Yes, dogs can safely eat dragon fruit. This bright-colored delicious fruit is non-toxic to your furry friend. Instead, it’s healthy for them to include it in their meals as a treat. Most dogs do not react negatively to dragon fruit but introduce it slowly into their diet to see how they respond.
Read through this article to know if a dragon fruit is suitable for your dog!
Table of Contents
What is a Dragon Fruit?
Dragon fruit, also known as Pitahaya, is an exotic fruit grown on a cactus in North, South, and Central America.
The Pitahaya plant looks quite quirky, so much that you’ll wonder why anyone would eat the fruit from it. Yet, exotic fruit growing on the spikey cactus has a surprisingly sweet taste. Dragon fruit is mushy and watery with bright pink leathery skin making it palatable with its look itself.
Is Dragon Fruit Safe for Dogs?
The only part of the dragon fruit that you should keep away from your dogs is the skin of this spiky fruit. The skin of this fruit has a leathery texture which makes it difficult to chew and digest. So, when you serve dragon fruit to your dog, cut it up in half, scoop out the flesh, and serve the fleshy part to your pet dog.
Ensure to throw away the skin and feed them the fruit. Also, remember that, unlike other fruits, dragon fruit seeds are not harmful to your pet. The seeds are tiny, easy to swallow, and do not hinder your dog’s digestion process in any way.
Why Is Dragon Fruit Good For Dogs?
Dragon fruit is loaded with antioxidants and other essential nutrients that are excellent for dogs. Just take a peek at the health benefits of dragon fruit!
Vitamin C
Vitamin C shields your dog from diseases such as cancer by boosting up his immune system. It also helps reduce inflammation and improves cognitive functioning.
Low In Calories
Yes, this is a low-calorie fruit! If you are trying to control weight gain or even diabetes in your dog, then give them treats that are low in calories. This fruit contains about 60 calories in 3.5 ounces of dragon fruit. Not bad, right!
High In Fiber
Fruits that are high in fiber will help in regulating their blood sugar levels and can also help lower cholesterol levels.
Minerals
Calcium: Intake of the right amount of calcium plays an integral part in keeping your dog fit, strong and happy! We know that calcium is an essential nutrient in bone growth. And dragon fruit comes to your rescue here! A little piece of this fruit occasionally will help your pup’s bones stay strong. Additionally, calcium also supports heart and nerve functioning, normal blood clotting, and muscular health.
Iron: Maintaining healthy iron levels has long-term health benefits for your dog. This prevents health issues like anemia in dogs.
Phosphorus: Phosphorus in the fruit slows down aging in your pet.
Fatty Acids: The seeds in dragon fruit are full of fatty acids that form an essential part of your dog’s diet. Omega 3 fatty acids help to maintain a shiny coat. In addition, the fruits are exceptionally high in linoleic acid, or omega-6 fatty acids, supporting joint functioning, skin and hair health, and even brain development!
Antioxidants
Dragon fruit is filled with antioxidants. It helps protect the cells from aging and other damages.
Why Is A Dragon Fruit Bad for Dogs?
There is a reason why dragon fruit is only recommended in moderation.
Excessive sugar content: Overeating dragon fruit can cause depilation and endocrine disorders in your dog due to their sugar content. In addition, high sugar levels in dogs cause stomach upset, intestinal hazards, obesity, and diabetes.
Allergy: Rare cases of dogs being allergic to dragon fruit have been reported. Symptoms to look out for if your dog is allergic to the fruit after consumption are:
Hives
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Gastrointestinal issues
Take her to the vet, who might prescribe antihistamines or steroids to reduce the allergic effects of the fruit.
How Much Dragon Fruit to Your Dogs?
It is recommended to feed your pet one or two pieces of fresh, ripe dragon fruit. Suppose your dog has a sensitive stomach. In that case, provide her with just one piece to avoid stomach upsets.
How to Feed Dragon Fruit to Your Dogs?
Some safety measures should be followed while feeding Dragon fruit to your dogs. Below are a few tips on how to serve Dragon fruit to your dogs.
1. Check if the fruit is ripe before cutting.
2. Wash the fruit in warm water so that it is dirt-free.
3. Cut the fruit in two halves.
4. Scoop the flesh or peel the skin, take the flesh, chop it into small cubes or slices.
5. To start with, offer a slice or a piece of the flesh of dragon fruit for a day.
How to Serve Dragon Fruit to Your Dogs?
The best way to let your dog eat dragon fruits is also the simplest — fresh! Cut the dragon fruit into smaller pieces, and let your pup taste the soft flesh. Some dogs are not fond of the odd, mushy texture. Do not cook or season this delightful tropical treat of fruit.
NOTE: Discard the skin in an area where your dog cannot reach. As some dogs are scent hounds, they are prone to bite the skin, which is hard to chew and digest, leading to choking hazards and indigestion. It is better to feed in a minimal quantity for the first time as some dogs cannot digest, the sugar level might shoot high if your dog is diabetic, and some dogs may also face allergic reactions.
What if My Dog Ate Dragon Fruit?
Signs of the excessive amount of dragon fruit ingestion in your pet include:
Upset stomach
Irregular and loose stools.
Teeth decay and gum disease
Weight gain
Diabetes
Pancreatitis
Obesity
Poor skin and hair health
Consult your vet immediately if your pet’s health condition deteriorates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Puppies Eat Dragon Fruit?
Yes, puppies can also eat this fruit. However, one must ensure to give less amount of this sugary fruit to the pup than you might to an adult dog.
Can Dogs Eat Dragon Fruit Flowers?
No, dogs should not eat dragon fruit flowers. They contain calcium oxalate, which is toxic for your pet’s health.
Can Dogs Eat Dragon Fruit Skin?
No, dogs should not eat dragon fruit skin. The skin of dragon fruit is hard, leathery, and not easy to chew; hence can even cause choking hazards to your canines.
Can Dogs Eat Pink Dragon Fruit?
Yes, dogs can eat pink dragon fruit. This type of dragon fruit with bright pink skin and white flesh within hails mainly from Vietnam.
Can Dogs Eat Red Dragon Fruit?
Yes, dogs can eat red dragon fruit. They are available all year round in Costa Rica and other countries situated in Central America. It consists of a good amount of vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and other minerals.
Can Dogs Eat Purple Dragon Fruit ?
Yes, dogs can eat purple dragon fruit. This colored fruit is rich in folate and full of the antioxidant ‘betalain.’ It also has a high beta carotene content, which is good for your dog’s eyes.
Can Dogs Eat Yellow Dragon Fruit?
Yes, dogs can eat yellow dragon fruit. This dragon fruit variety is explicitly grown in South America. It has yellow skin and white flesh with black seeds.
The yellow dragon fruit has higher concentrations of vitamin C than other varieties of this same fruit.
Can Dogs Eat White Dragon Fruit?
Yes, dogs can safely eat white dragon fruit unless they are not allergic to it.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can go ahead and feed dragon fruit to your dog in moderation. However, it is an exotic fruit that most people wouldn’t even consider trying. Also, some dogs might stay away from this fruit because of its odd texture. Make it palatable by serving them in a dog-friendly manner.
