, skin and hair health, and brain development!
Is Dragon Fruit Really Bad for Dogs?
All these beautiful things said about dragon fruit are only recommended when given in small portions.
Dragon fruit is a little sweet and refreshing and would make a great summer appetizer. But keep it as a treat only, and don’t overdo it because dragon fruit contains a lot of sugar. Excessive sugar intake is dangerous for your pet in many ways.
- Digestive System – Some dogs have sensitive digestive systems. Depending on your puppy’s gastrointestinal health, large amounts of sweet foods may cause stomach upset or irregular and liquid stools.
- Teeth – anyone who has ever had to have a cavity filled knows that sugar can seriously damage teeth. Like humans, dogs that overeat sugar are much more likely to have tooth decay and gum disease. Sweet snacks like dragon fruit should be an occasional treat, no matter how big your dog’s sweet tooth cravings are!
- Excess sugar can lead to poor health of your dog’s skin and coat. Sugar can disrupt the endocrine system, making it harder to secrete the necessary hormones for healthy hair and skin. Your poor pup may even lose his hair!
How to Feed Dragon Fruit to Your Dog?
So, are dogs allowed to eat dragon fruit? Yes! Should they be on a regular basis? Probably not.
Small amounts of this sweet tropical fruit can provide numerous health benefits for your four-legged friend. However, too much can lead to health problems with immediate and potentially long-term consequences.
Next time you bring home one of these strange cactus fruits, let your pup try a bite. If they like it, consult your veterinarian to determine what portion size and frequency they think is appropriate.
