Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate? Everything You Need To Know

Yes, dogs can eat pomegranates in moderation. All parts of this fruit, such as its skin, flesh, and seeds, are edible and healthy. However, while pomegranate extract benefits your dog’s cardiac health, its skin and seeds are poorly digested. Therefore, avoid feeding raw pomegranates in larger quantities to ensure your dog doesn’t suffer ill effects.

What Is A Pomegranate? 

Pomegranate is a red-purple-colored fruit derived from a small tree that belongs to the Lythraceae family. The fruit husk can be divided into the outer, hard skin and the inner fruit wall attached to the seeds. The red flesh around the pomegranate seed is known as an aril, and it is edible. These arils are organized in chambers and contain juice.   

The nutritional value in a pomegranate is given as below:

Other essential nutrients in this fruit includes:

• Folate
• Vitamin K
• Potassium
• Vitamin C
• Fiber 

The pomegranates originated from a region between Northern India and Iran. Further, the cultivation of this fruit dates back to the 5th millennium BC, and it is one of the first trees to be grown in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Is Pomegranate Safe For Dogs? 

Dogs can safely consume pomegranates as they are neither poisonous or toxic. However, excessive consumption can upset their stomach, which could have adverse reactions like vomiting and diarrhea. Additionally, the hard outer skin of this fruit known as the peel, can potentially cause your canine to choke.  

You can safely feed cooked pomegranates as they are excellent high-quality canine foods. Pomegranate extract is the best way to feed your canine. Avoid raw pomegranates as they contain too many antioxidants, specifically tannins, that can upset your pet’s stomach.

Why Is Pomegranate Good For Dogs?

Pomegranates are a great addition to a dog’s diet. They are a rich source of Vitamin C, fiber, folic acid, and antioxidants. The nutritional benefits of these nutrients for dogs are enlisted as below:

Additionally, you can reap the health benefits of pomegranates from the way you feed them to your dogs. The most advantageous way is to provide them in the form of pomegranate extract, which can keep your pet healthy. They include:

• Enhances the overall gut health 
• It helps fight cardiac diseases
• Promotes oral health and improves oral hygiene
• Aids in the treatment of ear infections
• Effective in the treatment of dermal melanoma
• It reduces the onset and progression of oxidative stress-induced canine disease

Why Is Pomegranate Bad For Dogs? 

Despite being very healthy, some parts of this exotic fruit can make your canine sick. The harmful effects are:

1. Excessive consumption: 

The seeds of pomegranates can cause digestive upset in dogs as they contain high levels of tannins, resulting in vomiting and diarrhea. Additionally, canines don’t munch on the seeds and grind them as effectively as a human being; hence, they deliberately swallow them, further aggravating gastrointestinal upset. 

2. Choking hazard /Intestinal Obstruction: 

Dogs cannot break down pomegranate peels. For this reason, they have to be discarded immediately to keep your dog away from them. In addition, these peels or more significant amounts of pomegranate seeds are challenging to swallow. They may cause a choking hazard or intestinal blockage.  

Symptoms of intestinal blockage in dogs:

• Vomiting 
• Decreased appetite
• Constipation due to blockage of the peel

How Much Pomegranate to Feed Your Dog?

Pomegranates can be served in smaller bites as treats or in combination with their food occasionally. This way, you can ensure your canine doesn’t suffer from any gastrointestinal upset. Additionally, there are multiple ways of serving this fruit to your dog; they include:

1. Pomegranate Dog Treats

Ingredients: 

• – 2 cups oat flour                                            – 1 egg
• – 1 cup tapioca flour                                       – 1 Tbsp coconut oil
• – 3/4 cup pomegranate juice                        – 1 Tbsp honey

Directions:

1. Mix the flours and the eggs in a large bowl.
2. To the mixture, add coconut oil, honey, and whisk until they are well combined.
3. Stir in some pomegranate juice as needed.
4. Knead the mixture to form a firm dough.
5. Divide the dough into four balls and roll out.
6. Cut the rolled-out dough with a cookie cutter.
7. Place the dough in an oven preheated to 350F.
8. Bake the rolled dough for 12 to 15 minutes.
9. Once done, remove from oven and cool to harden.
10. Store in air-tight containers and freeze until necessary.

