Yes, dogs can eat jackfruit in moderation. However, if your dog is eating jackfruit for the first time, ensure to feed them only a tiny piece and then watch for any allergic reactions. If they respond by bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, or passing gas, it’s best not to serve them jackfruit anymore.
Table of Contents
What Is Jackfruit?
Originated from India and Sri Lanka, jackfruit is one of the main fruits humans have cultivated for thousands of years. This largest fruit belongs to the Morocae family, similar to mulberries, figs, and breadfruits. Jackfruit spreads worldwide in tropical areas such as Africa, the Philippines, Brazil, and southern parts of the United States such as San Diego, Hawaii, and Florida.
Jackfruit has a rough texture, and when it is ripe, the color turns green or yellow. The jackfruit grows on a jack tree (Artocarpus heterophyllus) with a short trunk, dense treetop, and as tall as 66 feet. The fruit weighs to the maximum of 100 pounds with 20 to 30 inches in size surrounded by hundreds of blunt thorns.
Jackfruit can be consumed in numerous ways, such as fried, canned, cooked, dried, and candied. You can get jackfruit in courses such as desserts, noodles, sandwiches, and curries. In addition, jackfruit can be consumed as flour, chips, jams, sauces, or beverages.
Is Jackfruit Safe for Dogs?
Yes, dogs can safely eat jackfruit but only in moderation. Dogs can have pulpy flesh of the ripe fruit. Eating unripe raw jackfruit is not advisable.
While there are several nutritional advantages of jackfruit for humans, there’s not enough analysis or studies to confirm whether jackfruit is reliable for dog consumption. Hence, we highly suggest you discuss this with your vet before serving.
Why Is Jackfruit Good for Dogs?
Jackfruit is suitable for dogs because it carries the following nutrients:
Vitamin A: Vitamin A is ideal for dogs’ eye development, supports healthy hair and skin, and limits aging impacts.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps improve the immune system and blocks certain types of cancer.
Vitamin B6: Boosts nervous system function, immune response, RBC production, and hormone regulation.
Potassium: This mineral assists in proper kidney functioning. It is also effective for heart function and a strong digestive system.
Calcium: Jackfruit is a reliable source of calcium which is essential for sustaining bone health.
Fiber: Jackfruit is considered a great source of fiber. Fiber helps in supporting digestive wellness, as it blocks gastrointestinal difficulties in your dog.
Carbohydrates: Jackfruits are filled with carbohydrates and sugar. These nutritional components diffuse in blood and provide your dog instant power. It can make a lazy dog very active instantly.
Magnesium: This micro-nutrient promotes the metabolism of fatty acids and proteins. It also assists in energy production and bone ligament support in your dogs.
B-Carotene: Jackfruits are also beneficial for the dog’s coat with the help of beta-carotene. This element allows the dog’s fur to grow stronger and longer.
High in water content, low in sodium and sugar: This aids in weight loss
Why Is Jackfruit Bad for Dogs?
Generally, jackfruit is safe for dogs if served correctly and in moderation. Here are some reasons why.
The meat or flesh of the Jackfruit is suitable for dogs to have. However, it’s essential to note that a grayish-white substance encircles the flesh known as latex. When dogs with latex allergy eat jackfruit, it causes skin allergies such as eczema, which is extremely dangerous. Therefore, peel off the latex before serving it to them. It is most beneficial to discuss with your vet before serving jackfruit to your dog.
Jackfruit can be harmful to lactose-intolerant canines and diabetic dogs. It can result in:
Gas
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Dehydration
Skin Allergy
Bloating
Abdominal pain
Choking hazards
Jackfruit seeds can cause choking hazards in your pet and may even require emergency surgery if consumed. In addition, raw jackfruit seeds contain an indigestible substance called “trypsin” that is toxic to your pet. Therefore, it is wise to avoid feeding the seeds.
Look out for the following symptoms if your dog has eaten the seeds and finds trouble:
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Lack of or no stools
Vomiting
Jackfruit can be dangerous for dogs, mainly when they consume the rind of the jackfruit.That’s because the skin of this fruit is thick, spikey, and hard. This can harm their teeth, be a choking hazard, and cause intestinal blockage.
Symptoms you can foresee includes:
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Abdominal pain due to intestinal blockage
Lack of bowel movement or difficulty pooping
High blood pressure
Swollen face or muzzle
Drooling
If you see any of the signs mentioned above or suspect that your dog has consumed the rind, immediately contact the vet.
What if my Dog Ate Jackfruit?
It is not proven if dogs can eat jackfruits. Therefore, it is best to serve this tropical fruit in moderation occasionally. Consult the vet immediately if your pet shows the following symptoms after consumption of jackfruit:
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite.
Vomiting.
Abdominal pain due to intestinal blockage
Lack of bowel movement or difficulty pooping.
As you can see, even with the various health advantages of jackfruit, there are some necessary precautions to consider before serving this tropical fruit to your dog.
How to Feed Jackfruit to Dogs?
Sometimes your dog gets tired of just having one kind of course. Alteration in the method also gives some variation in taste.
Jackfruit Chips
These chips are healthy and full of nutrients. For preparing jackfruit chips, choose unripe fruit and peel off its hard skin. Then slice the flesh very nicely, fry them in oil and serve to your pet in moderation.
Cooked Jackfruit
Take unripe jackfruit, slick off the thick skin, and then chop its flesh in dice proportion. Boil the meat for 20 minutes, then drain the water and sauté it in oil. Avoid adding garlic, onion, or any other herbs that are harmful to your dog.
Raw Jackfruit
Raw Jackfruit can only be consumed when it is ripe entirely. Next, remove pulpy jackfruit flesh out of its shell. All the pulp cubes carry one hard seed. Before serving it to your dog, remove those seeds from the flesh.
Jackfruit juice
Jackfruit pulp can be made into juice using a blender. It includes all healthy elements and is easy to store. To make the juice, take seeds from the pulp, put them in a blender, and blend it for two-three minutes.
Frequently Asked Question
Can Dogs Eat Jackfruit Skin?
No, dogs cannot have jackfruit skin as it is thick and hard, cannot be digestible, and creates many difficulties.
Final Thoughts
Jackfruit is a rich source of essential nutrients. However, you may serve them occasionally as a treat to your dogs in moderation to get their advantages fully and prevent them from developing any issues.