2. Pomegranate Sweetheart Treats

Ingredients:

• 1 Pomegranate seeded
• 2 cups Oat flour 
• 2 Eggs

Directions:

1. Blend the pomegranate seeds until thoroughly pulverized.
2. Pulse the oats and eggs to combine.

1. Add flour to the mixture. 
2. Form the dough and roll out. 
3. Cut the rolled-out dough with a cookie cutter.
4. Place the dough in an oven preheated to 350F.
5. Bake the rolled dough for 20 to 25 minutes.
6. Once done, remove from the oven and cool to harden.
7. Store in air-tight containers and freeze until necessary.

1. Pomegranate Spinach Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 stick, at room temp
• 1/2 cup Light brown sugar
• 1 Egg
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1.25 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp fine Sea salt
• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• 1 cup spinach very finely chopped, use a sharp knife or food processor
• 1/2 cup Pomegranate arils

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 F and line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk all the wet ingredients like butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla. 
3. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Now pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and beat well.
5. Fold oats and finely chopped spinach until combined.
6. Scoop some batter and roll it into a ball.
7. Place the balls on the baking sheet and press some pomegranate seeds on top of the cookies.
8. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
9. Once done, cool with the help of a wire rack and serve. 

What if My Dog Ate pomegranate?

If your canine accidentally consumes raw pomegranates, watch out for symptoms of an upset tummy that causes vomiting or diarrhea. Although this symptom usually occurs to get rid of the fruit, it shouldn’t last for more than 24 hours. However, if your canine seems to grow weak and doesn’t stop showing these symptoms, then you need to reach out to your vet. Meanwhile, ensure to keep your dog hydrated with plenty of water.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dogs Drink Pomegranate Extract?

Yes, dogs can drink pomegranate extract as it benefits him nutritionally. However, ensure to feed this extract in smaller quantities to avoid any harmful effects.

Can Dogs Drink Pomegranate Juice?

Yes, dogs can drink pomegranate juice. This delicious juice is a good thirst-quencher that offer protection against cell damage and acts as an effective anti-inflammatory. However, remember to check the ingredients as the juice may contain xylitol or other added flavors that might turn harmful to your pet.

Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate Popsicles?

Yes, dogs can lick pomegranate popsicles and enjoy the same benefits as drinking pomegranate juice.

Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate Yogurt?

Yes, dogs can eat pomegranate yogurt. Pomegranate yogurt is a rich source of calcium, vitamin B, and probiotics. Therefore, this food strengthens your pet’s bones, brain and enhances his digestive capability.

Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate Dog Treats?

Yes, dogs can eat pomegranate treats as long as they are homemade. 

Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate Arils or Seeds?

No, dogs cannot eat pomegranate seeds as they are highly acidic. These seeds also contain antioxidants like tannins, ellagic, and anthocyanin acids which are difficult for dogs to break down.  

Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate Skin or Peels?

No, dogs cannot eat pomegranate peels as they are too hard, leading to intestinal blockage or choking hazards.

Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate Leaves?

No, dogs cannot eat pomegranate leaves as a dog cannot digest them well.

Can Dogs Eat the Pomegranate Membrane?

No, dogs cannot eat pomegranate membranes as they also contain potent antioxidants that irritate a dog’s digestive tract.

Final Thoughts:

Pomegranates offer incredible health benefits to dogs. However, these benefits can be reaped if fed in smaller quantities in extracts or in combination with other foods. Additionally, dogs shouldn’t be fed pomegranate peels as they are a potential choking hazard.